CONTENTS—The Fourth Township—Adolphustown—After Duke of Cambridge—
Quantity of Land—Survey—Major VanAlstine—Refugees—From New York—
Time—Voyage—Their Fare—Names—Arrived—Hagerman’s Point—In Tents—
First Settler—Town Plot—Death—The Burial—A Relic—Commissary—
Dispute of Surveyors—The Settlers—All things in common—An Aged
Man—Golden Rule—Old Map—Names—Islands—The Township—Price of Land—
First “Town Meeting”—Minutes—The Officers Record—Inhabitants,
1794—Up to 1824—First Magistrates—Centre of Canada—Court Held in
Barn—In Methodist Chapel—“A Den of Thieves”—Court House erected—
Adolphustown Canadians—Members of Parliament—The Courts—Where
first held—Hagerman—Travelers tarrying at Adolphustown.
SETTLEMENT OF ADOLPHUSTOWN.
The Fourth Township westward from Fort Frontenac, was, some time after
its survey and settlement, named Adolphustown, after Adolphus, Duke of
Cambridge, the tenth son of King George III. The Township contains about
11,459 acres, and was surveyed in 1784, by Surveyor-General Holland.
In the year 1783, a party of Loyalists sailed from the port of New York.
They were under the command of Capt. VanAlstine, with a fleet of seven
sail, and protected by the Brig “Hope,” of forty guns. Some of this band
had served in the army, in an irregular way, more had been in New York
as refugees. VanAlstine although commissioned to lead this company, it
would seem, had not been in the service—was not a military man, but a
prominent Loyalist of the Knickerbockers. But these refugees, in setting
out for the unknown wilderness, were provided with camp tents and
provision, to be continued for three years, and with such implements as
were given to the disbanded soldiers, as well as a batteau to every four
families, after arriving at their place of destination. The company were
mostly from the Counties of Rockland, Orange, and Ulster, on the east
side of the Hudson, and Westchester, Duchess, and Columbia, on the west.
They sailed from New York on the 8th Sept. 1783, and arrived at Quebec,
8th Oct. Many were undecided whether to remain in the Lower Provinces,
or go on to Canada. The events of this voyage; this departure from old
homes, to penetrate the unknown north, are even yet held in remembrance
by their descendants. Thus, it is told, that after leaving New York a
few days, a shark was observed following the vessel, which created no
little consternation. It continued to follow for many days, until a
child had died and been consigned to the deep, after which it was no
longer seen. The Government rations with which they were supplied,
consisted, as the story has been told the writer, of “pork and peas for
breakfast; peas and pork for dinner; and for supper, one or the other.”
The party proceeded from Quebec thence to Sorel, where they spent the
winter. They inhabited their linen tents, which afforded but little
protection from the intense cold. While staying there, it was determined
to grant them a township on the Bay Quinté. The first Township had been
granted to Capt. Grass, the second and third were to be possessed by
Johnson’s Second Battalion; so VanAlstine’s corps were to have the next
township. Surveyor Holland was engaged in completing the survey, and
even then, had his tent pitched on the shore of the fourth township. The
party left Sorel 21st May, 1784, in a brigade of batteaux, and reached
the fourth township on the 16th June. The names of some of those who
composed this party, were: VanAlstine, Ruttan, Huycks, Velleau, Maybee,
Coles, Sherman, Ballis, three families of Petersons, Loyce, VanSkiver,
Philip and Thomas Dorland, Cornelius VanHorn, VanDusen, Hagerman, father
of the late Judge Hagerman, Angel Huff, Richard Beagle, John and Stephen
Roblin, Fitzgerald, Michael Stout, Capt. Joseph Allan, Hover, Owen
Ferguson, John Baker, Wm. Baker, German, Geo. Rutter, James Noxen, John
Casey, Benj. Clapp, Geo. Rutledge, David Barker, Owen Roblin.
It is a curious fact, fully attested by the Allison’s, the Hover’s and
others, that as the batteaux slowly wended their way along the shore,
having passed the mark which indicated the boundary of the Third
Township, several of the passengers, gazing upon the woods, expressed a
wish to possess certain places, according to the fancy of each; and,
strangely enough, the Cole’s, the Hover’s, the Allison’s, the Ruttan’s,
and others, did actually come respectively into possession, by lot, in
accordance with their previously expressed wish.
