Thomas Rundell (1824 - 1884)

Born 13 Aug 1824 in Little Petherick, Cornwall, England

Ancestors

Died 20 Dec 1884 at age 60 in Platteville, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States

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Thomas Rundell was born in Little Petherick, Cornwall, England.

Biography

Thomas Rundell was baptized on 5 Sep 1824 in Little Petherick, Cornwall, England, the son of James Roscillion Rundell and Betsy Paynter.^[1] In 1841, Thomas was living with Rundell relatives in Tywardreath, Cornwall.^[2] On 28 Mar 1847, he married Emma Foxen in St Luke, Middlesex, England.^[3] Emma was the daughter of Samuel John Foxen. The next year, in 1848, he emigrated to America with his wife, brother William and wife Elizabeth Roberts, and brother Samuel and wife Kezia Biddick. Ten weeks and 3 days after boarding the ship Clio at Padstow, they made it to Platteville, Wisconsin on June 12, 1848, where they were welcomed by Thomas' sister Eliza and her husband Stephen Carhart, who had left England in 1842.^[4] Thomas and Emma had seven children, all born in Platteville:

Agnes Caroline, b. 11 Sep 1849, d. 17 Nov 1908^[5]

Diana MaryAnn Elizabeth Hannah, b. 16 Jul 1851, d 20 Mar 1915^[6]

Maria Thirza, b. 24 Aug 1853, d. 17 Mar 1930^[7]

Lucy J., b. 1856, d. 15 May 1861^[8]

Violet A., b. 21 Jan 1859, d. 4 Oct 1947

Adorah Emma Evangline, b. 21 Jan 1859,^[9] d. 30 Mar 1944^[10]

Isabel Emily, b. 15 May 1861,^[11] d. 28 Oct 1947^[12]

In 1860, Thomas and his family were living in Waterstown, Grant County, Wisconsin^[13] and then in 1870 and 1880, they were living in Platteville, Grant County.^[14][15] Thomas died at age 60 on 20 Dec 1884 in Platteville and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery.^[16]

Thomas Rundell's Voyage to America in 1848

This is the diary, written by Thomas Rundell (1824-1884), of the voyage of three sons of James Rundell and Betsy Paynter Rundell: (1) William Rundell, his wife,(2) Elizabeth Ann Roberts (3) Thomas Rundell, his wife (4)Emma Foxen (5) Samuel Rundell, his wife (6) Kezia Biddick Rundell. They made it to Platteville, Wisconsin on June 12, 1848. They were welcomed by Stephen Carhart and his wife Aunt Eliza Rundell Carhart, who had left England in 1842.

The account was retyped by Sue Simpson Shinkle (April 2000, updated on 15 Dec 2002), who took some liberties with the spelling and punctuation but tried to follow the account as written.

We went on board the ship “Clio” at Padstow (England) on the 3rd of April 1848. Mr. Easthope, Commander; Mr. Fiep, Chief Mate; Mr. Henry Tom, Second Mate, with a crew of 17 men. Mr. Young, the doctor, 209 adult passengers and 55 children. Total 284 on board. We were delayed until the 15thon account of our provisions not having been sent in proper season. The fare includes 1 lb. of bread-stuffs per day and the Dis. Bill was 3 pounds, 16 shillings per head.

April, 1848

9 Mr. Tregaska preached on board from these words, “In all thy ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” The Lord was present to bless his people.

14 We towed the ship by a rope out to a cove.

15 We set sail at 11 o’clock, the wind being strong from the South. Lost sight of land at quarter past two. By three the greater part of the passengers were sick. 4 o’clock we went to bed. We had no supper that night.

16 Sunday, very dull day. Not many passengers went on deck. No meeting.

17 Fine day the greater part of the passengers went on quarterdeck.

18 The wind blowing very hard from the Northwest. Heaved to in the evening but was carried back 20 miles in 4 hours.

19 Fine day – saw three vessels near us in the evening. Saw several fish jumping through the water like great dogs.

20 Fine day – saw a piece of wood floating.

21 Good Friday – wind fair – preaching on deck. Thank God we had a good time – His presence makes our paradise and where he is, is heaven.

22 Saw several porpoises.

23 Sunday – 2:30 preaching on deck. 6:30 prayer meeting. The sea is as smooth as a pool.

24 Saw a fish the size of a large bull.

25 Saw a grampus as large as hogshead.

26, 27, 28, 29 Nothing but water to be seen.

