CONTENTS—Notice of a Few—Booth—Brock—Burritt—Cotter—Cartwright—
Conger—Cole—Dempsey—Detlor—Fraser—Finkle—Fisher—Fairfield—Grass—
Gamble Hagerman—Johnson’s—“Bill” Johnson—Macaulay—The Captive,
Christian Moore—Parliament—Morden—Roblins—Simon—Van Alstine—
Wallbridge—Chrysler—White—Wilkins—Stewart—Wilson—Metcalf—Jayne—
McIntosh—Bird—Gerow—Vankleek—Perry—Sir William Johnson’s children.
INDIVIDUAL NOTICES—CONCLUSION.
The noble band of Loyalists have now almost all passed away. Their
bodies have long since been laid in the grave; their children also have
almost all departed, and the grand-children are getting old. Their last
resting places—resting from war, famine, and toil—are to be found upon
beautiful eminences, overlooking the blue waters of the Bay and River
and Lake. All along their shores may be seen the quiet burying-places of
those who cleared the land and met the terrible realities of a pioneer
life.
The present work cannot embrace a history of the many noble ones,
deserving attention, who laid the foundation of the brightest colony of
Great Britain. Yet it would be incomplete without giving the names of a
few representative persons. They are such as we have been able to
procure, and while there are others, not referred to, well worthy of a
place in history, these are no less worthy. We have, under “The
Combatants,” referred to others of the first settlers, and would gladly
have introduced the names of all, could they have been obtained.
BOOTH—“DIED—At Ernesttown, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 1813, very suddenly,
Joshua Booth, Esq., aged 54 years. He was one of the oldest settlers in
that place, and ever retained the character of a respectable citizen.
Left a widow and ten children.”
THE BROCK FAMILY.—William Brock was a native of Scotland; born in 1715.
Was taken by a press-gang when eighteen, and forced upon a man-of-war.
Served in the navy several years, when he was taken prisoner by the
French. Afterward was exchanged at Boston. Being set at liberty from the
service, he settled at Fishkill, New York, where he married, and became
the father of a large family, two sons, Philip and John, by the first
wife; and eight children by a second, named William, Ruth, Naomi,
Isabel, Deborah, Catherine, Samuel, Garret, and Lucretia. In
consequence, of the rebellion, he became a refugee, and, at the close,
settled in Adolphustown; lived for a short time near the Court House,
upon his town lot, two of his neighbors gave him theirs, and he
continued to live upon the three acres for some time. He drew land near
the Lake on the Mountain, and in the west, to which his sons went when
they grew old enough. One of them was Captain of Militia during the war
of 1812. He received at that time a letter from Gen. Brock, who claimed
relationship; the letter was written a few days before Gen. Brock fell.
This letter still exists. The youngest of the children married
Watterberry, and still lives, (1867) aged 82, with her daughter, Mrs.
Morden, Ameliasburgh.
CARTWRIGHT.—One of the most noted of the refugees who settled at
Kingston, was Richard Cartwright. He was a native of Albany, and was
forced to leave his home because of his loyalty. He found an asylum with
others at Carleton Island, or Fort Niagara. Some time after the
conclusion of the war he was in partnership with Robert, afterward
Honorable Hamilton, at Niagara. But sometime about 1790, he settled in
Kingston, where, as a merchant he acquired extensive property. The
Government mills at Napanee came into his possession. Those who remember
his business capacity, say it was very great. He was a man of “liberal
education and highly esteemed. Suffered at last calmly and patiently,
and died at Montreal, 27th July, 1815, aged fifty years.”
The estimation in which this gentleman was held is sufficiently attested
by the following, which we take from the _Kingston Gazette_:
YORK, March 13, 1816.
A new township in the rear of Darlington, in the district of
Newcastle, has been surveyed, and is now open for the location of
the U. E. Loyalists and military claimants. We understand that His
Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor to testify in the most public
manner the high sense which he entertained of the merit and services
of the late Honorable Richard Cartwright, has been pleased to honor
this township with the name of CARTWRIGHT, a name ever to be
remembered in Canada with gratitude and respect. Dignified with a
seat in the Legislative Council, and also with a high appointment in
the militia of the Province, Mr. Cartwright discharged the duties
incident to those situations, with skill, fidelity, and attention.
Animated with the purest principle of loyalty, and with an ardent
zeal for the preservation of that noble constitution which we enjoy,
he dedicated, when even struggling under great bodily infirmity, the
remains of a well spent life to the service of his country. Nor was
he less perspicuous for his exemplary behaviour in private life;
obliging to his equals—kind to his friends—affectionate to his
family, he passed through life, eminently distinguished for virtuous
and dignified propriety of conduct, uniformly maintaining the
exalted character of a true patriot, and of a great man.
He was a good type of the old school, a tall, robust man, with a stern
countenance, and a high mind. He had sustained the loss of one eye, but
the remaining one was sharp and piercing. As the first Judge of
Mecklenburgh, he discharged his duties with great firmness, amounting,
it is said, often to severity. As an officer of the militia, a position
he held in 1812, he was a strict disciplinarian, and often forgot that
the militiamen were respectable farmers. Mr. Cartwright left two sons,
the late John S. Cartwright, and the Rev. Robert Cartwright. It is
unnecessary to say that the descendants of Judge Cartwright are among
the most respectable, influential and wealthy, living in the Midland
District.
MR. JAMES COTTER, was by profession, a farmer, residing in Sophiasburgh
in good circumstances. He was universally respected; decided, and well
informed in political matters; and as a proof of the public confidence
was elected M.P.P. In Parliament he served his constituents faithfully,
and maintained a reputation for consistency and uprightness. In 1819,
when party spirit animated the two political parties, he became a
candidate for re-election, but after a close contest was defeated by
James Wilson, Esq.
CONGER.—“At West Lake, Hallowell, on the 27th May, 1825, died Dengine
Conger, in the 60th year of his age. He held a commission in the First
Battalion of the Prince Edward Militia, during twenty-three years. He
resided in Hallowell forty years, and lived a very exemplary life, and
died regretted by all who knew him.”
COLE.—In the history of Adolphustown, reference is made to Daniel Cole,
the very first settler in that township. The writer in the summer of
1866, took dinner with John Cole, of Ameliasburgh, son of Daniel. John
was then in his 92nd year. He has since, 1867, passed away. Born in
Albany before the rebellion, he, with his family during the war, found
their way as loyalists to the city of New York, where they remained
until the leaving of VanAlstine’s company. The old man could remember
many of the events of that exciting period, being, when they came to
Canada, about ten years old. The brigade of batteaux from Sorel, was
under the supervision of Collins, he says: “Old Mother Cook kept tavern
in Kingston, in a low flat hut, with two rooms.” There were four or five
houses altogether in the place. Landed in fourth township in June. Saw
no clearings or buildings all the way up from Kingston, nor tents; a
complete wilderness. Remembers an early settler in second township,
named Cornelius Sharp, from the fact that he injured his knee, and that
Dr. Dougall desired to amputate; but his father cured it. His mother’s
name was Sophia de Long, from Albany. She lost property. A hogshead of
spirits was brought up from New York. The settlers were called together
every morning and supplied with a little on account of the new climate.
His father had been a spy and carried despatches in a thin steel box,
which was placed between the soles of the boot. Before resorting to this
mode he had been caught, and sentenced to be hanged immediately. The
rope was around his neck, and the end thrown over the limb of a tree,
when he suddenly gave a spring from their grasp, and ran, while shot
after shot was leveled at his flying figure; but he escaped, “God
Almighty would not let the balls hit him.” Remembers the Indians when
first came, were frequently about, would come in and look at the dinner
table; but refused to eat bread at first; afterward would, and then
brought game to them in abundance at times. Remembers landing at
Adolphustown, he hauled the boat to a block oak tree, which overhung the
water, his father built a wharf here afterwards. It was in the
afternoon. They all went ashore. There were three tents of linen put up.
His father brought a scythe with him, with which they cut marsh hay, or
flags. This was used to cover the houses, and they kept out the rain
well.
His father’s family consisted of twelve persons, two died at Sorel. The
settlers used to meet every Sunday to hear the Bible read, generally by
Ferguson; sometimes had prayer. Remembers, Quarter Sessions met at his
father’s, Cartwright was Judge. The Grand Jury would go to the stable to
converse. Says he once saved Chrys. Hagerman’s life, who was bleeding at
nose, after Drs. Dougall and Dunham had failed. His father lived to be
105, his sister died last year, aged 101. Remembers the man that was
convicted of stealing a watch, and hanged. Has seen the gallows on
Gallows Point, Captain Grass’ farm. The gallows remained there a dozen
years. The man it turned out, was innocent.