The company had reached the land whereon they were to work out their
future existence. The writer has driven upon the ice along the Bay,
following, it must have been, almost the way taken by this party, as
they landed. They passed along the present Adolphustown wharf, westward
nearly half a mile, and rounded a point known as Hagerman’s Point. Here
a small, but deep stream empties itself, having coursed along a small
valley, with sloping sides, in a westerly direction. They ascended this
creek for nearly a quarter of a mile; and proceeded to land upon its
south side. Between the creek and the bay is a pleasant eminence; it was
upon its slopes the settlers, under VanAlstine, pitched their tents. The
boats were hauled up; and among the trees, the white tents were duly
ranged. Thus housed, and thus far removed from the busy haunts of men,
this community continued to live for many days. Steps were taken at an
early day to draw lots for land. As so much of the township was washed
by the waters of the bay, there was not the same anxiety among the
settlers with respect to the decision of the ballot. Every one drew his
number, with one exception, and this was a notable one, as indicating
the noble feeling of brotherhood which lived in the breasts of the noble
band of refugees. The exception was not in favor of the person in
command, or a particular friend. Mr. Cole had expressed a liking for the
first lot, now known as Cole’s Point, and he, having a large family and
consequently more anxious to get on his land, and get settled for the
winter, and the land ready for the next summer, was immediately, by
universal consent, put in possession of the lot; and he even that year
raised some potatoes.
In addition to the 200 acres granted to each of the company, there was a
town plot, consisting of 300 acres, regularly laid out into town lots of
one acre each, and one of these was granted to each of the settlers.
This plot thus surveyed, it was believed in time would become the site
of a town.
While they were yet living in their tents one of their number died, a
child it is said by some. The dead was buried close by, under a tree.
When others came to die, they also were buried here, and thus was formed
the “U. E. Loyalist burying ground.”
The second person buried in this place, while it was yet a woods, was
Casper Hover. Shortlived was his career as a pioneer. But a few months
had passed, and he had barely taken possession of his land when, one day
engaged in clearing off the land, he was struck by a falling limb and
killed. A blow so sudden was felt not alone by his own family, but by
all the settlers. Imagination cannot call up the heart-stirring scene of
this burial in the woods by his comrades. As there was yet no roads nor
path, not unlikely the body was conveyed by batteau from Hover’s farm to
the burying ground. The coffin must have been made of rough green
boards, split out of logs, or perhaps made with a whip saw. There was no
minister to discharge any rights belonging to the dead, or improve the
events for the spiritual welfare of the living.
Casper Hover had for his wife Barbara Monk, a relative of Barbara Heck,
well known for her connection with early Methodism in the new world.
There remains now in possession of Joseph Allison, of Adolphustown,
whose wife was a Hover, a pewter platter which belonged to Barbara Monk.
It is a relic of no ordinary interest. Barbara Monk was a descendant of
the Palatines, and this platter was carried by her ancestors when they
were forced to leave the Palatinate. They took it with them to Ireland,
thence to New York, and finally it was brought by Barbara to
Adolphustown, with VanAlstine’s company. The writer has had the
satisfaction of examining this relic of former days. It is a round dish,
of solid metal, 16 inches broad, and weighing over five pounds. It bears
no signs of wearing out. This article of household usefulness is, or was
in the past, regarded as a township one, and was famous for its
associations with innumerable pot pies. For many a year when there was a
bee, or a raising, or a wedding, the pewter platter was engaged to do
service.
The stores of provisions for the settlers in this township, were placed
under the care of VanAlstine himself; but it would appear, from the
statements of some, that Philip Dorland gave his assistance, and to some
extent, was responsible, acting under the instructions of a committee,
for the distribution to the families. Also, one Emery, was connected
with the department.
It would seem that Surveyor General Holland, who surveyed the fourth
town, and Deputy Surveyor Collins, who surveyed third town, had some
trouble with respect to “Fredericksburgh additional.” The number of lots
composing the third township at first, was not enough to supply the
whole of the battalion; having been promised lots in the same township.
When it was seen that all could not be accommodated in the lots of third
township, it was determined to take a certain number from the fourth
township. To this Surveyor Holland consented, probably with the
concurrence of Major VanAlstine. But more of Rogers’ company continued
to come; and Collins wished to absorb the whole of the fourth town, to
accommodate them. In this he was, no doubt, supported by officers of the
battalion; Sir John Johnson among the rest. But Holland, in the interest
of the company, which had already settled in the fourth town, under
VanAlstine, objected. The statement comes to us that Holland and Collins
had well nigh fought a duel in connection with the matter. As Collins
was a deputy under Holland, there must have been some strong influence
supporting the former, which was probably through Sir John Johnson. But
Holland, having completed the survey of the side lines as he desired,
started precipitately to Quebec with his report. Collins hearing of
this, started after. Whatever may have been the contest at head
quarters, Holland’s report of the fourth township was received, and the
third township was limited to its present size.
