The Glasgow

Alpin Grant

On 3 September 1775, Fort William customhouse officers, Colin Campbell and Duncan McPhaile, signed the following letter.

“Honorable Sirs

“We wrote your honors on the 19^th of June last that a Clyde vessel was expected here to ship off emmigrants for North America. We now beg leave to acquaint you that the above vessel arrived at this port some time ago called the Glasgow Solomon Townshend Master for New York North America, John and George Buchanans at Greenock owners that they shipt here on board the above vessel for New York Sixty five men above Twenty years of age, Seventeen youths from Ten to Twenty years, Forty Boys under Ten years being one hundred and Twenty two males. Seventy Women above Twenty years Twenty four girls from Ten to Twenty years and Thirty five female children under Ten years of age being one hundred and Twenty nine Females – in all Two hundred and Fifty one souls.

These poor People were mostly all from the Northern parts of the shire of Inverness called Strathglass or the Laird of Chisolm’s country – none of them had the appearance of Gentlemen, but a Mr. Fraser and a Mr. Chisholm, the rest seemed to be very poor People at least they had that appearance. They however all made shift to pay (as we were told) for their passage, but about Twenty of them that Indented with the owners of the vessel, and. Misters Fraser and Chisholm who freighted the Vessel for them. They would give us no proper cause for leaving their Country, but the racked rents exacted by the proprietors of the lands, that they found themselves poor and were determined to go abroad while they had any remains of their subject to carry them, and though they were repeated times told of the rebellion in some of the colonies in North America, They did not seem to be moved by that, saying they were assured New York and the parts they were bound to were not in Rebellion and that they did not think themselves in any Danger of being forced to serve either in his Majesty’s troops, or the Provincials – and this morning they sailed with a fair wind in very good spirits __ These are all the circumstances we know of these people, which we think it our Duty to give your Honors the earliest Intelligence thereof, and we are with much respect 

Honorable Sirs

Your Very Obedient

Humble Servants

Less than two months later the belief that they were not travelling into rebellion was quashed. On Wednesday,  Nov 2, 1775, Riverton’s New York Gazetteer (#132) reported …“ The ship Glasgow, Capt. Townshead, which arrived on Tuesday last with two hundred passengers, to settle in this province, is by the commander of his Majesty’s Ship Asia , to Boston, agreeably to some orders received from Admiral Graves.”

This suggests that the vessel arrived in New York on Oct 24^th and that it had taken a week to decide what was to be done with the vessel and its passengers.  What took place during the next two months in Boston is not currently known.  On Saturday 30 Dec 1775, the Constitutional Gazette reported that able bodied men who were on board had been forced to enlist in the British forces.  A Dec 1775 muster roll for the Asia gives a list of emigrants who mustered in on 27 Nov 75.

  

On that list we find the following names[1]:

Major John Small   

2nd Battalion        

84th Regiment

·       10.  Alex^r. Grant (1) - 10^th Co.-  27 Nov.1775 (Maj.Small) 2^nd Co.

·       36.  Alex^r. Grant (2) - 27 Nov. 1775 (Maj.Small) sick in hosp

·       4.    Alpine Grant  - 10^th Co. - 27 Nov. 1775 (Maj.Small) 1^st Co

·       72.  Petr. Grant  - 5^th Co.- 27 Nov. 1775 (Maj.Small) 2^nd Co.

Of those Alpin(e) is our ancestor.  It is quite possible that Peter and one of the Alexanders are brothers. The other Alexander is perhaps a cousin.

The January 1904 issue of Acadiensis contains an article by Jonas Howe “The Royal Emigrants” that discusses the earliest years and Wikipedia has an informative article on the service of 84^th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants)[2].  Alstair Grant has compiled fifteen muster rolls for the eight years that the 2^nd Battalion was in existence.  You will also find a history of the 84^th Regiment of Foot – “The Young Emigrants” on the same site.

O.P.R. Births 107/ 0010 0005 URQUHART AND GLENMORISTON

Researchers suggest that Alpin was born on 15 Mar 1740 in Meikle, Inverness, Scotland and christened the next day, 16 Mar 1740. ^[3]   This is one of four Alpins born in Inverness 1740 but seems the most likely.   This will be discussed more fully later. 

