Henry Morgan's Diary

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I found this diary while looking for information to choose the next pie melon recipe so we use it up not just make it and leave it sitting in the cupboard. I am doing a relish next.

This diary appears to be in the NE Victoria or Ballarat area.

"This is the incredible journey and life of one of my ancestors, reading this gives one a picture of not only Henry's life but that of North Eastern Victoria, Australia in the later half of the Nineteenth Century and early month's of the Twentieth"

"This document was prepared from a photocopy of the original manuscript, written 140 years after the first entry in Henry Morgan's diary and 84 years after his death."

"Which was begun in July, 1856, includes recollections of his experiences crossing the U.S.A at the age of 18, from March, 1852, and ends with his last wobbly entries in July, 1908.

The passage of time has altered many things: spelling and the use of words are the things which are most obvious in reading Henry's diary. But the harshness of life in those early days is something which makes me realise how much we take our standard of living for granted. For instance, the young bride, Grace, very quickly has her new home "very nicely arranged and beginning to look like a palace", but it is some three and a half years before she has a kitchen! ‑ "I finished the kitchen and Grace work very late putting the house to rights."

Here it is:

www.weather-west.net/henry_morgan.htm

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"DIARY OF HENRY MORGAN

MEMORANDUM ‑ Wrote July 21st, I856

I left my home on Yellow Creek, Kosciuski County, Indiana, U.S.A on the l0th March, 1852, with the intention of possibly going to California. Though I did not make this known to my father, he wishing me to take charge of his farm and I gave him to understand that, after visiting my brother Griffith in Michigan City, I would return.

I took with me my young horse that father had given me, and took my leave of all at home, little thinking then that 1870 would roll round without ever seeing my childhood home or any of those left behind. Sold my horse in Laporte and walked into Michigan City, a distance of 10 miles. After a little inquiry, reached Griffith's residence, where I was met at the door with a hearty welcome from my brother whom I had not seen before for three years, and after taking a scan all of me, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, he led me by the hand inside and introduced me to Electra, his wife. During the few weeks of my stay here, I was very comfortable. Electra was a dutiful wife and an excellent house‑keeper. My brother, William was here employed by Griffith as house‑carpenter, and with him most of my time was spent in the workshop...."

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There is mention of the Buckland, which is very interesting.

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I have read the first 25 pages, and it is about his crossing of America, the trip to Beechworth, and very brief trip to Ballarat and back to Beechworth. The Buckland Valley is where the Chinese miners where. I found it interesting that that year there were bushfires like this year 2007. Not that the Buckland was on fire this year, but other places in that general area were.

It seemed to rain a lot as well. Also it talks about snow, very interesting.