Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 6th and 7th October 1839

6th October l839

This day being Sabbath I attended divine service in the Parish Church of Dunnottar (Rev. Mr. Irvine).  I attended a Sabbath School in the evening, and was highly pleased with the order that was kept.  The manner of teaching was that generally pursued viz. dividing the school into small classes.

7th October l839

This day being my birthday I spent a considerable time in reflections, which time prevents me from inserting.

I was much pleased with my visit to Stonehaven.  The Society has only been 2 months in existence.  It is increasing rapidly.  Being almost exclusively conducted by young men.   I was particularly delighted with it.  I made a friend of a young man of the name of Andrew Gibb, whom I conceive to be a very remarkable person, and one too who I believe will one day be ranked high among the artisans of our country.  He engraves on steel admirably, although he never was with a master.  He paints landscape with wonderful exactness.  He is at present employed in cutting plates for a series of views of Stonehaven.  This work is to be published in 3 nos, each containing 3 views at 9d a no.  It is a bold attempt I hope he will succeed.

I took the coach for Aberdeen in the morning which reached very cold having rode on the outside, about l0 a.m.  I took up my quarters in the Temperance Hotel kept by a Mr. Morrison, Queen Street.  It is a splendid house with a coffee room, bedrooms for lodgers and a tee-total hall above, all first rate in their kind.  In the afternoon I had a conversation with the Sec. and some of the committee who received me very kindly, and invited me to a meeting in the hall in the evening.  I may here relate an anecdote which should have come before this.  When I alighted from the coach, at Stonehaven I asked for Mr. Rankin(?)  A lame man at whom I asked said "O man, I'm no muckle acquaint in that way"  (He meant the tee-total way) for its against my religion but ye may cam away and I'll let ye see for a that"  On enquiry I afterwards found that the individual with whom I had this conversation, had two years ago while in a state of intoxication, got in about the Mail and got his leg broke and that it is not nearly right.  I could not help thinking that this man was but very little indebted to his religion, and that a religion which brakes folks legs, is hardly worth support.

I sounded a gentleman in the hotel on the subject.  He approved he said of our principles, but he thought they, so long as they were advocated as they now  were, would lead to infidelity.  He had heard a tee-totaller say, if the Bible advocated anti-tee-total principles he would not believe it, and he was very happy that so many clergymen were standing back.  Of course I gave him my opinion without much ado.  He was silent but whether because he could not answer or through disdain I cannot say.

I delivered a speech of l 1/2 hours length in the Hall, Queen Street to a large audience.  When the meeting was through I learned that the gentleman with whom I had the conversation already related was a clegryman.  I was sorry I did not tell him more.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 4th and 5th October 1839

4th October l839

The whole of the day was spent in study.  In the evening according to appointment.  I lectured in the Methodist Chapel.  The house was not full, although a considerable number were present.  During the lecture a female of the name of McKay who is connected with a public house came to the door and kicked it with her feet.  When the lecture (which lasted about 2 hours) was over, another 5 signed the Pledge.

5th October l839

This day I forwarded Bills to Aberdeen per carrier.  In the afternoon I along with Mr. Rankin Sheriff's Clerk went out in a small boat to the Dilse.  The sea was very calm, but the tide not being retired sufficiently, made the attaining of our object rather a dangerous matter.  We went into a place almost surrounded by perpendicular rocks, and in the form of a cavern.   I believe the cave like place goes a great way into the rock, here we got excellent dilse but could not hold the boat for a sufficient length of time to enable us to stir up a quantity as was purposed.  On reaching the town I went through most of the streets with Mr. Rankin.

In the evening I attended the weekly meeting of the Mason Lodge.  It was crowded to suffocation almost.  I sang 5 or 6 songs and made a short address to them, another 5 names were added to the Society.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Quebec Family History Society - Upcoming Events

The Quebec Family History Society will be hosting a Seminar, Social Event, Free Public Lecture, December, 2012.

 

All information is detailed below.

 

Saturday, December 1

 

A Genealogical Day in Scotland: 1500-2012 (Seminar)

 

10:00 am to 3:00 pm - Quebec Family History Society Heritage Centre and Library, 173 Cartier Avenue, Pointe-Claire, QC H9J 4H9

 

Presented by Jackie Billingham, Susan Gingras and Gary Schroder

 

Learn about the major sources used in in Scottish genealogical research from civil registrations to Kirk records, and from censuses to probate records. Participants will learn how to correctly use the information available on the Scotland’s People website and what strategies to use when planning a research trip to Scotland.

 

Fee: $30.00 members; $40.00 non-members.