Alpin and at least part of his family were on the Glasgow when it sailed from Fort William on 3 Sep 1775.  Alpin was one of the 31 emigrants and ten seamen and two petty officers that sailed for Boston on 5 Nov.  Sources state that the emigrants were interrogated by Major Small and told that if they wished to volunteer in a body into the Highland Emigrant Regiment their families would be kept together and provided with the regular subsistence for dependents, one half ration for wives and one quarter ration for children.  Also upon demobilization they would be given grants to land in NS which was where they were going to train and serve.  The grants would include 200 acres for each man and 50 acres for each member of his family.  Under these conditions, they volunteered to a man for the duration of the war.  After some time in Boston, the ship sailed for Halifax where Capt. Alexander MacDonald, commander of the training depot met them on 2 Jan 1876.

Uniform of  84th as drawn by prisoner 

in Saratoga, NY

Alpin served as a private with the 2^nd brigade of the 84^th Highland Regiment from Oct 1775 until 1883.^[4]  He was on leave on 2 Sep 1778 and was discharged in October 1783.  His base for the war years appears to have been in the Windsor area and that his wife and son James accompanied him there.  At least two additional sons were born before his discharge in 1783.  

"According to the petition of 1808, Alpin arrived in NS in 1775 and was enrolled in the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants).  He served for 8 years, stationed at Windsor, NS and was discharged in 1783.  He moved to Pictou, NS in 1784 and in September 1787 purchased 100 acres of land from Governor Walter Patterson, of the Island of St. John [Prince Edward's Island] where he established himself and his family.  He also made claim to 500 acres of land on the west side of the Eastern Branch of the East River of Pictou, on account of his services in the British forces.  This land was confirmed to him in 1811 and he immediately sold it to one James Fraser of East River.” ^[5]  

It seems likely that Alpin was not literate. He signed all documents with 'his mark'. However, he did see that his son Peter was educated. He would have spoken Gaelic as his native tongue and his English might have been limited.  In documents Alpin is referred to as a yeoman, generally the term for a land owning small farmer.  In 1793 he paid combined taxes of 3 shillings 2 pence, including a poll tax on himself, and taxes on ten sheep and seven cattle. 

It seems probable that Alpin came from a farming background in Scotland, but it is likely he would not have been prepared for the heavily forested lands of Nova Scotia.  Unlike the barren highland, covered with gorse and heather these lands had to be cleared before they could be farmed.

Alastair has located land records for Alpin covering the years 1787 to 1817. The last known reference to Alpin Grant in Pictou is in the census of 1817. ^[6]   Family tradition says that he died in 1828 at the age of 88 in East River, Pictou, NS. No record of the death of Alpin or his wife Janet has been found to date.   

Grant Home Page

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[1] The number shown is the individuals placement in the list of emigrants on the roster.

[2] Wikipedia

[3]. Parish Registers - Baptisms 1739-1754:, Church of Scotland, Uruquhart and Glenmorriston, Inverness, Scotland, LDS Film 6025664 / C111072,, 6025664.  Smith, Shirley, Letters, Historical Note - The Personal Name Alpin.

[4]. Dobson, David. Directory of Scottish Settlers in North America, 1625-1825. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co. Volume 2. 1984. 216p.  , p 63.  National Archives, Kew, England: Muster Rolls  

[5]. Patterson, Rev, George DD, History of the County of Pictou.  Research of Alastair and Vickie Grant [Pictou Archives, Pictou Land Office

[6]. Canadian Census.

The Descendants of William Telfer

William Telfer and Barbara Cook had eight known children

1.      George Telfer was born on 4 Nov 1779 in New York. He was christened on 14 Nov 1779 in      Manhattan, New York. George was christened in Trinity Springs Church. George moved to England    with his parents as a child, settling in Andover where he remained the rest of his life.
In 1841 he is listed as perfumer, perhaps an attempt at a second occupation as he was a hairdresser both before and after. Living with him are daughters Ann and Jane.  In 1851 his occupation is hairdresser. 

