Written in 1819 by Thomas Purves of Lisbon
Narrative of how he brought his family to America from Scotland (From St. Lawrence Plaindealer) of Canton, N.Y.
(This is the story of Thomas and Mary Purves the maternal grandparents of David Hanna, Wood Lake and J.M. Hanna, Ainsworth.)
Thomas and Mary Purves lived in Scotland until they had seven children. It was in 1819 that they decided to enter upon their great adventure and come to America. In the history of the family the names Thomas and Robert have alternated. The Thomas who came from Scotland among his children had a Robert. This Robert married Barbara Rule, of Waddington. To them were born children and among them a son Thomas, and he married Agnes Randall, of Waddington. It is his son Robert who now lives in Canton, and he has a son Thomas, who it is expected will hand on down the name of Robert when and if he has a son.
Two children were born to Thomas and Mary Purves after they arrived in America, making nine in all. Thomas, the father, was by trade a gardener. When he finally landed in America it was at Ogdensburg from Quebec, via Montreal. He hoped to get work in the Rossie mines and he hunted up Joseph Rosseel, agent for George Parish, telling him that he was without funds and must have work to support his family. Mr. Rosseel had no work for him. He was then introduced to Ogden, the great landowner who lived at Waddington. Mr. Ogden told him to go to Waddington, and there Mr. Purves remained practically all his life time, acting as a gardener for Mr. Ogden.
Two valuable books written by the elder Purves have been handed down through the following generations of the Purves family. One of them tells of the reasons why the elder Purves left Scotland, of his trip across the ocean and his landing here. Mr. Purves is said to have had but six weeks of schooling, but he was a man of intelligence and evidently of wide reading. The Plaindealer this week reproduces a portion of his story of leaving the home land. It will be followed next week by the balance of the story.
The other volume shows vividly the time and energy that Thomas Purves put into matters not connected with his labor. He must have spent a great deal of time compiling the second volume. It is entitled " A Short-hand Dictionary Consisting of Invented Characters for Words and Sentences." Fifty or more pages are carefully ruled vertically with several columns to the page. Word sentences, phrases are given and opposite them are given the shorthand characters to be used in substitution. Chapter 1 is headed, "The Signs of Tenses are as Follows." There are other chapters. In the back of the book he copied poems in longhand and then in shorthand. He has written out several Scotch poems and songs and among them is "Erengobraeh". He evidently was fond of epitaphs for he has inscribed several. January 7, 1807, he copied into his book entirely in shorthand the "Songs of Solomon."
On the last page he copied into the book in longhand the entire Lord's prayer, in three and a half inches each line being three and a half inches long. Whether Mr. Purves ever mastered Shorthand is not known.
But it is in the first volume, the story of his migration, that there is
something of keen interest. It is the story of conditions in Europe and America
which influenced him to start out on his great adventure, and the outline of his
journey and arrival. It all shows a keen analytical mind and a great sturdiness
of character.
After the peace with America all Europe seamed to enjoy the same blessing, the laboring part of the inhabitants of Great Britain expected that a wide field would then be opened for the productions of their industry and to a natural thinker it was not an impossible conclusion. But before a few years had elapsed they found they had built their hopes on a sandy foundation.
For after using their utmost exertions and laying out all their capital to prepare goods of all kinds which were most likely to suit the American markets on bringing them across the Atlantic found them in an American market where there was a duty of 25 percent to pay which more than consumed all their profits. Many sold off their cargoes for what they would bring. Others brought their goods home to Britain and over stocked the market at home.
This put a stop to the industry of the manufacturer and laid many thousands of shuttles at rest and set many weavers to seek a scanty morsel from the half famished inhabitants. Those who had the where with all to transport themselves to America embraced the first opportunity. Though it was not the idol drones that burden the Commonwealth, nor the dregs of society, but the wealthy, the enterprising and expert mechanic that carries his usual acquirements to enrich that very nation that was most likely to supplant his native country in every species of useful industry. This by lessening the community things became worse instead of better. The price of all things were diminished and the productions were diminished and the productions of agricultural industry underwent a similar change. Of course the farmer was unable to pursue his plans of improvement for want of money to pay the laborers. Of course the laborers wages were diminished and in many instances they were laid idle and their families left to starve.
