Tombstone Tuesday ~ ACHESON ~ Ireland

IN LOVING MEMORY of

ALEXANDER W. ACHESON

LATE LIEUTENANT 65TH REGT

ALSO DEPUTY COMMISSIONARY

ARMY SERVICE CORPS

WHO DIED 20 JULY 1914

* AGED 82 YEARS

AND HIS GRANDSON

ALEXANDER CHARLES

25TH NOV 1929

AND HIS WIFE CATHERINE

DIED 26TH MAR 1938

** AND HIS SON ALLEN PORTEOUS

 LATE QUARTERMASTER SARGENT

ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY

DIED 26TH SEPT 1967

AND HIS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH

DIED 29TH NOV 1986

"THY WILL BE DONE."

* The father of this family, Alexander W ACHESON, who was aged 82 in 1914 at the time of his death, would have been born in 1832.

** Quartermaster-Sergt. A. ACHESON

Photo by A. NACHN, BRADFORD.

The ACHESON clan: There is some question as to whether this  ACHESON family is in our line of ACHESON relatives. However, it is an interesting headstone with five family members and three generations. Burial dates are 1914, 1929, 1938, 1967 and 1986.

SOURCES:

 1. There is a reference to **Allan Porteous ACHESON in "THE ACHESON FAMILY 1850-1950, published in 1951.by a committee of ten family members.

"Communications with **Allan Porteous Acheson, of Derrygonnelly, near Enniskillen, has brought to us a fund of information, since he, too, is deeply interested in the history of the Acheson Family,  . . ." Page 4.

2. Photographs and the booklet - "The Acheson Family 1850-1950" - courtesy of an ACHESON cousin.

NOTE: Due to the difference in colour of the top and bottom stone, I wonder if the original top part from 1914 was added to in order to make a larger stone and provide room for the inscriptions of the descendants.

Actually, I had a closer look by magnifying the photograph. It looks like all one headstone that may have been sanded down a little to provide a cleaner surface for the inscriptions of the descendants.

Sunday's Obituary ~ William ACHESON

                                     The Dundalk Herald
                              Dundalk, Grey County, Ontario
                                         13 January 1910

William ACHESON,

Born February 1st, 1821 in County Fermanagh, Ireland,

Died January 15th, 1910, Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario

The Dundalk Herald

Jan. 13, 1910

The Late William ACHESON ~

William Acheson, who died on New Year`s day, was born in the County Fermanagh, Ireland, Feb. 1st, 1921, and married to Christina Fallis on Feb. 28,1847, who died Jan. 15th 1907.

He left Ireland on April 14th,1850, coming across in 28 days. He stayed at Madoc for some time, then came to Caledon where he lived 3 years.

In 1853 he settled on lot 205, 2nd range, Artemesia. Some years later he moved to the farm now owned by Mr. Aaron Jordan at Inistioge. While here he gave his heart to God and joined the Methodist Church at Inistioge, of which he has since been a member. He loved his Bible and death had no terrors for him.

In 1863 he moved to Lot 205, 3rd range, Proton, where he resided until his decease.

He was a strong man both mentally and physically and enjoyed almost unbroken health up to the last. Death came naturally from old age.

Of a family of 11 children, four sons and four daughters survive, namely: Wm. G., John and James on adjacent farms and Robert on the homestead.; Mrs. J. Duncan, Mrs. Edgar Duncan, Mrs. Jas. McMillen settled on neighboring farms and Mrs. Geo. Hutchinson at Kimberley.

Interment took place at the Bethel cemetery on Jan. 3rd where an impressive service was conducted by Revs. T. Laidlaw, of Inistioge, and J. J. Ferguson of Dundalk. Those who attended from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. John Agnew and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fawcett, of Alliston; Mr. Geo. Rutherford and Miss Elitha, of Shelburne, Mr. Gilles of .....(bottom torn off)

SOURCES: This is a page from the 90th Birthday Album for my mother, 2003.
Copy of newspaper clipping courtesy of an ACHESON cousin,  Ontario, 2003.

William ACHESON's daughter, Mary Jane ACHESON, was the mother of my maternal grandfather, George Albert JOHNSON (born JOHNSTON). So he would be my great great grandfather.

Funeral Card Friday ~ Henry JOHNSTON

In Memoriam

DIED

In Dundalk on Sunday, December 7th, 1913,

Henry Johnson

*Aged 86 years.

