From the book Ships, Saints and Mariners, A Maritime Encyclopedia of Mormon Migration 1830-1890 by Conway B. Sonne (University of Utah Press 1987) we learn this of the ship William Tapscott which 150 years ago today was carrying our common ancestors toward America, Utah, Lehi and us.
WILLIAM TAPSCOTT
1525 Tons: 195' x 41' x 21'
Built 1852 by William Drummond at Bath, Maine
"In three voyages this square rigger William Tapscott transported 2262 Mormon emigrants- the greatest number of any sailing craft. Captain James B Bell was master during these passages. The first began at Liverpool on April 11, 1859..."
"...The William Tapscott was one of the largest full-rigged ships built in Maine in the 1850s. She was a typical 'Down Easter'-sturdy, moneymaking, moderately sparred and designed for carrying capacity. She was a three-decker with a square stern and billethead...After plying the oceans for about forty years the William Tapscott was lost in the English Channel in the early 1890s."
After reading the Kirkham history reported at the George Kirkham Family Organization website, http://www.georgekirkham.com/ I needed to go back and look at E. Kay Kirkham's book again. I had not recorded the births of two daughters, Maryanne Eliza and Frances, in Utah. These children did not survive the rigors of pioneer life in Utah. When we think of that life can we take a reflective moment for gratitude that we are here at all! All along the way there were opportunities for tragedy between Liverpool and Lehi, between 1859 and 2009. We need celebrate that we made our way.
Roger Kirkham, a descendant of pioneer Joseph asks if there are other Kirkham histories beyond that book by E. Kay Kirkham. I know of JMK: the Life of James Mercer Kirkham,The Journal of George Kirkham that Connie Nielsen brought to the JMK reunion in 2007, a history of May Boyle Anderson Evans. Was there a history of Francis Washington Kirkham? I know that family produced a wonderful book of his descendants. Alan Kirkham took on the task of transcribing and publishing the journal of James Kirkham that E. Kay refers to. I am not sure of his timeline. Rich Kirkham set up the George Kirkham website, is there any other? Bruce Kirkham has asked for copies to pass on- do we hear from anyone wishing to take on a task for us all?
As always you can reach me at Ked Kirkham, kedwk@yahoo.com
801-773-7593
364 W. 825 North, Sunset Utah, 84015-3120
About Me
- Ked Kirkham
- Sunset, Utah, United States
- For many years I have explored the shared families that make up my personal heritage. As I learned of my immigrant, 'Pioneer Grandparents' I wanted to know more about what became of the families they established. The blog you are reading now is an account of one of those.
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