Kelsall Diary

Extracts from the Journal of John Kelsall

In the year 1650 in the 5th month my father John Kelsall was born near the Chamber of the Forest of Delamere in Cheshire (not far from a village called Kelsall) about 7 miles from Chester; he was by occupation a tailor, and in his young years was convinced of the blessed truth professed by the people called Quakers; whilst a young man he went to London and lived sometime in Clarkenwell near West Smithfield.

My father had three brothers – Ralph, Joseph and James, and one sister Elizabeth, Ralph was the eldest and my father the next, Ralph married in Cheshire, but hath no children living, Elizabeth also married in Cheshire, some of her children are still living (in 1710) and convinced of Truth. Joseph died young; James the youngest is still living but never was married, he was convinced likewise of the Truth but continued not faithful thereunto.

John Merrick Senr of a noted and honourable family now living at the Chamber aforesaid was nearly related to my father, his mother and my Grandfather being brother and sister.

In the year 1680 on the 12th of 8th mo: my Father living in London married one Hannah Leftwith, daughter of Ralph Leftwith of Staploe in Cheshire, by whom he had one son named John born the 29th of 7th mo. 1681 and lived only 11 days, his mother dying also soon after.

In the year 1682 on the 2nd of 9th mo: my Father married Elizabeth Cragg my mother, she was the daughter of Thomas and Jennet Cragg of Wyresdale near Lancaster and was born the 21st of 12th mo: 1660, she was descended of a notable and honourable family in that county, her mother's maiden name was Townson, she was born the 18th of 3rd mo: 1633. She had many brothers and sisters, and divers of their posterity are yet living in Wyresdale, most of them being of the people called Quakers, my mother had one Brother named Timothy Cragg and two sisters Agnes and Dorothy whoare yet living (in 1710) and are married having many children.

My Father had only two sons by his second wife, - John and Joseph, I being elder was born in Hart Street near Coven[t] Garden London the 18th of 7th mo: 1683, and my brother was born at the same place the 9th of 7th mo: 1684.

My Father having left his own trade sold purl (a sort of wormwood ale) in the said street in Coven[t] Garden and had a very great business and custom while he lived.

In the year 1682 he published a paper yet extant in print entitled:- “A testimony against gaming, music, dancing, singing, swearing, etc.”, recommended to such as keep public houses, which was of good service and hath been reprinted 4 or 5 times, and in the year 1704 was translated into the Welsh tongue.

In the year 1684, of the 5th of 8th mo: my Father departed this life having been sick for some time of a fever. About a year after this on the 28th of 9th mo: 1685 my dear Mother also deceased being aged 25 years, and were my Brother and I being very young left both Fatherless and Motherless amongst strangers, few or none of my Kindred living in the city, but friends were careful over us.

Soon after or about my Mother's decease I got a fall and hurting my left foot, it increased to a prodigious sore, and having the Kings evil in my eyes, the same fell down into my foot so that it became so ill that some surgeons advised to have it cut off, but with much care and charges for some years it was cured.

In the year 1687 my said Grandmother Jennet Thompson (by her second marriage) came up to London and in the 3rd mo: that year took my brother and myself along with her home to a place called Rooten Brook in Quernmoor near Lancaster, and left the management of our outward estate there to our friend John Vaughton there being a lease of a house in which my father and mother lived, unexpired, and let at first for £30 per annum to our use having about 11 years to come, yet afterwards the trade and custom failing, we received not above £15 per annum for the said term of 11 years, one year with another.
We thus being settled with my Grandmother she took great care of us and as we were capable sent us to school; but it was about a year after I came into the country ere I was able to walk without two staffs by reason of my foot.

Not long after our coming (in 1690) our grandfather Thos Thompson died, and then my grandmother removed with us into Wyresdale and placed us at Abbeystead School, where one Christopher Bond was master, under whom I continued from time to time till the year 1699. My brother being more inclined to husbandry was not long at school.

In the year 1699 on the 22nd of 6th mo: my dear Grandmother departed this life which caused much sorrow and exercise to me for a considerable time and brought me more low for she had been very tender over us. She was a woman of good repute and esteem in her country, she was very much concerned in the office of a midwife, being sent to for from far and near both by rich and poor, and she was very successful. I have known her many times to go as cheerfully to a beggar in a barn as to the rich, she would oftentimes afterwards send the things that were needful for them, and notwithstanding that she took great pains herein and spent much of her time in that office she did it gratis both to rich and poor, being not free to receive anything from any one that account. She was one that loved truth and truly esteemed the faithful friends thereof. I could write much concerning her and my heart hath been often tendered and broken in the rememberance of her care and daily endeavours for our welfare every way, and it hath caused me sadness of heart when I have considered how insensible I was of her care, and how undutiful I was to her; many times I have wished in my mind (which thing is impossible) that I had those days to spend again, I would be more careful and truly tractable; and here I must observe what an excellent thing it is for all children to be dutiful, kind and loving to their parents and faithful overseers, it will certainly one day return to their bosoms with peace, when, as the contrary (I speak it by experience) will create them great trouble and exercise of mind as they come to be truly sensible of the evil thereof.