Henry JOHNSON was the eldest son of John JOHNSTON and Cathern (RUTLEDGE) JOHNSTON who emigrated from Ireland between the births of two of their children, Ann - born 1836, and John - born 1838. The 1852 Census Record below shows Ann born in Ireland and then John born in Canada.

This is the JOHNSTON family that were my Mother's paternal great grandparents.

1852 Census Canada West (Became Ontario);
John JOHNSTON, head of household; farmer, born Ireland, Episcopalian, age 52,
wife Cathern born Ireland, age 48;
*Henry born Ireland, age 20;
and Ann born Ireland, age 16.
John born Canada, age 14;
Christy born Canada, age 11 and
Joseph born Canada, age 8 born.

`Christy` would be Christopher JOHNSTON Senior, George Albert JOHNSTON/JOHNSON`s father. According to this Census Record Christy would have been born in June 1841.

*NOTE: The discrepancy of 5 years between the dates of birth on the Funeral Card and the 1852 Census Records are calculated as follows: Funeral Card - subtract 86 years from 1913 = 1827 and 1852 Census - subtract 20 years from 1852 - 1832. This discrepancy also shows up in other family trees and PAFs.

SOURCE: AutomatedGenealogy.com/census52/
NOTE: It states on the site for the 1851/1852 Census Records that almost 80% of the documents were either lost or destroyed. I consider myself lucky to have found this record for my 2nd great grandfather and his family
Searched 16 July 2009 by CG

SOURCE: This Funeral Card was lent to me by my first cousin K. Johnson. It was in "Grandpa JOHNSON's suitcase of memorabilia" which was passed on to his son by George Albert JOHNSON, sometime in the later years of his life. George died January 1964.

NOTE: The family surname was JOHNSTON, but was often misspelled as JOHNSON. Some of the family did use the spelling JOHNSON, including my Mother's father George Albert JOHNSON. George Albert was born George Albert JOHNSTON, but dropped the "T" after moving West to Saskatchewan in 1905.

It just adds to some of the usual confusion in researching for ancestors!

Tombstone Tuesday~George ARMSTRONG - Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland & Inistioge, Grey County, Ontario, Canada

Inistioge United Church Cemetery,

Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

GEO. ARMSTRONG

Who died   . . . . . . . . . . . .

JULY 29, 1867

Aged 70 years

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SARAH FREACHAN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EDWARD FREACHAN

Died July 12 1867

Aged 95 years

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Natives of Inistioge

Co. KILLKENNY IRELAND

W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . and open'd Mercy's door

. . . . . . . . . . with Faith eternal.

NOTE: The dotted lines represent inscription that was illegible.

County Killkenny should be spelled Kilkenny.

I have no information on Sarah and Edward FREACHAN.

---

CANADA WEST / Grey (county) 84 Artemesia Township p. 7d, 8a, (15).

TAKEN UNDER THE ACT 14TH & 15TH Vict. Chap. 40 George ARMSTRONG ENUMERATOR.

Line   9  George Armstrong, Builder & Carpenter, Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 61
Line 10  Margaret Armstrong, ------------- Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 58
Line 11  Frederick Armstrong, Carpenter, Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 30
Line 12  Henry Armstrong, Carpenter, Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 23
Line 13  Mary Ann Armstrong, --------- Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 19
Line 14  John W. Armstrong, Carpenter, Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 10

Line 50  W. Hill, Rev, Wesleyan Minister, Born Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist, Age 33

---

The Census is recorded in a beautiful flowing legible handwriting.

Of interest: John W, the youngest son is listed as a carpenter even though he is only 10 years. Like father, like sons! Also, if John W was born in Ireland, then the family had to have left Ireland between 1842 and 1850.

There is evidence that George and his family had arrived in Inistioge in the late 1840's. George is also attributed with being the 'father' of Inistioge, County Grey, Ontario.

I just happened to notice that the Wesleyan Minister was included on the page of the Census.

---

As mentioned before, George ARMSTRONG and his family were lifelong friends of my ancestors the ACHESON family. Both families had emigrated from Ireland in the late 1840's. George's son Henry is mentioned in the ACHESON Family History 1850-1950, (page 11).
Both families lived in the small pioneer community of Inistioge.

The ACHESON Family History 1850-1950, (page 11) shows that the Christina and William ACHESON lived on a farm across the road from the little log church - the Methodist Church - from 1856 to 1863. In 1863 they family moved to their final destination, a homestead about one mile away.