30 A very dull Sabbath. Prayer meeting in the evening.

May

1 A very stormy day – wind Southwest.

2 Nothing

3 Saw a flock of birds

4 Fine weather -- Several gallons of cider stolen from a passenger.

5 Saw several bottle nose fish

6 Very wet day

7 Sunday – preaching for 2 ½ hours. Saw several small fish jumping like rabbits.

8 Fine day – there are 4 ships sailing by our side

9 Very wet day – Saw several small birds

10 Wind SE – sailing 8 miles an hour – birds are plentiful

11 We had a very rough night – the ship rolled tremendously and we got on the banks of Newfoundland

12 Very foggy – was obliged to blow the fog-horn

13 Very foggy – saw several fishing boats

14 Sunday – Very wet day – almost ran against a small boat – clear weather

15 We are now almost 80 miles from Newfoundland

16 Very cold weather

17 Saw land at 5 o’clock in the morning – a sailor caught a bird – Saw several whales.

18 We are now in the mouth of the Gulf (of St. Lawrence)

19 Head wind – We are near St. Paul’s Island. It is fifteen miles between St. Paul’s and Cape North -- We can see houses on the Cape Coast

20 Close to Birds’ Island – a great many birds

21 We are now in sight of Anti Costi and Canada

22 Fine weather – We are now 300 miles from Quebec. We have a fine view of the coast, there is snow on it

23 Saw mountains on our left – 397-3600 feet high. The pilot came on board – saw a large whale

24 Saw a town of 1500 inhabitants – Overtook a French passenger vessel

25 Got into quarantine grounds – a very pretty place

26 Left at 10 o’clock and got to Quebec at 1 o’clock. It is a fine town -- high stone houses, stone walls and roofs covered with tin. We had a very pleasant voyage, no frightful storms nor any icebergs. All the passengers arrived in good health. Thank God for bringing us safe across the Atlantic – being 5 weeks and 5 days on the water. (Mrs. Emma (Foxen) Rundell was taken off at the quarantine ground. She was emaciated but not sick. She and another woman made their escape.)

27 Put our things aboard the Queen Steamboat. It is the finest boat that I have ever seen. Paid our fare for Montreal – left Quebec at 7 p.m.

28 Fine weather – the scenery on each side of the river is lovely. The tall young trees on each side, shooting forth their leaves in grandeur. The cattle feeding on the rich pastures. The river and the land just on the level and large rafts of timber being carried down stream make a grand sight. Arrived at Montreal at 3:00. At 4 we went ashore and found Mr. Turner’s home. He kept an English house. We had 3 pints of cider, 4 basins of tea, ½ lb. butter and a large loaf of bread for 2 shillings. 6d. each for our beds. Good accommodations. This is a pretty town – well laid out – grand houses – good streets well lighted with gas.

29 Paid our fare for Kingston – First we were taken 9 miles by railroad to Lachine. The land is not as good as it is back further. Went on board another steamboat-soon got into upper Canada – good land here, large trees, large fields, fine orchards, flourishing trees.

30 Arrived at Kingston at 4 – did not see much of this town. Here we paid our fare to Buffalo and went on board another steamer. Started at 5 p.m.

31 Arrived at Oswego at 3 in the morning. This is a city in York State. Here we found another English home and got a good breakfast cheap. It is a fine country here. Left at 9. We are crossing the Ontario Lake. Called at Rochester at 6 p.m. Arrived at Lewiston at 5 a.m.

June

1 Here we had our luggage carried up over a hill in a wagon -- then for 3 miles, we were drawn by horses over the railroad. Very light land here. We went into railroad carriages. Started at 12 and arrived at Niagara Falls at 1o’clock. Took dinner by the sight of the splendid falls. Started at 2 – arrived at Buffalo at 4. Took our things to an Englishman’s home, Mr. Wells. Here we had three meals and a bed for 50 cts.

2 Paid our fare to Milwaukee. Went on board the Baltic boat. Left Buffalo at 7 p.m. This is a large town – a good place for business.