Mr. Joseph Allison, says, respecting the settlement, that “what was
one’s business was everybody’s business, they were all dependent on each
other.” Each concession was considered a neighbourhood, each being about
four miles in length. After the trees were felled and the brush burnt,
then came on the logging bees, and every man had to give an account of
himself, if he should be missing when notified. There were no
aristocrats, from Major VanAlstine down to the humblest individual. Each
had to do what he could. They were perfectly organized in this branch of
business, being divided into companies or squads of six; and each squad
had to take a regular “through” of about six or seven rods wide, piling
all the timber in their respective “throughs.” These logging bees were
always attended with much strife, all striving to be ahead; and as they
were always used to their rations of rum, they must, on these occasions,
have all they wanted. Then, in the evening, they must have their dance.
It was considered the privilege and duty of all the women in the
neighbourhood to attend and assist in cooking, as many of the settlers
were bachelors. Indeed, if there was a wedding, in one of the
concessions, all had a right to attend, belonging to the neighbourhood.
These pioneers of Adolphustown were a wonderfully hardy set of men,
possessed of great physical powers, although inured to hardships of a
very pressing kind. They lived to a great age; very few of them died
under eighty, and two of them lived to be over a hundred. John
Fitzgerald was the oldest man that came with VanAlstine, he died in
1806, aged 101; Daniel Cole was 106, when he died. The leading men of
the settlement were VanAlstine, Captain Peter Ruttan, Michael Stout, the
Dorlands, and Nicholas Hagerman. If any dispute or grievance arose, it
would be left to some one to settle, but they all, with very few
exceptions, tried to do as they would wish to be done by.
“Joseph Allison was a whip-sawyer by trade, and assisted to saw the
first boards that were used in the buildings. He drew lot 17.”
Examining an old map in the Crown Lands Department, certain names are
found written upon the Islands and Points of Adolplustown. The southern
extremity has upon it the name of Lieutenant Michael Vandervoort. The
adjacent island has Lieutenant Samuel Tuffee, and P. V. Dorland.
Proceeding around the point to the north, the first indentation of the
bay is named Bass Cove. The next point is for John Speers, and Humphrey
Waters—called on the map “Speers and Waters lot, 150 acres.” The next
cove is called Perch Cove, and the next point is for Lieutenant Samuel
Deane, 100 acres. Then comes Little Cove. The bay off these points is
called “Grand Bay,” northward to where Hay Bay commences, it is called
“The Forks,” while Hay Bay is designated “East Bay,” and up toward the
Mohawk Bay it has the name of “the North Channel;” Casey’s Point on the
north shore of Hay Bay is called Green Point, and the land there is
allotted to Philip and Owen Roblin.
Beside those mentioned, as forming a part of VanAlstine’s company, there
were, among the first settlers of Adolplustown, and probably of
VanAlstine’s party: Angel, William and John Huff, Thomas Casey; and at a
later period came “Billy” Monroe, John Roblin, John and James Canniff,
Philip Flagler, Carnahan, Robert Short, Fisher, and Captain Allan.
In some respects Major VanAlstine’s company were better off than the
soldier pioneers. Although they had to come a long distance by ship, and
ascend the St. Lawrence in small boats, which precluded the possibility
of bringing to the country many articles for family use; yet they could
fetch with them some things to contribute to family comfort, beside
clothing.
The township being almost surrounded by water, and having many
indentations of the bay, there was thereby afforded the most
advantageous place for the settlers, whose only mode of traveling was by
boat. Every concession has communication with the bay. The township is
the smallest in the Province, containing but 11,459 acres. The land at
first, it is said, could be had for “one shilling an acre,” and half of
lot 15, of 100 acres, was sold for a “half joe”—£8.00. In contrast to
this, in 1817, there was “no land in the township which could be
procured for less than £4 an acre,” and few would sell at that price.
Although so well provided with a water way for travel, good roads were
early constructed.
The following are the minutes of the first “Town meeting” held in
Adolphustown, on the 6th of March, 1793, for which we are indebted to
Mr. J. B. Allison.
“The following persons were chosen to officiate in their respective
offices, the ensuing year, and also the regulations of the same.”
“Ruben Bedell, Township Clerk; Paul Huff, and Philip Dorland, Overseers
of the Poor; Joseph Allison, and Garit Benson, Constables; Willet Casey,
Paul Huff, and John Huyck, Pound Keepers; Abraham Maybee, and Peter
Rutland, Fence Viewers.”