                                    1851 Census - note both daughters names listed as Ann

He died in 1859 at the age of 80 in Andover. 

George married Dinah Gibbs (1775-10 Apr 1834)  on 26 Dec 1800 in Andover. Her death notice states,

"Died, on Thursday the 1st ult., aged 59 years, the wife of Mr. Telfer, hairdresser, Andover"

George Telfer and Dinah Gibbs had two known daughters.   

a.      Ann Telfer was born about 21 Apr 1802 and christened 29 Apr 1802 in Andover.  Ann can be found in Andover in the 1861 and 1871 census returns.  In 1871 she is listed as a hairdresser daughter and a pauper. Ann most likely died in the 3^rd quarter of 1874. 

b.     Jane Telfer was born 23 Mar 1807 and christened 19 Oct 1814 in Andover.  Jane most likely died in the third quarter of 1857. 

2. William Telfer was born on 20 Mar 1782 in New York City, New York. He was christened on 31 May 1782 in Trinity Springs Church in Manhattan.  William returned to England with his parents and joined the East India Company as a midshipman.

Among the treasures in the Trindle house is a ceremonial sword heavily mounted with silver which awarded to William for an act of bravery.

“ Uncle Wm entered the service of the Honorable East India Company as a midshipsman and distinguished himself by the brave act of volunteering to rescue the seamen of a burning Indiaman or Vessel at Sea.  For this the passengers of the Thetis the vessel to which he was attached presented him with a cutlass heavily mounted with silver the inscription thereon is as follows.”  

Accept this for having at the age of 15 preserved the lives of your fellow seamen at the risk of your own. To William Telfer Midshipman of the Thetis, East Indiaman; 27 February 1799.

William died of dysentery at an East India seaport at the age of seventeen in 1799.

3. Robert Telfer was the first of William and Barbara’s children known to be born in Apr 1786 in Andover, Hampshire, England, Great Britain. Born in April 1786 he was christened on 5 Jun 1786 . 

To date no further information has been found on Robert, although there was a Robert Telfer who was the Captain of the 235 Reg, 45th Brigade NYS Infantry division of the National Guard in 1845.

Matthew Telfer’s son Robert would have only been 20 so it was unlikely it was him. William O. Chapman’s records indicated some possible connection, so it is possible that Robert, John as noted below and Matthew all emigrated to New York.

4. Ann Telfer was born about 9 May 1788 an christened on 23 May 1788 in Andover, Hampshire, England, Great Britain. No further information has been found for Ann in marriage, death or census records.

5. John Telfer was born about 4 Aug 1790 christened on 25 Aug 1790 in Andover. 

In 1826 there is a John Telfer, hosier listed on 55 Chatham St, New York City, with a residence at 4 Chambers. This is worth following up as John's youngest brother Richard was a hosier and to date we have not found any records for John in England beyond a possible marriage to Anne Telfer in 1808 and the birth of a daughter in 1809, and it is unknown if that is the correct John. 

There is also a listing for John Telfair at 57 Spring St. with no occupation listed.  (Matthew's name is spelled Telfair in this directory)

Both are listed again in 1827 at different addresses.  In 1830 there is only one listing for John Telfair an accountant.  Matthews name is spelled Telfer in this directory.  There is no John listed in 1842.

6. Jane Telfer was born about 26 Nov 1792 and christened on 26 Dec 1792 in Andover.  She died on 8 Jul 1801 at the age of 8 in Andover, H.

7. Matthew Telfer

8. Richard Hudson Telfer was born in Jun 1798 in Andover, Hampshire, England. He was christened on 11 Jul 1798 in Andover. In 1841 he is living in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England.  His wife is deceased and daughters Emily and Louisa are students living in the Brannock House in Ossulstone, Middlesex. 

Richard Hudson Telfer married Jane Good on 24 Jul 1825 at Bloomsbury St George in Camden, London, England. 

OlD COURT. - Saturday, May 17th, 1834.
Fifth Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice Littledale.