3 We are now crossing Lake Erie. Called at Cleveland – this small town with dirty streets – a great woodland country.

4 Sunday we are now on Lake Huron. The weather is foggy. Can scarcely see land.

5 This is a large lake -- the wind is blowing strong – it seems as though we’re in the ocean. Now in Lake Michigan.

6 We are now in long looked for and much desired state Wisconsin. It is better land here than is was back further. It is red soil. The trees are small – some pretty places are near the lake. Arrived at Milwaukee at 6 o’clock. This is a thriving town.

7 We are 180 miles from Peatleville. (Platteville?) Here the wagoners charge $20 for 20 cwt (hundred weight)– either passengers or luggage to carry to Mineral Point – engaged a teamster to take us to Point. Started at 10 o’clock – traveled 29 miles and stopped at a tavern. They charge 50 cents per head for supper, bed and breakfast.

8 Started at 6 o’clock. Crossed some very good land today.

9 It is tiresome traveling on a wagon. Weather dry and hot.

10 We are crossing some beautiful prairie land. Did not expect to see so much good land free from trees.

11 Slept 7 miles from Mineral Point. Arrived at Mineral Point at 9 o’clock. Agreed with the same teamster to take us to Peatleville. (Platteville?) When they were coming out of the chapel, (Primitive Methodist on Second Street) we met with Stephen (Carhart) and Eliza and went home with them. Glad we were to meet with our friends and relatives in a foreign land. Thus ends our journey, making 8 weeks and 2 days. Thank God for a safe journey.

Dated 1848 and signed Thomas Rundell

Last Will and Testament^[17]

In the name of God. Amen.

I Thomas Rundell of the city of Platteville County of Grant and State of Wisconsin being o sound mind and memory, in view of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make this my last will and testament, which I wish all men to respect after my decease.

First. I is my will that after my debts and funeral expenses are paid, that my wife, Emma Rundell have the interest of all my property either real or personal for her natural life.

Second. It is my will that if my wife Emma Rundell should marry again that she have one half of my property for her natural life, the other half to be equally divided between my children.

Third. It is my will that after the death of my wife Emma Rundell that my property real ad personal be equally divided between my daughters, to witt, Agness C, Diannah P, Menia, Violet A. Dona ? and Isabella, each to share alike.

Fourth. It is my will and I hereby appoint my brother Wm. Rundell to execute this my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this the second day of December 1884.

