Contributed by Nathan Weber for the Marquette County WI Rootsweb Pages
The following is from a diary written by Martin Ellison of his family's voyage from Accrington, England to America aboard the Queen of the West in 1849. They settled in Marquette county as part of the Twig Colony, a mutual aid emigrant society centered around Moundville. It mentions many of Marquette County Pioneers from 1849. He is buried with many other relatives at the Moundville Cem. County Hwy O. Left Accrington Friday July 6th, 6:40 a.m. Arrived at Liverpool at 8:50. Got onboard and all our luggage shipped. 7:20 a.m. have (all?) out 12:10 p.m. on the 7th. (and (M?) ship (S?) two men found) Weighed anchor on Sunday 8th at 2:15p.m. We were tugged out by a powerful steamer, the Dreadnaught of Liverpool. Against a strong headwind untill 6:30p.m., about 20 miles north of the Welsh Mountains. The evening most beautiful, Wind West Southwest and plenty of it. All on board healthy and cheerful. No seasickness yet. 7:30 our ship is full sail, a most splendid sight. The sea assuming a darkbluish green color. The (spray?) most beautifully. White six sail visible to larward. Several cases of seasickness. Self not touched with it. Welsh Mountains (bad?) to get rid of but gone at last. At 8:15 wind strong, wakes fine, much seasickness and dirty work. (9.9.?) Isle of Man in (?) right ahead a little after Sunset. Self on the larboard bosun enjoying the long (?) for scene, tossing and not in the least sick. But very hungry eating dry biscuits. 9th a fine morning head wind. Welsh Coast agian in view 7:50 p.m. The Wick__? Mountains in view on the starboard bow, wind still contrary, little of (?) 9:30 dead calm. Tuesday 10a.m. no wind,many sail in sight 1 p.m. A little wind 8:35 p.m. Ireland, Isle of Man and Wales in sight. Dead calm at sunset. Wednesday 11th No wind, the sea smooth as glass. Drifted back during the night 30 miles 9:10 a.m. A slight east wind 10 p.m. Calm to the end. The Porpoises entertained us with thier clumbsy gambols two hours before sunset. Had an unpleasant and peremptory command from the Surgeon at sunset to go on deck and play the fiddle which (?) several reasons refused. Thursday 12th fine morning, wind S.E. five knots an hour. 11:10 8 knots an hour. Ship allowance dealt out as follows for our family: flour, 7 little bowlfull, Meal 7lbs, Rice 7lb, biscuits 14, Pork 7lb. 3p.m. a good stout breese, ship toeing and heeling, it beatifully, much seasickness, not touched yet. The sea a beautifull blue, the billows about 50 yards from summit to summit, (Kapt?, means capped?) occassionally with white. All my family sick. Wife very bad. Sailed 10 knots an hour all afternoon past Cape Clear, Ireland about 40 miles at sunset. Friday 13th the breeze continues, only two sails seen this day. We are fairly out at sea. Have seen no land since Tuesday at sunset, when we saw part of Ireland. 5p.m. a company of Porpoises playing around our ship. Wind still fair, our Noble ship dashing through the billows at the rate of about 10 knots an hour. Seasickness keeps breaking out in fresh places. The allowance of water has been stopped this day for about 40 poor sufferers; who were unable to obey the Surgeons command to remain upon deck yesturday, amongst whom is my friend Sutcliffs. Because of whose inability to instantly jump out of his (?) yesturday at the command of monkeyism his whole family are deprived of water, but we have collected them enough. 8p.m. a school of Porpoises have just darted to windward like a pack of hounds. Weather still fine, wind good, 9 knots. We have tried to British Government this afternoon on deck and on the joint evidence of Englishmen, Irishmen, Scotchmen, and Welshmen found them guilty of Treason against the state and sentenced them to confiscation of their estates and perpetual banishment. Formed a Constitution upon the principles of universal sufferage. Saturday 14th Sunrise, hardly any wind, same all day, occaissionally quite still. 6 p.m. Joseph Hatton and Wm (?) elected Starboard Cabin Officers to assist me in promoting cleanliness. A little more wind at sunset. 