ALEXANDER WATKINS was indicted for stealing, on the 4th of March , at St. Martin-in-the-fields, 8 sovereigns and 3 half-sovereigns, the monies of Richard Hudson Telfer , in his dwelling-house .

RICHARD HUDSON TELFER. I am a hosier , and occupy the house, No. 10, New-street, 
Covent-garden, in the parish of St. Martin-in-the-fields . I sleep in the house - the shop is part of the house - the prisoner came to the shop on the evening of the 4th of March, and wanted two half-sovereigns for a sovereign - I took a bag of gold from my pocket, and gave him two - he objected to the coinage - he wished for one with the Fleur-de-Lis on it of a more recent date - I put my hand into the bag, and turned some gold into my hand - and in looking for the coinage which he wished for, the prisoner said, "Allow me" - he reached over the counter, and put his hand on the gold, pretending to look at the coinage - he said he should know the coinage immediately; and, after looking for some time, he said there was none there - I again put some more gold into my hand, and some on the counter - after looking at it for about five minutes, he said he was sorry to give me the trouble, there was none of the coinage they wanted, and then left the shop - on leaving the shop, I observed him put a handkerchief from his left hand into his right hand, and put his right hand into his breeches pocket - I heard some money rattle - I had observed that handkerchief in his left hand all the time he was in the shop - as soon as he was gone, I suspected he had taken some of my money - I counted my money, and found it was 9l. 10s. deficient - I had 39l. 10s. in gold, in my bag, before he came to the shop -  SEE TELFER GENEALOGY FOR MORE

Jane Good was born in 1806. She died before 14 Aug 1839 at the age of 33 in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England. She was buried on 14 Aug 1839 in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England.  Richard Hudson Telfer and Jane Good had the following children:

a. Jane Sarah Telfer was born in 1827 in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England. It is possible that this is not the correct Sarah.  Matching the address might prove one way or the other. She was buried on 21 Nov 1852 in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England. 

b. Emily Telfer was born in 1829 in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England. In 1851 Emily is living with her father and stepmother and working as a hosier's assistant. She appeared in the census in 1841 in St John Hackney, Middlesex, England. 

c. Louisa Telfer was born in 1831 in St Martin In the Fields, Middlesex, England. In 1851 Louisa is living at home and working as a dressmaker. She appeared in the census in 1841 in St John Hackney, Middlesex, England.  Louisa Telfer married Edmund Elias Humphreys (1832…) in 1854. Louisa and Edmund had seven known children:

i. Eva Mary Humphreys was born in 1855 in Hackney, London, England. She died in 1885 at the age of 30.

ii. Clara Louisa Jane Humphreys was born in Jan 1858–Mar 1858 in Mile End Old Town, London, England. She died in Dec 1947 at the age of 89 in Cuckfield, Sussex, England, United States. 

Clara Louisa Jane Humphreys and Ernest Irwin Packington (1857, Surrey – 1901 Surrey)were married on 18 Oct 1879 at Clapham Holy Trinity in Lambeth, Surrey, England. Clara and Ernest had nine known Children

(1)    Ernest Irwin Packington was born on 25 Jul 1880 in Southwark, Surrey, England.  Ernest married Nellie Amelia Triggs on 29 Jul 1906 at Norwood Christ Church in Lambeth, Surrey, England.  Ernest and Nellie had four known children.

(a) Elizabeth Joan Packington was born on 1 Aug 1908 in Lewisham, London, England. She died on 26 Aug 1908 at the age of 0 at Norwood Cemetery in Lewisham, London, England. 

 

William Telfer

William Telfer was born in 1754 in the United Kingdom, where exactly he was born is not yet known. One possible clue might be that there were Telfers in St Martin in the Fields and elsewhere in Westminister before Willliam's son Richard settled there.  Tracing those Telfers might lead to a connection.  Another clue is found in the apprentice tax records.  In 1782 George Telfer, barber of Andover, took on an apprentice.[1] Considering the fact that William named his oldest son George and that he was living in Andover by 1786, this might be a record for his father or a brother. The profession of barber was controlled by the Barbers Company which until 1745 also included surgeons.  However, an  act of Parliament as early as 1540 had legislated that no barber could perform surgery and no surgeon could perform barbers tasks, although both could practice dentistry. 

