Alexander (2) Jameson

(From The Jamesons in America) With this money ($100 he received from Zuar Eldridge on his 21st birthday) he (Alexander (2) purchased a horse and saddle and not long after went to Irasburgh, Vermont, a "wilderness town," where his next older brother, Thomas, was living. This township was given to Ethan Allen of the "Green Mountain Boys" fame, for military service, and came as an inheritance to Ira Allen, for whom it was named.

Ira Allen

A few farms were sold outright at first, but at a later date the land was leased, every farmer paying rent to Mr. Allen. Mr. Jameson was fortunate in securing one of the first farms. At that time the public highway, afterward the state route to Coventry, Newport, and Canada, was not built, and except for one small clearing it was an unbroken wilderness. But with true pioneer courage, Mr. Jameson set to work clearing away the primeval forest, and on April 16, 1826, he married Sarah Knowles Locke, and took her to a log house in the midst of his few fertile acres. A year later, he built a brick house, in which he lived nearly forty-five years, and where all but the eldest of his children were born. A few years before his death, he sold his farm and removed to the village.

A cool looking dude, with a 2010 hairstyle and duds and

neck gator that would make teens look on in envy

In reviewing his character, we notice among many admirable traits, strict integrity, unceasing industry, conscientiousness, and benevolence. He was a silent man, with a shade of sternness in his manner, but underneath was a rich and gifted nature. With little education, his ability was perhaps more noticeable, and his appreciation of learning was shown by the many sacrifices he made for his children that they might secure mental training. (These sacrifices were evidently made for daughters as well as sons, as can be seen in Laura's literary abilities, selling numerous articles to popular magazines) He was one of the first advocates of temperance in the town...

Vermont Sons of Temperance certificate (1850)

...and the first first to refuse to furnish liquor for a "barn raising." The neighbors said, "You won't get men enough to lift your timbers if you don't furnish the drink." "Then they won't be lifted," was the reply. But the men came, and the barn was raised without rum.

Mr. Jameson was an abolitionist in sentiment...

The underground railway system used by slaves seeking freedom.

Notice the route through northern Vermont and Irasburgh.

...and more than once befriended the poor runaway slaves who took that route toward the North star and freedom.

Depiction of slaves running for their lives and freedom




Bounty advertisement for a runaway slave

Deeds of benevolence were always done without ostentation. In referring to his obituary, we find this testimony: "He was a thorough, practical man in all the relations of life. As a citizen he filled every office to which he was called, " from representative down through the list, with fidelity, but the monument which he reared as a Christian will abide the longest, cherished by a grateful posterity. There is no other man to whom the people of Irasburgh are more indebted for the blessings of religion than to Mr. Jameson. He had a benevolent heart, a large purse, and a liberal hand, and they were never closed to the wants of the church of his choice." He was called an old-fashioned Methodist," but surely the outgrowth of his Christian experience would enrich any age.

In 1863 the devoted wife and mother of eleven children died. Afterward Mr. Jameson married Mrs. Martha Geraldine Clark, by whom he had two children. In October, 1871, he was suddenly translated to the country which is out of sight toward which he had been faithfully and patiently journeying for many years.

Where did they all go?

Canandaigua, NY where Alexander (1) died September 14, 1820

After the death of Janet (Jenny) Brown Jameson on March 23, 1803 in Barnet, VT, Alexander (1) shows up next in Lebanon, Grafton Co, NH for the 1810 census with many of his children. "later (he) went to Canandaigua, New York. He married Mrs. Parks. Mr. Jameson died November 17, 1819. Mrs. Jameson died later."(The Jamesons in America) If you are getting confused it is a sign you are paying attention. We now have three different dates for Alexander's (1) death.

Towns in New Hampshire and Vermont in which Jamesons reside in the early 1800's

Hugh Jameson [eldest son of Alexander (1)] was 17 when his mother died (1803). Two years later Hugh married Janet Brock. At the time of the 1810 census they and their 3 children were living a few miles away in Peachum,VT.

Joseph Brown Jameson, the next oldest, went back to Dunbarton, NH for a few years, likely living with relatives there, and then moved back with his immediate family in Lebanon, NH. Daniel, Anna, Sarah and the youngest, William Scott, were all living with their father Alexander (1) in Lebanon, according to the 1810n census.

Our particular interest is Alexander (2) Jameson (Laura Jameson's father). He was the 5th son of Alexander (1) and Jenny Jameson according to E.O. Jameson, taken in by Zuar and Mary (Brown) Eldridge, who were living in Lebanon,j Grafton County, New Hampshire. Mary Eldridge is thought to have been Jenny Jameson's sister and therefore young Alexander's aunt... It is reasonable to assume Alexander (2)was taken in by the Eldridge's immediately after Jenny's death. He eventually moved to Irasburgh, VT, probably about 1820. E.O. Jameson's account reads, "When he [Alexander (2)] was twenty-one, Mr. Eldridge gave him his 'freedom suit' and one hundred dollars. With this money he purchased a horse and saddle and not long after went to Irasburgh, Vermont, a 'wilderness town,' where his next older brother, Thomas, was living."

