The Clarkson Brothers
'After Arrival at Fremantle' information is now available:
Wednesday, 3 February 1830
Wednesday Morning - " Bore down again near to land and discovered it to be Garden Island. Turned the ship as soon as this discovery was made and sailed round Rottennest [sic]. Discovered several reefs and breakers, but were fortunate enough to avoid coming near any of them.
Entered Guages [sic] (Gage's) Roads a little afternoon. And were safely piloted opposite to Swan River Mouth where we came to anchor about 3 Oclock in the afternoon."
Dr Thomas Brownell records that; "Cap'n Scott, the Harbour Master came on board, and conducted us to our anchorage."
Entered Guages [sic] (Gage's) Roads a little afternoon. And were safely piloted opposite to Swan River Mouth where we came to anchor about 3 Oclock in the afternoon."
Dr Thomas Brownell records that; "Cap'n Scott, the Harbour Master came on board, and conducted us to our anchorage."
Exactly 21 weeks after leaving Hull
Tuesday, 19 January 1830
Today: " Messrs Clarkson's and Hardey's purchased 2 cwt [around 101 KG] of damaged biscuit of the Capt. which they purpose giving to the Cattle as need may require."
Thursday, 31 December 1829
"7-30 P.M. Mr Clarkson's mare died. Am ready to think she has been wore out with long standing."
Wednesday, 30 December 1929
George reports: "Mr Clarkson's aged Mare ill. Bled twice. Her pulse previous to bleeding near 80 per minute. Her appetite has failed, and her body is in a state of perspiration."
Tuesday, 29 December 1829
" Strong Breeze and fine weather" to start the day. " Mr Clarkson bought the Captain's drape Cow for 12 Pound 10 shillings to be free of freight."
Wednesday, 23 December 1829
George reports: "One of Mr Clarkson's English Ewes missing. Think she has slipped through the Ship's side into the sea. The wash board joining the deck being unfastened."
Saturday, 19 December 1829
The anchor was weighed around noon. The wind was light and weather fine. Tranby sailed smoothly out of Table Bay.
" Stock &c Taken on board at the Cape:
Captn. Story on his own acct. 6 young Heifers, 1 drape Cow, 6 or 7 years old; 1 Goat, also a quantity of Cape sheep to be killed on the passage.
Messrs Clarkson: 2 young Heifers, 1 fat Cow, 5 years old; 1 Mare; and, 1 she Goat with 3 Geese; 2 Ducks; and 6 Pigeons.
Messrs Hardey's; 2 young Heifers; 1 Mare; 3 Goats; 3 Geese; 2 Ducks & 12 Peogons; 2 Turkeys.
Messrs Clarkson's & Hardey's jointly: 1 Stallion; 1 He Goat; 10 Fowls; 1 Pipe odf Wine; a quantity of Wheat; Barley; Oates; Groceries & c. &c."
Captn. Story on his own acct. 6 young Heifers, 1 drape Cow, 6 or 7 years old; 1 Goat, also a quantity of Cape sheep to be killed on the passage.
Messrs Clarkson: 2 young Heifers, 1 fat Cow, 5 years old; 1 Mare; and, 1 she Goat with 3 Geese; 2 Ducks; and 6 Pigeons.
Messrs Hardey's; 2 young Heifers; 1 Mare; 3 Goats; 3 Geese; 2 Ducks & 12 Peogons; 2 Turkeys.
Messrs Clarkson's & Hardey's jointly: 1 Stallion; 1 He Goat; 10 Fowls; 1 Pipe odf Wine; a quantity of Wheat; Barley; Oates; Groceries & c. &c."
Tuesday, 8 December 1829
" Dec. 8 Tuesday morning, between one and two Oclock were safely anchored in Table Bay. After which we retired for a little while to rest. When we arose had a fine view of Cape Town."
Wednesday 4 November 1829
Crossed the Equator today with a steady breeze and pleasant weather. 109 miles covered today. The temperature at noon was 83'F in the Cabin. We are heading in a SSW direction.