After this I went to live with my uncle Timothy Cragg and continued at school (after some deliberation about going to teach school in Quernmore which was not agreed on) although I Was come to near the age of 16 years, yet still I was not so contented at School as I would have been and that for divers reasons, I improved but little in learning and the society of the school was a burden to me beyond what anyone knew.

About the latter end of 2nd mo: 1700 I went to Yealand (about 7 miles from Lancaster) to have taught school and was there a while on trial, but not understanding the right methods of Friends Schools (having not been at any) on the 11th of 3rd mo: 1700 I returned to my Uncle Timothy Cragg's again where I stayed about a week or ten days till I went to Lancaster to learn to write with J. Yeats a friend in town, but not being boarded at a Friends' house I met with many troubles; I stayed in town about 7 weeks and then returned to my said Uncles again.

I came down to Penketh the 22nd of 5th mo: following along with my said Uncle, and boarded at a Friends' house near the school, one Jonathan Woodward he and his wife were very kind and loving to me, which I desire gratefully to remember; during my abode here I was very easy and unconcerned in the thoughts of what employment or business I should beset myself to, so I continued till the 3rd mo: 1701. About this time my master had a letter from Amos Davies on behalf of Friends of the Monthly Meeting of Dolobran near Welchpool in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, desiring him to procure them a schoolmaster for whom they would raise the yearly sum of £15 for a salary, which my master proposed to me and thought it might do well for me; so on the 30th of 3rd mo: 1701 I left Penketh and went to visit my relations in Lancashire with whom I stayed about two weeks and then prepared myself for Wales.

I came to Dolobran along with my Cousin John Merrick junr on the 7th day of the week, 21st of 4th mo: and boarded at Mathravel Forge with my dear Friend Amos Davies (since then my Father-in-Law) who was Clerk of the Forge, with whom I continued nearly 9 years until he removed to Shrewsbury in the beginning of 1710. Then according to Friends desire I begun to teach school at the new Meeting House (which was built that spring) on the 2nd day of the week being the

30th of 4th mo: 1707 and in the 18th year of my age.

On the 22nd of 1st mo: 1703 I took my journey for the North intending for the yearly meeting at Lancaster, and to visit my relations thereaways, I spent two or three days with relations in Cheshire, on the 26th came to Penketh and staid there till the 29th, on the 30th I came to my Uncle Timothy Cragg's in Wyresdale, my Cousin J. Merrick junr. and J. Strickland being along with me. On the 31st we went to the yearly meeting at Lancaster. On the day following was the Quarterly meeting for the County.

After some time spent amongst my relations hereaways, I with my Cousin J. Merrick came to Penketh on the 8th of 2nd mo: and had a meeting there that day, on the 9th I was at Meeting at Newton in Cheshire where were W. Edmundson, Geo. Rook, and J. Watson all from Ireland. I went that night to Counsin J. Merricks whence I returned the next day through the goodness and mercy of the Lord safe and well home to Dolobran.
In this year 1703 and the year following the school very much increased, there being as I remember at some times about 50 scholars and several of them sons of such as were of note in the country as two that had been High Sheriffs of that County.

Upon the 26th of 3rd mo: 1704 I began my journey to London being appointed (together with our Friend Ellis Lewis) as a representative for Friends in North Wales to the Yearly Meeting at London that year.

It was now just 17 years since I went first time from London to the country, and my heart was much affected in a sense of the love and kindness of God who had preserved me through many dangers unto that day, and again given me health strength and opportunity once more to see my native place of which I had retained little or no remembrance being not four years old when I left it.

After the yearly meeting was over I took an opportunity to view some noted parts of this famous city wherein we may see many spacious works and curious contrivances of men, neither may we suppose that there is anything wanting that is convenient and fitting abundantly for this natural life, but alas! the true Knowledge of God and a holy dread and fear of Him is much wanting, pride and vanity are very regent and the glory of this world hath blinded the eyes of many.