Freedom Suit

Tragedy comes to Jamesons

Roadside Tavern

(http://www.somejamesons.com/) About 1800, Mr. (Alexander (1)) Jameson sold his interest in the family homestead (in Dunbarton) to his brother Daniel, and with his (Alexander's) wife and eight children, the eldest not yet 15 years old, moved to Barnet, Vermont, joining his wife's brothers and sisters who had moved to nearby Peacham a few years earlier.

In 1807, a license (below) was issued to Daniel Jameson (son of Hugh) to keep a tavern "at his dwelling." It is thought that the town's Selectmen had asked the family to open a tavern in the hopes they could drive a nearby "undesirable" tavern out of business. It, one of four such establishments located on the main road running through Dunbarton, became a very popular tavern in those early days.

This tavern license: We the subscribers license Daniel Jameson

to keep a tavern unto his dwelling_____

Dunbarton for the term of one year...

Alexander and his family were in Barnet where their youngest child, William, was born and where his wife, Jenny (Brown) Jameson, died of small pox when the child was just 4 weeks old. There are competing stories about her death as well as what happened to Alexander immediately after. The most romantic of the recounts is offered by E.O. Jameson in The Jamesons in America.

Mr. Jameson's father Alexander Jameson, died under peculiarly sad circumstances, when he (younger Alexander) was a small boy of 5 years. His father was one of the several persons in the down seized with small pox, and was removed, according to old-time custom, to an isolated cabin. His wife, left at home with the young infant, was taken dangerously ill. Hearing of this, and desiring to see her once more, the convalescing husband and father escaped from the 'pest house' and literally dragged himself across the fields to his home, and there, through a window, held his last conversation with her. Both died soon after, and the children found homes among friends and relatives.

This story, at least the death of Alexander, is not supported in any way. The death of Jenny and many others was reported in the newspaper of that time. It is clear from records that the family was dispersed after Jenny's death, though it isn't clear whether Alexander's ill health, the prospect of parenting nine children alone or other circumstances initiated the break up of the family. It appears that Alexander (1) moved to where his brother Hugh, wife and family were living, Canandaigua, Ontario County, NY (west central region) in 1810 and after remarrying, died there in 1820.

Death notice for Alexander Jameson, died September 14, 1820, in the Ontario Register

The story is different and yet the same as the tragedy that struck the Dakin family in Soquel 100 years later. At the death of their wife and mother, the children are cared for by relatives who take them in and raise them as their own. One further similarity. Alexander (2) the son of Jenny and Alexander (1) later named two of his children after the couple that took him in Zuar Eldridge and his wife Mary. Out of similar appreciation, Ruthalee Mauldin named her first child Antheni Alice Mauldin with the nickname of the woman who cared for her like a mother, Ant Hen (Aunt Helen).

First Social Security

Like cider promised to Hugh and Jane by Alexander and Daniel (Photo:www.atthebarn.com)

(from http://www.somejamesons.com/)
Hugh and his wife, Jane, were both still living November 15, 1782, as appears from the following bond given by their sons, Alexander and Daniel, in consideration of a deed to them of his farm in Dunbarton, NH.

A Bond from Alexander and Daniel Jameson to Hugh Jameson

Know all men by these that we, Alexander Jameson and Daniel Jameson both of Dunbarton in the State of New Hampshire and County of Hillsborough yeomans of joyntly and Severally Bound unto Hugh Jameson of Dunbarton in State and County afore said, Cordwainer, in the Just Sum of a thoughsand Pounds Lawfull money to which Payment well and truly to be made we Bind ower selves Heirs and assigns firmly by these Presents sealed with ower seals this fifteenth Day of November A.D. 1782.

The conditions of the above Bond is such that of the above Bound Alexander Jameson and Daniel Jameson Do we well and Truly Provide and Deliver unto the above named Hugh Jameson and Jane Jameson his wife the following articles that is to say--

Stores of grain and beans (Photo: www.bbc.co.uk/)

firstly to have and Use at their own Discretion the Southwest room in the Dwelling house and Seller under said room and Chamber over said Room with Liberty to Pass from the above Room to Seller and Chamber During there natural life.