ACHESON families still own some the property 160 years later. There were five lots that the ACHESON families occupied. Four were situated at an intersection that was dubbed "Enniskillen Corners" after the eldest family members that emigrated from Ireland in 1850.

As the years passed, the younger generations called it "ACHESON Corners."

That's another story!!

Sunday Services ~ Bethel United Church, Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario

Bethel United Church, Proton Station

Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario ~ Built 1896

The little Church still stands today and is opened to the occasional special Service.

It was originally the Bethel Methodist Church. In 1925, the Methodist Church of Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada, seventy percent  of the Presbyterian Churches in Canada and the small General Council of Union Churches amalgamated to form the United Church of Canada.  SOURCE: United Church of Canada, internet search.  

The Bethel (Methodist) United Church was built in 1896, some 45 years after the Inistioge (Methodist) United Church. In 1851, that first Methodist Church at Inistioge was built of logs. It is likely that that log Church was built by George ARMSTONG, who was a builder and carpenter. His three sons, Frederick ages 30, Henry age 23 and John W. age 10 are all listed as carpenters in the 1851/1852 Canada Census. They were likely assisted by their pioneering neighbours. The log Church was replaced with a brick one 20 years later, The last service at the Inistioge United Church was held in 1961 and dismantled in shortly after. The bricks sold to a farmer to build a machine shed.

These two little Churches served the community of the earliest settlers, which included my 2nd great grandparents, Christina (FALLIS) and William ACHESON; my great grandparents, Mary Jane ACHESON and Christopher JOHNSTON; and my grandfather George Albert JOHNSTON/JOHNSON.

My Grandfather left the family homestead in about 1898.

EXCERPT FROM THE ACHESON FAMILY ~ 1850 - 1950:

         Christina (FALLIS) and William ACHESON:

The true spirit of adventure was theirs, and with their two-year old son [born November 1851] they travelled northward [on foot] by forest paths, and settled on Lot 205, Range 2, Artemesia. . . . Here two other children were born, John [June 1854] and Mary Jane [born October 1856 my great grandmother]. They then moved to the farm opposite Inistioge Church on the Toronto-Sydenham Road (now Highway 10). . . .

"Here at Inistioge the Achesons enjoyed the rich friendship of their near neighbours, the Henry Armstrong family -- a friendship still retained by the surviving members of these two families after a lapse of nearly one hundred years. Here, too, in the old log church, under the preaching of a Rev. Mr. Green, and the influence of the Holy Spirit, they gave their hearts to the Savior. Consequently, they endeavoured to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they, themselves, living consistent Christian lives." -- Aunt Kate.

[Aunt Kate is Catherine, youngest daughter, born August 1867.]

SOURCE: The Acheson Family 1850-1950; self published 1951;

family committee of ten; page 11.

NOTE: The Toronto Grey & Bruce "TG&B" Railway line to this Northern community was built in 1873.

As mentioned before, George ARMSTRONG was also one of the earliest settlers in this small community.

George died 29 July 1867, age 79. He is buried at the Inistioge United Church Cemetery.

The 1851/1852 Census Canada records show George, carpenter, age 61 (born 1791 in Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland)  with his wife, Margaret, and four children, including son Henry, carpenter, age 23, (born in 1829 in Inistioge, County  Kilkenny, Ireland.
All are born in Ireland and are Wesleyan Methodists.

2010 Copyright © Carole Gates

Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland

Ancient bridge on the River Nore, County Kilkenny, Ireland

SOURCE: Wikipedia - public domain

CANADA:

Inistioge, County Kilkenny Ireland is the birthplace of George ARMSTRONG, who emigrated to Canada sometime before 1850. George died in 1867 aged 79 years and is buried in the little United (Methodist) Church Cemetery at Inistioge, Grey County, Ontario. The Cemetery is now 170 years old.

As mentioned in the previous post, George was the 'father' of Inistioge,  Grey County, Ontario. A hamlet in the area of Ontario where many of the Irish immigrants settled in the eary 1850's.

IRELAND:

Inistioge is a scenic and historic village in County Kilkenny, South East Ireland. Know as the "Jewel of the South." It was the location for the filming of "Circle of Friends" and "Widow's Peak." Hollywood Ireland!