DIED.—“On Friday the 5th of August, at his residence in Adolphustown,
Mr. Daniel Cole, at the very advanced age of 105 years, 1 month and 12
days. He was a native of Long Island, N. Y., and the oldest settler in
this township; he was respected and beloved by all who knew him—having
long performed his duty as a loyal subject, a faithful friend, a kind
husband, an indulgent parent, and an obliging neighbor. Born in the
fifth year of the reign of George II, he lived under four Sovereigns,
and saw many changes both in the land of his birth, and this of his
adoption. He has beheld the horrors of war, and has tasted of the
blessings of peace; he has seen that which was once a wilderness,
“blossom and flourish like the rose,” where formerly was nothing to be
seen but the dark shadow of the lofty pine, oak, and maple, here and
there broken by the thin blue vapor curling above the Indian wigwam, he
has seen comfortable dwellings arise; out of the superabundance of
nature man has supplied his necessity. Beneath the untiring efforts of
human industry, the dark woods have disappeared and waiving fields of
grain have taken their place. Where once was seen nought but the light
birch bark canoe of the “son of the forest,” he has beheld the stately
steamboats sweep majestically along—where formerly resounded the savage
howl of the panther, the wolf and bear, he has seen towns and villages
spring up, as it were by magic; in fact the very face of the country
seems changed since he first sat down upwards of 52 years ago, as a
settler on the place where he died.
“But after all he saw, he too is gone, his venerable age could not save
him, for we are told “the old must die.” The friends of his early days
were all gone before him; he was becoming “a stranger among men,”
generations had arisen and passed away, still he remained like a
patriarch of old, unbroken by the weight of years. After witnessing the
fifth generation, he died universally lamented by all his acquaintances,
leaving behind him 8 children; 75 grandchildren, 172 great-grandchildren
and 13 great-grandchildren’s children; in all 268 descendants.”
Adolphustown, August 9, 1836. T. D.
DEMPSEY.—“Mark Dempsey was sent out by the British Government as
Secretary to General Schuyler. Married about 1746 to Miss Carroll.
Thomas, their youngest son, was born in New Jersey, 9th January, 1762.
His father died while he was young, and he was left in a part of the
country which was held by the rebels, when he had attained to an age to
be drafted, Thomas Dempsey did not like to fight in the rebel ranks, and
consequently escaped and joined the loyalists. Was in the service when
New York was evacuated. Married 1782 to Mary Lawson, whose father, Peter
was imprisoned by the rebels, and his property all plundered and
confiscated. Came to Canada by Oswego, 1788, accompanied by his wife and
her parents. Tarried at Napanee till 1789, when they came to
Ameliasburgh, and settled on lot 91, which had been purchased from John
Finkle. Dempsey’s worldly effects then consisted of a cow, which they
brought with them, seven bushels of potatoes, and a French crown, and a
half acre of wheat which Finkle had sowed. They drew land in Cramahe.
During the first years they were in great distress. A tablespoonful of
flour, with milk boiled, or grain shelled by hand, formed their daily
meals. Their clothing consisted of blankets obtained of the Indians for
the women, and buckskin pants and shirts for the men. Dempsey was the
second settler in the township, Weese having settled two years before.
Margaret Dempsey, born October 24, 1790, was the third child born in the
township.”
DETLORS.—The Detlors are of the Palatine stock. Says G. H. Detlor, Esq.,
of the Customs Department, Kingston:
My grandfather, John V. Detlor, emigrated with my grandmother from
Ireland, to New York; directly after his marriage in the City of New
York, they removed to the town of Camden, where they resided with their
family—and at the close of the Rebellion (having joined the Royal
standard)—he with two or three of his sons and sons-in-law came to
Canada, and finally located on lands in the Township of Fredericksburgh,
Lot No. 21, 6th concession, where he and his sons lived and died. My
father removed to the town of York (now City of Toronto), in 1802, and
at the invasion of that place by the Americans, in April, 1813, my
father lost his life in defense of the place. There is now but one of my
grandfather’s children living, an aunt of mine, Mrs. Anne Dulmage,
resides in the village of Sydenham, Township of Loughboro’, County of
Frontenac.
They sacrificed their lands, and suffered great privations. The Detlors
have ever been universally esteemed, not alone in the Midland District,
but in all parts of Canada, and have been found worthy occupants of many
responsible positions.
ISAAC FRASER.—“Among the prominent men who resided in Ernesttown, near
the Bay of Quinté, was Isaac Fraser, Esq., for many years M.P.P. for the
Counties of Lennox and Addington. Mr. Fraser was a man of great decision
of character, and during the active part of his life, probably wielded a
great influence, and his opinions always commanded great respect. In his
political opinions, he was identified with the Conservative or Tory
party; and when he arrived at a conclusion on any particular point, he
adhered to it with all the tenacity which a clear conviction of its
justice could inspire. With him there was no wavering, no vacillation.
He was always reliable, and his friends always knew where to find him.
There is no doubt, he acted from conscientious motives, and from a clear
conviction of duty; and, so far as I know, no man ever charged him with
acting corruptly. In his religious views, Mr. Fraser sympathized with
the Presbyterians, and, if I mistake not, was a member of the church
organized, and watched over by the late Rev. Robert McDowall, of
Fredericksburgh.”
FINKLE.—The late Geo. Finkle, of Ernesttown, says, “My grandfather, Dr.
Geo. Finkle, left Germany when a young man; and bought two estates, one
at Great, and one at Little Nine Partners. In adhering to the British,
he had all his estates, which were valuable at Nine Partners, Duchess
Co., confiscated to the Rebel Government. My father, Henry, made his way
to Quebec shortly after the war began, being sixteen years old. Entered
the Engineer’s Department, where he learned the use of carpenter’s
tools. In settling, this knowledge was of great use to him, and he
became the builder of the first framed building in Upper Canada. His
wife was a sister of Capt. John Bleeker. He settled on the front of
Ernesttown, lot six.” Finkle’s Point is well known.
The First court held in Upper Canada, it is said, was at Finkle’s house,
which being larger than any at Kingston, or elsewhere on the Bay,
afforded the most convenience. Mr. Finkle records the trial of a negro
for stealing a loaf of bread, who, being found guilty, received
thirty-nine lashes. The basswood tree, to which he was tied, is still
standing; Mr. Finkle had slaves and was the first to give them freedom.
One of the brothers, of which there were three, John, George, and Henry,
served seven years in Johnson’s regiment.
Mr. Finkle wrote us, Dec. 11, 1865; he says, “Being in my 74th year, and
in impaired health, I am unable to write more.” The kind man soon
thereafter was called away, at a good old age, like his father and
grandfather.
Geo. Finkle, son of Henry, had three sons, Gordon William, Roland
Robinson, and Henry. The Finkle’s, as we have seen elsewhere, were
actively engaged in the construction of the first steamboats the
‘Frontenac’ and ‘Charlotte,’ having had an interest in the ‘Charlotte,’
and his eldest son, Gordon, is now one of the oldest captains upon the
Bay, being attached to the steamer ‘Bay Quinté.’ The old place granted
to the grandfather, still belongs to the family, Roland R. still
residing there, and the youngest, Henry, is Postmaster at Bath.
FISHER.—Judge Alexander Fisher, a name well known in the Midland
District, was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, from whence his parents,
with a numerous family, emigrated to New York, then a British province.
At the time of the rebellion they had accumulated a considerable amount
of both real and personal property; but at the defeat of Burgoyne, near
the place of whose defeat they lived, the Fisher family, who would not
abandon their loyalty, left their all, and endured great hardships in
finding their way to Montreal. Alexander was subsequently employed in
the Commissariat, under McLean, at Carleton Island; while his
twin-brother obtained the charge of the High School at Montreal, which
situation he held until his death, in the year 1819. At the close of the
war the family obtained their grants of land as U. E. Loyalists.
Alex. Fisher was appointed the first District Judge and Chairman of
Quarter Sessions for the Midland District, to the last of which he was
elected by his brother magistrates. He was also for many years a Captain
of Militia, which post he held during the war of 1812. The family took
up their abode in Adolphustown, upon the shores of Hay Bay. A sister of
Judge Fisher was married to Mr. Hagerman, and another to Mr. Stocker,
who, for a time, lived on the front of Sidney. He was related, by
marriage, to McDonnell, of Marysburgh. His parents lived with him at the
farm in Adolphustown. They were buried here in the family vault, with a
brother, and the Judge’s only son.
Judge Fisher was short in stature, and somewhat stout, with a prominent
nose. He was, as a judge, and as a private individual, universally
esteemed. “He was a man of great discernment, and moral honesty governed
his decisions.”—(Allison.) He died in the year 1830, and was buried in
the family vault. As an evidence of the high esteem in which he was
held, there was scarcely a lawyer or magistrate in the whole District,
from the Carrying Place to Gananoque, who did not attend his funeral,
together with a great concourse of the settlers throughout the counties.