Also, to Deliver yearly unto Said Hugh and Jane During there Lives the following articles yearly at their Request, to wit:

Twelve Bushells on Good Indian Corn and Six Bushells of good Rye and one hundred and Eighty wate of Good Pork well salted and sixty wate of good Beef, well salted with a Sufficient Quantity of good Sace such as the farm Produces yearly withy a Sufficient Quantity of Cider as the Farm shall Produce also fifty wate of good flax well Drest such as the farm Produces and Twelve Pounds of good Sheep's wool, and to keep two good Cows for the said Life and in Case of old age or Sickness to find sufficient help to work and all other Things So that they be comfortably Looked after and not Suffer also Suficient Quantey of good fire-wood at the Door Redy Cut for one fire, in Compliance with the above Condition, then the above Bond to be void otherwise to Stand and Remain in full force and Veature.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in Presents of--

The true intent and meaning of the above Bond is such that if either the above Hugh or Jane his wife Should Die then the one half of all the above articles to be Taken off and not Paid --

Jereh Page

Martha Copp

We know that both Hugh and Jane were alive when they signed the bond and it appears that only Hugh was still alive (and living with Daniel) at the time of the 1790 Federal Census.

On September 23, 1788, Alexander and Danel divided their father's farm. Hugh is mentioned in the division and so is presumed to be still alive, but Jane is not, and so probably was deceased.

It is said that Hugh Jameson aided his third son, Thomas, with his education, at Darmouth College - Class of 1797, in lieu of a stake in the farm.

Alexander Followers Hugh into the Revolution

Alexander's payroll card as a New Hampshire Volunteer after the battles of Bennington and Saratoga

Alexander Jameson (1760-1820) was the first child of Hugh and, his second wife, Jane. He was also the first son born in America to Hugh. Alexander was born in Dunbarton, likely on the homestead, and remained there well after he had a family of his own, having shared the farm with his brother Daniel.

Alexander followed his father into the ranks of the Continental Army (though he enlisted directly into Moore's Regiment of the the New Hampshire Militia). Both father and son could likely and honorably avoided service because it was voluntary and their ages: Hugh was 62 at the time of the Battle of Bunker Hill and Alexander was 17 at the time of the Battles of Saratoga.

As indicated by the Payroll Card (above):
Alexander Jameson
Moore's New Hampshire
Regiment
(Revolutionary War)
================================
Private and discharged as a private



(other side of card)

J Moore's Regiment N.H.

Alex r Jameson

Appears with rank of Pvt on a

Pay Roll

of a Company of Volunteers commanded by Capt.

John Duncan in Col. Daniel Moore's Regiment,

which marched from Bedford, Sept. 1777, to

join the Northern Continental Army,

(Revolutionary War)

dated..........Bedford...................

...................Dec......16.........................,1777

Time of engagement.....Sept....26....,17...

Time of discharge...Oct....25............,17...

Time in the service.....27.......................days.

Rate per month.....L 4, 10

Amount of wages..L 4,....1

Travel from Bedford and Antrim to Beningtown,

135....m. at 3d......L1, 13, 9

Travel home from Saratoga to Bedford and Antrim,

132...m. at 2d....L 1..,2.....

================================

Rations

Whole number ......................................................

Number received..................................................

No. due at 8d.........................................................

Amount..................................................................

=================================

Whole amount ......................6,.....16,.....9...........

Remarks................................................................

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

=================================

........................................Feaslis.............

(353i)

Brigadier General John Stark

John Starks was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire. His father had emigrated from northern Ireland and settled in the New Hampshire frontier where he owned extensive tracts of land and was the original proprietor of Dunbarton (originally called Starkstown)

Alexander Jameson served as a private with Colonel Daniel Moore's Regiment of the New Hampshire Volunteers. "They marched from Bedford, NH, to join the Northern Continental Army at Bennington, VT, for what became the battles of Bennington and Saratoga in 1777. The militia were originally created to protect the colonies from attacks by the French and their Indian allies. They had more at stake than the regular army, since they were protecting their own homes.

(http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/)

Colonel Stark and his men (without either Jameson) were dispatched to aid the militias of Massachusetts, who were trying to keep the British in Boston. When they tried to push out of Boston by attacking the colonists, the colonists fought back at the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775).

In July, 1777, Stark was offered a commission as Brigadier General of the New Hampshire militia. He accepted with the stipulation that he would be answerable only to New Hampshire, that is, not the Continental Army. Soon after receiving the commission he was ordered to depart New Hampshire to reinforce the Continental Army at Saratoga, NY. He refused. Instead, he led his men to meet the British at Bennington, VT, where Colonel Frederick Baum with about 500 men were about to attack Bennington storehouses to restock their dwindling supplies.

Gen. Stark sent out men to gather recruits. With about 2200 militiamen (some with their own guns and dressed for tending fields) 1400 from NH, the rest from VT, NY, CT and MA. Catching Colonel Baum and the British commanding General Burgoyne. Both colonel Baum's 500 men and 500 re-enforcements sent hurriedly from Burgoyne were soundly defeated. Not more than 100 escaped.

The battles of Bennington, VT and Saratoga, NY are not far from each other

The loss of soldiers and the inability for General Burgoyne to gain supplies led directly to defeats at the battles of Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne.

This map indicates the succession of battles and the sequence which run mostly from north to south. The Battle of Bennington, the Battle of Saratoga

Moore's Regiment (the 9th militia) with Alexander Jameson was called up on September 29 and participated in the last battle of Saratoga, October 7, 1777.