After Peace was concluded and many soldiers and sailors were paid off, people expected that their would be a decrease of taxes and that some of the heavy burdens would be taken and in this case some alleviation would be afforded to their misery. But in this they were badly disapointed for instead of some millions of taxes being taken off there was only a few thousands of pounds taken off some certain articles which was never felt by the people at large and it was a hopeless consideration for a laboring man to think how he was to support a wife and a number of small children on the scanty pittance of one or one sixth per day.
This made many whose attachment to their friends and love to their native land was deeply rooted, to sacrifice all the pleasures that flow from the fellowship and company of their relations in hope that they might be able to provide for the wants of their families in an easier way in America and it was my lot to be so circumstanced for after following the gardener business for 8 years I was unluckily out of place for 2 years and one-sixth per day was but a poor supplement for the wages I had when in place.
I was grieved to see the little that we had acquired by economical industry growing less when the wants of my family were increasing daily. Those things and the love I always had to the American form of government made me form plans of transporting myself and family to America.
Consulting my parents and valuing all my property
made me form plans of transporting myself and family to America. Unwillingly as
all my friends were to part with us and lose all the pleasures arising from
having their children and grandchildren about them to comfort them in their old
age yet the consciousness that it would be better for my family to be in America
if it was half as good as it was represented to be made them show a seeming
willingness that we should take this step. This cost us many errands to the
throne of Grace for which I have reason to bless God. I would sometimes feel as
it were the presence of God going along with us and as it were not with us to
bring us not hence. I was the more strengthened in my plans and it appeared to
me that I had a lawful call to leave my native country. Though not called by an
audible voice as was Abraham yet I was called by necessity which in many
instances acts as strongly on the mind of man as it were a voice from heaven.
So I engaged with a Mr. Douglas, shipmaster in Leith, to carry my family to Quebec. For which I paid 21 pounds and found our own victuals having sold all our household furniture with 2 cows and 1 hog on the 14 June 1819.
We packed up all that we were going to take with us that evening. Our parents, my sister, Margaret, James and Alexander, my youngest brother, an aunt of Mary's all being present. My father would not stop all night with us. He kissed my children one by one, clasping them in his arms when big tears flowed down his aged cheek. He then taking Mary in his arms exclaimed, "Oh, but the last of anything is dear. God bless you my daughter." He kissed her and said, "Farewell my dear children, farewell" and left the house in great haste. I accompanied him some distance from the house. When he had given me his last charge to train up my children in the fear of God and to set the copy of a holy parent before them in keeping up the worship of God in my family, morning and evening in all its parts, he flung his arms about my neck and said, "This is the first tear you have ever wrung from my eyes and the first pang from my heart. You have been a dutiful son to me but we must part. God bless you and preserve your sweet family from all evil. Farewell, farewell my son". My mother and brethren stayed all night with us.
Early on the morning on the 15th June, having put all our things in a cart we left Angelrow. Our friends accompanied us a little distance from the house. My mother said, "Children I must part with you. It is hard for me to be bereft of nine of my family in a day." Her countenance and voice testified her condition more than words are able to describe. She then kissed us and said, "adieu, bonny babes. Adieu loves, adieu. May God bless you farewell." After that my brother, Sandy and sister, Margaret, parted with us in great emotion when James drove on with the cart which carried my all. They looked after us till Elwortlaw hill had finally separated us from the sight of one another.
We passed through Greenlaw about 6 in the morning and reached Peathead that evening. Next day we came to Cath where we learned that the Garland, the ship that we had taken our passage in was not in arrival. The owner put our things into his warehouse and found a room for us till such time as the ship was arrived and filled up for the voyage.
We were now in the midst of strangers and in a solitary place of the town. The people were very kind to us and gave us every accommodation their house could afford. Brother James stopped two days with us to see how we were to be accommodated.
June 18 after breakfast as James was obliged to go with out seeing the ship on account of the pressure of his business at home. He looked me in the face and said, "Thomas, you have by the goodness of God a great charge. Take care to train up your children in the fear of the Lord, setting before them the copy of a Christian parent at all times, evidencing to your family and the world that you love Jesus and may God bless them and make them a blessing to you and to one another." He then kissed them all one by one, and said, "Now my dear children be obedient to your parents and kind to one another and God will love you and bless you where ever you are."