“The height of fence to be 4 feet 8 inches. Water fence voted to be no
fence. Hogs running at large to have yokes on 18 by 24 inches. No pigs
to run until three months old. No stallion to run. Any person putting
fire to any bush or stubble, that does not his endeavour to hinder it
from doing damage, shall forfeit the sum of forty shillings.”
(Signed) PHILIP DORLAND, T. C.
* * * * *
It is most likely that Philip Dorland was merely secretary for the
meeting.
Ruben Bedell was successively elected town clerk for three years, when,
in 1795, Archibald Campbell was appointed, who served for four years. In
1800, Daniel Haight was appointed. In 1801, William Robins filled the
office, and continued to fill it for three years, when in 1804, Ruben
Bedell was again elected. The following year Bryan Crawford was
appointed; the next Daniel Haight, who continued four years; John
Stickney then filled the office three years, and Daniel Haight was again
appointed, 1813.
There is in the Township Records, a Return of the inhabitants for 1794,
March, with the names of each family, and the number of members in each.
They are as follows: Ruben Bedell, 5; Paul Huff, 6; Solomon Huff, 10;
William Griffis, 5; Caspar VanDusen, 6; Nicholas Peterson, 8; Nicholas
Peterson, Sen., 3; Isaac Bern, 1; Thomas Jones, 4; Alexander Fisher, 10;
James McMasters, 8; James Stephenson, 1; Russel Pitman, 7; Joseph Clapp,
4; George Brooks, 6; John Halcom, 3; Martin Sherman, 3; Joseph Cornell,
5; Peter Valleau, 5; William Clark, 6; Joseph Clark, 1; Albert Cornell,
8; Peter Delrya, 4; John Huyck, 6; Alexander Campbell, 5; Buryer Huyck,
2; Albert Benson, 4; Gilbert Bogart, 2; Abraham Bogart, 3; Christopher
German, 5; William Casey, 6; Edward Barker, 3; David Kelly, 4; Battin
Harris, 8; John Canniff, 13; Nathaniel Solmes, 10; Peter Wanamaker, 4;
Garret Benson, 1; William Mara, 4; John Roblin, 3; John Elms, 3; John
Wood, 2; Peter Ruttan, Jun’r., 3; Owen Roblin, Jun’r., 2; Owen Roblin,
Sen’r., 8; Benjamin Clapp, 8; George Rutter, 7; Jacob Bullern, 6;
Cornelius VanHorn, 6; Robert Jones, 5; Paul Trumper, 8; William Hanah,
4; Michael Slate, 4; Peter Ruttan, Sen., 5; Denis Oscilage, 1; Joseph
Carahan, 8; Thomas Dorland, 6; Philip Dorland, 9; Willet Casey, 8; Peter
VanAlstine, 3; John VanCott, 7; David Brown, 3; Peter Sword, 2; William
Brock, 5; Nicholas Hagerman, 8; Cornelius Stouter, 3; Abraham Maybee, 7;
Henry Tice, 3; Thomas Wanamakers, 1; William Button, 5; Joseph Allison,
2; John Fitzgerald, 2; Matthew Steel, 5; Conrad Vandusen, 5; Henry
Hover, 3; Arion Ferguson, 2; Henry Redner, 4; Andrew Huffman, 4; Daniel
Cole, 11; Henry Davis, 5; James Noxen, 1.—Total 402.
The total number of inhabitants in 1800, was 524, and in 1812, 575. The
returns are given, yearly, up to 1822, when the number was only 571. It
is observable that the number fluctuates from year to year. This was due
to the fact that families would come to the township, from the States,
remain a few years working a farm on shares, and then would move up the
Bay, to another township.
Major VanAlstine, as the military commander, was the chief officer. But
there lives no account of dissensions and litigations, for many a year.
When the Government appointed Magistrates, probably not until after
Upper Canada was erected into a separate Province, VanAlstine was the
first to receive the commission. There were, likewise, appointed at the
same time, or soon after, several others, viz., Thomas Dorland, Nicholas
Hagerman, Ruttan, Sloat, and Fisher, afterwards Judge. It is said the
Magistrates did not always agree. Ruttan and VanAlstine had dissentions;
and VanAlstine claimed certain power, by virtue of his command over the
corps who peopled the township. Whereupon Ruttan, at the next meeting,
donned his suit of clothes, which he had worn as an officer of the
Regular Army, and declared no one was his superior, and, it is said,
gained his point.