LINKS:

INISTIOGE, IRELAND : http://www.inistioge.ie/ 

Site includes beautiful photos as well as visitor and  local information.

LOOK AROUND IRELAND: http://www.lookaroundireland.com/ 

Extensive site with travel and history.  Includes Genealogy.

IRISH GENEALOGY: http://www.lookaroundireland.com/genealogy.php 

Includes Irish Diaspora and The Great Famine: 1845-1850.

2010 Copyright © Carole Gates

Inistioge, Canada and Ireland

Hello from Canada to Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland. ;-)

I've recently been in contact with a visitor who left a comment about a post regarding the "Inistioge United Church Cemetery, Inistioge, Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario.

Hi, I am facinated to see that there is a little place in Ontario called Inistioge, named after the one in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. I am from Inistioge, Ireland and would love to find out the name of the founder that travelled from our little village. I would appreciate any information that anyone may have. My email address is rayslocalnews@yahoo.ie Thank you. Ray.

So I thought that I would collect what information I have about Inistioge, Proton Topwnship, Grey County, Ontario and put it together here.

HISTORY: GHOST TOWNS OF ONTARIO ~ INISTIOGE

Inistioge was born in 1851 and died in 1971. Its father was a George Armstrong who fled his native village of Inistioge in Ireland for a better life in Canada. It too was a stopping place along the Toronto-Sydenham Road, a resting place for weary travelers. Armstrong donated a portion of his land for use by a Wesleyan church and the early settlers quickly built a small log chapel. Twenty years later it was replaced with a small red brick building. The hamlet might have flourished had it not been for the railroad locating its station closer to Proton, a village just a mile away. The last building to survive was the church. Its last service took place in January, 1961 and was dismantled shortly afterwards. REMAINS: All that survives today is the cemetery and commerative plaque that proclaims: "Inistioge ~ 1851 - 1971" 

SOURCES: HOME PAGE: http://www.ghosttowns.com/bottomcanada.html 

INISTIOGE PAGE: http://www.ghosttowns.com/canada/ontario/inistioge.html

---

Inistioge United Church Cemetery ~

Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario ~ 1851-1971
1851-2010 = 159 years

SOURCE:

http://www.ontarioobits.com/genealogy/cemetery/GreyCountyCemeteries.htm

The Church was originally Methodist, until the amalgamation of the Methodist, Presbyterian (2/3) and Congregational Churches across Canada in 1925.

From what I can determine, these grave markers were gathered together at the location of the little Church in order to preserve this cemetery site. There are 47 markers, the earliest date I see is 1856 and the latest date is 1942. However, several of the markers (8) are so worn that the dates cannot be read. It appears that the oldest stones (14) are the ones lying flat in the front row, along with the two that are for children. The gray one on the left is too worn to read, but has a little lamb on the top of it. The white one on the right is for the three ACHESON children that I have posted about before. The ACHESON families are my ancestors.

May 18, 2010
Thanks to Janet Iles for her comment providing the following information:

"In my information on the Inistioge United Church, (originally Methodist) was not torn down when the church closed in 1961. The church shed, where the horses had been tied in early days, was purchased by a farmer. William Crockford removed the bricks from the church building and he hauled it away to become a machine shed."

2010 Copyright © Carole Gates

Follow Friday ~ The Jeanie Johnston Ship ~ A tribute to the strength and courage of the Irish.

First, this is quite a coincidence for me, since my mother's surname is JOHNSON. However, it was know in her family that the proper surname for them was JOHNSTON. My research shows that her great grandfather, John JOHNSTON, came from Ireland between 1836 and 1838.

The Jeanie Johnston site is not only about the modern day replica of the Jeanie Johnston ship but it reaches back in history to 1847 and the Great Famine in Ireland.

This site includes the history of the Jeanie Johnston.

"A square-sterned, three masted barque, constructed of Quebec oak and pine, the 408 tonne ship was built in Quebec,Canada by noted Scottish-born shipbuilder, John Munn in 1847. A year later, the prominent Tralee, County Kerry hardware merchant, Nicholas Donovan, purchased the ship in Liverpool and originally intended to use it on the North Atlantic route as a cargo vessel."

In eight years, between 1848 and 1855 the Jeanie Johnston carried over 2500 Irish from County Kerry to Canada and the United States.