Currently the closest land is South America which is 1,100 km away and to our left is the nearest point of Africa at 1,900 km away. The Clarkson Brothers forfeited a bottle of Grogg to the Sailors rather than be shaved by King Neptune. They have been at sea eight weeks today. |
Wednesday, 28 October 1829
George Johnson writes: "Today Messrs Clarkson's have lost their Bull. His death was occasioned by a swelling and inflammation proceeding from the knee - no wound was discovered. The swelling has not been discovered more than two or three days. When the Animal was skinned, the knee exhibited the appearance of having been bruised. The rest of the Beasts look very well."
The Clarkson's seventh Wednesday at sea.
The Clarkson's seventh Wednesday at sea.
Thursday, 22 October 1829
George reports today: "Messrs Clarkson's increase of stock, 9 pups from Dutch - 3 died - 6 remaining".
Dutch was one of the Clarkson's dogs that was on the way to the Swan River Colony.
Dutch was one of the Clarkson's dogs that was on the way to the Swan River Colony.
Saturday, 17 October 1829
An entry from George Johnson's Diary records that on board the Tranby: "This week another of Mr Clarkson's Pigeons has got drowned so that only one left." Also "Messrs Hardey's have lost more of their young pigs leaving a remainder of five. Only one gilt." (a young female swine)
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Saturday, 10 October 1829
George Johnson makes the observation today: "This week Mr Clarkson's sheep have been clipped, they look very healthy. The cattle all look pretty well - some of the horses rather thin in condition."
Monday, 5 October 1829
George Johnson reports today: " One of Mr Clarkson's mares ill, has been unwell two or three days. She begun with a fast cough, has now lost her appetite, her eyes appear glossy, and dull, her ears hang down, her body quite in a state of perspiration, her heart fluctuates in it's beating, her pulse more than 60."
"She has been bled twice, has had a dose of Salts (1/2 lbs) and bran mashes with nitre." "Died about midnight. A little before her death, her breath had a very unpleasant smell. She was hoisted upon deck as soon as dead, and thrown overboard without being skinned or opened, fearing the smell should infect the other Cattle. The place cleared as much as possible and smeared with lime water. Think her complaint was inflammation proceeding from heats, and cold. She was the oldest mare on board."
"She has been bled twice, has had a dose of Salts (1/2 lbs) and bran mashes with nitre." "Died about midnight. A little before her death, her breath had a very unpleasant smell. She was hoisted upon deck as soon as dead, and thrown overboard without being skinned or opened, fearing the smell should infect the other Cattle. The place cleared as much as possible and smeared with lime water. Think her complaint was inflammation proceeding from heats, and cold. She was the oldest mare on board."
Wednesday, 30 September 1829
The fireball hit the ship. [See the Tranby entry for today] One of Mr Clarkson's dogs has been lamed.
It was later found that one of Mr. Clarkson's sheep had died as well. "...we suppose its death was occasioned by the explosion." The third Wednesday at sea for the Clarkson brothers. |
Saturday, 26 September 1829
George Johnson reports today: " Mr Clarkson's Pigeons were let out today, three of which took their flight and never returned".
Tuesday, 15th September 1829
Tranby has dropped anchor off the coast near Dungeness in Kent.
The two Clarkson brothers are thought to have been ashore at Dungeness and exploring New Romney as part of a party of 14 persons, spending the day ashore, and having lunch at an Inn.
The two Clarkson brothers are thought to have been ashore at Dungeness and exploring New Romney as part of a party of 14 persons, spending the day ashore, and having lunch at an Inn.
Saturday, 12th September 1829
Today, the Clarkson brothers are sailing south on the Tranby, upon the North Sea, between Holland and England. The English Channel is still a day away in rough seas. Both brothers are likely to be suffering from sea sickness the same as many of the other passengers.
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Wednesday, 9 September 1829
The Clarksons departed Kingston-upon-Hull on board the Tranby.
They were towed down the Humber by a steam tug bound for the North Sea.
For a newspaper's coverage of the Departure. [Click Here]
They were towed down the Humber by a steam tug bound for the North Sea.
For a newspaper's coverage of the Departure. [Click Here]
Sunday, 6th September 1829
"On Sunday afternoon, the Rev. Thomas H. Squance, late missionary at Ceylon, preached to a large concourse of people on board the ship and on the quay."
Nearly four thousand persons were assembled on this occasion, so great was the interest excited.
[See here for a full description of the Service]
Nearly four thousand persons were assembled on this occasion, so great was the interest excited.