8p.m. Still in the right direction. Sunday 15th Sunrise dead calm. Only 13 degrees west of Liverpool yet the whole distance is 71 miles, have therefore 58 degrees west longitude to sail yet. (?) favored with a little (?). 10 a.m. througout, a Baptist Minister, One Mr. West of Liverpool, a passenger gave us a Serman forenoon form Psalm XCIVI. Saw three sails today. Sailing towards Europe. Monday 16th A good breeze but nearly ahead. A whale passed us at 7:30 a.m. 2 p.m. The wind is now strong. Our jib tacklings have just Broke. Our good ship is now purforming some most gigantic exploits sending the spray more than 30 yards to windward. Sailing within 5 1/2 pints of the wind and much sea sickness. The Scene is Grand. 3:30 The main top Royal Sheet blown loose. The sea getting hilly(?) We have a little (?) but it is now over. 8p.m. The waves are washing the Forecastle, the ship pitches. Graciously(?) I have just seen a Bird about 9 inches long (?) (?) by the (?) me of our sails (?) (?) We are sailing away, 10 knots an hours. A deal of (?) this day, self a Broken(?) Ship(?) Tuesday 17th 5:10 a.m. The breeze still good. Our course is 2 points south of west. 10 to 12 knots. Good all day. Beat another ship on the same tack on the starboard about 12 miles during the day, entertained toward sunset by our old friends. The porpoises who had rats(?) steeple chases. Surprising us with their ability. Wed. 18th Fine morning breeze. Still good sail in sight ahead. Passed each other at 6 a.m.. She bound for Europe pitching away nicely. Sail out of sight now. Then 10 a.m. my old friend James Barns very ill. I told the Doctor who refused to attend to him. 2 p.m. Winds continues west. 6 p.m. We are 1200 from Liverpool and I have just seen another Sh(?) (?). 8:30 The Doctor paid (?) little attention to J. Barns. Thursday 19th Morning wind still west 6 knots. All passengers called upon the quarterdeck at 11 a.m. and examined as to number, luggage and progress. Varying this day from 3 knots to ten. Friday Morning 20th Little wind still west 10 a.m. Four sails in sight about 10 miles to (?). Seemingly Europe bound. Still entertained with seeing the Shear(?) water as old Mother's Chickens as some sailors call them. (?) no wind. Sails flapping dead calm, to the end of the day. The doctor admitted the propiety of J. Barns making a Will. Saturday 21st 4 a.m. A little wind W.S.W 4 knots. Increased to 8 by 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Headwind still send us on about 10 knots on the starboard tack. The Captain has just told me we are 30 degrees away from Liverpool. I am 4 of old Mother's chickens all at once. 9 o'clock Sailing due north, the Pole being exactly ahead. Sunday morning 22nd Calm. A sail near us on starboard bow. No wind till 4 p.m. when we had a headwind again. Service this morning on the quarter deck. Mr. West Preached from 2 Cor. VS 6. Strong headwind all night much tossing. Three of the sails damaged. The top Mizzen (a fore-and-aft sail) sail to be replaced by a new one. Irish row of a rather worse character than usual battle Royal. Berths (a place to sleep on a ship) torn down. And one put in Irons. Much pleased about 2 p.m. with the sight of a flock of old Mother's chickens about 60 yards to starboard. While looking at them, I saw a fish leep out of the water, about a half yard long with a fin on back like a scythe blade. Daughter Mary very ill. Monday 23rd Wind 2 knots north or west. I and John Blane(sp) made successful intercession for James Nixon who had been in Irons all night. 10 a.m. a sail in sight many miles ahead. Came up with her at 3:20 p.m. Found her to be a French Pocket from Aver(sp) to N.Y., about 800 tons Burthens (burden, load). Soon left her astern. Wife very ill. Tuesday 24th Wind N.W. 5 knots 6 a.m. A sail 4 miles to starboard sailing toward Europe. The Sailors say we are now in the Gulf Stream. Breeze dying away; scarcely any motion at 8 o'clock. 