Richard has given me permission to forward his post. It is a letter from an
ancestor who travelled from New York to London, Ontario (near Detroit) in
1826. After the Erie canal opened it was the main route to the upper
mid-west. My greatgreat grandfather and his parents probably travelled that
route from Newark, NJ to Western Illinois in the mid-1830s.
FEARON, ELIZABETH: (1808-1868)
THE DATE OF ELIZABETH'S BIRTH WERE TAKEN FROM THE SAMPLER MADE BY LYDIA
FEARON IN 1836. They agree with the Family Bible record supplied by the
Madison County Historical Society.
Elizabeth Fearon is my great grand aunt.
LETTER DATED LONDON (Ontario) AUGUST 24,1826
Dear Father, Brothers and Sisters
I embrace the first opportunity to write to you. The boat you left us on
in Canistota came in to Syracuse about 7 O'clock that evening. Our fare
was 5 each. We then changed boats and arrived at 6 o'clock the next
evening into Rochester our fare was $2.50 when there we went on board
Captian Smith's boat who landed us in Buffalo on Thrusday 5 o'clock P.M.
The fare was $2 each. The lake boat went out Friday evening and costs us
6 each in Buffalo and crossing the lake $3.50, and from Port Standly ,
where we landed to London $1 each. There was nothing very remarkable till
we came to Lockport (between Rochester and Buffalo) perhaps it gets its
name from the locks being five in number and close together near to this
place is Little-rock where immense labour has been bestowed in cutting
the canal through the rocks. These places furnish a grand scene for a
mineralogical excursion. Buffalo is a great businees place. Aunt
exchanged $80 of our money and received Canada money in exchange with
discount of two cents on a dollar. Mr. Olonner had taken up the note that
was due.
We came home on Saturday according as we had calculated. We found our
friends all well but much depressed in spirits on account of Aunt's
protracted visit. The loss that Aunt sustained in Albany did not
apparently affect them. They were thankful to receive their mother alive
and in good health. We spent the Sabbath at Mr. Olonners and in the
evening attended Church. The Monday evening I proposed writng, but early
Monday we were invited to a picknick party to be attended on Wednesday
and Aunt suggested for me not to write till after the party. Monday P.M.
Cousin John hearing that I was in town came after me. the Friday
following he went after Aunt and Cousin. He brought us back on Sabbath
day. We visited Mr. Beltons, Mr. Lichason and a Mr. Webster. Attended
meeting Sabbath twice in the country and one in Town. The hops are very
poor in Canada the farmers expect 2 a pound for their hops. I wish you to
write when you reveive this and be particular to tell me the news at
home, have you sold the wool. What are prospects of the hop market. What
changes are taking place in the affairs of the town, did you have a good
time at the wedding. Aunt celebrated a week before hand at the picknick
party and I celebrated it at my cousins. We expeact to go out in the
country to Mr. Johns. I think I can work a satin piece and I will
commence it. London is a pleasant place, the country is very level and
the roads good, the people that moved here from Eaton are doing well,
James Belton is teaching school, he has his land nearly payd for, perhaps
when I return to Eaton next Spring, he will accompany me and then you may
expect to lose some one. (She did indeed marry him in 1827 and he became
and ordained minister of the Gospel) A musick teacher should be most
acceptable in the country. Believe me when I say nothing but the benefit
I expect to derive from my visit to Canada would have induced me to leave
my friends and home, Aunt and Cousins join me love to Fahter, Brothers,
Sisters, Uncle, Aunts and Cousins. Cousin Mary Ann send her love to
James. Mary Ann will soon write to Aunt Ann. When you write please to pay
the postage and direct to London, Canada West.
I remain your affectionate Daughter and Sister.
Elizabeth Fearon
Monday, August 24th
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FEARON, ELIZABETH: (1808-1868)
THE DATE OF ELIZABETH'S BIRTH WERE TAKEN FROM THE SAMPLER MADE BY LYDIA
FEARON IN 1836. They agree with the Family Bible record supplied by the
Madison County Historical Society.
Elizabeth Fearon is my great grand aunt.
LETTER DATED LONDON (Ontario) AUGUST 24,1826
Dear Father, Brothers and Sisters
I embrace the first opportunity to write to you. The boat you left us on
in Canistota came in to Syracuse about 7 O'clock that evening. Our fare
was 5 each. We then changed boats and arrived at 6 o'clock the next
evening into Rochester our fare was $2.50 when there we went on board
Captian Smith's boat who landed us in Buffalo on Thrusday 5 o'clock P.M.
The fare was $2 each. The lake boat went out Friday evening and costs us
6 each in Buffalo and crossing the lake $3.50, and from Port Standly ,
where we landed to London $1 each. There was nothing very remarkable till
we came to Lockport (between Rochester and Buffalo) perhaps it gets its
name from the locks being five in number and close together near to this
place is Little-rock where immense labour has been bestowed in cutting
the canal through the rocks. These places furnish a grand scene for a
mineralogical excursion. Buffalo is a great businees place. Aunt
exchanged $80 of our money and received Canada money in exchange with
discount of two cents on a dollar. Mr. Olonner had taken up the note that
was due.
We came home on Saturday according as we had calculated. We found our
friends all well but much depressed in spirits on account of Aunt's
protracted visit. The loss that Aunt sustained in Albany did not
apparently affect them. They were thankful to receive their mother alive
and in good health. We spent the Sabbath at Mr. Olonners and in the
evening attended Church. The Monday evening I proposed writng, but early
Monday we were invited to a picknick party to be attended on Wednesday
and Aunt suggested for me not to write till after the party. Monday P.M.
Cousin John hearing that I was in town came after me. the Friday
following he went after Aunt and Cousin. He brought us back on Sabbath
day. We visited Mr. Beltons, Mr. Lichason and a Mr. Webster. Attended
meeting Sabbath twice in the country and one in Town. The hops are very
poor in Canada the farmers expect 2 a pound for their hops. I wish you to
write when you reveive this and be particular to tell me the news at
home, have you sold the wool. What are prospects of the hop market. What
changes are taking place in the affairs of the town, did you have a good
time at the wedding. Aunt celebrated a week before hand at the picknick
party and I celebrated it at my cousins. We expeact to go out in the
country to Mr. Johns. I think I can work a satin piece and I will
commence it. London is a pleasant place, the country is very level and
the roads good, the people that moved here from Eaton are doing well,
James Belton is teaching school, he has his land nearly payd for, perhaps
when I return to Eaton next Spring, he will accompany me and then you may
expect to lose some one. (She did indeed marry him in 1827 and he became
and ordained minister of the Gospel) A musick teacher should be most
acceptable in the country. Believe me when I say nothing but the benefit
I expect to derive from my visit to Canada would have induced me to leave
my friends and home, Aunt and Cousins join me love to Fahter, Brothers,
Sisters, Uncle, Aunts and Cousins. Cousin Mary Ann send her love to
James. Mary Ann will soon write to Aunt Ann. When you write please to pay
the postage and direct to London, Canada West.
I remain your affectionate Daughter and Sister.
Elizabeth Fearon
Monday, August 24th
=================
Note on copyright. I have Richard's written permisson to repost his
message.
It is polite to ask permission, and people are usually pleased to give it.