With the surrender of General Burgoyne on October 17 (10 days after the final battle of Saratoga) the regiment was disbanded on October 27, 1777.

The surrender of General Burgoyne to General Gates of the Continental Army.

General John Stark gave to Moore's regiment a brass 4 pounder cannon captured at the Battle of Bennington.

Hugh Becomes a New England Patriot

(From Somejamesons.com) Hugh's wife, Christine, likely died in the late 1740s, relatively soon after their arrival in American and the birth of their last child, Molly. It appears that Hugh remarried a half dozen years later in the mid-1750s to Jane McHenry, a Scot like himself. It is likely that he farmed the 150 acres he had purchased in Dunbarton, NH as well as being a shoemaker. Despite, or maybe because of, his previous brush with the law "...he took a prominent part among settlers in public affairs while living in Dunbarton.

"He was one of the foremost in calling meetings of the area's inhabitants and in the transaction of public business. In 1773, Mr. Jameson was chosen costable and town collector." That is, as constable, he was an officer of the peace, with police and minor judicial duties. It was probably a good thing he had some policing authority if he was also a "collector," presumably of taxes. In a small town that likely included treasurer duties.

Revolutionary Flag of New Hampshire, later adopted in a slightly different form as the state flag

Hugh's sense of civic responsibility and political involvement soon took on a deeper commitment. Tensions with the British were mounting . Unlike the Dakin line of the family, these Jamesons threw their allegiance in with their new countrymen. That allegiance was about to be expressed in their participation in the Revolutionary War.


"Hugh Jameson was a Minuteman from Londonderry, New Hampshire and after the battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, although in his early 60s, marched 90 miles to Boston and back under the command of Robert Wilson and Lieutenant Joseph Hogg." By this account it would appear Hugh didn't see any "action," since his cohort arrived after Bunker Hill was fought and then returned to Dunbarton. That is not true of Alexander whose participation in the Revolutionary War we will consider in the next post.

"Hugh Jameson signed the Association Test at Dunbarton, November 25, 1776 which made him an early and bonefide patriot."

The Association Test Signed by Hugh Jameson

The Sheriff Comes after Hugh

A later version of the courthouse at Portsmouth, New Hampshire (Photo: CW Wycoff)

(somejamesons.com) "In June of 1753, Hugh Jameson and Robert Parinson were summoned into court in Portsmouth, NW, having been sued by Robert Gage of Coleraine, Ulster, Ireland, for not having been paid the monies due per the agreement by Jameson and Parkinson to do so, two years after arriving in America. Although both Hugh Jameson and Robert Parkinson denied owing any money both were found guilty on September 6, 1753 and ordered to pay in the amount of 18 pounds, two shillings and 4 sixpence, new tennor (sic) bills, as damages for both men, including court costs. This was apparently paid as nothing more is (recorded) of this case.

The court summons for Hugh Jameson & Robert Parkinson (Photo: Somejamesons)

"Hugh Jameson arrived in the new world apparently penniless. Documents associated with the above mentioned court case describe how he was nearly pulled off the boat at the very last moment as the ship was actually weighing anchor and about to leave port. Three men arrived unexpectedly demanding money from him. Unable to pay, a collection was taken by several of the other passengers on board to prevent that from happening.

Homestead in New Hampshire

Queen Anne (Photo: CoinLink)

Soon after their arrival in the colony of New England, Hugh Jameson and his family were living in Londonderry in the Royal Province of New Hampshire. If the name of the town sounds a little to familiar there is a reason.

A little historical context from SomeJamesons: At the turn of the century (1700), Queen Anne (1702-1714) evoked the Test Act under which the Scots in Ulster lost every benefit of the Toleration Act (1689) for which William had fought and had been gained under William of Orange (see previous post). The policies included invalidating their marriages and prohibiting them from holding office. Many left Ireland for America settling in New Hampshire in a place called Nutfield which soon became Londonderry. Wouldn't you have changed the name? King William came through again with "exempt farms" for which they paid no money. That is until the Revolutionary War. Hugh and his family, according to one article, made their way immediately upon arriving in America to Londonderry, presumably to join other Jamesons from the Bann Valley.

Dunbarton with Jameson reference at orange spot (photo: SomeJamesons)

In 1748, Hugh was one of several original petitioners to what was known as the Masonian Proprietors, owners of near by mostly unoccupied lands, for the grant of a new Township, northwest of Londonderry. Hugh Jameson's property amounted to one hundred and fifty acres. The terms of the grant were few. First, was that each "right" was with a cost of 30 pounds Sterling. Actual residence on each lot was required of the owner and his family by a certain date, the first of 30 settlers before the end of May, 1752.