2:30 a slight beeze. Chickens again. Wednesday 25th About 4 knots to begin with. First mate has just told me we are 39 degrees from Liverpool. Dead calm from 9 a.m. The Stern boat used for pleasure of a few Mizzen (for and aft) passengers. Several large sharks seen hovering about shortly after. (Much unpleasantness this day from the three persons who have cost me most). A slight head wind at 9 p.m. Thursday 26th Dead wind 7:30 many flying fish on the weatherbeam (side of ship toward the wind). Plenty of chickens in the distance. 3:30 A ship passed us to starboard headed for Europe, 3:40. Dead calm throughout, much lightening and rain during the night. Friday 27th Fair wind at sunrise, but little of it. Our whole company settled our affairs except Sutcliffs who would not pay his expences incurred in the journey to Liverpool. He refunded his day wages viz 5/6 and paid 2/8 toward the rest of the expences. Leaving 3/11 of his share unpaid. Calling me Liar Rascal. Penrise(sp), Barns, and Bold paid up their respective shares like men and requested me to continue acting on their behalf. 1:30 a.m. Mr. G. the firstmate, now tells me we are only about 1700 miles from Liverpool. Really what is there in Mass(sp). Saturday 28th Sunrise finally wind, S. 6 knots. 11 o'clock W.S.W. 10 knots. 6:30 wind strong, sea like Mountains, beautiful (______) (______) dashing upon deck. Knocked son Chris down, wet many. Much sea sickness. Daughter Mary has had a Powder(sp) from the ship doctor which has done her good. Poor Penric(s)e almost dead. I got him three pills from doctor which cured him. 12 knots rest of the day. Sunday 29 Up at 3. Wind still good 10 knots. 5 o'clock heard a mothers wailing over her child which had just died. Was consigned to the deep about 2 hours afterwards. A sail in sight 10 miles to the southward. 2:15. And no coal allowed today. 6 a.m. a fine convening. Wind N.W. 5 knots. Saw a flock of small birds which some say are ten(?) swallows. Little wind to the end. Monday 30th We are on the Banks of New Foundland, (___). 5 or 6 knots fishermen in sight. Distance from N.Y. 1100. 11:50 a.m. A woman fell down the hatchway and fractured her skull. A breeze sprung up ahead, got stormy towards night, drove us a long way to the southward. Tuesday 31, head wind still. 5:20 a.m. a flock of birds flying over the ship. The wind recurled(?) around to N.N.W. and blew us onward at the rate of about 6 knots. Untill 4 p.m. when the breeze began to die away. The sunset at 7:15, dead calm. Here we are missing a full week of Voyage in Martin G.Ellison's journal. Wednesday 8th Wind N.East Sunshine, dense mist, 12 knots. Dead calm from 6:30 to 9 when a breeze sprung up N. 186 miles from N.Y at 12 O'clock. Foggy all day. Thursday 9th Misty, still. Bell been ringing all night (the bell was rung because of the fog to warn other ships), 28 fathoms, Wind S.S.E. 4 knots. The Mail Steamer for Liverpool 2 miles to starboard at 7:20 a.m. The mist all cleared off at 9. Many sail in sight 12 O'clock. The wind increases, 8 knots, Sunset 9 knots, a gale sails torn, a good tossing and succeeding onward rapidly. Friday 10th Sunrise a good breeze. Pilot taken on board at 5:30. Wind changed to W.W.S.W. abreast with a London Pocket, which were the last of the gladiators torn sail in sight on the same takc yesturday, all beaters by us. Land in sight ahead. 7:00 passed the light ship. Getting near land two light houses on the (___)board bow. 7:35 many light houses in sight. The Goliah Steamer alongside, of N. W. taken in turn by her, (___) only (____) at 8:20 the Hudson seems about 2 miles wide. The scenery on both sides most beautiful. Inspected by the Doctor at Staten Island, about 11:00. Unparralelled bustle till about 4:00 when we had done with excisemen and got ashore s(____). (_____)head out the best (____) to Albany and started by the Isaac Newton Steamer for Albany at 7:00. Got to Albany at 6 a.m. on Sat. morning 11th. Left Albany at 11:40 a.m. on board a canal Pocket(?) for Buffalo. Luggage weighed at Albany 1365 pounds. 