Tales of Manxmen in the Wild West uncovered by museum manuscripts

Manx National Heritage has uncovered new stories from manuscripts revealing the adventurous lives of two Manx brothers who left the Island to prospect for gold in the American West.

Among the stories of Joseph and Marshall Ward is Joe’s narrow escape from notorious outlaw Billy the Kid, after a timely warning to leave California.

Known as 'Joe Ward the Desert Poet', he carried books across the deserts on his faithful donkey, Cissie.

Their writings, letters and photographs are preserved in the Manx Museum, offering fresh insights into Manx heritage abroad. 

For more information on the Ward brothers' story, you can visit the blog or the Manx Museum's Library Archive.