FAIRFIELD.—The Kingston _Gazette_ tells the following:
“DIED.—At his house, in Ernesttown, on the 7th Feb. 1816, in the 47th
year of his age, W. Fairfield. His funeral was attended by a numerous
circle of relatives, friends and neighbors. He left a widow and seven
children. The first link that was broken in a family chain of twelve
brothers and three sisters, all married at years of maturity. His death
was a loss to the district, as well as to his family. He was one of the
commissioners for expending the public money on the roads. Formerly a
member of the Provincial Parliament; many years in the commission of the
Peace. As a magistrate and a man, he was characterized by intelligence,
impartiality, independence of mind and liberality of sentiments.”
GRASS.—Captain Michael Grass, the first settler of Kingston township,
was a native of Germany. The period of his emigration to America is
unknown. He was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, and for years
plied his trade in Philadelphia. It would seem that he removed from
Philadelphia to New York, for his son Peter was born in this city in
1770. According to the statement of his grandson who often heard the
facts from his father, Peter Grass, soon after the commencement of the
rebellion, Michael Grass was taken prisoner by the Indians, who were
staying at Cataraqui. In this he is probably mistaken. We learn from
another source that it was during the previous French war, which is more
likely to be correct. It would seem that Grass and two other prisoners
were not confined in the fort, but held in durance by a tribe of
Indians, who permitted them to hunt, fish, &c. They made an effort to
escape, but were caught and brought back. Again they attempted, carrying
with them provisions, which they had managed to collect, sufficient to
last them a week. But it was nine weeks before they reached an English
settlement, one having died by the way from hunger and exposure. It was
the knowledge which Grass had acquired of the territory at Cataraqui,
while a prisoner, which led to his appointment to the leadership of a
band of refugees at the close of the war.—(See settlement of Kingston.)
It does not appear that Captain Grass occupied any office in the army
during the war. His captaincy commenced upon his leaving New York with
the seven vessels for Canada. By virtue of his captaincy, he was
entitled to draw 3000 acres. Beside lot twenty-five in Kingston, he drew
in fourth concession of Sidney nearly 2000 acres in one block.
Captain Grass had three sons, Peter, John, and Daniel, and three
daughters. Daniel, some years after, went sailing and was never heard
from. Peter and John settled in the Second Town and became the fathers
respectively of families. The land drawn by the captain, and the 600
acres by each of his children, has proved a lasting source of wealth and
comfort to his descendants.
Captain Grass naturally took a leading part at least during the first
years of the settlement at Kingston. He was possessed of some education,
and was a man of excellent character, with a strict sense of honor.
Although opportunities presented themselves to accumulate property at
the expense of others, he refused to avail himself of all such. He was
appointed a magistrate at an early period, and as such performed many of
the first marriages in Kingston. In religion, he was an adherent to the
Church of England. Probably he had been brought up a Lutheran. His old
“Dutch” Bible still is read by an old German in Ernesttown; but it seems
a pity that although none of the Grass family can read its time worn
pages, it should be allowed to remain in other hands than the
descendants of the old captain.
In connection, it may be mentioned that some time before the war, a poor
German, a baker by trade, came to New York. Michael Grass assisted him
into business, and even gave him a suit of clothes. When the refugees
came to Canada, this baker accompanied them. He settled in Quebec, where
he amassed eventually great wealth, and the P—— family are not unknown
to the public.
GAMBLE.—The subjoined somewhat lengthy notice is taken from the _Toronto
Colonist_:—“Dr. Gamble and family were for many years residing at
Kingston, and he was intimately associated with the first days of Upper
Canada, as a Province, while his offspring as will be seen, form no
indifferent element of the society of the Province,” we therefore insert
the notice _in extenso_. “Isabella Elizabeth Gamble, the third daughter
of Dr. Joseph Clark and Elizabeth Alleyne, was born at Stratford, in
Connecticut—then a colony of Great Britain—on the 24th October, 1767. In
the year 1776, her father, faithful to his allegiance, repaired to the
British army in New York, to which place his family followed him. At the
peace of 1783, Dr. Clark removed with his family to New Brunswick (then
known as the Province of Acadia) and took up his residence at
Mangerville. There his daughter, the subject of this memoir, then in her
seventeenth year, was married on the 18th of May, 1884, to Dr. John
Gamble, the eldest son of William Gamble and Leah Tyrer, of Duross, near
Enniskillen, Ireland. Mr. Gamble was born in 1755, studied physic and
surgery at Edinburgh; emigrated to the British colony in 1779, and
landed in New York in September of that year. Immediately on his
arrival, he entered the King’s service as Assistant-Surgeon to the
General Hospital; subsequently he was attached to the “Old Queen’s
Rangers,” and for some time did duty with that regiment as surgeon. At
the peace of 1783, he, with other American Loyalists, went to New
Brunswick. After his marriage Dr. Gamble practised his profession at St.
John’s, and resided in New Brunswick until 1793, when having been
appointed Assistant-Surgeon to the late regiment of Queen’s Rangers, by
General Simcoe, then Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, he joined his
regiment at Niagara, where it was then quartered, having left his wife
and five daughters at Mangerville. Mrs. Gamble continued to reside with
her father until 1798, when her husband, having in the meantime, been
promoted to the surgeoncy of his regiment; she, with her five daughters,
the eldest then but thirteen years of age, accompanied by her father and
a sister (afterwards married to the Hon. Samuel Smith), ascended the
river St. John in a bark canoe, crossed the portage by Temi conata to
the Rivierie du Loup, came up the St. Lawrence, and joined Dr. Gamble
then with his regiment in garrison at York.
“In 1802, the Queen’s Rangers were disbanded, and Mrs. Gamble
accompanied her husband and family to Kingston, where he practised his
profession until his death, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, on the
1st December, 1811. She remained in Kingston till the year 1820, when
with the portion of her family then at home, she removed to Toronto, and
there remained surrounded by her offspring until her death on the 9th
March, 1859.
“Mrs. Gamble had thirteen children, nine daughters and four sons;
Isabella, the eldest, married to Robert Charles Home, Esq.,
Assistant-Surgeon, Glengary Light Infantry; Mary Ann, married to Colonel
Sinclair, Royal Artillery; Sarah Hannah Boyes, to James Geddes, Esq.,
Assistant-Surgeon, Medical Staff; Leah Tyrer, to the Hon. William Allen;
Catharine, who died unmarried; Jane, married to Benjamin Whitney, Esq.;
Rachel Crookshank, to Sir James Buchannan Macaulay; Magdaline, to Thomas
William Birchall, Esq.; and Mary Ann unmarried; John William, of
Vaughan, William, of Milton, Etobicoke; Clarks, of Toronto, and Joseph
who died in infancy; of these thirteen, six only survive, but Mrs.
Gamble’s descendants have already reached the large number of 204, and
some of her children’s children are now upwards of thirty years of age.
“The remarkable longevity of a large number of the American Loyalist
emigrants who came to the British Provinces after the American
Revolution, has been noticed by the Lord Bishop of New Brunswick, as a
striking instance of the fulfilment of the promise contained in the
fifth commandment, embracing, as that commandment unquestionably does,
the duty of obedience to civil rulers. Mrs. Gamble may well be counted
among that number, having, in October last, entered upon her
ninety-second year.”—_Colonist._
Among the company of refugees which followed VanAlstine’s lead to
Canada, was Nicholas Hagerman.
He settled in the village of Adolphustown, almost in front of the U. E.
burying ground. The point of land here between the Bay and the Creek is
still known as Hagerman’s Point. The whole of the land except the
burying ground was cleared by Hagerman. His house was situated a short
distance west of the road leading from the wharf up to the village. It
was built near the water’s edge. The short period which has elapsed
since that building was erected has not only consigned the builder to a
grave almost unknown, and the building to the destructive tooth of time,
but the very land on which the house stood, where he and his family
daily passed in and out, is now washed away by the ceaseless waves of
the bay.
Mr. Hagerman was a man of some education, and it is said had studied law
before leaving New York. At all events he became one of the first
appointed lawyers in Upper Canada, probably at the time McLean, of
Kingston, was appointed. He continued to live and practice law in
Adolphustown until his death. “He was the first lawyer to plead at these
Courts. He was a self-made man.”—Allison.
The writer’s parents lived at, and near the village of Adolphustown when
young; they knew the Hagerman’s well, and for many a day and year
attended school with Nicholas Hagerman’s children. There were at least
two brothers, David and Christopher, and two daughters, Betsy and Maria.
Daniel was a sedate person, but “Chris.” was a saucy boy. They were both
elected to Parliament at the same time, but Daniel died before the
meeting of Parliament. Christopher studied law with his father at first,
was a pupil of Dr. Strachan’s, and completed his legal studies in
McLean’s office in Kingston. The father and son were sometimes employed
by opposing clients; at one time in Kingston, the son won the suit, much
to the annoyance of the father. The father exclaimed, “have I raised a
son to put out my eyes.” “No”, replied the son, “to open them father.”