Jameson House (Photo: SomeJamesons)

The original house was built in the early 1750's and at least at first may have been quite small, perhaps only about 16 x 16 foot, as was the minimum requirement at that time. We know for certain that by at least 1782 it was a four room house about 30 foot by 30 foot, with a central fireplace. There was a cellar under the structure and a "chamber" above. The current large rambling farm house incorporates in part the original structure as the northwest corner of the house. A floor plan of the current house from 1987 shows it being used as a study and an "L" shaped living room. The original fireplace is still in use.

Passage to America

(Some Jamesons) "Hugh and Christine (Whitehead) Jameson lived in or near Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ulster, Ireland, where all their children except Molly were born. On the map of Ulster in the last posting, Coleraine is to the east-north-east of Londonderry just on the other side of the River Bann. He worked as a cordwainer (shoemaker) and with their children they emigrated to America in 1746.

Sloop of the type of "Molly" (circa 1622)

"They sailed August 4, 1746, on the sloop 'Molly' from Port Rush, on the northern Coast of Ireland, for Boston, New England. The cost of the passage was agreed and bound by a contract ("note of hand" seen below) signed August 4, 1746, the actual day of sailing, with Robert Gage of Coleraine, Ireland, where Hugh and a fellow passenger, Robert Parkinson (his niece's husband), promised to pay the cost, L6-13s (for both), two years from the date of arrival in Boston.

Passage Payment Agreement:

We, Hugh Jamison and Robert Parkinson Doo bind

oursleves our ____ ____ ____ a figures in the fair

and just sum of six pounds thirteen shillings ____

lawful money of Great Britain to be paid unto Mr.

Robert Gage Mert (merchant): of Colerain in Ireland or his ______

to be paid in two years from the date here of

and after our arrival in Boston in America

as witness our hands and seals this August 4th ____

There is little to indicate why they left. In 1740-41, cold winters and poor harvests caused the Forgotten Famine during which 400,000 people died in Ireland. However, it is difficult to link that tragedy with the Jamesons' emigration five years
later.

"With him on board were his wife, Christine, and six or seven of their children, his sister, Elizabeth (Jameson) Woods, his niece, Esther (Wood) Parkinson and her husband, Robert Parkinson, as well as what is thought to be his younger brother, Thomas. Among his children were two young sons, whose names are no longer known, who died during the trip. It is said that the second boy died at the grief of the loss of his younger brother. They were both buried at sea. It is interesting to note that about two years after arriving in America, Hugh and Christine had a daughter born to them, to whom they gave the name Molly.

"Their route most likely would have been down the western coast of Ireland, the usual course of ships in those days bound for America from the northern ports of Ireland. This would have been a difficult and dangerous trip in the mid 1750's, lengthy too, especially for smaller ships like those typically sailing from Port Rush. The sloop 'Molly,' with fair sailing, would have reached the American coast in the early autumn of 1746, and probably landed her passengers in Boston, Massachusetts Bay, as that was the intended port, although the ship belonged in Salem, MA."

In the next post, we'll discover the continued influence of Robert Gage in the life of the Jamesons, Hugh's position in the town in which they settled and his role in the Revolutionary war.

Jamesons Arrive in Templemore Parish, Ulster

The website "SomeJamesons" traces the line back to William Jameson, the first Jameson born in Ireland. William's parents came from Scotland in 1619 from the southwestern county called Argyle (or Argyllshire), as in the socks.

Argyle is the archaic spelling of Argyll, which is the southwestern (pink) section on the map

William's parents emigrated to Ireland, or more precisely Ulster (Northern Ireland), in the early 1600's. "At the beginning of the 1600's, James I, of England, began a re-population of northern Ireland with mostly Scottish Protestants. The area was at the time largely occupied by the Desmonds, who had been defeated and depleted in various rebellions with the crown during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. This forced re-population started in 1611 and was an effort by the king to colonize this here-to-fore troublesome area with a more sympathetic and supportive people. The incentives were lucrative with large quantities of land available to each immigrant. Many Scots took advantage of this offer and is undoubtedly why the ancestors of Hugh Jameson found their way to Ireland. This population was largely increased with further immigration over the next 50 years as a result of persecutions by English Kings Charles I and Charles II in their effort to establish the Church of England in Scotland."

The family took up residence and William was born in Templemore Parish of Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The distance across the channel is not very far. Notice Scotland in the upper right hand corner of the map of Northern Ireland. William (1) was born in 1646.

"The Scottish colonists resided in Ireland over several decades during the middle 1600's. They lived somewhat autonomously, retaining their culture and traditions. Intermarriage of Scots with the Irish were exceedingly rare, so that the Scotch race remained nearly as distinct as it was prior to its settlement in this new land. They attended their own churches and continued life pretty much as it was known to them in Scotland... The Jamesons in general were said to have been a robust, active, muscular, and prolific race of people undoubtedly descended from the son of James or Jamie..."

"William Jameson was said to be a vigorous Scotchman, who was thought to have served in the defense of Londonderry during the siege of 1689, and probably the Battle of Boyne in 1690 with distinguished gallantry and such bravery that he was made free from taxation throughout the British dominion by William III, Prince of Orange."

