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MR. SOMERVILLE : 1873 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY AND JOURNAL OF AN ENGLISH IMMIGRANT TO THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE ERIE IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO CANADA

12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. On offer is a super 1873 through 1877 manuscript relic of one man's emigration from Birmingham, England to find a new life in Ontario, Canada, in the town of Morpeth. The handwritten diary claims ownership by "John Somerville, Uxbridge, Ontario" on the fep but it appears that the original writer was his father, who lived in Morpeth, Ontario (from 1873 to 1877, when diary is written) on the north shore of Lake Erie near what is today called Chatham-Kent. We believe John Somerville added his name after he received it from his father. The diary is unique providing many intimate details on the Somerville's travel and life and financials. Immigrating in 1873 Mr. Somerville details his travel on the SS Prussian to his new homeland, then uses the diary to note his financial accounts and a most importantly his narrative on his new life until 1877. Mr. Somerville and his wife lived on the farm of a Mr. Richardson in Morpeth, and later on the farm of John Armstrong, also from Morpeth, Ontario. The town of Ridgetown, just north of Morpeth is frequently mentioned. In all 54 pages provide a unique look at look for local historians and researchers at this English man's transition from Great Britain to rural Ontario. Interestingly, Mr. Somerville used the inner front cover to preserve some stamps, which he probably received on the letters from his homeland England. While the book is not in great shape it is very legible.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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