At the commencement of the war in 1812, Christopher went as Lieutenant
with a Company from Adolphustown to Kingston. Shortly after he was
chosen Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General. Thenceforth his way to
preferment was steady. At the close of the war he was appointed
Collector of Customs at Kingston. The _Gazette_ of 5th September, 1815,
says that Christopher Alexander Hagerman, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, was
appointed to His Majesty’s Council in and for the Province of Upper
Canada.
On the 26th March, 1817, he was married to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of
James Macaulay, Esq., Kingston.
JOHNSONS.—Henry Johnson was born at New Jersey, 1757, where he lived
till the rebellion, when he removed to Poughkeepsie. In June, 1788,
being a loyalist, he came with his brother Andrew to Canada, enduring
many privations and hardships. He settled in Hallowell, where he lived
until his death, which took place 28th May, 1829, being in his 73rd
year. “He was noted for his hospitality—charitable to the poor without
ostentation, a pious Christian. For the last five years he suffered
much.”
ANDREW JOHNSON.—Among the combatants, we have given the name of James
Johnson; here we design to give a place to some account of his two sons,
Andrew and William, or “Bill,” as he was commonly called, a name yet
remembered by many.
Perhaps there is not now living a more interesting historic character
than Andrew Johnson, residing in the vicinity of Belleville. A native of
New York State, Gainesborough, he came in with his father at the first
settlement of Upper Canada. He was an eye witness of the first days of
Ernesttown, and Kingston. At the beginning of the present century he was
known as an unusually rapid walker. Andrew was engaged in carrying the
mail from Kingston to York. Mr. Stuart was his employer. His route was
by the Bay shore to Adolphustown, across the Bay, at the Stone Mills, by
Picton and Wellington, to the Carrying Place; and thence along the Lake
shore, fording streams as best he could, often upon a fallen tree, or by
swimming. He would spend five hours in York and then start back. These
trips were generally made once a fortnight. He subsequently lived at
Bath for forty years, where he kept a tavern, and strangely enough, as
he avers, he never drank liquor in his life.
His father’s log house was used by Rev. Mr. Stuart to preach in for
three years, before the frame building was erected on the hill, which
would hold thirty or forty persons. It was a story and a-half high.
Andrew Johnson is now upwards of a hundred. Although his memory is
somewhat defective, he retains a great deal of bodily vigor; and eats
and sleeps well. He rarely converses unless spoken to. He is a man of
somewhat low stature, small frame, with spare limbs. Mr. Lockwood, who
has known him a long time, says, “He was remarkably quick in his
movements.” During the war, the two started to walk from Prescott to
Kingston, but Lockwood says that Johnson could walk three miles to his
one. His brother, “Bill,” had a fast horse, which could outrun anything.
Andrew offered to bet a hundred dollars that he could travel to York
quicker than the horse. Of course there was but an imperfect path, with
no bridges. His offer was not accepted. Andrew was a loyal soldier in
1812, and belonged to the same companies as his brother. The old man is
yet very quick in his movements, retaining that peculiar swinging gait
by which he formerly so rapidly traveled long distances. His days are
passing away in a quiet dream, tenderly cared for by his son, with his
wife.
BILL JOHNSON.—William Johnson, brother of the foregoing, was one of six
sons of James Johnson, born in Ernesttown. His youthful days were spent
in the vicinity of what is now the village of Bath. About the time of
the commencement of the war of 1812, he was engaged in Kingston, in
trading, and had a store of general merchandize. When the first draft
for men was made, Johnson was one of the conscripts. For a very short
time, he did service, and then procured his brother (not Andrew) as a
substitute. There was not at this time any doubt of his loyalty. It was
natural he should desire to attend to his business in Kingston, which at
this time was lucrative. And there does not appear that he employed his
brother in other than good faith. But some time after his brother
entered the service, he deserted to the United States’ shore. Even now
it does not appear that the authorities of Kingston suspected his
loyalty, for they desired that he should take his place in the ranks
which his brother had forsaken. This, however, “Bill” would not do. The
result was that a file of soldiers commanded by Sergeant Lockwood, (our
principal informant) was sent to arrest Johnson, by order of the
captain, Matthew Clark of Ernesttown.
Upon the approach of the soldiers, Johnson shouted to Sergeant Lockwood,
who had been his life long playmate, “I know what you are after; but you
won’t get me yet,” and immediately shut the door and turned the key.
Lockwood, without hesitation, raised his musket, and with the butt
knocked the door open, in time to see Bill escaping by the back door. A
close chase ensued into a back enclosure, and Lockwood succeeded in
catching him by the leg as he was passing through a window. Johnson then
submitted, and was conveyed a prisoner to the guard house within the
jail. After being confined for sometime he escaped by breaking the jail;
probably aided by sympathizers, for a good many thought he was badly
treated.
Whatever may have been Johnson’s feelings towards the British Government
before, he now became a most determined enemy of his native country. He
vowed he should “be a thorn in Great Britain’s side;” and his goods and
some property at Bath, a few town lots, being confiscated, he declared
he would get back all he lost. The foregoing occurence took place
sometime during the fall of 1812. It would appear that Bill Johnson set
to work in a systematic manner to carry out his threats.
Being well acquainted with the country and people, and, withal, a bold,
determined and fearless man, he did not hesitate to visit the Canadian
shore, and was even seen at Bath in day light. He built several small
boats, light and trim, and he would at times unhesitatingly voyage upon
the broad lake in bold undertakings. His operations consisted in
privateering, in inducing American sympathizers to accompany him to the
States, and in acting as a spy. During the war there were frequently
boat loads of goods, consisting of liquors and other valuable articles
passing up the bay, and across the Carrying Place, thence to York. On
one occasion Thomas Parker, who was engaged in the business, left
Kingston with a batteau laden with valuables for York. Johnson, who
watched such events, saw Parker depart. While the latter made his way up
the bay, Johnson proceeded in his craft around by the lake, and awaited
Parker off Presqu’isle. In due time the batteau was seized by Johnson
and his comrades, and taken to the other side. Parker being landed on
Point Traverse, off Marysburgh.
Another exploit was the seizure of Government despatches near Brighton.
A company of Dragoons, Captain Stinson, were on duty to carry despatches
between the River Trent and Smith’s Creek, Port Hope. On a certain
occasion when a dragoon, by the name of Gardner, was pursuing his way
with despatches, he was suddenly seized by Johnson, who deliberately
took him with his horse to the lake shore, where he shot the horse,
placed the despatch bag in his boat, and then permitted the man to find
his way on foot through the woods to report himself to his captain.
“Bill Johnson still lives at French Creek upon the American shore of the
St. Lawrence. He was an active participant in the events of 1837, and it
is supposed had much to do in recruiting for the army of sympathizers.”
There is so much of fiction to be found respecting him in connection
with that time, that it is difficult to say what part he did take. It
has been generally supposed that he was one of the few who escaped from
the Windmill, but while, no doubt, he was engaged at the time, there is
nothing to rest a decided statement upon. We suspect that “Bill,” in his
later days, was given to boasting a little, and took pleasure in
catering to the taste of his Yankee friends, in relating what he and his
daughter Kate did, (in imagination.)
MACAULAY, “the father of the Honorable John, and the Rev. William
Macaulay, settled during the Revolutionary war on Carleton Island, then
a British station and fortification, where he supplied the commissariat
and garrison, and carried on business. In 1794, Mr. Macaulay removed to
Kingston, where he amassed considerable property. When he removed to
Kingston, he had rafted over from Carleton Island his log dwelling
house, and placed it where it now stands at the corner of Princess and
Ontario Streets. It has since been clap-boarded over and added to, and
having been kept painted and in good repair is still a very habitable
building.”—(Cooper.)
Mr. Macaulay had come to New York shortly before the commencement of the
Colonial troubles, and as a loyalist had his house pillaged and burnt,
by the rebels, and became a refugee at the military post at Carleton
Island. About 1785, he settled at Kingston, where he married, and
remained until his death, in September, 1800, being fifty-six years old.
He was at no time connected with the service, but engaged his time in
commercial business, and was on most intimate terms with those in
authority, being a particular friend of the Duke of Albano. His sons
continued his business and in time were called to occupy honorable and
responsible situations under Government, as Legislative Councilor,
Surveyor General, Provincial Secretary, Inspector General, Chaplain to
Legislative Assembly, and Commissioners on various important matters.
THE CAPTIVE CHRISTIAN MOORE.
Upon the 19th March, 1867, the writer was privileged, through the
kindness of the Rev. Mr. Anderson, to visit an individual who, of all
others, possesses historic interest. About half a mile north of the
Indian Church upon the old York road, Tyendinaga, lives Christian Moore.
Beside the stove, in a low Indian chair, sat a woman whose shrunken and
bent appearance made her appear no larger than a girl of sixteen. But
the face, with its parchment-like skin—the deeply wrinkled features,
bespoke the burden of many winters. Yet, the eye still flashed looks of
intelligence, as the face was upturned from her hands on which she
almost incessantly rested her head, as if the shoulders had wearied in
their long life duty. Christian is about a hundred years old, during
eighty of which she has remained a captive with the Mohawks. Although a
white woman, she knows not a word of English. Long, long years ago, in
becoming the wife of an Indian, and the mother of Indians, she became to
all purposes one of themselves. She is a living relic of the American
Revolution, as well as of the customs of the Mohawk Indians a hundred
years ago.