Apprentice Duty paid 16 Apr 1782 Class: IR 1; Piece: 31. 

Another entry of note as we look for Williams ancestry is that of George Telfer who is listed with the 16^th Regiment in Albany, New York in 1795.[3]  Might this be a brother and the same George found in Andover in 1782.

We know that William was living in New York at the time that his sons George and William were born. The family information states that William was a hairdresser working for the army and that he left when the army left, this has not been corroborated by records, but the time frame does fit and later records do corroborate his occupation.   

There is a William Telfer, hairdresser, listed in the Westminster Rate books in 1784.  He is also listed in the 1782 book, but as an addendum at the address with a note that looks like he took up lodging in 1783. He does not appear there in later years.  The first known record of William in Andover is 1786 when son Robert is christened, so this might be the correct William.  This might also be a tie to origins in London.



By the time William settled in Andover, which was situated on the main Exeter-Salisbury-London road, it had become a major stop for the more than 30 stagecoaches that passed through the town each day. A canal to Southhampton was opened in 1789. The population in 1801 was just over 3300 individuals.

In 1792 when William took on an apprentice his occupation was listed as peruke maker. A peruke was a man's wig, usually powdered and gathered at the back of the neck with a ribbon or a periwig.  This would fit with an occupation of hairdresser found in other records. 

 Apprentice Duty paid 31 Oct 1792 Class: IR 1; Piece: 35.

William died on 3 Dec 1800 at the age of 46 in Andover, Hampshire, England, Great Britain. 

William Telfer and Barbara were married before 1779. Besides the children listed below there are two other possible children, a daughter, Elizabeth bn 1785 who died in 1800 and a son Thomas who died at birth in 1782.  Barbara was born in 1762 and died on 15 Jun 1812 at the age of 50 in Andover. 

No known record gives Barbara a last name, but family legend states Barbara's father was named Matthew Cook and that he owned Cook farm.  His wife’s surname was reportedly Schemel.  The story goes on that on his death Barbara received an interest in the estate with her three brothers, Daniel, David and Phillip.     No documentation has been found and it is unknown whether this was a New York family or an English family, however, the German surname for Matthew’s wife makes it more likely that records will be found in the colonies rather than in England. 

William Telfer dropbox

Matthew Telfer

Matthew Telfer was born on 5 Nov 1795 and christened in Dec 1795 in Andover, England. He emigrated to New York City, New York, arriving aboard the Cincinnatus which sailed under master AH Grisworld on 30 Jun 1820. Although the ship record lists his occupation as farmer, Matthew took up the occupation of sailmaker in Manhattan, New York. He is listed in city directories from at least 1826 with that occupation.  It is possible that he apprenticed himself to a sailmaker on arrival, or he might have already learned the art before arriving in New York.

1827 Longsworths American Almanac

Matthew died of typhus fever on 29 May 1842 at the age of 46 in Manhattan. He was buried on 4 Jun 1842 at Oliver Street Baptist Cemetery in Manhattan, New York. "The Graveyard Shift" which covers Manhattan cemeteries, does not give any information on the Oliver St. Baptist Cemetery beyond noting its existence.      

New York Evening Post 30 May 1842 pg 2

Matthew Telfer and Mary Ann Giles, the daughter of Joel (Jack) Giles and Mary Corkins?, were married on 9 Jun 1822. They were living in New York City in 1840.

Mary continued to live in New York City after Matthews death.  By 1870 she had moved to Jersey City, NJ  where she remained until her death on 15 May 1879 at the age of 74.    Mary Ann's obituary states that she is 77 so she may have been born in 1802.  