On the 19th of 4th mo: I left the city and went homewards in company with my friends Ellis Lewis and on the 23rd through the Kindness and mercy of the Lord we came safe and well to Dolobran.

One particular passage and deliverance I cannot well omit which happened on my return from London, about two or three miles this side of Uxbridge my mare frighting threw me down drag'd me along the ground till the girth broke or slipt, yet through the goodness and mercy of the Lord I received little or no harm, in the rememberance of which my heart hath been often thankful to Him.

Upon the 4th of 3rd mo: 1706 I took my journey toward London a second time, being one appointed by the yearly meeting of Wales to attend the yearly meeting of London this year and with Jno. James.

I stay'd in and about the city till the 28th in which time I was at many good meetings and had comfortable opportunities with Friends, son the 29th P.M. I left the city together with Amb. Crowley, Rowland Ellis junr etc, and on the 2nd of 4th mo: through the good hand and providence of the Lord returned safe and well to Dolobran.

To return now to more particular things it is with me to observe that tho' I had gained a tolerable understanding in the Latin and Greek tongues before I began to teach school, yet I came very much to improve myself by teaching; and having an opportunity the year after I came into Wales oI gained some knowledge in the mathematics, more especially in Geometry and Trigonometry, and Dialing, the last of which I have more particularly practised, I had also a great inclination to Poetry, having composed some pieces that way.

In the beginning of the year 1707 I was as the yearly meeting at Middlewich in Cheshire which begun the 7th of 2nd mo: and was attended by a numerous company of Friends and very many other people, and was truly an eminent and glorious meeting.

Here I met with my Brother Joseph Kelsall who came with me to Dolobran and went afterwards along with us to our Yearly Meeting for Wales at Bealt in Brecknockshire and returned home again on the 18th of 2nd month.

And it is with me here to commemorate the loving kindness of God to me in preserving me generally in good health, having not had to my remembrance two days sickness together from my childhood, till the 24th year of my age when I was visited with a fever; health is surely one of the greatest outward blessings that men can receive and my mind has often been bowed under a concern that I might be found truly thankful for such unmerited favour. I was taken ill about the beginning of 8th mo: 1707 (after a journey to Chester having accompanied my uncle Timothy Cragg and his son David thither who came into wales to see me) I was through the Lords goodness to me, very willingly resigned to His disposal and freely given up to part with this world which was a great comfort to me in the midst of my affliction, I cannot well omit that once when I was under great pain as much as I could well bear in the midst of resigning myself to the Lord and resolving patiently to bear what he pleased to inflict on me, I immediately felt ease and the pain abated neither had I it so violent any more during my sickness, the remembrance of which hath often taken hold of my mind, admiring the goodness and tender dealings of the Lord unto me. So in a month space I recovered and came again to my pristine health.

I was also through the good hand and Providence of God preserved from divers other imminent dangers and which I escaped with little or no harm.
Once on my return from London my mare frighting threw me down and drag'd me along the ground, but I was not much hurt. Another time being bathing in a river I narrowly escaped drowning by the help of another, and on my return from Middlwich I had a dangerous fall from the steps of a house door in the night at Tarporley, my face being much bruised, but it went well again in a little time; we have truly great cause at all times to see that we be in readiness for our latter end, not knowing how near it may be.

Hitherto I had not concerned myself in relation to the alternating of a single life, neither was my mind much inclined thereto till about the latter end of 1708, I looked upon it as a very weighty matter, in the sense of which and the great care we ought to be under of undertaking such a concern these following lines were composed:-

Oh! Thou Almighty whose allseeing eye Doth all the secrets of my heart descry, And sees the forming of the quickest thought In embryo lie, ere't be to thinking brought, Do Thou alone direct me ___ Let not my heart, let not my roving mind Be from Thy will unto itself inclined, But let Thy pow'r and Thy constraining love cause it to follow and thy choice approve A solid sense and true discerning give That is its ruin rashly mayn't contrive Thus, Lord, Thy Love and thus Thy care dispense In such a thing of such a consequence If it should chance, if not, Oh! let me be In true content resigned to Thee.

And now when by the advice of friends I made a proposal of marriage to a certain young woman (D.V.) my exercises and concerns were not a few, there was one part in me very willing to go forward, yet at other times through the Lords mercy I could stand still, and some time afterwards by degrees that matter dropped, not having been depending much above three months.

On the 25th of 1st mo: 1709 I begun my journey towards the North (Edward Owen accompanying me), on the 27th being the first day of the week I was at Penketh meeting and that evening we had a sweet and comfortable meeting at Eleanor Haydock's, on the 30th I got to my Uncle Timothy Cragg's in Wyersdale, and on the 3rd of 2nd mo: being first day was at their meeting, on the 5th began the Yearly meeting at Lancaster, on the 7th was held the Quarterly Meeting for the Country, at the close of which was held a very solemn and weighty parting meeting.