In the first days of the rebellion, in an encounter between the Indians
and a party of rebels in the Mohawk valley, one of the Indians, by the
name of Green, was killed. The custom among the several tribes, or
families, when one of their number had been lost in war, was to take the
first captive they could, and adopt him or her, into the tribe, to keep
up the number. A party of Indians, under John Green, a chief and brother
of the one killed, called in after days Captain Green, in the course of
their foray, caught a little girl about ten years of age. That little
girl is the old person of whom we are speaking. The old woman yet
recollects the fact that her father’s family, on the approach of the
Indians, made haste to escape; she by accident was left alone or behind.
She remembers to have been running along the road, when she was taken.
She says there were a good many Indians. After this there is a blank in
her memory, until the period of the Indians leaving their homes to
escape. This was the time when they buried their Communion Plate.
Christian says she was carried upon an Indian’s back, as they fled to
Lachine. She recollects that they were staying three years at Lachine,
when the tribe set out to take possession of the land which Government
was to give them. It was about a year from the time they started from
Lachine, until they, under Brant, reached their destination, the Grand
River. Captain Green was with this party, and stayed with them at Grand
River for six years, when, becoming dissatisfied, he, with his family,
came to the Bay Quinté. Christian remembers all this. She was living
with Captain Green’s sister. They came in a batteau, down the north
shore of the lake, and crossed at the Carrying Place at the head of the
bay.
Christian in time became the wife of an Indian, by the name of Anthony
Smart, who, she says, has been dead now thirty-eight years. They had but
one child, a daughter, who was married to Abram Maricle. They had three
children, one being a son, Christian’s daughter has been dead many
years, but the old lady now is surrounded by grand-children to the third
generation.
Some time after the close of the Revolution, a person by the name of
Moore, came with his family to Canada, and settled at Napanee. By some
means he learned that there was a white woman among the Mohawks, and he
visited them to see if it might be his long lost daughter. Such proved
to be the case. He was Christian’s father. She remembers the occasion,
(it was about forty-five years ago,) her father was then a very old man.
Of course, there was no resemblance between the woman in Indian garb
before him, and his little girl of ten years. But there was a mark upon
her arm, the result of a burn by which he was enabled to recognize his
own flesh and blood. The scar, upon the left forearm, can yet be
distinctly seen. Painful, indeed, must have been the feelings of the
parent, to know she was his daughter, and yet knew not a syllable of her
mother tongue. The natural channel by which parental and filial
affection might have flowed was sealed. She says, she has a sister now
living back of Napanee. She asked her father if she had been christened,
and he informed her she had been. Upon our asking her the question, if
she ever went to school, she says, “No;” that she was “always working
hard.” Asking her the question, if she did not think she had lived a
long while, she replied, “I don’t think I’ll live very long.” The Rev.
Mr. Anderson informs us that she has ever maintained the character of a
true Christian, and is always happy to partake of the Holy Communion,
Christian’s great-grandson, himself a father, acted as interpreter.
It is possible that this woman, who belonged to another century, may
live yet several years. There is much of vigor in her movements and
conversation. Although shrivelled and bent almost double with age, her
body seems to be well nourished, and her arms possess considerable
thickness. She always enjoyed good health, and now eats and sleeps in
the most comfortable manner.
We are informed by a recent letter from Rev. Mr. Anderson, 1869, that
the old woman continues quite well, and works in the garden in summer.
PARLIAMENT.—Mrs. Morden, of Sophiasburgh, was born upon the banks of the
Hudson, forty miles from its mouth. Her birthday stretches back
ninety-eight years. She came into Canada with her father, George
Parliament, who was of German parentage, born upon the sea; and like the
ocean, he was through out his brief life tossed up and down with
scarcely a day of calm and sunshine. The family reached the Fourth Town,
and only six weeks after her father’s eyes were closed in death. Mrs.
Morden has a distinct recollection of the rebellion. Her father was
staunchly loyal, and she has heard him repeatedly declare that he would
lay his bones in the King’s domains. During the war he was imprisoned
twice, at Goshen and Poughkeepsie. She was thirteen years old when they
came to Canada, and remembers the many weary days of travel by Oneida
Lake. Her father walked and drove the cattle all day, her mother would
sit up till late at night over the camp-kettle preparing food for the
party to use the following day, so that there would be no delay on the
way. Having crossed from the States, the Skenectady boats landed at
Little Catariqui. The father was down below on the St. Lawrence swimming
the cattle across the stream. They found their flour was nearly done.
She, with a little sister, went along the shore to the village of
Kingston to buy flour, she had only enough money to buy a quarter of a
hundred of second flour, which she carried from McAulay’s store to the
hungry company at the Little Catariqui, where they were wind-bound. She
remembers the appearance of the shores as they journeyed along; the rude
log cabins in the small clearings. The family of eleven children settled
upon the north shore of Hay Bay. The eldest boy was nineteen years old.
They now thought that they, in common with other settlers, would be
permitted to work out a peaceful and happy future, but the arrow of
death was already in the bended bow. The mournful occasion can hardly be
appreciated, the father of eleven children in the wilderness suddenly
cut down. Each of the neighbours had quite enough to do to care for his
own family. All these terrible facts are fresh in the mind of the
venerable lady. The events of later years are faded from her memory, but
those are too deeply engraven upon her mind, by the pen of sorrow, to be
erased while life lasts and mind sits enthroned. The subsequent events
connected with the family for a time are no less distressing. They had
one cow, the milk of which supplied them with their principal food. Fish
was occasionally caught. But they often had to seek herbs and greens.
For weeks they were in the greatest distress for the very necessaries of
life. All of the family who were old enough went out to work. The
following spring, and the subsequent ones, her mother made sugar, not to
use in the family, “oh! no, that was too great a luxury.” It was all
carried and sold for flour. Mrs. Morden remembers it, for she carried
much of the sap. She subsequently worked out, until after several years
she found a kind supporter. Mrs. Morden, whom the writer saw nearly four
years ago, (1865), was then, although so old, yet vigorous and
sprightly, with a kindly face, and even a sharp eye. Of all the persons
it has been our privilege to converse with, there are only a few who
gave such clear and appropriate testimony, and afforded so much
satisfaction. She confined her remarks strictly to the questions, and we
learned much in a short hour. She spoke feelingly; and with Christian
nobleness said she, “I have lived a long time and had many blessings,
thanks be to God.” Thus spoke the lips of one whose youth had been spent
in another century.
ROBLINS.—The Roblin family is extensively and favorably known in Upper
Canada, especially in the bay region. They, although numerous, have
sprung from a common ancestry. Originally of English or Welsh nativity;
at the commencement of the rebellion they were found dwelling in New
York, and New Jersey. As a result of the Revolution, four branches of
the Roblin family came into Canada, two of whom, John and Stephen, were
brothers.
John Roblin lived in New Jersey, he took no part in the contest, but his
sympathies were doubtless with the loyalists. One day, he was sitting in
the door-way, when a scouting party fired upon the house as they
approached. Some fourteen shots were fired. This was done without any
warning, the house being inhabited by a private family. John Roblin was
wounded in the knee. The party entered the house and completely
ransacked it, searching for valuables; not satisfied with what they
found, they demanded where the money was; John’s brother, Stephen, was
suspended by his thumbs to a tree with the view of forcing him to tell
where the moneys was concealed. John, although wounded, was stripped
almost naked. The ruffians, who did all this under the name of
“Liberty,” destroyed what they could not carry; and flour, furniture,
everything in fact, was strewn about and broken. One of the party put
his bayoneted musket to the breast of Mrs. Roblin, and dared her to call
George her king. She fearlessly replied, he once was, why not now. The
demon was pulling the trigger, when a more human comrade knocked the
weapon aside. The rebels were near by under Washington, and this was a
regular detailed foraging party. John Roblin was afterward placed in the
rebel hospital, but the doctor was unnecessarily cruel, and so
maltreated him, that he became a life-long cripple. The family came into
the rebel camp, and Mrs. Roblin complained to General Washington of the
conduct of his men. He had her look among the men, and promised to
punish any she said had been among the party. But of course they kept
out of the way.
The Roblins settled originally in Adolphustown, John Roblin died, and
his widow, with the family, removed to Sophiasburgh, where she bought
100 acres of land for $25, and paid for it by weaving. She likewise cut
down trees and made her hut.
Roblin, who settled in the third concession of Fourth Town, became a
member of Parliament.