Matthew Telfer and Mary Ann Giles had nine known childen.

a.   Mary Ann Telfer was born on 24 Jun 1823 and died on 25 Dec 1906 at the age of 83. She married William Mook (1817-18 Nov 1886) before 1845 in Metuchen, Middlesex, New Jersey. In 1870 they were living in New York City.  By 1880 they had move back to New Jersey living first in East New Brunswick  and by 1900 settling in Metuchen, Middlesex County. Mary and William supposedly had eight children.

b.   Robert Telfer was born on 14 May 1825 in New York. He died on 14 Jul 1868 while traveling home to Indiana after a visit to New York at the age of 43.  It is interesting to note that the papers in Philadelphia were asked to copy, indicating there might still have been family to discover there. He was buried after 14 Jul 1868 at West Point Cemetery in Wolcott, White, Indiana.    Robert married Elizabeth Laurie (1 Apr 1823 – 12 Aug 1903 IN)   before 1848. In 1860 they were living in New York, New York.  But had moved to Indiana by 1868.  Robert Telfer and Elizabeth Laurie had four known childen 

c. Matthew Telfer was born on 29 May 1827. Like his father, Matthew was a sailmaker.  According to his death record he moved to New Jersey about 1867.  Matthew Telfer and Matilda Jackson (1829… ) were married before 1852. They lived first in Metuchen, Middlesex, New Jersey.   By 1880 they had moved to Jersey City and lived there until his death.  Matthew died on 23 Nov 1895 at the age of 68 in Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey. 

Matthew Telfer and Matilda Jackson were married before 1852. They appeared in the census in 1870 in Metuchen, Middlesex, New Jersey.  Matthew and Matilda had four known children:

d. William Henry Telfer was born on 19 Dec 1829 and died on 14 Dec 1839 at the age of 9.

e. Harriet Jane Telfer 

f. Frederick Joel Telfer was born on 1 Oct 1834. He died on 30 Jun 1865 at the age of 30.^[82] Frederick Joel Telfer and Ellen M Weaver were married before 1865. In 1871 Ellen a widow is listed in the Jersey City directory as a dressmaker.  In 1886 she is listed in the directory with no occupation.

g. George Richard Telfer was born on 5 Dec 1838. He died in 1842 at the age of 4.

h. William M Telfer was born on 11 Mar 1840. He died in New York on 30 Jan 1874 at the age of 33.  William is listed as a stationer in 1871 and his obit lists his business as Croker and Telfer. William M Telfer and Caroline Croker (15 Mar 1842….) were married before 1870 when they are listed in the census in Ward 5 in Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey.  Living next to William and Caroline was her brother Eugene. Listed directly under William is Henry Barnum with his wife and son, Phineas. It seems likely that this is the son and grandson of PT and would explain the close association with William O. Chapman.  In 1876 Caroline, widow of William is living at 293 Seventh St. in Jersey City.  William and Caroline had three children

i. John Henry Telfer was born on 30 Dec 1842. He died on 5 Nov 1873 at the age of 30 in Rochester, Monroe, New York and is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery there. John married Sarah, the daughter of Millicent Osborn and George Clark, before 1870.   John is listed as a printer in the 1871 directory for Jersey City.  They did not have any children.  


See the Osborn Genealogy for more on the family of Millicent Osborn.

Matthew Telfer dropbox
Sailmaking

Harriet Jane Telfer

Harriet Jane Telfer was born on 9 Jun 1832, the daughter of Matthew Telfer and Mary Ann Giles. 



We know nothing of Harriet's early life beyond the fact that her father died when she was just 10 years old.  She continued to live with her family in Manhattan until her marriage to William Osborn Chapman on 20 Jan 1852.

Harriet and extended family

She died on 17 Feb 1910 at the age of 77 in Arlington, Hudson, New Jersey. She was buried at Sylvan Lawn Cemetery in Arlington, Hudson, New Jersey. 

Although she died shortly before the birth of her granddaughter, Millie gathered a few memories from other family members.  

Harriet loved to hold Amateur Entertainments. Family and friends would all participate, especially the family of her sister Mary Ann Telfer Mook.  There were plays, music, recitals and more.  

Another memory is that Harriet would not allow P.T. Barnum in the house.  William would have to go outside to visit with him.  In case one wonders how well she knew him, one can see in the 1860 census that he lived next door to her brother William.  He was just 14 at the time.   

Carriage Parasol brought from France to Harriet by a friend
Currently in the Trindle Traveling Chest/ Coffee Table

Harriet and Son William Osborn Jr.