BIOGRAPHY:
William Nesbitt was born about 1799 in Ireland. He was the son of Nathaniel Nesbitt Sr. and Jane (Kennedy). They then lived in Ballybay, Monaghan County, about fifty miles southwest of Belfast. William arrived about 1827 and lived at Quicks Bend in Bradford Co., Penn. (His sister Isabella had married James Gamble and they preceded him in 1811.) William worked hard to earn money so his family could join him. In 1828, William's wife and children, as well as his father Nathaniel arrived. The Nesbitts lived near Merryall, Bradford County for several years then decided to clear land for a farm from the wilderness, which they later called Ballibay, after their homeland. During the winter of 1830 they erected a log house and moved in. Even before the windows and doors were in place, son David was born in late January. Blankets and quilts were put up covering the open spaces until they could be replaced. They were three miles from the little town of Camptown.
William and later young John, purchased goods in Camptown and then carried them the three miles on the path through the woods. They would carry a load until it became too heavy, then put it down, walk back, rest as they walked, and return with another load. William later purchased an ox team and sled which made life easier.
Besides the Nesbit's, other families that came from County Monaghan and northern Ireland to the area were named: Erskine, Hillis, Haney, McPherson, Morrow, Graham, Boyd, Branyan, Mittens, Woods, McAllister, Stethers, Fee, Lee and Dauherty. All were Protestants of the Covenanter Stock. At one time a Covenanter Church was organized and carried on for some years.
Sources: A Ballybay Connection, by: Corinne Fullerton Shumway in the LDS Family History Archives, and a Letter by Richard G. Nesbit to O. B. Nesbit, 1936.
BIOGRAPHY:
William Nesbitt was born about 1799 in Ireland. He was the son of Nathaniel Nesbitt Sr. and Jane (Kennedy). They then lived in Ballybay, Monaghan County, about fifty miles southwest of Belfast. William arrived about 1827 and lived at Quicks Bend in Bradford Co., Penn. (His sister Isabella had married James Gamble and they preceded him in 1811.) William worked hard to earn money so his family could join him. In 1828, William's wife and children, as well as his father Nathaniel arrived. The Nesbitts lived near Merryall, Bradford County for several years then decided to clear land for a farm from the wilderness, which they later called Ballibay, after their homeland. During the winter of 1830 they erected a log house and moved in. Even before the windows and doors were in place, son David was born in late January. Blankets and quilts were put up covering the open spaces until they could be replaced. They were three miles from the little town of Camptown.
William and later young John, purchased goods in Camptown and then carried them the three miles on the path through the woods. They would carry a load until it became too heavy, then put it down, walk back, rest as they walked, and return with another load. William later purchased an ox team and sled which made life easier.
Besides the Nesbit's, other families that came from County Monaghan and northern Ireland to the area were named: Erskine, Hillis, Haney, McPherson, Morrow, Graham, Boyd, Branyan, Mittens, Woods, McAllister, Stethers, Fee, Lee and Dauherty. All were Protestants of the Covenanter Stock. At one time a Covenanter Church was organized and carried on for some years.
Sources: A Ballybay Connection, by: Corinne Fullerton Shumway in the LDS Family History Archives, and a Letter by Richard G. Nesbit to O. B. Nesbit, 1936.
Inscription
WILLIAM NESBIT; died; Dec. 19, 1841.; aged 41 years; 11 mo. & 7 ds.; He has gone to rest, our Father dear; then why should we complain; or grieve or sigh or shed a tear; or wish him back again.
Family Members
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