Battle of Boyne (Wikipedia)

The Battle of Boyne was a decisive battle in turning back King James II of England, Scotland and Ireland. He was Catholic and for him the war was an attempt to regain the throne so he could create sovereignty for Ireland, religious freedom and the right to own land for Catholics. No surprise, most of his soldiers were Irish Catholics.

Conversely, for William of Orange and his soldiers, the war was about maintaining Protestant and English rule against the fear that if James retook the throne he would take their land and or kill large numbers of them.

William of Orange (Wikipedia)

Some Jamesons

Isaac & Laura Jameson Dakin on Laurel Glen circa 1890

Laura Jameson Dakin was an equal partner with Isaac in their contribution to life in Knight's Ferry. What prepared her for that role? Where did her people come from and what pressures, accomplishments and other experiences shaped their lives? Those are questions that we will explore over the next several posts. Before we get started a couple of preliminaries. I am deeply indebted to the Jamesons, especially John Jameson, who put together material for http://www.somejamesons.com/. Much of the information that follows comes from that website and the sources cited there.

A preview of major players in the postings/generations to follow may be helpful to keep them straight. As usual there are fathers and sons with the same name which tends to confuse things. In that regard, the first father and son combination does not disappoint.

William Jameson (1) born 1646, was the first Jameson to be born in Northern Ireland. The family was from Scotland. William (1) was a war hero in the Battle of Boyne and received a significant reward for his service. His son William (2) was also born in Northern Ireland about 1675. His son Hugh was a pivotal figure.

Hugh Jameson, born 1713, and his wife (first wife in the family for whom we have a name), Christine Whitehead, were the brave and/or desperate souls who fled Ireland for America. We'll explore the circumstances that likely forced them to leave Ireland and see some of the documents that mark that passage and its differed payment.

After Christine died, William (2) met and married Jane McHenry in New Hampshire. Their first born (1760) was Alexander (1). Alexander was Laura Maria Jameson Dakin's grandfather. We gain some interesting insights into the social life of the early colonies through an arrangement Alexander and his brother, Daniel, made with their parents.

Alexander's (1) family broke up after the death of his first wife, Janet Brown Jameson around 1800. When his mother died and he was little more than 3 years old, Alexander (2) was taken in by his aunt and uncle, Zuar and Mary (Brown) Eldridge also of New Hampshire. There is an interesting story (or perhaps legend) around the break up of the family. Alexander (2) is also the first Jameson whose picture we have to post.

Up until Alexander (2), almost everybody is still in New Hampshire. That is, until we find Laura Maria Jameson getting ready to marry Isaac Dakin in Knight's Ferry, CA, in 1859. I'm hoping I'll know a lot more about how Laura got to California by the time that posting comes long.

Dakins Move On

Dakin Blacksmith Shop rebuilt after a fire that destroyed it and now used as a firestation.

Alice Arata stands in front. (photo: 1993)

For twenty years, the Dakins were indelibly intertwined in the fortunes of Knights Ferry. As they grew older together, Laura and Isaac decided to transition to a new vocation. For a long time Isaac had been reading the Horticulturalist's Monthly. Business had been falling off steadily. The goldfields no longer held the attraction for young men seeking their fortune. The new railroad took the remaining business elsewhere. Big freighters no longer rumbled day and night through the tiney way station by the Stanislaus.

Selling Isaac's interest in the blacksmith's shop would be difficult. But, in the fall of 1877, he succeeded in selling the smithy and the Dakins were free to move to Laurel Glen in Soquel. There Isaac would take up horticulture along with his children, most notibly his son, Henry.

The beautiful home that saw so much history being made within its walls was also sold. Most owners since then have taken pride in keeping the home and grounds in top condition. Today, if Laura and Isaac were to return to Knights Ferry, they would instantly recognize the spot where they began married life together. where their children were born and where many happy memberies are stored within its walls. (End of Criswell content)

Laura Dakin's Organizing Continues

Side/back of the Dakin Home

Criswell continues: There is much more to a well-rounded education than learning the 3Rs, so the ladies turned their attention to a new crusade. The morality of Knights Ferry's population had been neglected. Without a spiritual guide and an adequate church building, the community was like a ship without a rudder at the end. Drunkenness and rowdyism was running rampant.

As a rest stop, Knights Ferry was without rival. As one stage driver put it, "the Ferry sure knows how to take care of a hungry and tired man." And when he was cleaned up, fed and rested, there were others ready to entertain him. There were as many, perhaps more, saloons and card rooms in town than in Angels Camp, Columbia or any other Moder Lode community.

Something needed to be done, so the Ladies Literary Guild took up the challenge. Sporadic services had been held by visiting clergyman on occasion, but no real effort had been expanded to get a permanent church and pastor. The ladies went to work. they solicited funds and volunteer labor. there were to be no excuses. Knights Ferry was going to have a church.