SIMON.—John Simon was born in Massachusetts, joined the Royal Standard
when the rebellion commenced. At the close of the war, he settled at
first near Montreal. He soon removed to Cataraqui, and finally to the
Township of Flamborough West, County Westmeath, where he lived till his
death. He had three sons, Titus, John, Walter. A daughter married
Detlor, another James McNabb, one Dr. Meacham, one Thompson, the last
three lived at Belleville. One of the sons, Titus, we believe,
distinguished himself in 1812, at the battle of Lundy’s Lane. He had
been Commissary at Kingston, and moved to Toronto.
MAJOR VANALSTINE.—The life of this man we have been unable to trace in
full; but sufficient remains known to supply the requisites for a short
sketch. He must have come from the vicinity of Albany, for he was
decidedly Dutch, and spoke the English language very imperfectly. He was
a stout, robust man, with a dark complexion, not one of military
bearing; and most likely, until the rebellion, had nothing to do with
military matters. Among the first to settle in Adolphustown, he well
knew the hardships of pioneer life. During the course of the rebellion
he had suffered many privations. Naturally a kind-hearted man, he for
many years afforded to the new comers much comfort and material aid. His
house was ever open to the passing stranger—to the old soldier, to poor
refugees. He was known to everybody in the whole settlement of the Bay.
No matter who came, he would order up from his cellar kitchen—the old
Dutch style—his negro servants—slaves he had brought in with him, and
set before the traveler the necessary refreshments. The son of one who
knew him well, says he was hospitable to a fault. His religion was
Lutheran, and the Government granted him a pension for distinguished
service.
THE WALLBRIDGE FAMILY.—Are of English descent, and were among the first
settlers of America. There were several families of the name existing in
America at the breaking out of the rebellion, one of which had been
residents of Bennington, and were known as the Bennington Wallbridge’s.
The rebellion led, as in many other instances, to a division among the
sons; some sided with the rebels, others remained loyal. Elijah
Wallbridge took part with the loyalists. His children never heard him
speaking of the part he took; but it is learned through another source
that he was one of a party who on one occasion made a gallant attack
upon a military prison, and relieved the prisoners. His old musket may
yet be seen. It is in possession of the Hon. Lewis Wallbridge. At the
close of the war, he desired, like many other loyalists, to remain in
the States, and indeed did for a time, but the spirit of intolerance was
manifested toward him, so that he determined to settle in Canada. He
consequently, at the beginning of the present century, came to the Bay
and purchased the tract of land held in Ameliasburgh by the family.
Elijah Wallbridge married the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist, Capt. Robert
Everett, of Kingston. Mr. Wallbridge, in making his visits to the front
of Ernesttown, found it convenient to cross the Bay from Mississauga
Point to Ox Point, and as a canoe was not available he often disrobed
himself, tied his clothes in a bundle and managed to swim across,
holding the bundle of clothes above the water.
WHITE.—The Cobourg _Star_ recorded the death of Mrs. White of White’s
Mills, aged 82 years, as follows:
“Another old and respectable inhabitant has paid the debt of nature,
whose memory will long be cherished by survivors.” In 1792 Mrs. White
was living with her family, the Chryslers, at the homestead, Sidney,
near Belleville, but removed after her marriage with Mr. White, to
Cobourg, in the neighborhood of which she has remained ever since,
beloved by her family and greatly respected by all the settlers around.
Although she often remarked, they had to undergo many privations, yet
they were the happiest days of her existence. She feared the present
generation was launching out too much into the fashion of the world, to
conduce to solid happiness.
The Chryslers were U. E. Loyalists, and among the first who made Upper
Canada their home after the Revolution. Sorel at that period was a
government station, and here in 1802, Mrs. White, then Catherine
Chrysler, was born. In 1784, their house was unfortunately burned down,
when the General made them a liberal grant of lands in Sidney, near
Belleville. This was the first settlement in that locality, which was
soon followed by many others, so that a neighborhood was soon formed as
helpmates to one another. A few years afterward, Mr. White, being a
lumber merchant, located in the neighborhood; an intimacy soon sprang up
between the parties, which ended in a family union. Clergymen were
scarce in those days, but Rev. Robert McDowell, of the reformed Dutch
Church, who kept a horse and traveled through the wilderness, tendered
his services. By that worthy pioneer, Mr. and Mrs. White were happily
united in country simplicity. These primeval days were often referred to
as affording more solid happiness than modern finery and ostentation.
May the present generation never lose sight of those good old times. She
fulfilled the declaration of that discerner of the human heart, Solomon,
who says: “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not
the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her
husband also, and he praiseth her.”
WILKINS.—Col. Charles Wilkins, although not one of the old U. E.
Loyalists, yet having come to Canada at an early date, and taken an
active part in matters pertaining to the welfare of the country,
respecting military matters, and especially in the history of the Bay,
this work would not be complete without a special notice of this very
worthy gentleman. The writer had the privilege of visiting him at his
home, the Carrying Place, in the summer of 1866, and procured many
valuable facts, which were imparted with a kindly courtesy. The winters
of 83 years had left their impress upon the tall and once erect figure.
But notwithstanding the wear and tear of life, with many cares, and the
intractable disease which steadily advanced, his face beamed with a
pleasant smile, while he recounted many events with which he had had to
do. While relating matters of a general nature, he was most unwilling to
speak of his own services, and the diffidence and humbleness of manner,
with which he referred to himself was remarkable. We have made reference
to Col. Wilkins elsewhere, and will here allude to some events in his
life.
He came to Canada with his father in 1792, aged 10 years. At an early
period he took up his abode at the Carrying Place and engaged in
business; was married in 1804 to Miss Mary, daughter of Charles Smith,
of Port Hope, who died in 1847. Elsewhere has been mentioned the part he
took in the war of 1812, for which he received an official recognition.
Mr. Wilkins had for several days, the late General Scott of the American
army, when a prisoner in Canada. Mr. Wilkins’ kindness to him was
remembered in later years. In the trouble of 1836–8, the Government
called upon Mr. W. to take command of the militia. He was appointed to
many posts of honor and duty, and in 1840 was called to the Legislative
Council. Mr. Wilkins was always exceedingly popular, not because he
sought popularity, but because of his naturally kind and gentlemanly
deportment to all classes, and his many sterling qualities. The very
high estimation in which he was held was fully evidenced on the occasion
of his death in 1867, when old friends came long distances in unpleasant
weather, to see his remains deposited in their last earthly resting
place.
STEWART.—A traveler writing in 1835, says of Canada, “I often met the
venerable in years,” and “on March 8, 1833, died Mrs. J. Stewart, near
St. David’s, Niagara District, aged 109 years; her husband died a few
years since at the age of 96, leaving children, now living, aged 80, and
grand-children at 60.” “Last year a woman by the name of _Metcalf_,
residing near the capital of Upper Canada, bore a child when past her
sixtieth year.”
Among obituary notices we find the following: “At Hope Village, East
Guilliamsbury, in 1829, much and generally regretted, _John Wilson,
Esq._, a native of the Province of New Jersey, aged 90 years, 14 days.”
DEATH OF A PIONEER OF LONDON TOWNSHIP.—We have to record the decease of
Mr. Joseph Jayne, which took place at his residence in London Township,
7th concession, lot 32, on Wednesday last, the 10th inst., at the
advanced age of nearly 101 years. He was born on Long Island, N. Y., on
June 13, 1764, some years before the State of New York had ceased to be
a British Province. Deceased was revered and held in esteem by a large
circle of friends, for whose entertainment he was ever fond of
recounting his adventures in the revolutionary period, and who deeply
regret his loss.—_London Free Press._
MCINTOSH.—“On the 25th February last at his residence in Marysburgh,
in the 93rd year of his age, respected by all his acquaintances, Mr.
Donald McIntosh, who came to America in the 42nd Royal Highlanders,
and arrived the day before the battle of Bunker’s Hill, and was in
that engagement. He was subsequently in the 84th, and was at Quebec,
when Montgomery made his unsuccessful attempt on that stronghold,
and during last war, was a Lieutenant in the 1st Regt. of Prince
Edward Militia.”
BIRD.—“At his residence in Marysburgh, Mr. Henry Bird, in the 90th
year of his age. He appeared to be in good health till a few moments
before the vital spark took its flight; he was well respected; he
came to Canada in the 54th Regt.”
GEROW.—“At Ameliasburgh, in the County of Prince Edward, on
Wednesday, the 19th inst., Mary Gerow, aged 80 years. Deceased was
one of the first settlers on the borders of the Bay of Quinté, where
the greater part of her long life has been spent.”
VANKLEECK.—“In Madoc, on Monday, the 9th of October, Simeon
Vankleeck, Esq., in his 98th year, after a short illness, almost
entirely free from pain. Old age seemed to claim its rights, and the
system quietly gave way. Mr. Vankleeck was one of the earliest
pioneers of this part of the country, having resided in Madoc
forty-one years. He was well and favourably known throughout the
county, and his immediate acquaintance bear testimony to his energy
and firmness, which mingled at the same time with a kindness and
suavity that won their hearts. His old age was remarkable for genial
good temper and activity of mind and body. In his 94th year, he
presided at a political meeting held by the Hon. Sidney Smith, at
Hazzard’s Corners, to which place he walked from his son’s
residence, a distance of seven miles. In politics he was noted for
his strong conservative feeling—the side he chose when a young man—
and adhered to it through his whole life, believing it to be, as he
stated in his later years, the “Loyal Side.””