1115 lbs of which was called extra for which I paid 5P, 3S, 8D or $28.88. The English (___) being worth $4.81 which wa $2.50 on each 100lbs. Found the country very hilly and romantically beautifull. Got to the Cahoal Falls on Mohawk River. Nine miles from Albany at 5:50 p.m. having ascended 18 locks. (___duet) over the river 26 arches. Sunday 12th, Left Schenectady at 5:25 a.m. 30 miles from Albany. Plenty of fruit trees well loaded. A man (____) our Boat. Our progress very slow. Son Chris, very ill of Bowel Complaint. Was mended by Dr. Snell at Port Jackson, Where we arrived at 1:40 p.m., who was very kind, called it Cholera Marbus; gave two bottles of medicine and a powder all for 50 cents. 3:oo Chris much better. 4:00 crossed the river Schoharie. (___) (__duct) about 300 yars above its junction with the Mohawk, the scenery beautifull, hills, dales, woods, rivers, crops. Monday 13th Chris almost well. Passed Little Falls at 10 a.m. 19 1/2 miles from Utica at 11:15. The solar heat is greater this afternoon than I ever felt it in England. Got to Utica at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday 11:(__) at Rome 4:30 Much rain until 1:00 p.m. Country beautifull, fine afternoon. Wednesday 15th Saw lake Ondago(Sp; probabally ment Oneida) by moonlight at 1 o'clock this morning. At Conten, 181 miles from Buffalo at 8:15 a.m. Passed many beautiful villages this day, the outlet from Seneca lake about 5 to 6 o'clock fine scenery. Thursday 16th Passed Lockville(sp) at 5:00 a.m. at Palmyra 9:23. Went on shore at Fair Port and had pleasant walk of 8 miles to Rochester. Bought a rifle for $12.82 or 2 Pounds, 11 Shillings of English. Friday 17th A hot day. Got to Albion(sp) at 8 p.m., 58 miles from Buffalo yet. Saturday 18th Got to Lockport at 10:30 took us 1(___) to get through the 5 locks. 31 miles from this place to Buffalo. Sunday August 19th Arrived at Buffalo at 2 a.m. this morning. Our Boat the C.B. Thorn, Captian Wheaton, has been (___) 7 days 14 hours and 20 minutes in coming from Albany. 10 a.m. We have got on the boat Niagra Steamer, Captain Pease. The death by Cholera amount to 17 in the last 24 hours. Monday 20th A fine day, but we are detained on account of our deck Walking. Tuesday 21st Started from Buffalo at 10:40 a.m. against a good head breeze. Both shores in sight, the scenery grand 3:00. Canada out of sight. Pennsylvania about 2 miles to larboard (left side of ship). Our Boat, the Niagra, 840 horse power, steaming about 13 miles against a head wind and fine waves. The lake green, like the sea near shore. Wife Elizabeth and Greenhalgh Lakesick. Got to Erie, PA at 5:50 p.m. 93 miles in 7 hours, 10 minutes. Left Erie 7:27, fine to the end. Wednesday 22nd At Cleveland at 4:30 a.m. Out of sight of land at 7:55. Got to Detroit at 1:45 p.m.. Stopped at China on Detroit River at 7:30 for fuel. Thursday 23rd Did not rise till 6:15 we are got upon Lake Huron, there has been a deal of rain during the night. It is now fair, and wind N.W. agianst a strong headwind. 9:00 out of sight of land, much mist toward night, a deal of bell ringing. Pull into Mackinaw at 8:15 p.m. Friday 24th Left Mackinaw about 3 a.m. 708 miles from Buffalo from here to Milwaukee. A child 3 years old died at 5 a.m. this morning. 3 p.m. No land in sight. The lake blue, got to Sheboygen at 7 p.m. 53 miles short of Milwaukee yet. Saturday 25th Landed at Milwaukee 1:20 a.m. Paid $1.75 dock dues. Went to Stimpr(s)ons cross (Keys?) 94 Water Street. Left for Emancipation at 4:40 p.m. Luggage and all in a waggon drawn by two horses. Contract eighteen dollars. Slept at Brookfield House 10 miles on the road. Sunday 26th Started at 7 a.m. Got to Delafield at 1:30 p.m. 25 miles on the road. Got to Concord at sunset, slept there. Monday 27th Started at 6 a.m. 14 miles to Watertown dined at Watertown. Got to Fairfield at 6 p.m. had the satisfaction of delivering my old friend J. Barnes into the arms of his son Jonathon. Tuesday 28th Left Fairfield. 6:30 got to Fox Lake. Direct through 16 miles on the road from Fairfield. Passed through Pottersville about 6 p.m. Got to Marcellan at 7 p.m. 20 miles form Fox Lake. Wed. 29th Left Marcellan at 7:15. Got to Emancipation a distance of 11 miles At 11 saw Mr. Twigg in the evening, who received us kindly. Thursday 30th Went 10 miles to see a house. 