"The Jeanie Johnston accomplished a remarkable feat. Under the direction of its kind-hearted owner, Nicholas Donovan, its caring Captain, Captain James Attridge and highly experienced resident medical doctor, Dr. Richard Blennerhassett, no lives were lost on board."

 The building was completed in 2002 and she toured the eastern seaboard of the United Stated and Canada for eight months. Today the  Jeanie Johnston's home port is Dublin.

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Inistioge United Church Cemetery, Inistioge, Grey County, Ontario

A few months ago while I was searching for tombstones of my ancestors, I found this excellent resource: OntarioObits.com. They have a section on the "Inistioge Cemetery ~ 1851-1971."

Inistioge United Church Cemetery ~ Proton Township

Grey County, Ontario ~ 1851-1971

From what I can determine, the population dwindled in the 1960's after the last service was held at the little United Church in 1961. It was torn down shortly after.

These grave markers were gathered together at the location of the little Church in order to preserve this cemetery site. There are 47 markers, the earliest date I see is 1856 and the latest date is 1942. However, several of the markers (8) are so worn that the dates cannot be read. It appears that the oldest stones (14) are the ones lying flat in the front row, along with the two that are for children. The gray one on the left is too worn to read, but has a little lamb on the top of it. The white one on the right is for the three ACHESON children that I have posted before.

I've already posted two of the tombstones, Sentimental Sunday, May 2nd, "The Three Little Angels" and Surname Saturday May 8th, "John Rutherford." There are at least three more that are related to my ancestors in some way.

A few of the markers show Ireland as the birthplace. Inistioge, Grey County, Ontario was named after the birthplace of one of it's first residents, Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

UPDATE ~ See comments:
May 18, 2010
Thanks to Janet Iles for her comment providing the following information:

"In my information on the Inistioge United Church, (originally Methodist) was not torn down when the church closed in 1961. The church shed, where the horses had been tied in early days, was purchased by a farmer. Willial Crockford removed the bricks from the church building and he hauled it away to become a machine shed."

Ireland ~ Just a Glimpse ~

I just wanted to share this site with you. It's a public domain site PDPhoto.org with a very large collection of beautiful images. It's owned by Jon Sullivan who wants anyone to use his images. He is very generous with his terms.

Glencar Lough, Ireland

The Pasture near Cleggan, Ireland 

Hore Abbey near Cashel, Ireland

Cheers!! 

Irish Roots ~ Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland

We know that my maternal grandfather was Irish. Both of his parents families were from Ireland.

His Mother's ACHESON family came from Ireland by ship in 1850. This is documented in a small booklet compiled and published by his relatives and published in 1951.

The family was from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland.

The Watergate at Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Image © Copyright Raymond Millar and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

"Built in 1611 by Sir William Cole. Described at the time as a ‘fair and strong wall’ twenty-six feet high, ‘newly erected’ with flankers, parapet and wall walk. An impressive building with twin cor belled turrets projecting so as to give protection to the wall on two sides."

'Enniskillen Round, River Erne, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland"
SOURCE: Image released into the public domain by its author. June 2007. Biglobiglo





I haven't spent a lot of time on these sites, but thought they looked like they could be useful for general interest as well as genealogy research.

The Enniskillen Castle Museum has an extensive with with an Image Gallery and a Download page with several PDF downloads available.

Ireland Roots has some resources and a large Message Board.

Irish Roots Cafe has been online since 2006. Resource for "Irish Family History, Genealogy, Song and World Wide Heritage."

 "Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland, Volume 4: Parishes of County Fermanagh 1 1834-5; Enniskillen and Upper Lough Erne; (Illustrated.)



Descriptive history of northern half of  Ireland just before the Great Famine. Includes Enniskillen eight parishes of  Upper Lough Erne. Unique details of people and everyday life.




  
"The Book of Irish Families, Great and Small (Third Edition, Expanded); by Michael C. O'Laughlin. This edition has several very good reviews.

Surname Saturday ~ Rutherford ~ 1850

In January 2003, when I was searching for my Mother's parents, I found an email address for what turned out to be a cousin.

I was making a memory album for my Mom's 90th birthday in March. This cousin was kind enough to send me a package of information on the ACHESON and JOHNSON families.
Included was a 44 page booklet "The Acheson Family ~ 1850-1950. The inspiration for the booklet came in the autumn of 1939, when there was a chance meeting at the home of an elderly family member. He expressed regret that a written record of the family and their pioneer lives had not been made before the passing of the older members of the family.