Then turning to Mary he said, "Mary we must part", clasping her to his breast his afflicted heart was like to burst and his tears wet her bosom. He was silent for some time. He then said, "God Bless you all" and so left the room.
Robert Johnston and myself went up to Leith Walk with him. We went into a public house near the head of it where we had some bread and beer, where he gave me his last charge, telling me to be sure to train up my family in the way they should go and to learn to love one another. Robert Johnston left the room. We then clasped one another in our arms and it was some time before either of us could utter a word. James then said, "We lay in one womb, was brought up together on the same knees and we have had many sweet days, together which makes parting the greater task, but I trust it will be for the glory of God also". I charged him to be kind to our parents and strive to be a comfort to them in their old age and God would certainly reward him for it.
I could scarcely get out of his arms. He held my hands for more than ten minutes and his looks bespoke the agonies of his heart when with faltering tongue and a low voice he bade me adieu, then slipped his hand from mine and left the room. I stood at the door and looked after him. He cast many a wistful look behind. When he came to the corner of the street he waved his hand and I made the same return. I returned to our lodging with a heavy heart where I found my family all in tears. I strove to comfort them as well as I could by telling them what they could get when we came to America. *** The weather being fine we had nothing to do but walk about the town and seaside and every ship that came up the firth we expected to be the Garland, but the Garland did not arrive until the 22nd in the morning when she came in full sail.
She no sooner reached the wharf than she was crowded by all the passengers. Every one passed his opinion what part of the ship he would like best.
The Garland was a fine new breg of 350 tons belonging to Sunderland, Mr. Robertson, Cap.
She was soon cleaned and fitted up with all for the expedition and for the reception of passengers; stored with plenty of good beef and pork, oat meal, biscuit and water sufficient to service a 15 week voyage.
June 30. All the passengers were ordered to bring their baggage to the quay where they underwent a slight examination by the custom house officers when all were put on board. The ship was fitted up with two tear of beds one each side and six beds in the middle on each end of the steerage. Our company consisted of 86 passengers, 80 in the steerage and 6 in the second cabin. The ship was manned with a cap., mate and Cabin-boy and five seamen. In all 94 souls.
We chose the 2 berths opposite the main hatch on the starboard side in order that we might have plenty of air at all time but it was very disagreeable in heavy weather as the waves would often break in at the hatch and wet all our bedclothes.
July 2. At six o'clock in the evening the ship slipped her cable and sailed out to the roads about 3 miles from the shore. Here we had a full view of Edinburgh, Leith and all the adjacent country. We were separated from our friends and confined to the narrow boundaries of a deck for our place of recreation. And owing to the crowd that was always on it there was little time left to solid meditation. Yet here I could not help reflecting on the straight of things in Britain that moved us to leave our friends acquaintances and every thing that is dear to us in our native country and voluntarily imprison our selves for a time we know not how long when at every blast our lives and properties were in hazard of being sunk in the midst of the surrounding sea, or if providence should be so kind as land us safe on the shores of America then to exiles for the remainder part of our lives
July5. At nine o'clock in the evening we weighed anchor and dogged about till 2 next morning when the pilot and customs officers left the ship. There was few asleep that night. All were on the deck except a few children. We sailed with an easy wind down the firth, passed the Bass Rock about 5 a.m., and the island of May about 7 the same morning. We turned the east nook of Fife with great ease, passed the Bell-Rock lighthouse about noon. The day was very pleasant, the wind fair though very soft. We had a fine view of the east coast of Scotland which I viewed with pleasure and concern as knowing that my eyes should never again behold the green hills and fertile valleys that compose the shores of that healthful but oppressed country.
July 8. At 4 in the morning we reached the Pentland Firth where we took a pilot on board and waited for the tide till nine when we entered the firth with a strong west wind. We passed all the Orkney islands and John o'Groat's house in about 2-1/2 hours. The day was wet. All the passengers except a few were sick, some groaning, others vomiting. In short the steerage was a perfect sick house and not one able to help another. My whole family was sick except John. I had been sick 36 hours. My poor wife lay very sick and Mary hung at her breast crying for milk and could get none. I was unable to cook any food for them.