The deceased was a descendant of a branch of the Vankleeck family,
whose loyalty to the British Crown caused them to leave their
ancient home in Duchess County, New York, during the American
Revolution, and to settle in the wilds of Canada. He was several
years connected with the British army during the Revolution. He
leaves several sons, two of whom reside in this township.—_Mercury._
PERRY.—Died at Ernesttown, the 12th of January instant, Jemima
Perry, wife of Robert Perry, Senr., and sister of the late Ebenezer
Washburn, Esq., of Hallowell, in the 76th year of her age. Her
remains were interred on the 14th, with every mark of real but
unostentatious grief and respect.
“In the beginning of last November, she was seized with a
distressing asthmatic affectation, which finally terminated her
life, and which she endured with Christian patience and resignation
to the will of heaven.
“Mrs. Perry was born in the Province of Massachusetts, and came with
her husband and family into this Province among its first settlers.
“She has left an aged partner, with whom she lived in conjugal union
and affection fifty-eight years: seven children; a numerous train of
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a large circle of friends
and acquaintances. Her loss is extensively felt. In the various
relations of life, as a wife, a mother, a sister, a neighbour, and a
member of civil and Christian society, her exemplary conduct
entitled her to the esteem of all who knew her.”
“OLD MAN.—Old John Baker, residing at Cornwall, Ontario, was born in
1766, at Quebec. His mother was a slave, and he was brought by his
master, Colonel Grey, at one time Solicitor-General for Upper Canada.
Baker enlisted in the 104th regiment, and served at Waterloo, Lundy’s
Lane, Fort Erie, and Sackett’s Harbor. He is a little rheumatic, and is
lame from a wound in the leg, received in action; but his intellect is
as fresh and clear as when a boy. He draws a pension of one shilling
sterling a day, and seems good for some years yet,” 1869.
In conclusion we may mention the descendants of Sir William Johnson, by
Miss Molly, a sister of Joseph Brant. She came to Kingston at an early
date, having probably been in Lower Canada during the war, where she
lived until her death in 1804 or 5. One of her daughters married Captain
Farley, of the 16th Regiment, another Lieutenant Lemoine, of the 24th
Regiment; a third John Ferguson, of the Indian Department; a fourth
Captain Earle, of the Provincial Navy, and another to Doctor Kerr, an
eminent surgeon, who settled in Niagara.
APPENDIX.
ROLL OF THE 2ND BATTALION KING’S ROYAL REGIMENT, NEW YORK, 28TH FEB.,
1784.
Jacob Weegar
Alexander Clark
Alexander Platto
Jacob Cobman
Jonas Simmons
James Rankins
Jonas Larranary
Richard Albery
Gabriel Brefsea
Christopher Brefsea
Bankes, John, Jr
Bankes, John, Sen
Brant, Franc
Baxter, Lawrence
Benedict, Benjamin
Coons, Jacob
Coons, David
Campbell, Matthews
Connrad, William
Coolcraft, Christian
Cook, Seth
Catchcatch, Christian
Drihell, Cornelius
Dewitt, Garton
Dyckman, Martines
Foster, Moses
Hopkinson, John
Haines, Barrast
Haines, Frederick
Haines, John
Haines, David
Hoyle, John
Hoyle, Peter
House, John
Huffman, Jacob
Henerham, Andrew
Hill, Timothy
Mordon, John
Morrison, James
Wher, John
Phillips, Michael
Phillips, Peter
Pember, Phillip
Priest, Jacob
Redding, Francis
Friar, Samuel
File, John
Franklin, John
Fend, Andrew
Gates, Thomas
Hart, Zachariah
Howell, Warren
Johnson, Henry
Rahall, John
Loukes, Jacob
Millross, Andrew
McCarty, William
Matthews, Pompey
Middelton, Ruben
Northrup, Eson
Reynold, William
Scot, Daniel
Shaw, William
Sholtes, John
Snartfager, Frederick
Sipperly, Phillip
Smith, Stephen
Smith, Jacob
Cornell, Patner
Shilliner, Christian
Wallan, Samuel
Wirst, John
Young, Daniel
Defororest, Abraham
Willoughby, William
William, Albert
Young, Peter
Young, Stephen
Deal, Peter
Bernus, Gother
Fletcher, John
Lount, John
Michael Roughnett
Alexander Grant
George Christie
John Bondish
David Lishsamblin
Peter Zenith
Nicholas Schyler
Atherson, Charles
Magle, Gottip
Badernach, John
Ross, Alexander
John Casscallion
Cornelius Pitcher
Peter Deal
John Litcher
Alexander McDougall
Luke Carscallion
John Berrn
George Sullivan
James V. Alstine
Berron, John
Huben, Peter
Barnhart, David
Cole, John
Calden, John
Coons, Simon
Coons, Peter
Cronkhite, John
Conelius, John
Curtis, John
Dych, Nicholas
Dych, Henry
Deal, Adam
Detlor, Valentine
Detlor, Jacob
Emerish, Henry
French, Andrew
Finkle, George
Cameron, Alexander
Cameron, Angus
Cameron, Donald
Davis, Peter
Earner, Peter
Eearhart, Simon
Eaverson, John
Foy, John
Fory, Daniel
Farlinger, John
Fike, Peter
Fairchild, Benjamin
Faish, Christian
Goose, Frederick
Hugh, John
Randal, Joseph
Snider, Jacob
Snider, Lidwich
Sills, John
Sills, Lawrence
Sills, George
Smith, Michael
Smith, Phillip
Swathager, John
Vszie, Joseph
Baltingal, Jacob
Baltingal, Samuel
Rauley, Jacob
Plant, Peter
Rollin, Thomas
Clark, Hugh
Chrisholm, Donald
Sutter, Isaac
Thomson, Thomas
Thom, William
Christie, George
Beedehee, John
Samuel Ashley
James McPherson
George Barnhart
George Dagetger
George Prest
George Fitzpatrick
James Titchert
Peter Young
Cain Young
Clute, John
Cooper, Thomas
Cook, Silas
Coomb, John
Coomb, Barnard
Donser, John
Dire, John
Davis, Henery
Dogstader, Adam
Dengandre, Garrett
Dogstader, Pompey
Edgar, John
Foy, Francis
Gilbert Luke
Thomas Graham
Grant, Peter
Gold, Edward
Gallingher, George
Heming, Henry
Hawley, Jacob
Helmer, Adam
Helse, Frederick
Hugh, Henry
Hendrick, Peter
Harbinger, John
Tarhoson, David
Kough, Peter
Kreem, John
Bailer, William
Bell, Johnson
Beitte Barnard
Barnhart, Nicholas
Barnhart, Jacob
Barnhart, John
Brown, Nicholas
Burch, Jacob
Brown, James
Christian, John
Christian, Simion
Cameron, William
Medagh, John
Myers, John
Cugh, George
Culman, Frederick
Parsons, John
Rood, Mitchell
Ramsay, Adam
Sulivan, Cornelius
Shirley, John
Shellop, Henry
Winter, Jacob
Winter, Henry
Wilson, James
Kough, James
Connor, Christian
Wilinger, Michael
Smith, Jacob
Eamer, Phillip
Hawdord, Edward
Mure, John
John Miller
Fossern, Daniel
Latoch, Halburt
Elijah Sarrabe
George Murraoff
Luke Bourteal
Toil Hurd
Samuel Suckey
John Saver
John Teague
Barnhart, Charles
Beramy, William
Boner, Gasper
Boner, Adam
Bender, Samuel
Cox, Alexander
Crander, Anthony
John Crander
Crander, William
Cadman, William
Cadman, George
Coundouse, George
Dow, Thomas
Delong, John
Evans, Tony
Landras, Samuel
Logest, Andrew
Hamilton, Thomas
Henning, Andrew
House, Coonroot
Hedlar, Adam
Johnson, John
Hellen, John
Himmerly, Andrew
Ylline,
Law, Samuel
Heller, Henry
Noon, William
Battingal, Jacob
French, Albert
Flamsbury, William
Howard, William
Harding, Richard
Jones, Thomas
Johnson, William
Jones, John
Roughnet, John
Rentner, George
Knight, Benjamin
Koughnet, John
Lonhey, George
Lonhey, Henry
Lonhes, Abraham
Savanay, Alexander
Sambert, David
Sawyer, William
Loft, David
McGowen, Stephen
Murdoff, James
Murdoff, George
Moss, Simon
Critchert, Bartholomew
Rogers, John
Rambaugh, Jacob
Rambaugh, John
Rambaugh, Andrew
Rambaugh, William
Shellop, Christian
Smith, Daniel
Shuk, Christian
Tute, John
Kemdy, Robert
Church, Oliver
Hillinger, Abraham
Laryo, Matthew
Erwiny, Robert
Schnars, Frederick
John Howell
Francis Hoyb
Richard Cotter
Matthew Farrent
Jothan Hart
Joseph Clement
Henry Davis
John Windaker
Brant, John
Borven, William, Senr
Baker, Henry
Borven, William, Junr.