As a result of that chance meeting, a family committee of ten was struck and the record began. It culminated in 1951 when the above mention booklet was self-published.

In 2009, I was searching for cemeteries and headstones, when I came across a name that I recognized from the booklet. One "John RUTHERFORD." What I knew was that John had emigrated with his brother-in-law (my ancestor).

"It was on a day in spring, April 14th 1850, that William Acheson, accompanied by his brother-in-law, John Rutherford, bid a last farewell to old Ireland, and set forth to seek his fortune in Canada, the great new land of promise. . . . "
SOURCE: The Acheson Family - 1850-1950; page 10.

What struck me was that John RUTHERFORD had died in 1856, just six years after arriving by ship from Ireland. His brother-in-law, William ACHESON, lived until 1910, aged 89 years and 11 months.

I've wondered what incident may have caused the death of John at a young age. From other information I have been able to find, I think he would have been about 35 years old. He was married and had children. Hopes and dreams brought to an early end.

JOHN RUTHERFORD

Native of Ireland

DIED MAY 10 1856

Inistioge United Church Cemetery

Proton Township,Grey County, Ontario
SOURCE: OntarioObits.com

UPDATE: I see that I missed the connection between John RUTHERFORD and my post of "Three Little Angels on "Sentimental Sunday" 2 May 2010. Ida's maiden name was RUTHERFORD and she is the granddaughter of this John RUTHERFORD.  

The Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

The Watergate at Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Image © Copyright Raymond Millar and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

"Built in 1611 by Sir William Cole. Described at the time as a ‘fair and strong wall’ twenty-six feet high, ‘newly erected’ with flankers, parapet and wall walk. An impressive building with twin cor belled turrets projecting so as to give protection to the wall on two sides."

My maternal grandfather, George Albert JOHNSON/JOHNSTON, was Irish. Both his mother's and his father's families emigrated from Ireland in the mid 1800's.

The 1851/1852 Census Canada record shows that George's paternal grandparents, John JOHNSTON and Catherine RUTLEDGE, emigrated between the birth of two children, born 1836 and 1838.

A small family book written and self-published in 1951, indicated that his mother's parents sailed from Ireland in the Spring of 1850, a 28 day voyage.

"It was on a day in Spring, April 14th, 1850, that William ACHESON, accompanied by his brother-in-law John RUTHERFORD, bid a last farewell to old Ireland, and set forth to seek his fortune in Canada, the great new land of promise."

Later in 1850, Christina (FALLIS) ACHESON and her sister, Mary (FALLIS) RUTHERFORD, sailed from Ireland to Canada to join their husbands in Canada.

According to this family book, George's grandparents, William ACHESON  and Christina FALLIS, were born near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

A family committee was struck to begin the research in 1940, after an uncle's death bed request for someone in the family to begin their history while it was still possible to gather information from the elder members of the family.

Although it took ten years to complete, the book was published in 1951, just shortly after the 100th anniversary of the arrival of one of two brothers who left Ireland for the land of promise ~ Canada. (The elder brother, George ACHESON, had arrived a year or so earlier, in about 1849.)

The Jeanie Johnston ~ Replica of 1847 Ship

PLEASE NOTE: This image is NOT the Jeanie Johnston. Just a nice little olde sailing ship.

A coincident that the ship's name is the same as my Mother's family name!

My Mother's ancestors came from Ireland. Her father was George Albert JOHNSTON/JOHNSON. George's father was Christopher JOHNSTON. Christopher's parents arrived from Ireland between 1836 and 1838, according to the 1851/1852 Canada Census.

George's mother was Mary Jane ACHESON. Mary Jane's parents came from Ireland too. They arrived in Canada in 1850. Both sides of her Father's family sailed from Ireland in the mid 1800's. Both paternal grandfathers, John JOHNSTON in about 1837 and George ACHESON, in April 1850, a 28 day voyage.

We don't know what ships they sailed on. Could they have been a ships like the The Jeanie Johnston?

The Jeannie Johnston was built in 1847 and was one of the last of the wooden tall ships of her kind.

At the time of the Great Famine during the late 1840's and early 1850's, The Jeannie Johnston brought Irish emigrants to North America. Their website states that the Ship is now (2009) docked in Dublin and plans for 2010 voyages will soon be made. Ready for an adventure!

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT and image of The Jeanie Johnston ship. Just a nice little olde sailing ship.