[See here for a full description of the Service]
Friday, 4th September 1829
The two Clarkson brothers are now in Kingston-upon-Hull. In accommodation in the town until they board the ship. Their servants and indentured labourers such as Richard Rowland, are assisting in loading the goods and livestock.
In England, Before Departure
The Grandfather: Barnard Clarkson (Senior) was born in 1748. He married the widow Deborah Guy. He became a farmer in Selby and then a banker. Barnard was a partner in the Selby bank; Scofield, Clarkson and Clough. The family's prosperity increased through a succession of land purchases up to and throughout the Napoleonic Wars. Barnard Clarkson died in 1826 and left the greater part of the family fortune to his son, Barnard (the younger).
The Father: Barnard Clarkson (The younger): He was born on the 10th of October 1774, in the village of Foggarthorpe, Bubwith, Yorkshire.
The Father: Barnard Clarkson (The younger): He was born on the 10th of October 1774, in the village of Foggarthorpe, Bubwith, Yorkshire.
In 1829, Barnard and his wife were residing in Foggathorpe Manor. They had six children at that stage. The first son was also called Barnard (Junior). He was born in 1800 and was to die during 1830, after his brothers had left for the Swan River Colony.
Barnard Clarkson the younger, became a senior partner in the bank, Howden and Selby, and also in another bank: Schofield, Clarkson & Clough based in Selby, but with a branch in Howden.
Barnard Clarkson the younger, became a senior partner in the bank, Howden and Selby, and also in another bank: Schofield, Clarkson & Clough based in Selby, but with a branch in Howden.
The Clarksons were among the first followers of John Wesley. The English cleric, theologian and evangelist who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The Wesleyan chapel at Bubwith was built in the year 1796 and opened in 1797 through the generosity of Bernard Clarkson (Senior) In 1827, the family paid for another chapel in Holme.
John Wesley ministered for more than fifty years until his death in 1791. He laid the foundation for what was to become an organisation that not only outgrew the Methodism of his time, but which spread around the world leaving a significant legacy for future Christianity as well as future societies in general. The vehicle for the preservation of this legacy was the genius of the Wesley Methodism organization derived wholly from its founder. Wesley organised his new converts at first into 'bands', little groups of two or three who regularly met to encourage and sustain each member’s newfound faith and promote growth in holiness. He then found it necessary, as numbers grew, to form ‘classes’ of between 10–20 people for the same purpose and to appoint ‘class leaders’. Members were on trial for a period of time before being issued with a full ‘ticket’ of membership into these classes. 'Societies' were formed next (note, they were not called 'churches' at the time) comprised of groups of 'bands' and 'classes'. Wesley then formed 'circuits' consisting of groups of societies in a given area over which, in time, a superintendent was appointed. Another early initiative, at first resisted by Wesley, eventually proved to be a most effective tool of Methodism; this was the lay, or ‘local’, preacher. This ‘Methodistic’ style organisation featured strongly in the work of nineteenth century missionaries.
It is believed that Barnard Clarkson conceived the idea of chartering the Tranby as a Wesley Methodist ship and that the Hardeys, with missionary zeal to spread Methodism in the new colony and to bring Christianity to the 'indigenes', joined the charter. In addition, Barnard would have been concerned with the problem of providing for six sons and this at a time when emigration to the colonies was being encouraged.
John Wesley ministered for more than fifty years until his death in 1791. He laid the foundation for what was to become an organisation that not only outgrew the Methodism of his time, but which spread around the world leaving a significant legacy for future Christianity as well as future societies in general. The vehicle for the preservation of this legacy was the genius of the Wesley Methodism organization derived wholly from its founder. Wesley organised his new converts at first into 'bands', little groups of two or three who regularly met to encourage and sustain each member’s newfound faith and promote growth in holiness. He then found it necessary, as numbers grew, to form ‘classes’ of between 10–20 people for the same purpose and to appoint ‘class leaders’. Members were on trial for a period of time before being issued with a full ‘ticket’ of membership into these classes. 'Societies' were formed next (note, they were not called 'churches' at the time) comprised of groups of 'bands' and 'classes'. Wesley then formed 'circuits' consisting of groups of societies in a given area over which, in time, a superintendent was appointed. Another early initiative, at first resisted by Wesley, eventually proved to be a most effective tool of Methodism; this was the lay, or ‘local’, preacher. This ‘Methodistic’ style organisation featured strongly in the work of nineteenth century missionaries.