When I looked on my family and compared them with what they were at Angelrow it rent my heart and pained my very soul to think what I had willfully brought them to. I often thought that surely God had shut out my earnest though imperfect prayers from him and his grace from me yet in Faith I could say with Moses, "if thy presence go not with us, bring us not hence." With day it came to my remembrance and in the midst of our distress his word comforted me when he said, "when ye are in trouble say that ye call on my name and I will answer you." So our necessity made way for God's importunity for about two in the afternoon it cleared up and most of us got on deck. Towards the evening it became very calm. We all went to bed and slept very comfortably till about 4 in the morning when we were awakened by the Cap. and Mate calling to the seamen. The wind began very hard from the south west and the ship began to roll.
This renewed all our troubles but my wife was not so sick as before. She was now able to attend the children which was great comfort to me. All the forenoon the ship rolled very much and I could see the waves out the hatch though I lay in the under birth. The women were very much frightened. At noon it was no better. We were then 40 miles to the west of Stromness. The Cap. thought it would be safest to run back to that port till the storm should be over and the wind fair. Accordingly he put the ship about and we were safely anchored in the harbor by 6 in the evening.
Stomness is one of the Orkney islands. The harbor is very safe and capable of containing a 1000 ships. The village consists of about 200 mean looking houses. They have but one place of worship. They are almost all Anteburgers. The people showed the most Christian deportment I ever witnessed. They are a hospitable and obliging people. They subsist mostly by fishing. The land seams barren and but a small part of it under cultivation.
July 10th. We weighed anchor about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and proceeded with a north west wind. Most of us became sick again and continued so for 4 or 5 days, some longer. On the 15th we spot a ship out from Picton 24 days bound to Scotland. The 16th and 17th a heavy sea and baffling winds. The 18th the winds were very tremendous. The sea rolled mountain high. Most of the passengers became sea sick again but happily for us the wind lowered and the face of neither altered. Most of the passengers got out of bed and began to look more cheerful. About 3 in the afternoon a suffocating smoke burst from the hold. Cries of "fire, fire" was heard from every part of the ship. The Cap. and crew flew to the spot. Water was handed from every pitcher but to no purpose for the more water the more smoke. The women and children ran from one place to another crying for mercy, expecting to be burned to death in a few minutes. Happily for us all the smoke was occasioned by the bursting of a large bottle of veteral in the hold with the Doctor, (who was in bed when the alarm was given) soon extinguished with a pail full of lime and water. I cannot help reflecting to the distress of most of the passengers. Though this was more alarming in its nature than any we had seen it seemed to make little or no impression on most of them. Though it was Sabbath the idle talk and foolish jargon was again renewed. How unlike the same from what might have been expected from people born in land of light. That day the privilege of sincerity seemed to be denied me till the dead hour of night settled their grating clamor for it was only then I could enjoy serious or settled thought.
The 22nd. Spot a ship out from Quebec 27 days had enjoyed fine weather. The 27th Donel Macintosh's wife was safely delivered of a daughter. On the morning of the 28th a tremendous wind arose, broke down the coppers and carried away the privy. 29th, no wind but the sea rolled very high and a heavy rain all that day and no fire could be kindled. Women and children kept their beds all day.
August the 10th, a dead calm in the morning. Towards the evening the wind arose and it blew a perfect hurricane from 9 to 12 at night. The ship rolled so much that I could scarcely hold the children in bed. The 11 a fine breeze and a pleasant sail all that day and following night. The 12, 13 and 14 baffling wind and the sea pretty rough. The 15, 16, and 17th a good breeze and rough sea. The 18th about daybreak we were on the banks of Newfoundland. About 4 in the morning first sight of land a few leagues of Trinity bay. The shore had a very unfavorable appearance, being on the north side of the island. The ship was quickly put about before any of the passengers was called up. The sun was just rising when the alarm was given. We were all out of bed in a minute and rejoiced to see the land, a sight we had not been gratified with for 36 days. About 8 in the morning we hailed a Newfoundland fishing boat who told us we were 60 or 65 miles from Cape Race. We steared a south course all that day and all night till 10 o'clock next day when the ship was put about full 3 miles east of Cape Race.