Bush, Henry
Cameron, Archibald
Dodger, Thomas
McDonnell, John, Senr.
McDonnell, John, Junr.
McDonnell, Roderick
McDonald, Ronald
McPherson, Laughlin
Matthew, Jacob
Naramore, Esau
Penn, Matthew
Prentice, Daniel
Prichell, John
Phillips, Jacob
Porker, Isaac
Ross, Thomas, Senr.
Ross, Thomas, Junr.
Ross, John
Roaf, John
Ryan, Dennis
Rowland, Jervis
Tingorac, John
Starring, Jacob
Severn, Peter
Servus, Phillip
Smith, John
Hart, Nathaniel
Sherman, William
Tuniver, William
Valentine, Alexander
Warmly, Jacob
Cook, Robert
Rierman, Henry
Schilles, Henry
Henry Deal
John Servin
Andrew Embury
Thomas Clark
William Nicholson
John Dogstider
Allen Chrisholm
John Dervitt
Arginsinger, John
Bartley, Muherd
Bartley, Isaac
Chrisholm, Duncan
Cain, John
Coon, Jacob
Campbell, John
Cain, Barney
Cook, Joseph
Farling, John
Hough, George
Hight, Mathew
Johnson, Prince
Peacock, John
Kenton, John
Delorm, John
Donevan, Herener
Evans, Bolton
Eglon, Leonard
Estwood, John
Flanagan, James
Gardiner, John
Horon, Peter
Horon, Jacob
Hubbert, Jubilee
Hegle, John
Koughnet, William
Koliph, Henry
Toyer, David
Toyer, Richard
Martin, Robert
Murphy, Patrick
McGran, Owen
McGran, Dennis
McDonnell, Daniel
Nellinger, Abraham
Phillips, Elijah
Rapole, George
Shaver, Adam
Sample, Hugh
Street, Daniel
Staly, Tobias
Stering, George
Truax, Isaac
Turnburny, John
Woodcock, Abraham
Woodcock, Peter
Welsh, Morris
Argussiger, Phillip
Wilson, James
Thomas Cavan
John McIntyre
John Ham
Abiah Christie
Donald McPherson
John Tower
Peter Winter
John Lambert
Albert Edward
Ball, Samuel
Crawford, William
Crumwell, Nicholas
Santnere, Jacob
Witts, Henry
Witts, John
McCardy, Jacob
Mirile, Jacob
Minse, John
Crawford, Bryan
Clark, Jacob
Clark, Adam
Clark, John
Chrisholm, Hugh
Faber, David
Fitzgerald, William
Furny, Rodolph
Furny, Adam
Gilbert, Nathaniel
Graham, William
Grant, Peter
Helmer, John
Horon, Joseph
Howard, Christian
Towar, Canrobert
Tarranay, Isaac
Tarranay, Abraham
Matthew, Nicholas
McKay, Stephen
McTaggart, James
McDonald, Duncan
Mitchell, John
McIntyre, Duncan
McLennon, John
Oxbury, John
Phillip, John
Rote, George
Reyers, William
Robertson, Daniel
Shaver, James
Smith, William
Smith, Peter
Sweeney, Daniel
Stewart, John
Teagin, Jacob
Vandregoo, Phillip
Abstric, Lambert
Wright, John
Walroda, Jacob
Wood, James
Wood, William
Weegar, Thomas
West, John
Toursset, Benjamin
Tealy, Adam
Deprender, George
THE GOVERNORS OF UPPER CANADA.
Subjoined is a list of the Governors, Presidents, and Administrators of
Upper Canada, until the Union of the Provinces in 1841:—
NAMES. TITLES. TIME OF ACCESSION.
Col. John Graves Simcoe Lieutenant-Governor July 8, 1792.
Hon. Peter Russell President July 21, 1796.
Lieut.-Gen. Peter Hunter Lieutenant-Governor August 17, 1799.
Hon. Alexander Grant President Septr. 11, 1805.
His Excellency Francis Gore Lieutenant-Governor August 25, 1806.
Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock President Septr. 30, 1811.
Maj.-Gen. Sir R. Halesheaff, President October, 20, 1812.
Bart
Maj.-Gen. F. Baron de President June 19, 1813.
Rottenburgh
Lieut.-Gen. Sir Gordon Provincial Decr. 13, 1813.
Drummond, G.C.B. Lieut.-Governor
Lieut.-Gen. Sir George Murray, Provincial April 25, 1815.
Bt. Lieut.-Governor
Maj.-Gen. Sir Frederick Phipps Provincial July 1, 1815.
Robinson, K.C.B. Lieut.-Governor
His Excellency Francis Gore Lieutenant-Governor Septr. 25, 1815.
Hon. Samuel Smith Administrator June 11, 1817.
Maj.-Gen. Sir Peregrine Lieutenant-Governor August 13, 1818.
Maitland, K.C.B.
Hon. Samuel Smith Administrator March 8, 1820.
Maj.-Gen. Sir P. Maitland, Lieutenant-Governor June 30, 1820.
K.C.B.
Maj.-Gen. Sir John Colborne, Lieutenant-Governor Novr. 5, 1828.
K.C.B.
Maj. Sir Francis Bond Head, Lieutenant-Governor Jany. 25, 1836.
K.C.B.
Maj.-Gen. Sir John Colborne, Administrator Feby. 27, 1838.
K.C.B.
Maj.-Gen. Sir George Arthur, Lieutenant-Governor March 23, 1838.
K.C.B. H.G.O.
Baron Sydenham and Toronto, Governor General October, 1839.
Lower Canada
Baron Sydenham and Toronto, Governor General Feby. 10, 1841.
United Canada
THE ABORIGINES OF NORTH AMERICA.
THE MISSISSAUGA.
The following Report, sent by Col. Bell, of Thurlow, to John Ferguson,
Superintendent for Indian Affairs, Kingston, dated 3rd May, 1815,
supplies a tolerably correct idea of the articles furnished by
Government to the Indians:—
“Account of Indian goods, on the 7th March, 1815, remaining in store
in the barn of Lieut.-Col. William Bell, at Thurlow, and forwarded
on the 10th, 11th and 20th of the said month of March to the store
of Captain W. McIntosh, at the mouth of the river Moira, viz:—
12 Bales Cloths,
9 Bales Cloths,
7 Bales Cloths,
1 Bales Calicoes,
1 Bales Scotch Sheetings,
1 Bales Spotted Black Swanskin,
2 Bales Serges,
2 Bales Common Grey Coats,
11 Bales Caddises,
5 Packs Deer Skins,
11 Bales Moltons,
6 Cases Saddles and Bridles,
1 Cases Pistols,
25 Cases Chiefs’ and Common Guns,
5 Casks Tobacco,
20 Cases Shot and Ball,
7 Cases Tomahawks,
4 Cases Spears, &c.,
3 Bags Beef Saws,
22 Bales 3-feet Blankets,
27 Bales 2½-feet do.,
7 Bales 2-feet do.”
“N.B.—The above Packages have been delivered into the Store of
Captain John McIntosh, at the mouth of the river Moira, and his
receipt taken for them and delivered to you at Kingston, and also
the book in which all the marks and numbers were entered.”
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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
1. Changed all ‘Quinte’ to ‘Quinté’ as the latter was the dominant
spelling.
2. Added ‘CHAPTER XXXIa.’ table heading on p. xx.
3. Added ‘CHAPTER XLVa.’ table heading on p. xxiv.
4. Made corrections as indicated in ERRATA on p. xxxii.
5. Switched ‘CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION.’ to ‘INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER I.’ on
p. 1 to agree with Chapter II arrangement.
6. Changed ‘comfort’ to ‘comfort, and’ on p. 241.
7. Changed ‘clergyman, and’ to ‘clergyman, and I’ on p. 264.
8. Changed ‘CHAPTER XXXI’ to ‘CHAPTER XXXIa’ on p. 295.
9. Changed ‘CHAPTER XLI.’ to ‘CHAPTER XLII.’ on p. 366.
10. Changed ‘adzes and hatches’ to ‘adzes and hatchets’ on p. 367.
11. Changed 'above ail' to 'above all' on p. 388.
12. Changed ‘One’ to ‘One of’ on p. 398.
13. Changed ‘CHAPTER XLV’ to ‘CHAPTER XLVa’ on p. 402.
14. Changed ‘English languish’ to ‘English language’ on p. 461.
15. Silently corrected typographical errors.
16. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.
17. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.