 

Reservations are required. Call 514.695.1502 or contact Jackie Billingham at qfhs.communications@bellnet.ca

 

Wednesday, December 5

 

Celebrating Our Military Roots Day - Afternoon & Evening

 

Afternoon 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm - Evening 6:30pm to 9:30 pm

 

Quebec Family History Society Heritage Centre and Library, 173 Cartier Avenue, Pointe-Claire, QC H9J 4H9

 

Join us for the first in a series of monthly Celebrating Our Roots Days.

 

Drop by for coffee, tea, and informal conversation. Share your research and learn what others have discovered about their ancestors who served in the military.

 

Joining us in the afternoon will be Earl John Chapman, author of several military history books, including "Canada's Black Watch: Legacies of Gallantry and Service."

 

Bring your favourite military books to show others. On display we will feature books from the QFHS military collection for you to browse and borrow. Also on display will be members' military memorabilia.

 

So, bring along copies of your military letters, photos, service records, medals, coffee mug, a friend, or just bring yourself.

 

Open to members and the public.  Please visit our web site @ www.qfhs.ca

 

Saturday, December 8

 

An Insider's View of the Institut généalogique Drouin (Free Public Lecture)

 

10:30 am to 12:00 pm - Briarwood Presbyterian Church Hall, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield, QC H9W 3Z3.  Visit www.qfhs.ca

 

Presented by Sébastien Robert

 

Sébastien Robert, vice-president at the Institut généalogique Drouin will provide us with a unique opportunity to learn from an insider what the Drouin records offer family historians.

 

Until the late 1900s, church registers in Quebec were the source of birth, marriage and burial records. Every year, all churches were required to send a copy of their registers to the appropriate courthouse. During the 1940s, these records were filmed by the Institut généalogique Drouin.

 

Members and non-members are invited to attend and stay afterward for refreshments and conversation.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 3rd October 1839

I spent the greater part of this day in writing tee-total songs for the people of Bervie.  In the afternoon, I took the coach for Stonehaven.  But here again I suffered a silent ride.  However the distance was not great.  It only cost me 4/- this juant.  In Stonehaven I was kindly received.  Got lodgings of a Mr. Bowman, a grocer.  In the evening I lectured to a large audience in the Methodist Chapel, about 2 hours.  Four names were added.  I proposed to lecture next night in the same place.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

 

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 1st and 2nd October 1839

Due to heavy work load at work and other commitments, it has been a long while since I have posted a journal entry.  Time to get back on track!

The pages from September 27^th – September 30^th are missing from the journal, so we start up again with the entry from October 1, 1839.  Since this entry is short, I’m also posting the entry for October 2^nd.

********************************

lst October l839

I spent the greater part of the day in study, and in the evening I went out to Lochside, where I lectured to a most attentive audience chiefly composed of females, about 2 hours.  This Society is flourishing.  Nearly all the inhabitants of the district are members.  I was earnestly requested to leave a Song I had wrote with Mr. Troup that they might publish it which I promised to do.

2nd October l839

I finished the Song and left it with Mr. Troup as promised.  About 2 o'clock p.m. I went to the Coach Office and with difficulty obtained a seat for Bervie.  But here I paid for my whistle as in most other places I have done.  Alas!  I pity the poor traveller who has nothing to depend on but the conversations of his companions.  In my case however the matter was different, for I but seldom court the conversation of those who travel with me.  The scenery being almost new to me, I had enough ado with it and considering the important work in which I was engaged without giving any attention to the dull morose companions who travelled with me.  Another 3 were in the Coach, an old lady with a face for the world like a shrivelled white clout with a pair of spectacles on her grey eyes, in which beamed pride in a most horrifying degree.  I was relieved from this silent deformity about Lauriston.  The next was an old gentleman little better.  Pride seemed to be his chief virtue, and the last was a young lady, who perhaps like myself, was too much taken up with personalities to care much about her companions.  She employed her time in reading.  Not a word passed the whole l3 miles and I was happy on reaching Bervie at finding myself relieved of such a Society. The payment of 5/- for my ride together with these circumstances put me in a rather bad humour, but the scene was not long in shifted.  I was scarcely landed when I had to encounter a Taylor on the subject of the Charter.  This man was also a curiosity.  He was one of those who make a virtue of a necessity, for example he got so very high in the discussion that he believed he would do better were he to get on his feet, and in attempting to rise for this laudable purpose he brought the chair in which he sat which had but the greater part of the seat up with him.  And all that he could make of this occurrence was to ask me if I could play that?  My gravity forsook me as I witnessed the old fool walking through the floor with the pride of some heathen prince, carrying the chair after him without the assistance of his hands.

