[taken from Chapter 9 Manx Worthies, A.W.Moore, 1901]

[Ohio Settlers]

The next emigration took place in consequence of the potato tithe in 1825. It was, for the most part, to the United States, Cleveland, in the State of Ohio, being the headquarters of the emigrants. It is said that they went there in consequence of the favourable report of the country given by Dr. HARRISON, brother of the well-known Manx scholar and divine, the Rev. JOHN EDWARD HARRISON (see p. 32), who had visited it before 1820. Dr. HARRISON, who had been on the medical staff of the army, was a great traveller. He crossed the Arabian Desert disguised as .a Mussulman. He then came to America, visited the Falls of Niagara, and passed along the southern shores of Lake Erie. Mr. W. S. KERRUISH, one of the most distinguished American Manxmen at the present day (from whom this information is derived), says that Dr. HARRISON foresaw and predicted the splendid destinies of the district to the south of Lake Erie. The first Manx family came to it in 1824 ; then, in 1826, followed two families called KELLY and CRAINE, the latter being connected with the Caine's of Ballaskyr, Kirk Michael. In 1827 and 1828, about 140 families arrived. Amongst those who came in these years were PATRICK CANNELL, THOMAS QUAILE. the parents of Mr. W. S. KERRUISH, and the Rev. THOMAS CORLETT, who was then a child, with several brothers and sisters. PATRICK CANNELL (b. 1754, d. 1839) was a Wesleyan local preacher, and continued his ministrations to his fellow-countrymen in their new home.

A faithful friend, shepherd, and counsellor, it was, according to the Rev. Thomas Corlett, to his " good practical sense and Christian influence" that they owed "no small part of their success . . . and the high tone of Christian morals which they have maintained."* THOMAS CORLETT (b. circa 1815, d. 1891) son of William Corlett, known as " Billy- Bill-Beg, " was a native of the parish of Michael. He was educated at Oberlin College, Ohio, obtaining the degree of B. A. there from in 1844, and that of M.A. at a later date. He then went to Kenyon Theological College at Gambier, and, about 1848, was admitted to holy orders in the Episcopal Church. He was a scholarly man, an effective preacher, and a great favourite socially.¹