The 21st we came in sight of Newfoundland early on the morning of the 22nd, past Cape Race. About 5 at night we were becalmed and caught a great many excellent fish, principally cod. The 23rd a fair wind and a good breeze past Cape St. Margaret's at 3 in the morning. The 24th, a strong wind but very changeable with heavy sea. The 25th, came in sight of Cape Breton, had a full view of it at 11 p.m. The 26th, in sight of Cape Breton. At 10 o'clock came in sight of the Continent of North America off Cape Canso. The 27th came to anchor in Halifax harbor all in good health and spirits about 10 at night. The night was dark and the lights from the houses added to the cheerfulness of the same. The 28th, put all passengers and their baggage on shore but such as was bound for Quebec or Montreal which consisted of nearly the half of us. We took our leave of one another with little hopes of meeting again.
Halifax is situated on the south and south east side of a craggy hill, is a full mile in length but thinly built as most of all the houses have gardens, yet vegetables are very dear and of an inferior quality. The houses are for the most part wooden buildings. There are many good stone and brick houses built in the British mode. The Governors house is a handsome stone building. The Province buildings are large and magnificent built of stone brought by sea from Picton. The barracks are large and handsome, capable of containing 10,000 troops. The dock is large and convenient. The water is for the most part brackish except the wells on the back side of the town. One half of the inhabitants is Blacks or Mulattos and a great many Indians frequent the market. They all speak the English language and are very civil. Fish are very cheap here and of an excellent quality. We unloaded what cargo we had for that port and took in 5 passengers for Quebec.
But the day was foggy as we stood out to sea. We could see but little way around us. Sep. 3rd, a fare wind but the fog so thick we could not see 100 yards off. All things seemed to go on . The Cap thought we could not be far from Cape Canso and minding to go up the gut of Canso he stood in for the shore. The wind S.W. and pretty strong. At 1 o'clock a.m. as all were below at dinner except the man at the helm, myself and my son John, I was cooking at the fire when John called, "Father yonder is rocks". I looked up and saw the shore through the mist. The man at the helm called out, land on the starboard bow. The Cap. and crew jumped up and brought the ship to the larboard. Pull in your stud sails, down with the sails. The Cap. and mate and all the seamen acted like men. All the passengers that knew anything ran to their assistance. I was on the bow assisting two of the seamen to hall down two of the bowspret sails when the carpenter who was out on the bowspret said to the other, "there is the bottom". I looked over the starboard and saw the rocks at the bottom. I caught firm hold on the rope expecting every moment the ship would strike on the rocks. The bowspret was then appearing so near the rocks ahead that I thought I could jump off it to the shore. I looked around to see if there was any of my family on deck. There was none but my oldest boy. I made a sign for him to take hold of the rope.
The ship was then getting around to the larboard. Not a voice was heard but the Cap. or Mate. We were no sooner out from the rocks on the starboard tack than we saw land on the larboard side. So we had the island on both sides and knew not if there was any outlet. The Cap. stood wringing his hands when the Mate was busy having the lead, it came to 5 fathoms water, the Cap said to the mate, "What shall we do." The Mate made him no answer but bade him mind his business. A thousand thoughts crowded my mind. What should I do if the ship ran on the rocks as on account of the highness of the winds and I know we could not come to anchor and the place we were in has every appearance of a bay and there was no way of preventing the ship from being dashed on the rocks at the head of the bay. I would have left my place and run down to my family who were sitting below in silent terror, but I thought I was needed on the deck to give them assistance. When the danger came, for a moment I turned my eyes from the scene and was presenting a few irregular prayers for Divine assistance when the Mate called out ten fathoms of water and the man on the shrouds cried, "it is an island. We will be out presently." Soon were 20 fathoms water and our fears began to wear off. I went to the main hatch and called to Mary not to be afraid for we will be out to sea presently. In a quarter of an hour the fog cleared off and we saw where we were. The sails were soon hoisted and all in the ship resumed their wanted cheerfulness.
At noon we were off C. Canso. We were amind to go up the gut but the wind that was from the west made it impossible so we steared our course for the mouth of the gulf of St. Lawrence. At six we spot a ship out from Liverpool 42 days bound to St. Mary river.