The time came, when Adolphustown was almost the Centre of Canada. It is
true, Kingston was the great point to which the military and naval
forces centred, and the circumstances of such gave that place a status
which it could not otherwise have obtained. But Adolphustown was really
the centre of the settlements in the central part of Canada—the Midland
District. So it came that the court was alternately held at the Fourth
Town and Kingston, being twice a year in each place. The first court in
this township, was held in the barn of Paul Huff, which served the
purpose very well in summer. The next occasion was in winter, and some
building had to be procured. Application was made for the Methodist
Chapel. Some objection was made, on the ground that a “house of prayer”
should not be made a “den of thieves,” referring to the criminals, not
to the lawyers. But the Chapel was readily granted for the second court
held in Adolphustown. It is said that a proposition was made, in due
form, that if the inhabitants of the Fourth Town would build a Court
House, the court should be held there twice a year. The offer was
accepted, and a subscription set on foot, which resulted in the erection
of a Court House. When the court ceased to be held, in accordance with
the agreement, the Court House reverted to the Township.
The building of the Court House was followed by the growth of a village,
and among its population were those whose names became household words
in every Canadian home. It continued a place of importance for many a
year; and, even when the court ceased to be held, the village, by virtue
of its situation, and the standing of the township, continued for a long
time of no little repute.
Adolphustown contributed, during the first years of Upper Canada, a good
many worthy individuals to the welfare of the country, indeed
Adolphustown look the lead for many years in political, as well as more
general matters relating to the country. The general elections, at one
time, resulted in the election of four natives of this township to
Parliament, viz: two Hagermans, Sam’l Casey, and Paul Peterson. Says
Joseph B. Allison, of Adolphustown, “Our township, though, perhaps, the
smallest in the Province, (if it were consolidated, it would not be more
than three miles and a half square,) has furnished as many statesmen and
judicial officers as any of the larger townships. From the humble abodes
of Adolphustown, have gone to the Legislative Halls of Canada, Thomas
Dorland, John Roblin, Christopher A. Hagerman, Paul Peterson, Dr. W.
Dorland, Willet Casey, Henry Ruttan, Samuel Casey, Dan’l Hagerman, David
Roblin, John P. Roblin, who represented the County of Prince for many
years. The Hon. John A. McDonald although not born here, spent his
juvenile years, and attended the common schools in Adolphustown. Now, we
challenge any township in the Province, that has not a city or town
connected with it, to turn out eleven members of Parliament, all of them
U. E. Loyalists.”
Roblin, who settled in the third concession, was elected three times to
Parliament, in 1808, 1811, and 1812. At first, he sat for two years;
but, when sent the second time, he was expelled, because he was a
_local_ Methodist Preacher. His constituents re-elected him, and again
he was expelled, to be a third time elected; but he died before the
Parliament again met, on the last day of February, 1813, aged 44.
It was in the year 1793, in the second Session of Parliament, that an
Act was passed “to fix the time and place for holding the Courts of
General Quarter Sessions of the Peace.” The Act provided “that the
Courts of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the Midland district
of this Province, shall commence and be holden in Adolphustown, on the
second Tuesday in the month of July, and on the second Tuesday in the
month of January; and in Kingston, on the second Tuesday in the month of
April, and on the second Tuesday in the month of October.” The other
places were Michilmackinac, Newark, New Johnstown, and Cornwall. In this
second year of Upper Canada, no mention is made of Toronto, nor yet of
York. Where now stands the splendid Osgoode Hall, with its chaste and
beautiful decorations; and, indeed, now exists the whole of Toronto,
with its unrivalled University building, its Colleges, its handsome
Churches and elegant mansions was then a tangled forest, and, except an
Indian path along the Don, marking a portage to Lake Simcoe and Fort
Toronto, there was no indication of human existence. Moreover, about
this time, upon the shores of Adolphustown was born Christopher
Hagerman, who was destined to adorn the bar and grace the bench; who saw
arise the Courts of Law, the organization of the Law Society, and
assisted to establish them at Toronto, where he spent his latter days,
and where now his ashes repose.
Among those who first came to Adolphustown are some who had seen service
in an irregular way, as well as the refugees. The names of some of them
will be found among the loyal combatants and loyalists.
For several years, the families that came from the States would stop at
the Fourth Township, where they would “work out,” or take a farm on
shares, or perhaps rent a farm, until they could find a suitable place
on which to permanently settle, in the back townships, such as
Sophiasburgh, Ameliasburgh, Sidney and Thurlow. The ordinary terms for
working a farm on shares was for the owner to furnish team, seed, &c.,
and take one-half of the produce when gathered.
Conrad VanDusen kept the first tavern west of Kingston, and at his house
travelers up and down the Bay would stop. Also, new comers to the Bay
would here first tarry, until decided where to settle.