31st Elivated with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves and family at 7:30 a.m. Entered upon my land and took possession of my house on Saturday sept. 1, 1849. My wheat was sown Sept. 24th. I went to Portage the 23rd, came back the 24th. Finished our Hay harvest 27th, have 7 tons of good hay. Finished our kitchen October 9th, fowl house on the 11th. I and son James went to the Ferry Store and declared our intentions on Saturday Oct. 20, which cost us 6 Shillings each, the official was Mr. Josiah Crawford. B. Hargreaves began to work for himself on Monday 22nd. Sons went to Portage SAt. Nov. 3rd to post letters. Finished our cow house and laid our cow in on NOv. 7th. The night being frosty. Hargreaves flit from us to the House we had built them Nov. 30th. A meeting called by Mr. Twycross at the Ferry Store, myself unanimously called to the chair. A committee formed in the midst of much angry discussion Dec 1st. Another angry meeting on the 5th, when I resigned my committee membership. The ground first covered with snow, Dec. 8th. Dec. 26th, my sons bought a bushel of yellow corn off Mr. Gaylord for 25 cents, it rubbed out to 14 quarts English measure. 1850 Jan. 5th Myself and son Jim entered the Compact at Mr (Taylors?). 9th I gave my rifle to B. Hargreaves in exchange for the following articles viz- Pork, .96; Lamp and Oil, .60; Borrowed Money, $1.00; A Calf, $3.00; A Scythe and (____), $2.00; Five bushels of Spring Wheat, $2.50; A Cattle Bell, $1.25; A Hoe, .75 12th Son Chris set off to Dodge County along with B. Hargreaves. 31st I sent two letters to Pottersville Post Office (Sir?) Johnathon Higgins, one for James Ellison, the other for C. Houlker. Feb. 28th Son Chris and Joseph Barns arrived with a yoke of Oxen and a Waggon containing 4 1/2 bushels of corn cobs, 3 ditto turnips, 1 ditto seed potatoes, 1 pound of Fed (feed?), 2 pounds of sugar and a small packet of garden seeds and a bushel and a half of grist. March 2nd 4th The oxen drew logs and tamaracks for us. 6th Hargreaves's family set off about 10 a.m. in a snow storm, Benjamin driving. 7th Chris and Joseph started off after them about 4 a.m. 10th A severe frost, water in a tin on the table, froze solid this morning; winter is returning, a nice thaw from the 15th to the end of the month. 25th Mr. Youmens hired son James for 10 dollars a month and board. 26th I went to the Fort, for James Entwhistle, posted a letter at Port Hope, and Egg Cups for two tin dishes and a Syle, paid. Mr. B. 1/2 a dollar for soling James's boots. April came in with fine spring weather on 3rd the frost is so much out of the ground that the spade will enter. 4th I sowed rhubarb seeds, sage seeds in boxes. 8th Planted my tottleworth goosberry seeds in a box, the frost yet too severe at nights for seeds to be out of doors. 22nd I sold my 5 bushels of spring wheat to Olive, 75 cents a bushel. It was 13 short of weight which I made up by giving him 20 lb of Indian corn. 23rd I went to the Fort, met Twigg, saw him at the Ferry Store at night he had 2 letters for me. 26th I sowed spring wheat, Oats, and Barley. Grass beginning to grow, we have had no snow for a month. May 1st A stormy meeting at the Ferry Store in consequence of the intro- duction of new rules by Twigg from England viz, stopping the store credit. Plenty of grass for our cattle down at the marsh. May 10th They will not eat hay. I got in all my small seeds before the 16th. Finished potatoes planting on the 21st. Have planted six bushels. May 22nd The strong frost in the last three nights has killed our early radishes, turnips, cabbage. Went with others today to bridge building, road mending near Pearsons, it was a hard days work. Sunday 23rd Kirkhams and Ross's families left the settlement in Magoons wagon, the weather dry, nights cold, spring late, no rain now for 5 or 6 weeks. Kenyons came to Kirkhams house on the 30th. Taylor and son James commenced breaking our corn field on the 31st. Finished on Monday June 3rd, 14 rods short of 2 acres. 