It is believed that Barnard Clarkson conceived the idea of chartering the Tranby as a Wesley Methodist ship and that the Hardeys, with missionary zeal to spread Methodism in the new colony and to bring Christianity to the 'indigenes', joined the charter. In addition, Barnard would have been concerned with the problem of providing for six sons and this at a time when emigration to the colonies was being encouraged.
The Clarkson Brothers
Michael Clarkson was born on the 7th of June 1804, in Bubwith, Yorkshire. In 1829, he was then the eldest, unmarried son, out of six children, Michael had been educated in Yorkshire and in the tradition of his family grew up as a farmer. (His older brother Barnard Clarkson (junior, born in 1800) was currently married with a family, heavily committed to Methodism and the natural successor to his father in Yorkshire.
James Smith Clarkson was born two years later during 1806, in Bubwith, Yorkshire. The third son of Barnard and Elizabeth. In 1829, the 23-year-old James was unmarried and was living at Holme House, near Market Weighton. At the foot of the Wolds and on the eastern edge of the Vale of York, close to two historic routeways, the Market Weighton area had been attracting people to live and work since before Roman times.
James Smith Clarkson was born two years later during 1806, in Bubwith, Yorkshire. The third son of Barnard and Elizabeth. In 1829, the 23-year-old James was unmarried and was living at Holme House, near Market Weighton. At the foot of the Wolds and on the eastern edge of the Vale of York, close to two historic routeways, the Market Weighton area had been attracting people to live and work since before Roman times.
In early 1829, the father, Barnard Clarkson had chartered the brig, in association with Joseph Hardey, a farmer and Wesleyan layman from the other side of the Humber estuary, and his brother John Wall Hardey. The intending immigrants, including family members and indentured servants, were all Methodists and well versed in farming practices. "It is their intention to cultivate tobacco, cotton, and the vine, for which the soil and the climate are said to be favourable, as well as for the production of silk; indeed, the late accounts in these respects are particularly favourable."
They began gathering all of the materials they would need to start a new life on the other side of the world.
They began gathering all of the materials they would need to start a new life on the other side of the world.
Further Background Information: Barnard Clarkson (the father, born in 1774) was a senior partner in the private bank, Howden and Selby, and also in Scofield, Clarkson & Clough. Following a downturn in the economy in England, The Bank suspended payments in 1830. Barnard was declared bankrupt in 1831 and had to mortgage property in Holme on Spalding Moor, Bursea, Welham Bridge and Foggathorpe (Basically, all he owned). In 1830, further tragedy; three of Barnard and Elizabeth's sons died; Barnard Clarkson (Junior) the eldest aged 30 years (leaving a widow and two children); Edward Ellis Clarkson aged 18 years, and William Wilberforce Clarkson died at just 16 years.
With his wife Elizabeth very ill (she died later on 30th April 1833, in Leeds) after many years of ill health, Barnard Clarkson (now aged 59) joined the Methodist Movement Immigration Scheme, sailing to Western Australia on the Cygnet with his youngest surviving son; Charles Foster Clarkson (born on 12th of May 1812, and now aged 21), The Cygnet arrived at Fremantle on the 27th of January 1833, carrying 43 passengers. The prominent Methodists on board included Mr George Shenton, Mr George Lazenby, and Mr John Hardey.
Barnard Clarkson was to become one of the Methodist leaders in the Colony.
Barnard Clarkson later died at his son Michael Clarkson’s property, Wilberforce, near York, Western Australia, in April 1836.
With his wife Elizabeth very ill (she died later on 30th April 1833, in Leeds) after many years of ill health, Barnard Clarkson (now aged 59) joined the Methodist Movement Immigration Scheme, sailing to Western Australia on the Cygnet with his youngest surviving son; Charles Foster Clarkson (born on 12th of May 1812, and now aged 21), The Cygnet arrived at Fremantle on the 27th of January 1833, carrying 43 passengers. The prominent Methodists on board included Mr George Shenton, Mr George Lazenby, and Mr John Hardey.
Barnard Clarkson was to become one of the Methodist leaders in the Colony.
Barnard Clarkson later died at his son Michael Clarkson’s property, Wilberforce, near York, Western Australia, in April 1836.
'After Arrival at Fremantle' information is now available:
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