Under the guidance of Laura Dakin, success was assured. Her tireless efforts paid off so that in 1867 lad was purchased at the northeast corner of Ellen and Shurl Streets for the permanent home of Knights Ferry's first church.

The building was erected the very next year. It was a multipurpose structure housing the church, Sunday School and parsonage. Mothers pledged their children's attendance. The Reverend C. Anderson was persuaded to move to town and assume a rather big job of bringing religion and sobriety to its inhabitants.

Ladies of the Guild met regularly at the Dakin home to plan strategy for contacting every resident of Knights Ferry. with their enthusiasm, religion picked up rapidly so that in a few short months there were 28 members of the church and 25 scholars attending Sunday School.

Meanwhile, the Dakins were becoming famous for their garden parties held on the spacious lawns front and back of the house. Hundreds of swaying candlelit Japanese lanterns added a festive note and music was provided by the Knights Ferry band. The colorful evening gatherings were among the town's top social events. The guest list always included the men and women who made up the main driving force that propelled the Ferry to prominence in this part of the state.

Wilbur, Henry & Alice Inspire a School

Wilbur, Henry & Alice (circa 1870)

Just short of a year after the Dakins moved into their new home on Vantine St., they were blessed with the birth of a son. They named him Wilber and all of Knights Ferry rejoiced with Laura and Isaac on their good fortune.

Having a new person in the home meant many changes. Isaac spent less time at the smithy, turning over much of the work to his partner, and Laura took up the study of child rearing with an intensity bnever seen by the other mother's in town. Soon the articles she submitted for publication took on a childcare complexion, so immersed was she in her new role.

Two years later, in 1863, another bundle of joy arrived in the Dakin home. It was a boy and his name was Henry. By now Laura was an expert on babies and while neither child was slighted, the care and feeding of infants became a well organized routine.

Nearly two years went by before a third child made her appearance. This time the Dakin's were the proud parents of a girl whome they promptly named Alice. All three children were born in the big white house at Dean and Vantine Streets where loved prevailed among all the Dakins, young and old.

The Ladies Literary Guild, meanwhile, was never without enthusiasm, always ready to take up the clarion call of a new need in Knights Ferry. In 1861, a school of sorts ahd been set up in one end of at stable on Main Street, but as the town's population grew it became woefully inadequate.

The ladies, under the forceful leadership of Laura Dakin and her sisterm, Mary Locke, soon turned the focus of their attention to getting a real school with a building dedicated to the education of their children; one with modern equipment, adequate books and tools, and a qualified teacher of some experience.

With the Dakin children fas approaching school age, the call became more urgent. On November, 1868, with Wilbur Dakin approaching his seventh birthday, the Ladies Literary Guild finally succeeded in convincing the county to organize the Emory School District, an area including Knights Ferry.

But, without money and a lack of enthusiasm on the part of county officials, it was still an up hill battle for five long years before the ground was at last broken on the hill top over looking Knight's Ferry were a real school house.

It proved to be well planned for a growing population. By 1880 there were 64 pupils in the one spacious room that offred a first through sixth grade education to all children of the area.

Much of the success of this and other far-reaching accomplishments in Knights Ferry can be traced directly to Laura Dakin and her ability to sway public opinion to get things done.

The Jamison Sister Organize Knights Ferry

Laura Jamison Dakin (circa 1870) Her unusually short hair

is thought to be the result of scarlet fever suffered early in life.

The future looked so rosy in the new community that Mary Locke persuaded Laura, who in turn finally convinced her husband to relocate there. There were no regrets. The two families worked and played together and were soon the most influential residents in town.





Arrival of the Jamison sisters marked a turning point in the tortunes of Knights Ferry's life. Both were well educated and progressive young ladies whose ideas for the fledgling village were a settling and civilizing influence.





Laura had a flair for writing and indeed was a regular contributor to such famous women's magaines as Harpers Weekly, the Stockton Daily Independent, Harper's Bazaar and the prestigious Godley's Ladies Magazine.





Isaac subscribed tothe Wagon Builder's Journal, The Rural Press, The Horticulturalist's Monthly and, to keep up with the times, the New York Tribune, so there was no scarcity of educational material coming into the Dakin home.





Besides reparing equipment of travelers passing through town, Dakin and his partner Lewis McLauflin made new wagons in their shop on Main Street, wagons that found a ready market.





But it was the sisters who left the greatest impression on the village. Laura organized the Ladies Literary Guild and invited all the women to join her in disscussing needs of the community. They all came, eager for information on what could be done for their children and their husbands as well as their homes.





There wre lively discussions about a school, a church, and a community center. About activities in to which everyone could join. On household hints and gardening, about improving the water supply, the latest styles and clothing, food recipes, and so on. The weekly meetings in the Dakin home were well attended by enthusiastic ladies wanting to do something constructive for themselves and the town.

