Up the Gatineau! Article
This article was first published in Up the Gatineau! Volume 3.
An 1841 Letter from Ireland
This letter is among the cherished papers of Francis J. Farrell who is the current proprietor of the family store and post office in Farrellton, Que. — a store which was founded by his great grandfather, Patrick, and which has been operated by three succeeding generations of the family ever since.
Patrick, to whom this letter was written, came to Canada in 1831 at the age of 14 and moved to the Gatineau Valley in 1840. He settled in what was then known as Upper Wakefield. Because of his contributions to the development of the community he was honoured by his fellow citizens re-naming the village Farrellton.
His first enterprise was a hotel with stabling as an overnight stop for those making their way north in horse-drawn vehicles. There was a large dining room and, of course, the ubiquitous bar for the refreshment of the weary traveller. A separate building was known as the sleephouse.
He also founded the store, operated a farm and was postmaster for the area. Farrellton was, for some time, the end of passenger traffic on the Ottawa and Gatineau Valley Railway during its construction period.
It can easily be appreciated that all these activities and the daily demands and rigours of a settler making a new life in early Canada as well as the uncertain mail service hardly contributed toward making him a good correspondent.
Note that this letter took nearly 3 months to reach its destination. This was when letter sheets were folded and sealed with wax without benefit of an envelope. It was stamped with the postmarks of both Toronto and Bytown, the latter dated Oct. 31. It also carries a stamp — TOO LATE — which might imply that it missed a particular trans-Atlantic sailing.
Through the courtesy of the present day descendant meet the Farrells and their friends of 136 years ago!
Longford Workhouse
August 5th 1841
My Dear Brother,
A long length of time has elapsed.... since I, your Dear Mother or.... has had the Happiness or Pleasure of Seeing a line from you or even of getting any Intelligence from any Person in Reference to you although we have exerted ourselves every way possible to our anxiety.... were defeated. Having Now Met with Mr. Garvey he promised as a friend when he Returned to America to make every effort to See you in Person if not to forward those lines to you. My Dear Brother you cannot Judge or form an Idea what Consolation it was to us in learning that Mr Garvey has Seen you Some time past. Really we thought you were in Eternity But thanks to Providence it is the Reverse or else we would hear one time or another from you. Perhaps you have written to us and your letter Might Be Mislaid. But If you Receive this l call on you as your Brother and in the Name of Your Dear Mother and friends to write home and inform us how you are getting along. As to your Mother She is Still in the Infirmary. She has got a pretty good Share of health but She is delicate and I fear the grave is not far from her. What a Consolation would it not be to her ere She would make her Exit from this world to See a few lines from you that was her whole object and her Maternal affection for you. Your Sister Margaret Remains with her. Mary has got Married to Patr Conroy's Son the Wool Man at the CrossKeys; their Married this 4 years and went out to America about 2 years ago; they are in Brooklyn doing well. Bridg't has got Married to a Tailor in Drumlish By the Name of Patr Tally getting on very well. James is Still in Abbeyshrule. Myself is for the last 15 Months Teacher to the Poorhouse of Longford. l have 20£ a Year with Rations and Lodging. I have had Fever twice in that time as It was prevalent in the House but thank God quite Recovered. Yr Uncle James.... and Aunt Biddy are in good health and Family a fine flock of fine Boys and two good Girls. Poor James is Still a Remaining Sincere and affectionate friend to us; he is all we have to let our affairs known to; he Sends his Kind Perpetual Love to you. As for My Aunt She would be never tired talking of you, her love to you. All friends enjoys good health, Flose is living Still. George West is Still Surgeon to the Infirmary. Mich Farrell and Family is in Situation. Brothers and Sisters unite in their Love to you But the Last and First is your Mother. Send her a letter. She bids Farewell with her Blessing. I must conclude expecting to hear from you shortly.
Your Brother,
John Farrell