4th A thunder storm and plenty of rain 5th I finished planting my corn. On the 8th I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. James Bennett and family who had arrived at my neighbor Sutcliffs on the 6th, 7th and had brought me a Fowling piece, powder flask, cannister of powder, some shot, and a box of caps form my friend, A. Taylor of Manchester. A packet of garden seeds from Mr. Cunliff 37 sorts, and a cross cut saw from others. June 17th I sold old Nan to Mr. Thompson and Fleming. Nan $13., the fowls, .25 cents each. 18th I bought Bossy off Mr. Sharp for $18. I posted a letter at the Fort for Alex Taylor on 22nd. June 26th Johnathon Higgs and family left the settlement. George Bain having bought his claim. Saturday 29th I was told by J. Twycross (the weather cook boss) that Twigg had issued orders that all members who would not sign a bond to give Twigg power over such members property must not in future have either work or food; was hoaxed all the following week. Expecting new orders. July 8th I began working for James Ratcliffe on his claim L.W. of me. We raised his shanty on Tuesday,9th, he slept in it same night. Sunday previous (viz the 7th) James Bennett preached first time in my house, his text was 1st of Corinthians 3 chap. verse 11th. Other foundation can no Man lay. Our Congregation was about 40. Tuesday July 16th I agreed with Jonathon Elliot to build him a log house, make rails, fence, clear land on his claim of 80 acres during his absence. Terms: rails, one dollar per 100. All the rest of my work to be 75 cents per day. 20th We began reaping our wheat, it is a bad crop. We have also new potatoes, onions, and cucumbers. 22nd James Ratcliffe bought Noblers (or Nohlers) House Claim, crops. 23rd My son James disagreed with Taylor and left. 29th Son James started off to see Chris. I finished cutting my wheat today. 30th I began to cut grass for Taylor. Yoemens, the whole I cut was 5 tons. August 5th J. Ratcliffe set out in search of work. August 11th Our Elizabeth went to service to Mr. Robert Milligans, a mile S.E. of Kingston, terms 2 dollars per month. 28th Elliott family left the settlement. Sept. 18th Jas. Bennett, his wife and son Wilson left the settlement intending to go back to England. I accompanied them to Dodge County, got home again Oct. 3rd. Nov. 5th I went to Packwaukee and voted for J.D. Doty to be sent to Congress, also for Town Officers. 23rd Myself and Sons landed home from Dodge County with a laoded wagon and yoke of oxen. Dec. 10th Sons departed taking oxen back. 23rd Twycross assisted me to kill our first pig, it weighed 85. 24th I went to Packwaukee and voted for Mr. D.N. Phelps to be County Sheriff. Saturday Jan. 18th, 1851 I ordered Mr. Furlane(sp) off my claim. He was stealing tamaracks for Sanburn. 22nd I had another run with him. 23rd He was stealing again, he or some other persons had cut down my corner tree and other blazed trees. He denied having done it and set me at defiance. But Mrs Sanburn promised recompence. The encroachment continuing. I went to Sanburns House. He agreed to drop it, and on the 27th sent me a peck of buckwheat and I had the use of a joke of oxen for about an hour. This was all I got for about 1000 tamaracks. April 28th J. Ratcliffe placed Branden(sp) and Wisdom on his claim as partners. May 5th Son Chris started off with Mr. Chris Wilson to Poynett, Columbia County to work for him. May 9th S. Rudland blazed off part of Ratcliffs claim. June 19th Daughter Elizabeth started for Dodge County along with Mr. G. Barnes. Sep. 5th Old Boss died of the Dry Morrain. (This would be Twigg. Head of Potters Society) Sep. 13th I bought young Boss off G.McNutt the price 22 dols. if paid for in six months. 23 dols if paid for within twelve months, and 24 dos if 12 months or over, and interest to be paid according to law. Oct. 30th Our Elizabeth came home from Dodge County. Nov. 10th She went to Mr S. Seaveys(sp). 14th Chris went to ditto 13th We killed Barney. He weighed 200lbs. End of Journal
Source: Diary of Martin G. Ellison, in Nathan's possession
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