Saturday, 4th, we were in sight of Cape Breten all day. At evening we entered the great gulf of St. Lawrence, the wind westerly but light. Sunday, 5th, baffling winds. We came in sight of Cape North at the distance of 20 miles. Monday 6 passed Cape North at 5 in the morning and St. Paul's at noon. The air thick and foggy, and the wind light from N.E. Tuesday, 7, still foggy, the wind baffling and light. We passed the Bird Islands at noon.
Wednesday, 8, a fare wind and good breeze, we came in sight of the hills to the south of the gulf of St. Lawrence. Entered the mouth of the river at noon. Tuesday, 9, a fine day and fare winds till 5 in the evening when the wind shifted to the west and blew very high. We were obliged to sail under close reafed top sales, the wind right ahead. The ship tossed exceedingly all that night.
Friday, 10, much the same the night clear and very cold. Saturday 11, still the same till 5 at night when the wind died gradually away. We passed the night in tranquillity and were then driven back 90 miles. Sunday 12, a fare wind but light. Monday 13, the breeze quickened and we got on well. Tuesday, 14, head winds. We were then in sight of land on both sides of the river.
Wednesday, 15, Thursday, 16. baffling winds. Friday 17 came in sight of the Isle of Beak and a beautiful track of cultivated land on the south side of the river. Saw a great number of smokes rise in the woods which we supposed to be the habitation of Indians. Saturday 18, still in sight of land we saw on Friday. Sunday, 19, a calm and overtook two pilots and their boat about noon. We were then 150 miles below Quebec. A breeze sprang up from the north. We passed the Isle of Beak at sunset. The river then narrowed to 10 or 12 miles. Monday 20, a good breeze and fine weather. Tuesday 21, cast anchor at 9 p.m. and waited for the tide. Wednesday 22, a soft but fare wind. We were obliged to wait for the tide. We were 27 miles from Quebec. The breeze freshened and the tide took us to Quebec where we came to anchor at 7 in the evening. Thursday 23 we were all inspected. We then took the steam boat for Montreal. Friday, 24, at 4 in the morning we started for Montreal where we arrived at 5 o'clock on Saturday evening. We remained aboard till Monday when we were all turned ashore.
We lodged with Will Lauder from Dunse, Berwickshire. Provisions were very cheap here but little employment. This place abounds in apples.
Wednesday, 28, We proceeded to Lachine which is 9 miles of land carriage where we remained till Saturday when we sailed for Ogdensburg where we arrived on the 14th October where we got free quarters in Mr. Parishes store. Talked to Mr. Parishes agent to see what encouragement he would give us to go to Rossie. I told him my circumstance and the state of my family. I got a very cold reception. He told me there were too many of my kind already and that it was needless for me to go to Rossie. I was then at my wits end and knew not what to do, 3 of my children sick and unable to own themselves, our provisions almost done and our little money reduced to 15 shillings and no work and a winter, the hardships of which we were unacquainted with.
But the goodness of Almighty God endurith ever still. That day I went to Mr. Bell in Ogdensburg, a countryman of my own and told him my case. He said he would take me to Mr. Ogden of Waddington (who was in town at the court) the next day and he thought he would help me. That night we tried to comfort one another as well as we could. I cannot help remarking when I opened the Bible that night the first passage that I turned my eyes on was the 42nd Psalm, verse 5 and downwards I read it over to my wife and children and we thought we got present comfort from what it contains.
We spent that night though a sleepless yet not a prayerless night. On the morning Mr. Bell took me to Mr. Ogden and represented our case to him. He readily told us that if we chose to go to Waddington he would pay our passage down the river and we might settle in any place of the town we chose and he would get a home raised for us and give us provisions till we could raise them for ourselves or he would employ me as his gardener and give me a house in the village. I gladly accepted his offer. He came along with me and visited my family and ordered a surgeon to visit my children and told me to go to Mr. Parishes house and get what provisions we wanted while there and come down with the first boat we could get that would carry us to Waddington.
Our prospects began to look a little brighter and we got new grounds to bless God for all of his goodness to us. We accordingly on the Tuesday following, got a boat to carry us down the river to Waddington which place we reached next day being 20 of October, just 17 weeks and 3 days from the time we left Angelrow.
Mr. Ogden and Mrs. Ogden showed us great kindness and like good Christians performed every part of their engagement. Our children soon recovered. I entered to work next day and continued in his employ some time.