Thos. Rundell

Witnesses

Wm Johnson Platteville

Leonard Coates

Sources

1. ↑ Baptism: Cornwall OPC Baptisms Database. Day Month 05-SEP; Year 1824; Parish Circuit or Chapel LITTLE PETHERICK; Forename THOMAS; Surname RUNDELL; Sex SON; Father Forename JAMES; Mother Forename BETSY; Residence RESCULLION; Status or Occupation FARMER. https://cornwall-opc-database.org/search-database/baptisms/
2. ↑ 1841 Census: "England and Wales Census, 1841"
   citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey
   FamilySearch Record: MQB9-R2D (accessed 31 August 2023)
   FindMyPast Image
   Thomas Rundell (19) in Tywardreath, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. Born in Cornwall.
3. ↑ Marriage: "England, Middlesex Parish Registers, 1539-1988", database, FamilySearch Record: 689Z-LX1Q (18 July 2021), Thomas Rundell, 1847. Event Type MARRIAGE; Name THOMAS RUNDELL; Spouse’s Name EMMA FAXEN; Spouse’s Father’s Name SAMUEL JOHN FAXEN; Marriage Date 28 Mar 1847; Marriage Place ST LUKE, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
4. ↑ Diary: Thomas Rundell's Voyage to America. Retyped by Sue Simpson Shinkle with minor annotations, in possession of Stephen Mosier. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Thomas_Rundell%27s_Voyage_to_America
5. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #40333239 (accessed 31 August 2023)
   Memorial page for Agnes C. Rundell Thomas Palmer (11 Sep 1849-17 Nov 1908), citing Hurley Cemetery, Hurley, Turner County, South Dakota, USA; Maintained by RTerry (contributor 46537864).
6. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #40333589 (accessed 31 August 2023)
   Memorial page for Diana MaryAnn Elizabeth Hannah Rundell Liddicoat (16 Jul 1851-20 Mar 1915), citing Hurley Cemetery, Hurley, Turner County, South Dakota, USA; Maintained by RTerry (contributor 46537864).
7. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #111116263 (accessed 31 August 2023)
   Memorial page for Maria Thirza Rundell Ray (24 Aug 1853-17 Mar 1930), citing Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma, San Mateo County, California, USA (plot: Cedar Lot 6 Division-W 1/2); Maintained by Louis Roth (contributor 47433115).
8. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #40333465 (accessed 31 August 2023)
   Memorial page for Lucy J Rundell (19 Jan 1856-13 Feb 1861), citing Hillside Cemetery, Platteville, Grant County, Wisconsin, USA (plot: Section: Lot:); Maintained by RTerry (contributor 46537864).
9. ↑ 1860 Census: "1860 United States Federal Census"
   The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Clifton, Grant, Wisconsin; Roll: M653_1409; Page: 106; Family History Library Film: 805409
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7667 #36098052 (accessed 31 August 2023)
   Emma Rundall (1) in Clifton, Grant, Wisconsin. Born in Wisconsin.
10. ↑ Death: "California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997"
    Place: Los Angeles; Date: 30 Mar 1944
    Ancestry Record 5180 #8072204 (accessed 31 August 2023)
    Dora P Worsham death 30 Mar 1944 (born 15 Dec 1858) in Los Angeles, mother's maiden name Foren.
11. ↑ 1880 Census: "United States Census, 1880"
    citing Volume: 1; Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T9; Affiliate Line Number: 00085; Digital film/folder number: 005162837; FHL microfilm: 1255427; Image number: 392; Sheet number: 303; Sheet letter: D; Packet letter: H
    FamilySearch Record: MN4K-4JS (accessed 31 August 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9YBG-9915
    Isabel Rundell (19), single daughter, Teacher, in household of Thomas Rundell (55) in Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin, United States. Born in Wisconsin, United States.
12. ↑ Obituary: "U.S., Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current"
    Wisconsin State Journal; Publication Date: 30 Oct 1947; Publication Place: Madison, Wisconsin, USA; URL: https://www.newspapers.com/image/402574500/?article=b9476a1a-6447-4616-9337-3e0ee57b3cad&focus=0.16291192,0.27993357,0.27505514,0.5241146&xid=3355
    Ancestry Record 61843 #7229130 (accessed 31 August 2023)
    Name: Isabel Rundell Rundell; Gender: Female; Death Age: 86; Birth Date: abt 1861; Birth Place: Platteville; Residence Place: Platteville; Death Date: Abt 1947; Death Place: Platteville; Obituary Date: 30 Oct 1947; Obituary Place: Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Newspaper Title: Wisconsin State Journal.
13. ↑ 1860 Census: "United States Census, 1860"
    citing Page: 175; Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: M653; Digital film/folder number: 005171776; FHL microfilm: 805409; Image number: 771; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N01836-0
    FamilySearch Record: MWMR-FLF (accessed 31 August 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GBSX-Y83
    Thomas Rundall (36) in Waterstown, Grant, Wisconsin, United States. Born in England.
14. ↑ 1870 Census: "United States Census, 1870"
    citing Page: 5; Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: M593; Line: 24; Digital film/folder number: 004268462; FHL microfilm: 000553216; Image number: 365; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N01488-5
    FamilySearch Record: MN9N-935 (accessed 31 August 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-XCM3-8YS
    Thomas Rundell (45) head of household in Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin, United States. Born in ENGLAND.
15. ↑ 1880 Census: "United States Census, 1880"
    citing Volume: 1; Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T9; Affiliate Line Number: 00082; Digital film/folder number: 005162837; FHL microfilm: 1255427; Image number: 392; Sheet number: 303; Sheet letter: D; Packet letter: H
    FamilySearch Record: MN4K-4N1 (accessed 31 August 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9YBG-9915
    Thomas Rundell (55), married, Carpenter, head of household in Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin, United States. Born in England.
16. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images Find A Grave: Memorial #30143578 (accessed 31 August 2023), memorial page for Thomas Rundell (13 Aug 1824–20 Dec 1884), Find a Grave Memorial ID 30143578, citing Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, Grant County, Wisconsin, USA; Maintained by One 2 Wander ღ (contributor 47038231).
17. ↑ Probate: "Wisconsin, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1800-1987." Probate Records, Grant County, Wisconsin; Author: Wisconsin. County Court (Grant County); Probate Place: Grant, Wisconsin Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 9088 #646829 (accessed 31 August 2023) Thomas Rundell probate on 3 Jan 1885 in Grant, Wisconsin, USA.