Emigration:

Emigration:. Why did people come to Middlesex County and who were they?. Political, economic, and social conditions in Europe and other parts of North America prompted immigration to Upper Canada, and into what is now southwestern Ontario. Emigrants from Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, other British North American Colonies and the United States all contributed to the development of Lobo, London, West Nissouri, and Westminster Townships. Prospective emigrants were often recruited by the Canada Company through posters and leaflets that advertised the land and employment opportunities available for settlers. Booklets that answered commonly asked questions or gave direction to prospective settlers were widely printed to encourage emigration., One immigrant group to London Township was known as the Richard Talbot Settlers from North Tipperary, Ireland. In 1818, forty families from the region were recruited by Richard Talbot, an impoverished gentleman seeking a new start in the colonies, under an emigration plan funded in part by the British government. The Talbot emigrants were predominantly Protestant, leaving homes in southern Irish counties. Half of this group included farmers coming from small leaseholds, while a dozen more were tradesmen like shoemakers, weavers, blacksmiths and carpenters. A very few were "gentry" or gentlemen., As the transatlantic passenger trade evolved from the timber shipping industry, emigrant ships of the early 1800s were outfitted largely for the needs of cargo rather than passengers. Emigrants were required to supply their own food and bedding for the voyage, which could take a couple of months. In addition to enduring cramped living quarters and limited provisions, passengers suffered dreadfully from bouts of seasickness and other illness caused by contaminated water and unsanitary conditions. Cholera and typhus spread easily and were often deadly., Unfortunately, the voyage of the Richard Talbot Settlers was affected by such illnesses. The party set sail from Cork, Ireland on June 13th, 1818 on the brig Brunswick and docked at Quebec forty-three days later. Twenty-three of Talbot's original party of 183 perished during the voyage, all of them children., Follow their difficult journey on the adjacent panel, and visit the Corbett Tavern to learn more about the Richard Talbot Settlers!, Fanshawe Pioneer Village is very grateful to Charles Patrick Corbett and the Irish Benevolent Society for their support of this project.