On the 8th I parted with my dear relations in great love and tenderness, on the 9th we came to Manchester and stayed there the first day meeting (my Brother Joseph Kelsall having accompanied us part of the way), the next day we lodged at my Cousin J. Merrick's senr at Edsbury and on the 13th through the good hand and Providence of God returned safe and well to Dolobran.

I had now been nigh 9 years in Wales all of which time I boarded with my dear friend Amos Davies (now my Father-in-law) but his wife dying in the 8th mo: 1708 he married again the 11th mo: 1709 and went to live in Shrewsbury with his family having 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters.

On the 2nd of 3rd mo: 1710 I removed to Coedcowrid and tabled that year with our friend Thos. Oliver who's wife was my wife's Grandmother, by the mother, her former husband was Thomas Mansel and they were a well esteemed and reputable family, she died towards the 6th mo: that year.

Toward the beginning of the year 1711 my mind was drawn again to seek a further settlement to myself by way of marriage, having in my mind a near respect several years past (even before I made the notion beforementioned) for her that is now my dear consort, tho' I had not processed the least therein, but was willing to leave all things to their proper event. When I had weighed and considered things over, and come to a clearness in my mind concerning the same, I found as I proceeded forwards things answered much beyond my expectations and having first the consent of Parents and relations concerned, together with the unity of my dear friends and Brethren, all things concurring to make the way easier, we proceeded in our intentions of marriage according to the good order and method used amongst Friends; my intended wife living at this time a servant with our friend Charles Lloyd of Dolobran. She was Susannah the eldest child and daughter of Amos and Elizabeth Davies and was born at Coedcowrid aforesaid the 14th of 8th mo: 1688.

Upon the 3rd of 3rd mo: 1711 we took each other in marriage in a solemn meeting appointed for that purpose at the new Meeting house at Dolobran where was a very great company of Friends and other people, at which time our dear friends Rebacca Turner and Rebecca Jopson from Yorkshire, being there had both good opportunities and there was a very comfortable meeting.

About 2 weeks after we were married we went to live at the Cooper's house (so-called) near Dolobran, where we held about £8 per annum of tenement having 3 cows, a horse, etc. Here we staid 2 years only and through the mercy and goodness of the Lord to us we did pretty well there. In the 3rd mo: 1713 we removed from the said place to the end of the new Meeting house near Dolobran where we continued for one year.

In the latter end of this year 1713 there was an offer made me for a clerkship under Abraham Darby who designed to build an iron furnace near Dolgelly in Merionethshire, he was willing to give £25 per annum salary together with house room and fireing, after some consideration I inclined to accept the offer tho' attended with some disconveniences as being a desolate country to live in.

Upon the 3rd of 3rd mo: 1714 we left Dolobran and on the 7th of the same settled in the town of Dolegelly where we staed only one year and in the 3rd mo: 1715 removed to Dolgynryeha within a mile of the said town near the furnace. And now finding myself entered upon a more public business and concerns in the world amongst people than heretofore, it was greatly my desire with secret cries to the Lord for his assistance that I might act and behave myself in every respect as became the blessed truth I made profession of.

In the beginning of the 5th mo: this year I was at the Quarterly Meeting for Lancashire which was held at Liverpool, here I met with my Uncle Timothy Cragg and other of my relations whom I had not seen for several years; on the 2nd of 5th mo: I came to cousin Thos. Merrick's in Warrington and the next day to Cousin J. Merrick's at Edsbury and on the 5th through the Lords mercy returned safe and well home to Delegelley.
In the beginning of 5th mo: this year I went to see my master Darby who was very ill, and I thought when I first saw him as if there had been the very picture of death in his face, (he died the 5th of 3rd mo: following). I returned through Salop and by Dolobran where I had very great welcome from my dear friends in those parts.

On the 27th of 7th mo: 1716 I set out on my journey for Lancashire, on the 28th I came to my Cousin J. Merrick's at Edsbury where I had great welcome, we being truly glad to see each other once again. I went next day to Penketh and was the day following (being first day) at their meeting which was very large. I had a good opportunity of seeing my dear old friends in this place, I went also to visit Wm Fell who was very weak in body, here I met with my old acquaintance Mary Penn (wife of Wm Penn jr.) whom I had formerly been acquainted with in London; the next morning my brother Joseph Kelsall came to me at Penketh, for so we had appointed to meet at this time and place on occasion of some particular business which we soon composed to our content and that day my Brother returned home, I went that night to Cousin Thos. Merrick's at Warrington and the next day to cousin John's again and the 9th returned home having had a good and satisfactory journey.