Dakins Arrive in Knight's Ferry

Isaac & Laura Dakin's house on the northeast corner of Vantine & Dean Streets, Knight's Ferry, CA (Photo: 1993)

Isaac lost no time carrying out his/their plan. After asking directions, he climed down from his wagon and Laura from hers and they headed toward they headed toward the home of Lewis Bent who owned nearly all the land around town. He was impressed with the Dakins' enthusiasm, so a deal was quickly struck transferring ownership of a plot of ground 100 x 170' at the northeast corner of Vantine and Dean streets where the Dakins intended to build their home. According to Irene Paden (Big Oak Flat Road), her father Wilbur Dakin remembered that their home "had a spring in the cellar and could have withstood a seige" by those from the original occupiers of the land (though they would not have called themselves owners). This strategy was useful in the chaos of central California in the 1840's and 1850's.

In the 1840s, there were virtually no permanent settlements east of the San Juaquin River. Jose Jesus grew up at the San Jose Mission, "but had fallen from grace and was now extremely unrepentant and a leader of the "Horsethief Indians." He hated the Mexican Californians and his tribe was dreaded for unprovoked (at least in the immediate sense) raids on outlying ranchos.

In November, 1847, there was only one wooden house in the settlement, then appropriately known as Tuleburgh (later Stockton). Discovery of gold in the spring of 1848 again upset the balance of power in California. Events then moved with frightening and unbelievable speed. The acuisition of California by the U.S. at the end of the Mexican War terminated all talk of a separate republic of California (though it was retained on the state flag).

Some of the Mexican Californians were angry and uneasy; some thought it would be better in the long run to be part of the United States than of Mexico, as long as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo guaranteed the continued ownership of their land-grants. (Big Oak Flat Road) This was the emerging frontier 10 years before the Dakins arrived.

A deal was also made for Isaac to build a blacksmith shop on a pacel of land directly across Main Street from the new general store. Within a few hours of their arrival in town, the Dakins had already put down roots. Laura and Isaac had spent a lot of time already talking about the design of their new home and had committed that design to paper before they had left Tuleburgh. Now they swung into action. Work on both the home and the blacksmith shop began immediately.

By the first of July (1853-Criswell and about 1860 by family recollection), the Dakins were already moving inhto their very own home and the smithy was opened for business. It is important to note here that Isaac and Laura were also met by family in Knight's Ferry. Mary Jamison Locke, sister of Laura and wife of David Locke) was already living there. She had married David (in 1852?) and came with him to the banks of the Stanislaus River.

Before the dry season of '49 had saddened into winter mud, David Morrell Locke traveled in the first wheeled vehicle ever to pass along this sketchy road as far as Knight's Ferry; the change from pack mule to freight wagon had begun and, from then on, was never allowed to lapse. Soon the goods transported yearly to the Ferry amounted to thousands of tons. D.M. Locke wrote in his journal on August 16, 1849: "We reached Knight's at 10 o'clock A.M. Took breakfast pork & beans, hard bread & coffee $1.50 each. Went and saw them digging gold for the first time."

The Miners' and Business Mens' Directory for the year commensing January 1, 1956, bore, under the caption, "Knight's Ferry," this item: Some 300 yards above the Ferry is located the Flouring and Saw Mills of Messrs Locke and Company..."

By August, 1858, the substantial Locke bridge was in operation and at the end of five months a formal report showed the net profits of the Stanislaus Bridge and Ferry Company for that period was something over $4700.

Tuleburg to Knights Ferry

Isaac Dakin circa 1865 about 5 years after he moved to Knight's Ferry

Probably around 1858, Isaac Dakin and Laura Jameson arrive in Knights Ferry from Stockton. Laura's sister, Mary was already living there with her husband, David Merril Locke who figures later in the story. Knights Ferry is located on the norther shore of the Stanislaus River. Today it boasts the longest covered bridge in California and is the river rafting capital of the Stanislaus.

William Knight was the founder of Knight's Ferry (1849) and was killed in a gun fight on November 9th of the following year. John and Lewis Dent bought up the townsite and the surrounding land from James Vantine, William Knight's partner, for a paultry sum and began developing the township in 1851.

The Dents sold parcels in town, but for those showing interest in starting needed business, they cut a special deal. Isaac and Laura were given their lots for free since a blacksmith shop would provide an essential service for those in town as well as those on their way to the gold fields.

"The Dakins were about to cast their fortune with the tiny community just
getting a foothold on the north bank of the Stanislaus River. Traffic
between Tuleburg... and the recently discovered gold fields around Sonora, was
picking up dramatically.

all day long the road was marked by dusty clouds kicked up by horses, oxen,
mules and churning wheels. All night it was lighted by hundreds of
blinking lanterns hung from wagons traveling in both directions.

Isaac read the future with uncanny accuracy. He had heard, as he
labored in a Tuleburg blacksmith shop, that an establishment of like kind was
needed at the halfway station, Knights Ferry, to repair wagons and equipment of
the thousands of men as the dream of gold fortune led them that
direction."