Emigrant Ships

When Dales' folk emigrated, they often went in groups. A fortunate researcher may find ancestors listed on these ships. Some of these are listed here
SAXONY Liverpool to New Orleans 1849
SOLDAN Liverpool to New Orleans 1845
ROSCIUS Liverpool to New York 1839
ROSCIUS (2) Liverpool to New York 1839
FAIRFIELD Liverpool to New York 1844
PRENTICE Liverpool to New York May 1842
HARK AWAY Liverpool to New York 1834
CHIPMAN Liverpool to New Orleans 1848
DAVID CANNON Liverpool to New York 1848
CONTINENT Liverpool to New York 1853
LUCY THOMPSON Liverpool to New York 1855
OCEAN STARR Liverpool to New York 1850
E.C. SCRANTON Liverpool to New York 1855
FINLAND Liverpool to New Orleans 1846
CONSTELLATION Liverpool to New York 1849
CITY OF CORK Liverpool to New York 1868
HOTTINGUER Liverpool to New York 1845

Emigrants waiting in Leyburn Market Place for carriage to Liverpool.

By the third quarter of the 19th century, farming in the Dales was depressed and inefficient; this combined with the failure of the lead mining industry caused many families to leave for other parts of England such as the Lancashire mill towns, the West Riding and the North East. Another option was emigration. There were contacts with earlier emigrants as well as presentations such as the following :-

"On Saturday evening June 13th 1874 the Rev. G.M. Binks delivered a lecture on commerce and emigration to the free lands of Dacota Territory, U.S.A, to a very respectable audience of working people at Preston, Wensleydale. Mr. Binks commenced by giving a geographical sketch of that expansive tract of country, informing his hearers that Dacota Territory is three or four times as large as the United Kingdom, embracing within its borders 90,000,000 acres of rich productive soil, two thirds being open to settlement under the homestead system, whereby every man above 21 years of age who goes to make for himself a home, is entitled to a farm of 240 acres of good land, ready for the plough, with a healthy climate and plenty of pure water. The produce of the land is plentiful. Wheat is grown 4 bushels and upwards per acre. Farm labourers can get £5 per month and board; servant girls from 12s to 16s per week with board. With a free school system, Dacota Territory is surpassed by no country upon earth as a home for working men, as health, with persevering industry, will raise a man to respectability and independence; and best of all, it is open to all men on equal terms." - Ripon Gazette, Jun 27 1874

Many people did leave Wensleydale to live in Canada & the U.S.A, but it is not known how many chose Dacota Territory.

Ad for emigration. (click to enlarge)

Wensleydale Advertiser

June 18, 1844
"Several families have passed through Hawes during the past week on their way to the port of Liverpool where they intend to embark for the USA. They are all from the upper part of Swaledale."

1st April 1845
"Upward of fifty individuals have passed through Hawes this week on their way to Liverpool to embark for the United States. They are principally husbandmen from the neighbourhood of Swaledale."

20th Jan 1846. Leyburn.
Emigration. It appears emigration to our southern colonies still goes on rapidly. Mr R O. Warrick, R.N. Govenor of the Union Workhouse, who is authorized General Emigration Agent here informs us a ship will sail next month for the Cape of Good Hope, and Algoa Bay. …….. We believe Mechanics, Agricultural Labourers, and Miners, together with their families, may obtain a free passage.

3rd Mar 1846
"A correspondent informs us that emigration is going on to a great extent to Australia, Cape of Good Hope and British America. In the early part of next month vessels will leave London for the above colonies in which a free passage will be granted to the two former places. The passage to America is for adults £5 each including provisions during the voyage. Parties desirous of availing themselves of the present opportunity should lose no time in making application to Mr. R. O. Warwick Governor of the Leyburn Workhouse who we are informed is appointed general commission agent for all Her Majesty's colonies."