My Bills had reached, and were circulated, and I sent the Bellman through the town.  The meeting was held about 7 o'clock in Mr. McKenzies Chapel.  The attendance was numerous, and very attentive.  I lectured nearly 3 hours without any opposition but from a Drunken Saddler, who growled like a Bear in a cage, who could not possibly get at his prey.  I was most kindly treated by a Robert Barclay, and his family.

There are about 200 members here. The sect. has weekly meetings.  They are starting a Band and have got an excellent Drum, and a few other instruments.

Altogether my visit to Bervie gives me much satisfaction, and I hope has been productive of some good.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 26th September 1839

My landlady and her family were exceedingly kind to me.  I enjoyed much pleasure in walking in the beautiful garden belonging to the house, and in sitting in that arbour, where so many of the columns of the Montrose Review - which have tended so much to evelate mankind, had been composed.  While enjoying this scene, all the romantic feelings of love beset by the most striking virtue, and adorned with the grandest scenes of nature's workmanship, flashed upon my mind, and I believe had I had time sufficient at my command I could have wrote a romantic tale, so much was my imagination tainted by the lovely scene around, and even while I sit and write - surrounded as I am with the beauties of nature and art, the paintings around me and some of them fair originals standing beside me, telling of ancestors who are smiling in the canvas from the walls who once lived and moved, where I now am, and the consciousness that these ancestors were men and women of no ordinary talent, and beauty, with the heart thrilling notes of the piano, accompanied by the sweet voice of Margaret (Margret) the flower of Montrose altogether overwhelm me and open up to me new beauties, touching a chord of pleasure, that till now had been dead in my bosom, it was here that I first saw beauty combined with talent, and in this scene must my mind ever look back with inexpresible feelings of no common delight.

Margaret, the flower of Montrose

What tho' the bright fields are enshrouded in spendour,

And enchanting the notes of Autumns sweet song
Tho' the Lake 'mid the Rocks is reposing in grandeur
And the mountain Deer bounding the wild woods among

To the heart that tormented swells in this sad bosom

In vain drops the dew from the Lily and Rose
In vain does sweet nature spread fragrance and blessings
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose

Proud boreas may swell the dark frowning ocean

And the Bark may distracted reel over the waves
The skies may be tossed(?) in dreadful commotion(?)
And the warrior be hushed on the field of the brave

Yet to this sad bosom while memory is reigning

In vain lovely nature in glory forth goes
This heart still all comfort and joy is disdaining
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose.

When evenings dark shades envelope the mountains
And Phoebus in glory spreads brightness around
As lonely I stray by the streams and the fountains
In majesty murm'ring their language profound

Still this bosom distracted does conjure up near me

The Nymph that for beauty outvies the sweetest(?)
And in journeying this world this only can charm me
The love of young Margret the flower of Montrose

In the afternoon I went to Logie a place about 4 miles distant from Montrose where there is a spinning mill and bleachfield.  I lectured about 2 1/4 hours in a schoolroom to about l00 of an audience.  Eight names were added to the Society at the close of the lecture.

The cause is prospering in this quarter. 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 25th September 1839

This morning I employed myself in copying temperance songs etc., the morning being extremely wet.  When the weather cleared up I travelled to Montrose, had an interview with the Pres. & Secty who conducted me to Mr. Sharp(?) of the Review, who received me kindly, and promised me a licence to lecture, would I but stay a few days in the quarter.  Mr. Sharp (?) seems a frank open kind man.  His appearance bespeaks him to be a man of intense study.  He is about the middle size, rather thin (doubtless on account of great mental exertion).  He was exceedingly kind to me.

I was in a manner idle this evening I attended a Prayer Meeting which was in the family where I lodged and was much delighted with it, it was in connection with the Scottish Baptists.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 23rd and 24th September 1839

I’ve been a little lax again in posting the journal entries, so once again I am doubling up.  Enjoy.

September 23, l839

Employed the greater part of the day in study and writing to friends.  In the evening I lectured in the Old Relief Chapel to about 300 of an attentive audience.  The cause here is prospering very much.  There are about 720 members.  They manifest a great desire to become acquainted with the subject.  I was very kindly used while in Kirriemuir.

September 24, l839

Left Kirriemuir for Forfar per Omnibus, about a quarter to ll a.m. reached Forfar about 12, remained till half past 3 p.m. when I took the Railway Coach for Auldbar where I landed about 4.   It rained hard and then not being a coach for Brechin till 6, I stretched me on a form in the Office and took a nap.  When I awoke, I was very cold, and it still continued to rain very heavily.  It was not a covered coach, but I had the benefit of an umbrella.  It was about half eight when I reached Brechin, but had no difficulty in finding out the Pres. of the Society.  The meeting had been advertised.  I accordingly went to the church, and lectured about 2 hours, to a pretty good audience (considering the unfavourable weather).  The Soct (Society) is very prosperous.  There are about 700 members, but there is much work also here, there being no less than 7 public houses and 2 distilleries.