We laid the foundation of the furnace at Dolgyn in 2nd mo: this year 1718 and the whole care and management of business being left to me I had usually my hands full, and thro' mercy things went on well, we began to blow 21st of 1st mo: 1719, my time being thus taken up with constant business I seldom went any time from about home.

The furnace went on very well, we cast about 12 or 13 tons each week long wt. and had not the least mishap during the blast, toward the latter end of which we were very much straitened for coal, those we had being 3 or 4 years old proved very bad, we had very great fatigue in getting in slack, the country being aware of our necessity, did greatly impose upon us, which made my business very irksome and difficult, the whole being left to me with little or no assistance from any others, on the last day of the 9th mo: 1719 the furnace blew out having cast 446 tons that blast. In the latter end of the 10th mo: this year I came to understand that my master designed to dismiss me, which was some surprise to me, wherein I had given them any just occasion, the most I could ever learn they had to object was, I had been to easy and mild, and not close and severe enough, which the circumstances of the affairs considered, (as being a stranger in the country and divers necessities upon us at times) I think was no part of mismanagement in me, but the contrary might much more have been so, however to be short in the matter I had notice to prepare my accounts to be settled (which had not been done for 2 years) and to see for a place by the 25th of 1st mo: following. I can truly say things were ordered and settled much beyond my expectation.

In some little time I understood that Friends of Dublin had wrote to my friend Chas. Lloyd about my going there to teach school, and was informed that the place was as good as £50 per annum, no other way appearing I gave up in my mind to go there and in order thereto on the 6th of 2nd mo: went to Dolobran with my friend Ellis Lewis to procure a letter from my friend Charles Lloyd to Friends at Dublin in my behalf, designing to set out in about 2 weeks time; and the next morning as I was taking my leave of them they intimated to me their design of my coming to be clerk for them at their new forge, and so accepted the offer and returned home.

On the 12th of 2nd mo: 1720 according to appointment I came again to Dolobran and on the 15th entered upon the forge business, on the 12th of 3rd mo: I went to Dolgyn and the next day came with my wife and family hither, we went to live at the meeting house, till in the 10 mo: we removed to the new house at the forge which was built that summer. These years 1721 & 2 I was mostly at home, the business of the forge being solely left to me.

My dear Father in Law Amos Davies had been very ill this summer occasioned by an apoplectic fit or two; I went to see him the 21st of 7th mo: 1722 and found him very weak, that evening about 11 o'clock he departed this life in great quietness and peace, and was buried at Friends burying place in Salop the 23rd having descended to the grave with a universal good character.

In the 12th mo: 1722 I was pretty much abroad about young masters concerns. In the 2nd mo: 1723 I was at the yearly meeting at Prestayn where were John Gurney and Thomas Story.

The 28th of 3rd mo: 1723 I set out for the yearly meeting in London, being appointed along with John Reynolds to attend the same, we called on Israel Hales at Staines, and got well to London the 1st of 4th mo: we staid in town till the 13th and then returned home. In my absence all our children had the measles, but through mercy did recover.

On the 3rd of 4th mo: my Mother-in-law Ann Davies deceased at Salop aged 72. She had been a notable woman in her day, well esteemed and of good service; my wife and son John were at her burial.

In the latter end of 1st mo: 1725 I was at the yearly meeting at Carmarthen, about this time I received a letter from my Cousin David Cragg giving me an account that my dear Uncle Timothy Cragg departed this life the 14th of 12th mo: last, it was a great concern to me to hear thereof having lost one of the best friends I had, he was a grave, solid, weighty man, and will be much missed among the Churches of Christ, he died in great peace saying death was no terror to him etc.
I was this summer at cousin John Merrick's at the Chamber of the Forest where I had great welcome.

Towards the beginning of 2nd mo: 1726 I was at the Yearly meeting at Denbigh which was very large.

I had an account some time ago that my Brother Joseph Kelsall was married to Margaret, Daughter of Wm Winder in Wyresdale.

On the 11th of 7th mo: 1726 I was a the Yearly Meeting at Hereford which held four days.

On the 11th of 2nd mo: I went for Chester along with my son Amos and was at the Yearly meeting there which began next day, here I met with my Brother Joseph Kelsall whom I had not seen of about 14 years before, and was very glad to see him.

In the year 1728 I took a farm near the meeting house of £6 per annum and kept two cows and also kept school.
Having agreed with Henry Payton Senr. of Dudley to go to be Clerk at the Dolgyn furnace at £30 p. an I entered upon that business the 22nd of 5th mo: 1729 and my family came there the 6th of 7th mo: following. I found great welcome from my old friends and acquaintances at this place.

In these years 1729-30-31 I was daily busied in looking after workmen at the furnace and spent all the stock about the middle of 7th mo:

On the 4th of 12th mo: I began to teach school in town chiefly writing and accounts which I continued till about the 11th mo: 1734.

Having now not much employment was advised to go to Cork in Ireland. The 20th of 4th mo: we set sail and on the 23rd arrived at Cork. On the 3rd of 5th mo: I began the school having about £25 per annum and my board. On the 18th of 10th mo: I was taken ill and fearing I should lose my health, on the 4th of 12th mo: we set sail and on the 15th arrived at Bristol, and on the 13th of 1st mo: 1736 got safe to Dolgyn, was glad to find my family in good health and was now well myself.

Was at the Yearly meeting at Preston in 1738.

Son Thomas went from Liverpool to Guinea 1740.

Went for Wyresdale, Lancaster yearly meeting etc 1742.

John Kelsall the writer of this Journal died at Chester.

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John and Susannah Kelsall had 10 children
1st John born 21st of 2nd mo: 1712 2 Amos 7th of 12th 1713/14 3 Benjamin 19th of 3rd 1716 4 Samuel 4th of 3rd 1718 died the 20th following 5 Thomas 19th of 2nd 1719 6 Elizabeth 9th of 5th 1721 7 Mary 26th of 3rd 1724 8 Timothy 24th of 9th 1726 9 Susannah 20th of 2nd 1731 10 Sarah 3rd of 1st 1732/33

Timothy Cragg died on the 14th of 12th mo. 1724, he was a minister in the Society of Friends, and according to the testimony of his nephew John Kelsall, he was a grave, solid, weighty man and died in great peace saying death was no terror to him.

At the time of the Scotch rebellion in the year 1715, it happened to be meeting day at Wyresdale, and Timothy Cragg was preaching when his servant man (being alarmed by the firing of guns at a distance) came into the meeting and told his master that the Scots were coming, but Timothy went on with his discourse and took no notice of him.
5 mo. 1870

John Kelsall mentions in his journal that his brother Joseph was married to Margaret daughter of William Winder of Wyresdale (she died 26th of 6th mo: 1782 aged 82 years) after they were married they lived on a farm at Tarnbrook but afterwards removed to Routon Brook in Quernmore, where they resided at the time of the Scotch rebellion in the year 1745, when a party of Scots went up there in quest of baggage carts and horses, but Joseph Kelsall very likely being aware of their coming took his horses up to an out barn some distance from the house and left his wife and children to take their chance with the Scots, they behaved civilly but wanted something to eat and were in a great hurry to get it cooked but there was a bad fire, so the officer who commanded the party ordered one of his men to "help the woman to blow". I have heard it said that they took a horse and cart and servant man with them and the family were very much afraid they would never come back, but they did come back again.

Joseph and Margaret Kelsall had 7 children, there names were
1. Elizabeth 2. Ann 3. Margaret 4. Joseph 5. William 6. Thomas 7. John

1st. Elizabeth, married Jonah Mason of Lancaster and there are many descendants now living, one Grandson, John Mason, a cabinet maker emigrated to New Zealand several years since and left a wife and family at Lancaster, one of his daughters afterwards went to his and was married soon after she got there.

2nd. Ann, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall married John Jackson of Quernmore, a miller, the country folk called him the honest miller. They had 2 daughters, Jane and Mary. Jane married Thomas Brewer who resided at Quernmore Brow-top on an estate of his own which has descended to his Grandson Thomas Brewer who now occupies it and has numerous family.
Jane and Thomas Brewer had one son and two daughters, - the son John married Ellen Parr and had several children the present Thomas Brewer being the eldest, born 1819.
Betty, daughter of Jane and Thomas Brewer married William Thornton of Lancaster, Butcher, and had a numerous family, she resides at Lancaster and is in the 85th year of her age, she has been a widow a great many years.
Ann, second daughter of Jane and Thomas Brewer married William son of James Till of Wyersdale, yeoman, and had a very large family, their eldest son John Till married Elizabeth Gifford of Wyresdale, they reside on a farm in the neighbourhood of Garstang and have several children (9).
Mary, second daughter of Ann and John Jackson (died at Calder Bridge near Garstang on the 2nd of 2nd mo. 1858 aged 90 years) married William Dilworth of Wyresdale , Farmer (who at one time farmed Chapel House) and had 3 children, namely - John Jackson, Jane and William. William went to America, was married there but left no family. Jane Dilworth married John Wilcockson of Preston, Coach proprietor, and had several children two of whom are now living John Jackson Dilworth married Ann Wilcockson of Preston (sister to John mentioned above) and has 3 children William, David and Mary, who are all married and have families. John J Jackson is now living at Calder Bridge near Garstang, he is the oldest Great Granchild of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall now living, being born on the 1st of 1st mo: 1786, consequently in the 85th year of his age. Ann his wife is in her 82nd year, being born the 19th of 9th mo: 1788. (John Jackson Dilworth died 31st of 12th mo. 1870. Ann his wife died 12th of 5th mo. 1874)

3rd. Margaret, third daughter of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall married John Morrison of Lancaster, sailcloth manufacturer and had one son who never was married. She died the year 1816 at a good old age.

4th. Joseph, the eldest son of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall was married and settled on a farm near Wyresdale Meeting house which was held on a life lease by the family; he had two sons and a daughter. One son died young, the other - Joshua married Mary (Born 1st 5mo. 1791) daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Swindlehurst, and had 3 sons and 2 daughters who are all living at present (1870) and are married. Joshua Kelsall farmed Chapel-house in Wyresdale and taught Friends school at the Meeting house many years, he died on the 25th of 9th mo: 1854 aged 73 years. Joseph his eldest son now resides at Chapel house and has farmed it since his father's death: he married Ann daughter of Ann and William Till beforementioned and has some children. Joshua Kelsall's sister Dorothy ( who died 11th of 4t mo: 1858 aged 70 years) married James Atkinson of Lancaster, Tailor, and had 3 children - Ellen (who died young) Joseph and James who are both living and are married. James has 3 children.

5th. William, second son of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall married Margaret Jackson and was a farmer at Tarn Brook in Over Wyresdale, they had 3 sons and 6 daughters:-
1st. William died young. 2nd. Thomas (who died 17th of 9 mo. 1855 aged 89 years) married Agnes Birkett but had no children. 3rd. Joseph married Margaret Waddington of Myerscough where he was a miller, they had one son William who died when nearly grown up, and one daughter Mary who married her cousin Joseph Waddington but is now a widow and has a farm near Preston and has some children grown up. Margaret, daughter of William and Margaret Kelsall married Wm Moss and had a numerous family, three or four sons went to America and some of them joined the Mormons and went to the Salt Lake City. Elizabeth the second daughter married Thomas Cragg (who died 17th of 3rd mo: 1848 aged 84) of Greenbank in Over Wyresdale (a descendant of Timothy Cragg) and had several children their only surviving only surviving son William now owns and occupies the same farm at Greenback and married Ann Donaldson a Scotch lady who died lately aged about 62 years) they have 2 daughters both brown up. 3rd. Ann (who died 26th of 9th mo: 1842 aged 73) married Thomas Rushton of Lancaster, slater and plasterer (who died 11th of 4th ,o: 1849 aged 82) her eldest daughter Ann married Bartholomew Pye of Wyresdale, farmer, and had several children of whom 3 sons are now living, they are all married and have families. 4th. Dorothy (died 15th of 1st mo: 1861 aged 83) married Lawrence Pye of Wyresdale, yeoman (brother of Bartholomew Pye beforementioned) and had several children her youngest son Thomas now farms Lentworth Hall, Wyersdale, is married and has a family. 5th. Jane was three times married, had one daughter Margaret who was twice married and had one daughter Jane who married a grandson of Thomas Cragg beforementioned and had one daughter last I heard of them. 6th. Alice (died 23rd of 2nd mo: 1861 aged 73) married David Cragg, Farmer, Hareappletree, Quernmore and had a numerous family, the eldest son John is now a master clogger at Lancaster, is married and has no children.

6th. Thomas, third son of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall married Dorothy Jackson (sister to his Brother William's wife) and had three sons. William the eldest (who died the 19th of 11 mo: 1844 aged 73 years) married his cousin Mary daughter of John Kelsall and had 5 sons and 3 daughters. Thomas, the eldest (who died the 4th of 4th mo: 1869 aged 65 years) married Betty daughter of Edward and Ellen Bibby of Conder Mill and have 5 sons and one daughter now living and all married. William the eldest married his cousin Ellen Robinson, they have 3 children and now live on a farm called Low Pleasant in Quernmore. Joseph the second son of Thomas and Dorothy Kelsall died in the year 1822 or 23 never was married. He enclosed the farm called Low Pleasant from Quernmore common, built the house and outbuildings and died soon after he had got all into nice order, the farm now belongs to his brother Williams descendants. Thomas third son of Thomas and Dorothy Kelsall (who died 13th of 4th mo: 1869 aged 84 years) married Elizabeth Winder of Fell End, Quernmoor and had 3 sons and 3 daughters, all married, Joseph the eldest married Jane daughter of Richard Cragg (a brother of Thomas Cragg beforementioned) and has several children. Margaret daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Kelsall married Abraham son of Joshua and Mary Kelsall beforementioned and has one son and six daughters living, they have removed this spring (1870) to a farm in Derbyshire.

7th, John, 4th and youngest son of Joseph and Margaret Kelsall (who died the 30th of 4th mo: 1822 aged about 82 or 83 years) married Mary daughter of Thomas Corless of Banton House, Ellel (who died 4th of 3rd mo: 1823 aged about 87 years) they lived many years at Routon Brook and had 3 sons and 3 daughters. 1st Joseph, died when he was about 27 years of age and never was married. 2nd Thomas, died 2nd of 7th mo: 1834 aged aged about 63 years and never was married. 3rd John, who died 7th mo: 1841 aged 71; married Nancy Martin(?) (whose mother was sister to William Dilworth beforementioned) and settled at Garstang in the hatting business and had a large family, their son Christopher (now upwards of 70 years of age) and their daughter Margaret still carry on the hatting business as far as selling hats, and havee added the grocery business, neither of them have been married, John son of John and Nancy Kelsall married Ann daughter of William and Sarah Procter, was a clogger and resided at Bradford where he died. They had several children, 2 of which are now in Australia. Joseph son of John and Nancy Kelsall (who died 12th of 6th mo: 1869 aged 74 years) was married and had a numerous family. (Christopher Kelsall above mentioned died 1st 11th mo. 1875 aged 76 years ) Mary, the youngest child of John and Mary Kelsall married Henry Wilkinson, farmer, had 8 children and some of them died when they were young. (Joseph eldest son of M & H Wilkinson died at Penrith 6th of 5th mo. 1877 aged 86 years.) Their son John who is now advanced in years resides at Halton near Lancaster married Margaret Parkinson and has several children. Some of his sons have a steam corn mill on the Quay at Lancaster. Margaret daughter of Margaret and Henry Wilkinson married William Fox of Sunnyside in Nether Wyersdale and has a large family.
Ruth daughter of John and Mary Kelsall (who died 7th of 1st mo: 1814 aged 48 years and 5 days and left 10 children most of them young) married George Mason, hatter of Quernmoor, who died 19th of 8th mo: 1826 aged 62 years. George their eldest son married Betty daughter of Richard Gibson of Quernmoor, yeoman, and had 2 sons Richard, born 27th of 11th mo: 1813 married Elizabeth daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Kelsall beforementioned and has 4 sons and 2 daughters, 2 sons are married, George farms Myerscough Hall and Thomas farms Elston Hall above Preston. John the younger son of George and Betty Mason (born 11th of 11th mo: 1815, died 14th of 3rd mo. 1847) married Jane Bibby of Conder Mill, had 2 sons George and Edward who are both married and living in Australia (Edward died at Melbourne 2nd of 9th mo. 1871) Thomas 4th son of George and Ruth Mason (born 23rd of 2nd mo. 1800) married Ellen Thompson (born 1802) and farmed Routon Brook many years, they had 13 children all grown up and married. Alice their third daughter died 2 or 3 years since and left several (7) children, all the rest are living. 1870.Their son Leonard now farms Routon Brook.
On the 4th day the 18th of 9th mo: 1878 there was a gathering of an unusually interesting character at Bailrigg, Scotforth, near Lancaster, the residence of Josias Mason, farmer. Upon that day there was a re-union of the various family branches of Thomas and Ellen Mason of Clougha Cottage, Quernmoor, at the house of their eldest son. They had thirteen children - 6 sons and 7 daughters, all of whom except one daughter are still alive. The party consisted of Thomas Mason his six sons and six daughters, and their wives and husbands, 80 granchildren, five wives and husbands of grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, total 120. These were all present and formed a good sized family, only one person (J. Mason's wife) was prevented attending from indisposition, four others were absent from unavoidable causes. Thomas Mason's children are all married, all have families, and all are in the farming line. There was not a smoker in the whole party, and nearly all of them are teetotallers.