The women here are extremely busy.  Some of them come before the Public at the weekly convivial meetings, and deliver addresses.

I was most kindly received here.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 21st and 22nd September 1839

I seem to have forgotten to post the journal entry last Sunday, so I am posting two days’ worth this week, which is kind of a good thing as the journal entry for September 22^nd is rather short!

September 21, 1839

Sent for coach a number of Bills forward to Brechin and Montrose, altogether uncertain whether they would reach or not, as I did not know to whom I should send them.

Having been wrong informed of the hour when the Omnibus for Kirriemuir should start I was disappointed in that conveyance, and had to travel on foot to Kirriemuir.  On the way I called into a house at a place called Padonarm and as usual examined the people on Tee-totalism.  I found them prejudiced against the system through ignorance, so much so that, they told me that "it was a very bad thing to lay any more taxes on the working classes".  On further enquiry I found that, the view they had of Tee-totalism was, that a tax was to be put on every house that had 3 windows.  I explained the principles of total abstinence to them and convinced them that they were just.  I also circulated a few tracts and songs on which the people did not know what to make of me - they made me sit down, and although head and foot of me could have ate, I believe they would have been satisfied.

It was evening till I reached Kirriemuir, my Bills had reached, but the lecture was put off to Monday, as their weekly convivial meeting happens on Saturday - I attended the convivial meeting - the house being a church was crowded.  A hymn commenced the proceedings, after which a tune by the Instrumental band, and a song from any individual who volunteered his or her services, and of these there was no lack alternatively made up all the routine of the amusement of the evening.  I delivered a short address to them, and sang two songs.  This meeting was to me another proof that for man to enjoy himself there was no necessity for intoxicating liquors.

September 22, l839

This being Sabbath I went in the forenoon to the Rev. Mr. Ramage's Chapel and heard a lecture on Eph. 2.ll, l2, l3 & l4 by a Mr. Murray - In the afternoon I attended divine service the Rev. Mr. Buchan's Chapel, and in the evening I went to hear Dr. Easton.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 20th September 1839

Proceeded to Arbroath by the Railway.  Was kindly received by Alexander Anderson's family to whom I had a letter.  Had an interview with Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Gellatly, as also with Mr. John Taylor Sect. to the Tee-total Society.  Proceeded by the Railway to Forfar.   The view was delightful.   The sun shone in autumnal grandeur, upon the busy reapers.   Nature smiled sweet around me, and I was not dead to her charms, my heart rose in gratitude to the great source of all the beauties.  A serene, severe reflection oftener than once passed through my mind.  Can man, thought I, favoured with such a scene of beauty, in which he must perceive not only grandeur, but also mercy, be so debased as to withdraw himself from the lovely scene and spend his precious time in debauchery.  And can these fields of Barley 'mong which the reaper plys his busy sickle be changed into a deadly poison by man to destroy his fellow.  Ah! Yes! Tis lamentably true.  Then reflections nerved me onward to the undertaking in which I was engaged.  On reaching Forfar, I called on two members of Committee who seemed quite willing that a meeting should be got up for me but would do nothing without the concurrence of the rest.  I accordingly went to a Mr. Scott, Pres. of the Society, who sent for the Treasurer, and made up matters.  The meeting was called through the town.  The business was rather a failure.  Owing partly to it being on the day on which inhabitants are most busy at their avocations, and partly to the short notice which they had of my coming.  There could not be more than 100 who assembled in the Mason Lodge where I lectured about an hour and a half.

The cause here is prosperous.  There are about 400 members.  They have printed their Rules.  They are much the same as the Dundee ones.  An excellent instrumental band belonging to the Society is started l7 in number.  A weekly convivial meeting is held on the Saturday evenings.  These meetings are not conducted on the principal, which is generally adopted, of giving sound information on the subject, but mainly in singing and amusement.   Consequently they are well attended.  To these meetings, the Society is most indebted for its present prosperous state for there is but little thirst for information on the subject.  I endeavoured to point out the evil as far as possible to the Committee, who promised to endeavour to remedy it, if possible.

 

I had supper in the Coffee room, and a good bed in a respectable house.  On the whole my visit to Forfar did in no wise realize my expectations.  However some good may have been done.

 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell