Chapter 18 – The Elmsley House
Brigadier General Zebulon Pike
General Pike led the American forces that attacked and captured the town of York, Upper Canada (Toronto, Ontario) in the spring of 1813. General Pike was killed when the British magazine at Fort York exploded, causing a horrific blast that killed a number of soldiers many being American.
During his military career, Pike also took part in two exploratory ventures commissioned by James Wilkinson. The first one involved the Louisiana Territory and an attempt to locate the source of the Mississippi River, while the second expedition involved exploring the areas around the Red River and the Arkansas River.
As he travelled through the central plains region into parts that would become Colorado, an attempt was made by Pike and his party to climb a large mountain in the front range of the southern Rocky Mountains. The notable summit was eventually named Pike’s Peak. During this expedition, he ventured into Spanish Territory and was held hostage for a time, which caused some to link him to the controversial activities of General James Wilkinson. Pike was absolved from such suspicion.
Major-General Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe
Sheaffe was General Isaac Brock’s second-in-command at Fort George and during the Battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812. After Brock’s death during the battle, General Sheaffe rallied the British forces and went on to defeat the Americans in a well-executed counter-attack.
General Sheaffe was a controversial figure, who seemed to have had some difficulty leading his troops; as well, his communication, or rather lack of it, with his fellow officers and superiors appears to have led to misunderstanding and criticism that garners discussion to this day. Regardless, he worked to strengthen the security of the province of Upper Canada and supported the formation of special units, such as the Western Rangers under William Caldwell. During his administrative tenure, Sheaffe helped to legislate support for disabled militia veterans of the war and for the families of fallen soldiers.
General Sheaffe was highly criticized by some for his retreat from York (Toronto), the capital of Upper Canada, when it became evident that British forces were outnumbered by United States forces during the Battle of York in April 1813. That same year, General Sheaffe was replaced by Major-General John Vincent as head of the forces in the Niagara frontier; as well, Major-General Francis de Rottenburg replaced him as lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada until the arrival of General Gordon Drummond. Sheaffe returned to Edinburgh for the remainder of his life during which time he continued serving in the King’s army.
Reverend John Strachan
Strachan was a dedicated, energetic, and influential character in the history of Canada. John Strachan began his life-long devotion to Canada in 1799 when he acquired a position as tutor to the children of several prominent families in Kingston, Upper Canada. Following his ordination in the Church of England, he settled in Cornwall, Upper Canada, where he began his own school, the Cornwall Grammar School. In time, Rev. Strachan gained a reputation as a foremost teacher in the Canadas. Through his strict devotion to King and country and dedication to the Church of England, he aspired to graduate what he considered to be exemplary pillars of society for the future of Canada. Consequently, he found himself strongly opposed to the reform movement, responsible government, and a secular society. Nonetheless, education was vital to him, and he contributed much to the organization of Canada’s educational system and is considered one of the founders of McGill University in Montreal and King’s College which is now known as the University of Toronto, and of Trinity College, now affiliated with the University of Toronto.
He became rector at York in 1812. Following the Battle of York, Rev. Strachan was at the forefront to demand reparations and civility from the United States victors. Despite his fiery nature, he was a charitable individual offering care and comfort to those in need, particularly during the war and during the cholera epidemic of 1832.
The reverend worked tirelessly throughout his lifetime to bring the word of God to settlers scattered amid the wilderness of a new civilization regardless of the challenges of travelling in a harsh environment. Regarding the Church of England, he advocated for the training of Canadian clergy and for the construction of churches across the province of Upper Canada. He also took an active part in politics for much of his lifetime and was an author and publisher. Eventually, he became bishop of the Diocese of Toronto as St. James Church was designated a cathedral.
Bishop Strachan was a strong-willed, outspoken individual who was often accused of meddling in too many affairs; however, his strong character and strength of purpose has left an indubitable mark on Canada.
Mrs Angelique Givins (Andrews)
Angelique Givins lived near the fort at York when it was attacked by the United States forces in the spring of 1813. Like her husband, Major James Givins, a deputy agent for the Indian Department and militia officer, she bravely did what she could during the violent encounter with the opposing forces. She tended the wounded at their family home, Pine Grove, and many were First Nations allies that had fought with her husband to defend the capital of Upper Canada.
John Elmsley
Elmsley was the second chief justice to be appointed to Upper Canada. A devout member of the Church of England, Chief Justice Elmsley relocated, reluctantly, from Newark to the new capital of York in 1798 where he continued his position as chief justice of the province. He was also on the powerful Executive and Legislative councils of Upper Canada. He built a large mansion for his family, Elmsley House, in the young village which came to be used as a residence for the lieutenant-governors of the province for a time. He died in 1805 shortly after being appointed as Chief Justice of Lower Canada.
Richard Cartwright
Cartwright was a Loyalist and former secretary to Colonel John Butler, of Butler’s Rangers, at Niagara. While at Niagara, he became involved with fellow merchant, Robert Hamilton. The pair gained valuable contracts to supply the military, as well as to forward products to other parts of the colonies in Canada. The skillful entrepreneur and businessman relocated to Kingston in 1784, where he continued his business ventures that included provisioning the military and the import and export trade of all sorts of supplies, both for military and settlers, as well as the receiving and forwarding of goods related to the lucrative fur trade through agents and contacts in Montreal, such as James McGill and Isaac Todd. He also invested in shipbuilding, milling, salted pork, amongst other ventures.
Mr Cartwright took great interest in the community of Kingston and the growth and development of Upper Canada. He was involved with politics, education, and was an author contributing articles to the local newspapers. Richard Cartwright was a militia officer during the war, dying soon after in 1815, never wavering in his convictions to the British cause nor in his affection for his home and country of Canada.
Sir Ralph Abercromby
Abercromby was a most distinguished and well-respected officer in the King’s army. Sir Ralph fought in numerous battles, including those in the Seven Years’ War and in the war with Napoleon. During the Egyptian campaign against Napoleon’s forces, General Abercromby led the British forces at Aboukir Bay. There, along a jut of land in the Mediterranean Sea, fighting amongst the sand and ancient ruins, the steadfast commander was killed during a spectacular battle near the city of Alexandria, Egypt, in the dark early morning of March 21, 1801.
Sir Francis Beaufort
Beaufort was a naval commander in the Royal Navy who saw action during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars. During his time at sea, he became an accomplished hydrographer and was well regarded for his precise and extensive nautical charts and surveys. He also developed a system to measure wind speeds at sea known as the Beaufort Wind Force Scale, which describes the wind’s severity using a scale of measurement from 0 to 12; 0 being calm, 12 being a hurricane force. He was made Hydrographer of the Royal Navy for many years.
Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort’s varied interests and ventures included ciphering (he created the Beaufort Cipher which was applied to the Hagelin M-209 cipher machine, WWII), semaphores (optical telegraph systems), astrology, tide tables and exploration.
James McGill
James McGill began his involvement with the fur trade almost immediately upon reaching the shores of Canada in 1766. He settled in Montreal making his home there until his death in December 1813. During his life, he was associated with a number of various business partners, such as his brothers, John and Andrew, his step-son, Francois Amable, and friends, Isaac Todd and John Askin. While in the fur trade, he was also affiliated with other entrepreneurs interested in the profitable fur business, like Benjamin and Joseph Frobisher, Maurice-Regis Blondeau, Simon McTavish, and others that eventually led to the formation of the North West Company. Eventually, James McGill left the fur trade to embark on many different business ventures, becoming a successful merchant and land speculator, as well as becoming involved in politics. He became a lieutenant-colonel of the militia in Montreal, 1st Battalion, a perpetuated unit and one that carries a long, honourable history.
In his will, McGill donated much to charitable organizations, one of the most famous being the land on which a university was created and one that bears his name to this day: McGill University is located on a sloped acreage of Mont Royal where once stood James McGill’s country estate known as Burnside.
James McGill was a member of the popular Beaver Club that was founded by members of the North West Company in 1785. The club which met every two weeks from December to April (and occasionally during the summer months) at various venues in Montreal was known for its extravagant dinners, carousing, and camaraderie based on their exploits in the North West Company. Apparently, amongst his peers in the club, he is known to have possessed a fine singing voice when the members joined together for reminisces of voyageur songs.
Isaac Todd
Todd was a successful merchant, forwarding agent, land speculator, and businessman who was a close friend and associate of James McGill and Alexander Henry. He was well respected for his knowledge of the fur trade industry (which he entered into as early as 1764) and was well liked by his peers and business associates. Todd took great interest in his home community of Montreal, particularly with trade and commerce issues. He also became a justice of the peace for a time. He suffered often from ill-health and returned to England where he died.
Thomas Markland
Markland was a Loyalist from New York who received property in Kingston, Upper Canada, where he settled with his family for the rest of his life. Markland took great interest in the public affairs of the growing community of Kingston, supporting many causes important to him such as religion, education, hospitals, and other charitable activities. He took part in the establishment of St. George’s Anglican Church; the second structure that was built for its congregation still stands today as St. George’s Cathedral, a beautiful landmark in the historical district of the grand, old city of Kingston.
Markland also took an active part in the business, commerce, and banking of Kingston.
During the war, Thomas Markland was an officer in the 1st Frontenac Militia.
John Galt
Galt was a Scottish author of a variety of works, plays, textbooks, poems, statistical accounts, travel books, and biographies. Some of his works include Annals of the Parish, Statistical account of Upper Canada, The Life of Lord Byron, and the books, Lawrie Todd, or, The Settlers in the Woods, and Bogle Corbert, or, The Emigrants, which are written about North American settlers.
His business ventures led Galt to Upper Canada during the 1820s when he became involved with the establishment of the Canada Company. During his endeavours with the Canada Company, he founded the town of Guelph, and, along with Dr. William “Tiger” Dunlop, the town of Goderich. Later, he planned another land company, the British American Land Company in Lower Canada. However, he was unable to remain in Canada, but his three sons settled in Canada with his youngest son, Alexander Tilloch Galt, being one of the fathers of Confederation.
The early hamlet of Shade’s Mills along the Grand River was renamed Galt in honour of the author/colonizer. Eventually, the city of Galt amalgamated with the communities of Preston, Hespeler and Blair, creating The City of Cambridge, Ontario.
Captain Robert Heriot Barclay
Barclay, as a young midshipman of the Royal Navy, was promoted to lieutenant during the war with France. Although he had proved himself a competent and courageous naval officer, he eventually found himself in command of a wanting naval fleet in North America at Amherstburg, Upper Canada, where his role in the ill-fated and critical battle of Lake Erie in September 1813 has been the subject of debate for many years. Captain Barclay had previously lost an arm during a battle against Napoleon’s forces and while struggling against the turn of events during the battle against the United States naval fleet near Amherstburg, he was seriously wounded before his flagship struck her colours in surrender to the young American officer, Oliver Hazard Perry. A veteran of the famous Battle of Trafalgar, Barclay’s defeat on the lake caused lasting effects to his career due to the controversy associated with his defeat on the lake and also to the severe injuries he had received during the intense battle. The once promising officer saw little action before his death in 1837.
Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson served as Secretary of State, Governor of Virginia, Congressman, Vice-President, Minister to France, and was elected as the third President of the United States of America from 1801-1809.
Thomas Jefferson possessed a lifelong love for learning, and his thirst for knowledge led to his collection of a sizeable library of books on a diverse number of subjects, such as agriculture, architecture, linguistics, geography, philosophy, and many others. He enjoyed horseback riding throughout the countryside on his vast holdings of land. When he was not reading or writing, he relaxed with his violin or cello often being accompanied by his wife, Martha, who played the fortepiano.
One of his greatest achievements was in 1776 when, as part of a committee, he penned the Declaration of Independence, defining the principles by which the thirteen colonies based their desire to govern themselves as a free and independent nation apart from aristocracy or monarchy; in effect, apart from British rule; thus, the beginnings of a new nation, the United States of America.
Thomas Jefferson was not only a founding father of a new nation, he was a founder of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1802, and founder of the public University of Virginia in 1819.
His love for architecture was reflected in his design and construction of his beloved estate, Monticello, which is now a National Historic Landmark in Virginia, U.S.A., as well as a World Heritage Site. His appeal for Classical Revival architecture was also expressed in his design of the university he founded at Charlottesville, Virginia.
Although Jefferson was a statesman and lawyer, he took an active interest in his crops, livestock, orchards, and vineyards. In spite of his devotion to the ideals of liberty and to his denouncements of slavery, he owned a large number of slaves during his lifetime, causing debate around this enigmatic, yet, influential founding father of the United States.
During his tenure as president, Jefferson helped to secure the remarkable purchase of a huge swath of territory in North America from the financially strained Napoleon Bonaparte. Consequently, following the Louisiana Purchase (as it became to be known), President Jefferson organized a Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery to explore, survey, and map the newly acquired territory. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were to make history as part of this Corps of Discovery.
Jefferson also liked to dabble with invention, contributing to the development of such a commonplace piece of furniture to this day as a swivel chair.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Bonaparte Is considered by many to be one of the greatest military commanders in history. By the age of 24, the young, intelligent, ambitious man from the Island of Corsica was a brigadier-general. During the civil unrest of the French Revolution, Bonaparte seemed to be in the right place at the right time for someone seeking to advance a military career; after proving, on several occasions, to be an exceptional artillery soldier, he was appointed Commander of the Army of Italy. This was the beginning of his glorious rise to fame, glory, and power for it launched him into the command of an aggressive conquering military campaign.
By 1800, Bonaparte was successful in replacing the Directory with his own form of government, the Consulate, and he appointed himself as leader, First Consul. Although a dictatorship, he was able to bring some order to the post-revolution republic by initiating/imposing changes to feudal laws pertaining to commerce, education, justice, religion, equality, and more through civil law, Code Civil des Francais also known as Napoleonic Code. The code is said to have had great influence on other countries throughout the world in regard to organizing civil laws and liberties; however, at the time, Napoleon’s Code did not strengthen the rights of women and also saw the persistence of slavery within France’s colonial territories.
By 1804, Bonaparte declared himself/crowned himself Emperor of France, attempting to solidify his permanent reign as dictator and allowing for an heir apparent that he ensured by eventually ending his marriage to Josephine de Beauharnais who was unable to give him an heir. He wed Marie-Louise of Austria, and in 1811, Napoleon II was born. The years following his coronation contained the brutal and bloody battles of the emperor’s struggle to reign supreme over more and more territory. Thousands died during the Napoleonic Wars as Bonaparte and his legendary battle tactics persevered toward his goal while he and his Grande Armee fought against multiple and ever-changing coalitions organized by Britain and various other countries in an effort to quell the massacre of war. Policies and strategies devised by Bonaparte to weaken his opponents, both in battle and in trade and commerce, exasperated and contributed to the growing tensions between British North America and the United States of America, and eventually, to the resultant war of 1812.
With the disastrous Russian campaign of 1812, Bonaparte’s popularity and hold on Europe was waning. After his abdication in April, 1814, he was exiled to the Isle of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea. Less than one year later, he had escaped and returned to France. In June 1815, Bonaparte, along with his Old Guard and newly organized army, fought Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, and the allied Prussian forces which finally defeated Napoleon Bonaparte, thereby, ending his sensational conquest of Europe.
Once again, he was exiled; this time, to the Isle of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic where he died in 1821. There has been some debate as to the cause of his death. It is generally believed he died of cancer, but there are those who propose he was poisoned.
William Wilberforce
Wilberforce was a politician in England whose goals, eventually, were to do with social reforms, particularly with regard to education, factory and child labour, prisons, hospitals, and the abolition of slavery throughout Great Britain. Wilberforce became a devout Evangelical Christian and worked tirelessly for the causes he believed in. He was an eloquent speaker, well respected for his efforts, but with regard to the abolition of the slave trade it was extremely trying and difficult to gain support for such a cause as it was a highly lucrative business for many, therefore, many were opposed to the introduction of an abolition bill. Regardless, Wilberforce continued his work toward the abolishment of slavery along with others, such as, those involved with the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Women, too, were much influential in the cause, producing literature, pamphlets, refusal to buy foodstuffs from slave colonies, and wearing jewellery that promoted the cause (e.g. Josiah Wedgwood’s black and white cameo medallion). Africans, as well, freed from enslavement, also participated in the struggle for the abolishment of slavery; people such as Olaudah Equiano and Ignatius Sancho.
The Abolition Bill, Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, finally passed in the British Parliament in 1807. Undaunted and not satisfied with only the abolishment of the slave trade across the Atlantic from Africa, Wilberforce continued his efforts in Parliament to pass a bill that would free slaves throughout the British colonies and beyond.
Although he retired from his role as a politician in 1825, he lived to see the Emancipation Bill, Slave Emancipation Act, passed in 1833. The Act freed all slaves throughout the British Empire; however, not all at once; some colonies did not find freedom until 1838. In some cases, planters were compensated by the government for the loss of their workforce. Freed slaves were given no such relief and often found themselves working in similar poor conditions and poor wages for many years to come.
In British North America, An Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada or An Act to Prevent the further Introduction of Slaves and to limit the Term of Contracts for Servitude, was brought forth by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe in 1793. Although it was the first such bill passed in British North America, the act did not free those people already enslaved by the settlers and colonists of Upper Canada, only, that further importation of enslaved persons into Upper Canada was prohibited. Consequently, the buying and selling of slaves within the province of Upper Canada was allowed to continue, and, in fact, even into parts of the United States. Further, any child born to an enslaved mother following the passage of the act in 1793, was limited to servitude of 25 years at which time that child was to be set free. Consequently, the Act had the effect of ushering in free-born children and the end of slavery in the province. Introduction of this Act was intensified due to the sad circumstances of an enslaved woman, Chloe Cooley, who had been mistreated and forcibly sold in March of 1793 across the border at Niagara; some other slave owners did likewise in order to avoid a monetary loss should a law abolishing slavery come into effect.
The Emancipation Act of 1833 passed in British parliament ensured the freedom of all enslaved people throughout Great Britain and its colonies.
Charles Deslondes
Deslondes was an enslaved man along the German Coast of the Mississippi River in the United States. Some accounts suggest that he was inspired by the events that took place on the French colonial island of Saint-Domingue in 1791- 1804 during which the enslaved population of the island fought and won their freedom and independence; thereafter, the island came to be called Haiti.
Charles Deslondes worked as a slave overseer at the Louisiana plantation of Manuel Andry; as such, Deslondes earned Andry’s trust, and, as overseer, Deslondes was able to move throughout the plantations in the area and effectively meet with and organize with other enslaved people to devise a plan to fight for their freedom. The well-organized plan was to occur during the celebratory carnival season when many people were pre-occupied with the popular event.
On a rainy January 8, 1811, Charles and his fellow leaders and followers enacted their uprising. They stormed the Andry plantation house and, following a violent encounter, armed themselves with stores of muskets and ammunition found in the mansion. Deslondes and his followers set out on the River Road for the city of New Orleans. Along the course of their march, other enslaved people, men, women, and children joined the column armed with muskets, axes, cane knives, and whatever they could find. Some plantations were burned and violent encounters occurred during the march as the members of the uprising grew; accounts vary from at least 100 others joining the march to, possibly, upwards of 500 people, their slogans for freedom resounding through the countryside.
A militia force of various plantation owners organized a contingent with United States troops to repulse the uprising. Two days after the rebellion began, it was over. Many involved with the march were killed during the struggle, and punishment to those captured was swift and brutal. Many were executed, including Deslondes, by hanging or firing squad, their bodies mutilated, and their heads impaled on stakes placed along the road to New Orleans as a deterrent to others.
Sir Alexander Mackenzie
As a young man, Mackenzie became involved with the fur trade while in Montreal. He became a partner in the North West Company and was sent to manage the post on the Athabasca River where, along with his cousin, Roderick, a new fort, Fort Chipewyan, was constructed in 1788 at the confluence of the Athabasca, Peace, and Slave Rivers. It was from the fort in 1789 that Mackenzie and his entourage set out on his first expedition, hoping to find a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean that would enable a lucrative trade route for the North West Company. They entered a river that flowed in a westerly direction from Great Slave Lake, which eventually flowed north. Mackenzie and his group decided to continue, though it became clear they were not heading west toward the Pacific.
Although his goal of finding the trading passage was not realized on that journey, a great accomplishment was made in following this unexplored river to its mouth; Alexander Mackenzie charted Canada’s longest river: The Mackenzie River. Not only is this Canada’s longest river, it is one of the most important rivers for the Indigenous populations that live along its shores where, in particular in the delta region of the river which spills its rich sediment into the Beaufort Sea and Arctic Ocean, there is an abundance of wildlife, caribou, vegetation, marine life, whales, and more that are a vital part, a sacred part, of those living in the area. The river is a crucial transportation way and has been known for centuries by other names by those people linked to its vast resources, such as, Kuukpak, Nagwichoonjik, Deho, Dehcho, Grande Riviere, and others, but all names relate to the awesomeness of the river: Big River, Great River, Grand River.
The tributaries of the Mackenzie River extend into the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Northwest Territories.
Mackenzie was confident in his strength and stamina and was anxious to lead another expedition into the western interior of North America. In the fall of 1792, following a visit to England in preparation for further exploration, Mackenzie set out on his second remarkable expedition once again from Fort Chipewyan on the Athabasca where he commenced up the Peace River determined to push westward, this time, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It was his desire to find a river route that could be used for trade; however, he considered the advice of Indigenous people who well knew the dangerous landscape. Consequently, he made the decision to continue the expedition overland. After crossing through the Rocky Mountains and travelling along the ancient Nuxalk-Carrier grease trail, Mackenzie came upon the mouth of the Bella Coola River. Soon, thereafter, Mackenzie and his crew decided to commence on the journey back. Before leaving, Mackenzie, using a mixture of vermillion and grease, left a memorial on a rock in a place called Dean’s Channel, thus, leaving an imprint of the first recorded European to cross Canada, to cross North American north of Mexico.
Following his exploratory journeys, Mackenzie was interested in promoting co-operation between the bitter rivals of the fur trade and with the East India Company. For a time, he was part of a faction split from the original Northwest Company known as the New North West Company or XY Company and often referred to as Sir Alexander Mackenzie and Company. When the company merged with the old company as, once again, The Northwest Company, the explorer was not asked to join; he had gained a reputation for ‘troublemaking’ as he and one of the company’s powerful leaders, the late Simon McTavish, had had a contentious relationship.
During his affairs with the fur trade, Mackenzie once again travelled to England, was knighted, and published his journals: Voyages from Montreal on the River St. Laurence Through the Continent of North America to the Frozen and Pacific Oceans in the Years 1789 and 1793.
For a time, Mackenzie was involved in politics in Lower Canada but disliked it. He left Canada for good in 1810 and retired to his homeland of Scotland where he married and had a family. However, he died shortly thereafter in 1820.
Some of the policies he promoted to do with the fur trade were finally realized with the amalgamation of the Northwest Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821.
Peter Pond
American-born Peter Pond was first involved with the fur trade at Detroit. Pond, who had fought for the British army in North America during the Seven Years’ War, had also spent time at sea before turning his attention to the fur trade.
He organized canoes, workers, and trade goods as he ventured forth into the fur trading areas, such as Wisconsin and Minnesota, venturing further and further into the northwestern areas of North America beyond the Great Lakes. Although not well-educated, he kept journals of his encounters with First Nations people, traders, and merchants. He was adventurous, shrewd, and eager to explore the unknown. He began charting rivers, lakes, and portages that improved his fur-trading endeavours. Steadily, his travels and knowledge of the interior became known to others in the fur trade and, in particular, his success at trading with the various Indigenous peoples was of particular interest to the entrepreneurs from the east, such as the Frobisher brothers, Simon McTavish, Alexander Henry, Isaac Todd and James McGill.
Like so many others, Pond was intent on finding a route, the covetous knowledge of a northwest passage, across the interior and mountains to the Pacific Ocean. As he commenced his search in 1778 and based upon information he gleaned from Indigenous people, he came across a valuable portage, the Methye Portage (or Portage La Loche), a viable way to the northwest from Rupert’s Land (the Hudson’s Bay watershed) into the Arctic watershed; the Methye Portage, 12 miles long, was the longest portage traversed during the fur trading era, and Peter Pond is considered to be the first white man to cross the important trail between Lac la Loche and Clearwater River, an effective route between northwestern Saskatchewan and northeastern Alberta where the Clearwater River joins the Athabasca River.
Once into the Athabasca region, Pond constructed the first trading post in the area, often referred to as Peter Pond’s Fort or The Old Establishment amongst other names, on Lake Athabasca. The skilled businessman and trader seized the opportunity to negotiate with the First Nations bearing furs to trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company. Pond offered the trappers a halfway place to trade that would eliminate the need to make the long, perilous trek to a Hudson’s Bay post. The idea was so successful that it wasn’t long that various fur traders and merchants took advantage of Pond’s discoveries and eventually an association of Montreal merchants formed the North West Company with Pond becoming a shareholder. Thus, the rivalry began in earnest between the various fur-trading associations and companies as they vied for supreme control of the valuable northwest trade.
Unfortunately, Peter Pond also gained a reputation for something other than his adept skills at trading and exploring—his violent temper. Although he contributed much to the exploration, map-making, and commerce of the northwest, his suspect involvement in two murders resulted in his leaving the North West Company and the territory he had helped to survey. Prior to Pond’s final journey from the wilderness, Alexander Mackenzie travelled to Lake Athabasca and came to know Peter Pond through the North West Company. It is thought that Pond shared his knowledge and charts, in particular, those to do with a great river, perhaps a northwest passage, with the equally enthused young explorer, Alexander Mackenzie.
Some of Pond’s maps were criticized for their accuracy, yet, their contribution has been valued with regard to the expansion of British North America.
Meriwether Lewis
In 1801, Captain Lewis of the United States Army was asked by President Thomas Jefferson to become his personal secretary and aide. During his tenure, Lewis spent time preparing for another task asked of him by the President; that was, to lead the Corps of Discovery which was to be an exploratory expedition of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The Corps was to discover, explore, chart, and to establish relations with Indigenous peoples while making them aware of the sovereignty of the United States of America, and, of particular interest, to search for a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Initially, Lewis, along with crew, supplies, and boats travelled down the Ohio River towards the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Along the way, Captain Lewis continued to recruit members for the journey and gather provisions. When his entourage reached the river junction, they spent the winter at a camp, Camp Dubois (on the east side of the Mississippi River at Riviere du Bois or Wood River). The Corps set out in the spring of 1804 along the Missouri River from their winter camp, stopping at the village of St. Charles to complete final preparations there and at nearby St. Louis. Once all was in place and Lewis was reunited with his co-commander, William Clark, the Corps of Discovery continued on their way into dangerous uncharted territory. They returned to their starting point in September, 1806, the first cross country expedition of the northwest territory to the Pacific Coast by the United States of America. Like many who dared to venture and explore into the rugged unknown, Lewis recorded much of the extraordinary adventure in his journal along with charts, maps, observations, and specimens of fauna, flora, and minerals. He was one of the leaders of a diverse group of people who contributed to the success of the expedition, such as Sacagawea who was the wife of a French-Canadian trapper, Toussaint Charbonneau, also a member of the corps, as well as, York, Captain Clark’s enslaved servant.
Upon his return, Lewis was appointed governor of Upper Louisiana Territory; however, the post led to some controversies regarding Lewis’ conduct and effectiveness as governor. Mysteriously, in the fall of 1809, Meriwether Lewis, on his way to Washington, D.C. intending to deal with matters regarding his tenure as governor, died. He had stopped to rest while travelling on a well-worn trail, the Natchez Trace, at a tavern called Grinder’s Stand where it is thought, by some, he committed suicide. Others believe he was the victim of murder. The mystery persists to this day.
Lieutenant William Clark
William Clark and Meriwether Lewis had served together in the United States Army. They became friends, and Lewis asked Clark to accompany the Corps of Volunteers on an Expedition of North Western Discovery, or, what became known as the Corps of Discovery, as co-commander. Clark agreed, and, although he was not officially a captain in rank, Lewis regarded Clark as his equal and chose to refer to his old friend and commander as “Captain Clark.”
Clark also recorded the exploits of the Corps of Discovery as he played an integral part in producing maps and charts of the wide expanse of the Louisiana Purchase. During the expedition, Sacagawea, wife of one of the members of the expedition, gave birth to a son. Clark grew fond of him, and while on their return journey Clark named a unique rock formation Pompy’s Tower, many believe he did so in honour of the infant boy. Clark also left his signature there, carved in the rock as an everlasting testament to the remarkable journey. The site bears history of others’ presence as well, such as Native Americans, settlers, and soldiers. Prehistoric fossils can also be found at the site. This location is now known as Pompey’s Pillar National Monument and is situated by the Yellowstone River (near Billings, Montana) along the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail.
Following the arduous 8,000-mile trek, Clark served as a brigadier general of militia in the Territory of Louisiana and became an Indian agent on behalf of the United States government in that territory. Consequently, he became immersed in Indian affairs, treaties, and the relocation of hundreds of Native Americans. Clark also became involved with the fur trade for a time before becoming governor of Missouri Territory in 1813. Throughout his life, he contributed to the development of commerce, education, and culture throughout the territory.
During the War of 1812, Clark commanded a force of the United States Army at Fort Shelby in historic Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. In July 1814, a siege of the fort by British forces and their First Nations and Native American allies resulted in a British victory. Before the war, Clark commanded a rifle company during the decisive Battle of Fallen Timbers where the Northwest Indian Confederation suffered a devastating defeat.
Clark died in 1838 near the starting point of the Corps’ expedition at St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to his death, it is thought that he finally freed his servant and fellow explorer, York, from years of enslavement and from the contentious relationship between the two men following their return from the expedition. That story, too, remains somewhat of a mystery.
David Thompson
At the young age of seven, David Thompson began learning about navigational skills while enrolled at a charity school known as The Grey Coat Hospital in London, England. During his time at the historic school, he was selected to enter into an apprenticeship with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1784, and it was then that the young l4-year-old was destined for Canada never to return to England again.
For the next seven years, Thompson served as an apprentice clerk for the powerful fur company at such outposts as York Factory, Fort Churchill, Cumberland House, Manchester House, and Hudson House. He suffered a sled accident in December of 1788 that took much time to heal; in fact, the severe break never completely healed, leaving the young man with a permanent limp for the rest of his life. Regardless, he managed to learn the skills involved with surveying, astronomy, and navigation, studying mathematics and use of surveying instruments with the master navigator and surveyor for the Hudson’s Bay Company, Philip Turnor. The extensive hours the enthusiastic Thompson spent surveying may have contributed to the loss of sight in his right eye. Nevertheless, once again undaunted, he continued honing his surveying and charting skills. He also was acquiring proficiency in various Indigenous languages.
In the spring of 1797, Thompson made a profound decision to leave the employment with the Hudson’s Bay Company and, instead, to work for the North West Company. The reasons for this decision have been the subject of controversy ever since. Some attribute his decision to his disappointment and ill-feelings with regard to advancement in the Hudson’s Bay Company.
In the next 15 years that followed, Thompson performed a vast amount of surveying in a short time. The North West Company was extremely supportive of his surveying efforts. Some of the exploratory ventures in this regard included the crossing of the Rocky Mountains in search of valuable trade routes to the Pacific coast, to locate a northwest passage, and to initiate trade with Indigenous communities. While he did so, he made extensive notes, drawings, and observations in his journals describing his surroundings and as well as his interaction with various Indigenous people and their unique cultures and language.
Thompson completed a full survey of the Columbia River from its source to its mouth, the Pacific Ocean. He charted vast swaths of land throughout the fur trading territories west of Lake Superior to the Pacific coast. He and his team came upon a route through the Rocky Mountains, the Athabasca Pass, which became a vital transportation route between Alberta and British Columbia in lieu of the former pass known as Howse Pass.
Thompson surveyed the location of North West Company trading posts along the 49th parallel in anticipation of an established unanimous boundary between Canada and the United States of America. Following the war of 1812, he was commissioned as astronomer and surveyor for the British Boundary Commission to survey the boundaries, with regard to the Treaty of Ghent, between Canada and the United States.
He retired from exploring the west in the spring of 1812. He went to Montreal with his family, and for the next few years, he completed his remarkable large detailed map, his great map, of his charted work from Lake Superior to the Pacific and the northwestern region of the United States. It also contained the locations of the fur trading posts of the North West Company. For many years it hung in the Great Hall of Fort William, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. His final product measures 6 ½ feet high by 10 feet long. A reproduction is displayed at the Archives of Ontario, Toronto, Canada, Reading Room, for public view.
Following his retirement, Thompson lived in Terrebonne, Lower Canada, now the province of Quebec, with his devoted wife, Charlotte Small, and his 13 children, of which, three died before their parents. Although he had become a partner in the North West Company, the money he had received from his partnership slowly dissolved for a variety of reasons, and, sadly, the great explorer eventually became impoverished, though he attempted a number of business investments. He lived in Williamstown, Upper Canada, now the province of Ontario, for a time until his financial problems prompted him to move to Montreal. There, blind and destitute, he passed away at one of his daughter’s residences in Longueuil, Quebec in 1857. Charlotte died three months later, and they are laid to rest in Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, Quebec.
Like many of his contemporaries, David Thompson travelled by canoe, horseback, dog-sled, and by foot throughout the unknown, wild regions of North America. He explored over 50,000 miles or 80,000 kilometers of rugged, dangerous territory; his extensive records, notes, and maps are valued for their contribution to the expansion and development of Canada.
After reading much of his journals, I was left with a lasting impression of this extraordinary geographer. His notes and journals are available for study at the Archives of Ontario. As well, David Thompson’s Narrative was edited by the Canadian historic person, Joseph Burr Tyrrell, geologist/explorer and published by the Champlain Society.
Charlotte Small Thompson
Charlotte was the daughter of a Scottish trader, Patrick Small, a partner in the North West Company. Her mother was of the Cree Nation. Charlotte met David Thompson at the fur trade post located at Ile-a-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, which is where Charlotte was born. At the young age of thirteen years, Charlotte married 29-year-old David Thompson, according to the custom of the country, a la façon du pays.
Charlotte accompanied her husband on many of his expeditions, offering valuable assistance as his help-mate, companion, interpreter, cook, seamstress, hunter, to name but a few of her vital contributions to the hazardous journeys. She did all of these things while being a mother to several children, having given birth to two of them while travelling with her husband.
She retired with David Thompson from the fur country of the northwest in 1812. This courageous and remarkable woman faced tremendous hardship as an explorer’s wife, and, even in retirement, life in the unfamiliar, more densely populated and settled urban areas of emerging Canada, Charlotte faced the hardship of poverty and the tragedy of the loss of three of her children. She remained a devout and loving wife to her husband. In Montreal, they were wed in a Christian ceremony at St. Gabriel Church (which came to be known as Scotch Presbyterian Church). Their children were also baptized in Montreal.
Charlotte and David remained devoted to each other for 58 years. She died only several months following her husband’s death. They are buried next to each other at Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, Canada.
Simon Fraser
The American-born Simon Fraser moved to Lower Canada following the American Revolution. His father remained loyal to the crown during the revolution and was captured by the opposing forces. Simon Sr. died during his harsh captivity, and his widow took her family to Canada where many of their Scottish kin had already settled.
When Simon Jr. was 14 years old, he became an apprentice in a relative’s business in Montreal. The business was connected to the North West Company and to another relative, the powerful Simon McTavish. Fraser became a competent clerk, and, at age 25, became one of the youngest partners in the prospering fur company. In 1805, Fraser was commissioned to lead an expedition to further explore areas charted by Alexander MacKenzie’s second expedition; to begin where his predecessor had left off, so to speak. His instructions were the same in nature as those given to his contemporaries: seek out new trade routes westward, construct fur trade posts for the North West Company, develop trade relations with local inhabitants, and locate a northwest passage.
Fraser departed along the Peace River in 1805 and successfully reached a portage at the eastern end of the Peace River Canyon where he constructed Rocky Mountain Portage House. Further on, on Pack River, Fraser constructed Trout Lake Post which is considered to be the first permanent European settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. By 1808, Fraser reached the mouth of the Nechako River and built Fort George. The determined young Scotsman was intent on completing a voyage down a dangerous river that was thought to be, by MacKenzie and Fraser, the Columbia River. It was from Fort George in May 1808 when Fraser and his fellow explorers set out to conquer the ominous river. This remarkable journey is considered to be one of the most hazardous recorded in Canadian history, in particular, through the Fraser Canyon. After a tremendous effort by Fraser and his team, they reached the mouth of the river in July, 1808, and returned to Fort George by August 6 after a harrowing return journey. The expedition proved, much to Fraser’s disappointment, that the river they had explored was not the Columbia. It was, in fact, the Fraser River, later named by a fellow explorer, David Thompson.
Disenchanted with the viciousness of the rivalry in the fur trade, particularly after becoming involved with the violent situation at the Red River Settlement, Fraser retired to his farm in St. Andrews West along the Raisin River in eastern Ontario. He settled down with his wife, Catherine, and their family where he farmed and attempted several business ventures that were not very lucrative. Fraser received a severe knee injury during his time in the Stormont militia in his later years, and the crippling injury contributed to his financial difficulties.
Fraser lived the rest of his life at his home in eastern Ontario. Following his death in August, 1862, his wife of 42 years passed away only one day after her husband. They are buried together at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in St. Andrews West near Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. I came across the cemetery, by accident, on an exploratory drive of the area and was surprised to find the understated, peaceful grave of such a remarkable man whose exploration and charts of the magnificent Fraser River, a Canadian Heritage River, and the surrounding areas of British Columbia, contributed to the vibrant history of the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Some of his letters and journal entries are available online for viewing; as well, there is a book by W.K. Lamb, The letters and journals of Simon Fraser, 1806-1808.
George Hamilton
George was the son of the successful businessman, Robert Hamilton, of Queenston. Following his father’s death in 1809, Hamilton, along with his brothers, became involved in their late father’s businesses. However, he and his brothers were unable to maintain their late father’s once-prosperous business enterprises. His own business interests involved land dealings with fellow businessmen, James Durand and Nathaniel Hughson. Hamilton was keen on acquiring more land, particularly, in Barton Township, in anticipation of the establishment of a new district. Along with Hughson, Hamilton’s efforts led to the founding of the city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
During the war, Hamilton was a captain in a local light dragoons regiment and participated in several key battles such as at Detroit, Queenston Heights, and Lundy’s Lane.
Hamilton was involved with politics and with the development of the community of Hamilton. Although he was considered part of the elite oligarchy of the day, he often supported more moderate, reform-type attitudes toward immigration, religion, commerce, and politics, specifically with regard to the unique requirements needed for the enhancement and development of a settlement in the young promising country, Canada.
The layout of today’s historic city of Hamilton is reflective of its founder’s design; the grid design based on square blocks was popular during the early part of the 19th century in British North America and was used often throughout Upper Canada.
William McGillivray
The Scottish-born McGillivray came to Canada as a young man to apprentice in the North West Company with the support of his uncle, Simon McTavish, who was affiliated with the fur trade and the North West Company.
McGillivray gained much experience in the affairs of the fur trade as a clerk and later, a wintering partner in the upper country of the competitive business. He took charge of the affairs in the Athabasca River area for the North West Company and, later, took charge of affairs at the Grand Portage trading post and organized its move to Fort William at Thunder Bay, Ontario.
By 1793, McGillivray was a powerful partner and player within the Montreal fur-trading clique. By 1804, upon his uncle’s death, McGillivray became head of the North West Company.
McGillivray was chief partner during the hostile rivalry between other various competitive companies. He took part in organizing the merger of the XY Company with the North West Company. He organized direct trade with China, despite the tough competition with the American Fur Company; competition that continued in spite of the North West Company’s acquisition of John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company located on the Pacific coast.
Competition with the Hudson’s Bay Company continued and included violence that was exasperated by the decline of beaver, the costs associated with trade in the interior of British North America, and by the expansion of trading posts throughout the region by two powerful companies—HBC and NWC. Construction of Thomas Douglas’ Selkirk Settlement near the North West Company’s trading post on the Red and Assiniboine rivers added to the contentious rivalry.
Profits became affected by the constant rivalry, and, combined with losses during the war and squander of profits by family associated with the company, debts swelled as profits sank. By 1821, McGillivray decided to organize a merger with the Hudson’s Bay Company.
During his time as head of the North West Company, McGillivray settled in Montreal and became prominent in the wealthy merchant class there. He was involved in politics and was a prosperous landowner. He built a grand mansion in the countryside next to the city, Chateau Saint Antoine, a popular place for social gatherings. McGillivray was an officer in the militia Corps of Voyageurs, formed in October 1812 and disbanded in 1813. They took part in the siege of Fort Detroit alongside General Brock.
Several of his children died in infancy. His wife died in England while he was en route to join her there. He died shortly afterward.
John Jacob Astor
The German-born immigrant came to the United States of America to join his brother in New York City. He arrived in 1784 with little money and began his involvement in the fur trade. Before long, Astor became a businessman whose business in the fur industry thrived, due, in part, to the fact that he shipped his American furs to England via Montreal in British North America, thereby, avoiding the British tariffs added to American goods.
Eventually, with Thomas Jefferson’s support, Astor created the American Fur Company which led to the establishment of a Pacific Northwest fur company. In 1811, the American Fur Company constructed Fort Astoria in Oregon along the Pacific coast. At the same time, Astor was an increasingly aggressive competitor with the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. Astor had other companies, such as the Southwest Fur Company and the Michilimackinac Company. He also became involved with lucrative shipping trade with China.
Although he relinquished interests in his Fort Astoria location to the British (North West Company) in 1813, he continued to monopolize the American fur trade. In 1834, Astor sold his interests in his fur trade companies to concentrate on his land speculations, particularly, in New York City. He was highly successful as an investor in such speculation and became one of the wealthiest people in the United States. His wife, Sarah Cox Todd Astor, is reputed to have been a shrewd investor and business partner to her husband. They left a wealthy legacy to generations of their family.
Thomas Douglas
The young man became the 5th Earl of Selkirk, Scotland, in 1799, upon the death of his brother, leaving him the sole male heir remaining out of six brothers.
Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk, became involved with politics in England and wrote a number of articles and books regarding his passion for sponsoring settlement in British North American. He imagined that, through his philanthropic efforts, those with less means and opportunities toward a prosperous future and those facing hardship due to the confiscation of farmland in places such as Scotland and Ireland, would benefit greatly by emigration to the British territories in the vast North American continent.
Consequently, the idealistic young earl organized the establishment of several colonies in British North America.
In 1803, immigrants successfully created a settlement on Prince Edward Island. This settlement, called Belfast, is situated along the southern coast of the island by the Northumberland Strait and continues to flourish to this day.
In 1804, immigrants to an area by the junction of Lake St Clair and the Detroit River in Upper Canada faced extreme hardships amid the marshy lands of that area. The Baldoon Settlement, as it was called, was fraught with obstacles, such as illness, poor marshy farmland, and questionable management. Nevertheless, the stalwart settlers pressed on and created a new settlement nearby where the land was more arable and the conditions healthier. This location was named Wallaceburg and continues to thrive in Ontario today.
In 1811, Douglas, along with members of his family, became substantial shareholders in the Hudson’s Bay Company. Subsequently, the company granted a vast swath of land within their monopoly of Rupert’s Land to him. The earl referred to the area as the District of Assiniboia, and he soon organized a settlement to begin near the junction of the Assiniboine and Red rivers.
In 1812, the appointed governor to the area was Miles Macdonell, and he led the first settlers to the district. Douglas’ choice for the location of his latest venture was to become a wildly expensive and contentious one. The Red River Settlement/Colony was begun in a disputable area along a busy, vital trade route amongst the rival fur traders of the Hudson Bay and North West companies. In fact, the vicious rivalry lasted years and resulted in the Seven Oaks Massacre of June 1816.
This led to much hardship, death, and court cases for many, including the earl. Despite the settlement’s troubled beginnings (including the Red River Resistance of 1869-70), settlers continued to arrive in the area, and the persistent settlement successfully grew to become one of Canada’s foremost centres, Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba.
The trials and tribulations to do with the Red River Settlement are considered to have heavily contributed to Douglas’ ill health. In 1818, he returned to England. His wife, Lady Jean Selkirk (Wedderburn), took charge of her husband’s affairs in North America, including the difficult matters pertaining to the Red River Settlement.
Alone in Montreal while raising her family and while, no doubt, fearing for her husband’s health and their financial security, the young Lady Selkirk became a participant in the fur trade during a dangerous, competitive time. She worked continuously to find support and evidence that would help clear the charges made against her husband, she organized supplies and brigades to transport provisions to the Red River Settlement, and dealt with the various matters to do with her husband’s role in the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Lady Selkirk and her children returned to England in 1819 to join the earl. Their reunion was short-lived as the 5th Earl of Selkirk died in the spring of 1820.
Miles Macdonell
Macdonell was a soldier and farmer who was chosen as the first governor of the Red River Settlement in Lord Selkirk’s Assiniboia District.
Macdonell’s family settled in Glengarry, Upper Canada, following the American Revolution. Miles Macdonell had a farm in Osnabruck Township near Cornwall. After meeting Thomas Douglas, the Earl of Selkirk, in 1804, Macdonell became very interested in the earl’s settlements. Although Macdonell’s family discouraged him from becoming involved with the proposed Red River Settlement, he accepted the earl’s offer to govern the new settlement. Macdonell believed it was an opportunity for a secure and lucrative position. It appears he was unprepared and/or unaware of the situation in the Northwest location regarding the power and rivalry between the fur companies.
Fur trading companies did not support the establishment of a settlement in the middle of their prosperous albeit contentious trade routes. Violence and unrest toward the settlement began almost immediately. As well, the settlers faced the hardship of starvation. In 1814, as a means by which to sustain the settlement and its anticipated addition of more settlers, Macdonell proclaimed a pemmican embargo. It suggests poor judgement on his part in underestimating the importance of the food staple to the entire population in the earl’s vast Assiniboia holdings and beyond because the results of the proclamation were disastrous.
In June 1815, after much violent hostilities were waged between the fur traders and the settlers of the Red River Settlement, Macdonell gave himself up during an attack on the settlement which was destroyed, including Fort Douglas, by the North West Company and their associates, causing the settlers to disperse.
Settlers soon returned, however, and Macdonell retired from his position as their governor. Sadly, hostilities remained. A confrontation occurred between the new governor, Robert Semple, accompanied by 20 settlers and a force of North West Company traders and Métis allies which resulted in a shocking massacre: The Seven Oaks Massacre.
As with the Earl, the adversities and hardship associated with the Red River Settlement took its toll on the devastated, impoverished Macdonell.
Miles Macdonell died in 1828 at his brother’s home, Poplar Villa, at Pointe Fortune along the Ottawa River. His brother, John, was a retired North West Company trader.
John Macdonell
John Macdonell was the brother of Miles. He worked for the North West Company for about twenty years, becoming a wintering partner with shares. He was a tall, strong man and some referred to him as Big Macdonell and others called him Le Pretre because he was a devout Catholic.
During the War of 1812, John was part of the Corps of Canadian Voyageurs until settling along the Ottawa River after his retirement from the North West Company. Along with his Métis wife, Magdeleine Poitras and their children, Macdonell built a handsome two-storey stone house, Poplar Villa. He farmed and was a forwarder along the river for many years, conducting business from his trading post store on his riverside property. He was involved in the local community, holding various posts. Throughout the remainder of his life, Macdonell was ever on the brink of financial ruin. He was a generous man who often donated to the community and aided family members and friends that needed financial assistance. As well, some of his business investments were unsuccessful.
John Macdonell died at his home in the spring of 1850.
John Macdonell (of Greenfield; aide-de-camp)
John Macdonell was born in Greenfield, Scotland, and his family was part of the contingent of Macdonell’s who settled in the Glengarry district of Upper Canada in 1792. He was cousin to Miles and John Macdonell.
The young and impressionable lawyer conducted his practice in York, Upper Canada.
By 1811, Macdonell was appointed Attorney-General of Upper Canada and entered into politics.
As war broke out between Great Britain and the United States, Macdonell was appointed by General Isaac Brock as an aide-de-camp and served as lieutenant-colonel in the York Militia.
Following Brock’s death on Queenston Heights in October 1812, Colonel Macdonell was shot down while rallying his troops to attack the American forces. He suffered greatly from several musket wounds and other injuries when he fell from his horse; he finally succumbed to his wounds many hours later.
The courageous young officer was buried beside his beloved leader, Brock, at Fort George in Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake); both were reinterred several times. Their final resting place is marked by the Brock Monument at Queenston Heights National Historic Site in Queenston, Ontario.
*Alexander Macdonell* (Not mentioned in the book.)
The earl of Selkirk, Thomas Douglas, hired Alexander Macdonell, of Inverness-shire of Scotland, to seek and enlist any who might be interested in the opportunity to emigrate to British North America, specifically to the Red River Settlement in the developing western part of the British territory.
Macdonell eventually arrived with more settlers in 1815, along with the settlement’s new governor, Robert Semple. Semple appointed him as second-in-command, and following the massacre at Five Oaks, Macdonell took charge of the settlement. Rumours of his questionable conduct and ethics in dealing with settlement matters continued to occur even as he took charge of the settlement as governor again after the amalgamation of the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Following the amalgamation, the new governor-in-chief of the Hudson’s Bay Company removed Macdonell from his role as governor of the Red River Settlement in 1822.
Alexander Macdonell (of Greenfield)
Alexander Macdonell was born in the highlands of Scotland in Greenfield in 1782. He was an older brother of John who had been an aide-de-camp to General Isaac Brock and cousin and brother-in-law to Miles Macdonell, first governor of the Red River Settlement.
Macdonell became a fur trader and wintering partner with the North West Company. He was at his post at the company’s Red River Department when the Red River Settlement and their governor, Miles Macdonell, arrived in the contentious fur trading area.
Although, at first, he was cordial and friendly to his governor relative, as tensions escalated between the settlement and the North West Company, Métis, and First Nations, he became involved with the intimating and hostile disputes with the Red River settlers.
Macdonell left the tumultuous fur trading exploits behind to return to Glengarry in Upper Canada where he entered into politics.
Bishop Alexander Macdonell
Macdonell was an ordained Catholic priest from Glengarry, Scotland, who came to the aid of destitute Scots during the Highland Clearances of 1792. Some of those affected by the Clearances wished to join the militia, but were unable because, as Catholics, they could not take the required oath for enlistment.
Macdonell, possibly along with the clan chieftain Alexander Ranaldson Macdonell of Glengarry, proposed that a Catholic regiment be organized. In August 1794, a regiment was formed and Father Macdonell became its chaplain. Since more than half of the regiment hailed from the Glengarry area of Scotland, they became known as the Glengarry Fencibles. The unique regiment volunteered to serve the British government wherever needed—England or beyond.
Following the regiment’s disbandment, Macdonell led the Highland settlers to a grant of land in the county of Glengarry, Upper Canada in British North America where many Scottish settlers had settled.
With the outbreak of the war, the stalwart priest helped to organize a militia unit that came to be known as the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles. Once again, Father Macdonell became the regiment’s chaplain often accompanying them into battle.
Macdonell made his administrative centre of operations at St. Raphaels in the county of Glengarry, eastern Upper Canada. A small chapel there was replaced by a beautiful stone church which was ruined by fire in 1970. However, the ruins are a National Historic Site along with several other structures and sites in the vicinity.
Like many of his clerical contemporaries, Macdonell travelled extensively, tirelessly, throughout the province of Upper Canada to ensure settlers scattered across the harsh wilderness received the Church’s sacraments and to bring the celebration of Mass to as many people as possible. He worked continuously to found churches, parishes, and schools. He advocated constantly for the establishment of seminaries where much-needed priests could be trained in the Canadas for its growing needs. He sought funding for these projects and often contributed his own funds toward such endeavours. To that end, he was successful in creating a seminary in St Raphaels, Iona Academy, and the College of Regiopolis which has evolved into the Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Kingston, Ontario. As well, a section of Macdonell’s original college building has become part of Kingston’s historic Hotel Dieu Hospital, the Sydenham Wing.
There are other communities, schools, and churches throughout Ontario, Canada, that were named in memory of the ambitious, determined Macdonell.
Macdonell held conservative values throughout his lifetime. He entered into politics and was accused by some of participating too closely with the elite officials referred to as the Family Compact. Regardless, his main focus was always on the establishment of a sound Catholic presence in British North America.
Macdonell was to become the first Catholic bishop of Upper Canada. He helped to establish individual dioceses in the Canadas, and in a visit to Scotland and Ireland while working on more of his goals for Upper Canada, he fell ill and died in Scotland. Later, his remains were brought back and reinterred beneath one of his beloved churches, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario.
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock
The King’s 49th Regiment of Foot was to become Brock’s regiment early in the young commander’s military career. His short but distinguished career involved battle in Europe alongside such notable leaders as Horatio Nelson during a combined land and sea attack. The promising officer arrived in British North America in 1802.
Brock was eager to rejoin the fighting action in Europe. Following a promotion in 1805, he visited England. With the rumblings of war with the United States, Brock decided to return to the Canadas and his regiment in 1806. Upon his return, he began preparations for war. He reinforced fortifications, particularly in Quebec, and advocated for regular militia organization and training. As well, Brock began to prepare the Provincial Marines in anticipation of war on the waters should an American invasion occur.
In June 1811, Brock was promoted to major-general. As Brock continued to prepare the Canadas for war, General Sir George Prevost became governor-in-chief and commander of the forces in September 1811. When opportunity finally arose for Brock to soldier in the battlefields of Europe, he decided to remain, instead, at his post in North American, realizing that war with the new republic of the United States was imminent. Thus, Brock’s destiny was to be forever sealed with the beginnings of a brand-new nation far from his home in the English Channel on the Guernsey Island and St. Peter Port.
Brigadier General William Hull of the American army did, indeed, declare war with Britain in June 1812. Despite Prevost’s defensive stand, Brock’s strategy, for the most part, encouraged an offensive campaign, as well as the support of the First Nations in defending the British territory. His major problem in defending Canada was the lack of dependable forces. Nevertheless, the British defeat of Hull and the American forces at Fort Detroit on August 16, 1812, inspired hope that the taking of Canada was not, as Hull’s former president, Thomas Jefferson, so famously remarked, “…be a mere matter of marching…”.
The tall, competent General Brock continued to garner respect and admiration in his leadership and defence of the vast, young territory in British North America. Consequently, when he was mortally struck down on the mountainside of Queenston Heights, Upper Canada in October 1813, he was deeply mourned by many.
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock’s final resting place can be found at Brock’s Monument at Queenston Heights Park in Queenston, Ontario, along the Niagara River.
The Laura Secord Monument may also be found in the beautiful park.
Archibald Fraser
The Scottish-born Fraser acquired a well-respected reputation for his skill as an exceptional stone mason in the Canadas. He was sought for and engaged as an architect, mason, and builder on a number of beautiful structures throughout eastern Upper Canada and Lower Canada. Some of these buildings have endured the test of time and still remain as a testament to the quality and craftsmanship evident in a by-gone era.
Some of examples of Fraser’s architectural works include the cathedral at St Raphaels, Ontario; the Stone Frigate at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, which had been constructed as a naval storehouse; Old St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Colborne, Ontario; Fraserfield house for Colonel Alexander Fraser, Williamstown, Ontario; Old Stormont County Court House, Cornwall, Ontario; The Former Hospital Building, Citadel of Quebec, Quebec.
Benjamin Frobisher
Benjamin and his brothers, Joseph and Thomas, were born in England and came to British North America in the 1760s.
Unlike many of their fur-trading peers at the time, the Frobisher brothers ventured further into the interior of the continent, and, as time went on and more traders ventured into the upper country, the Frobisher brothers invested with others as a means by which to outfit a brigade of traders.
Eventually, as competition for furs and for control of fur routes and territories intensified, Benjamin and his brothers, along with Simon McTavish and others, solidified their co-operation with one another by the establishment of the North West Company in 1779. This company experienced renewal of their agreement and reorganization throughout the years to become one of the most powerful players in the fur trading business.
Benjamin began to travel less into the interior and was comfortable in handling the business matters from Montreal.
Following his death in 1787, his brother, Joseph, was tasked with re-organizing their fur-trading endeavours.
Joseph Frobisher
As a consequence of his brother Benjamin’s untimely death, Joseph, who managed affairs primarily at Grand Portage, became heavily involved with many business matters and responsibilities in Montreal relating to their fur-trade company and other unresolved financial interests of his late brother. Joseph supported Simon McTavish’s leadership in the North West Company and the reorganization of it.
Following a period of debt, Joseph managed to regain his financial success and invested in companies and land speculation in Lower Canada. He also became involved in politics.
Joseph settled into Montreal society and built a large country mansion for his family known as Beaver Hall, which hosted many dinners for friends, business acquaintances, and the popular Beaver Club.
The Beaver Club was an elite association of Montreal merchants and shareholders of the North West Company. Members were only admitted after travelling into the upper fur country and spending a winter there; following that, the candidate had to be unanimously accepted by the existing membership. Members of the club participated in food, drink, and merriment, enjoying tales of adventure and song with regard to their fur-trading experiences. Some exceptions to participants did apply, however, such as in the case of General Isaac Brock who attended as a guest. Others, too, were allowed to attend as guests on occasion. The Beaver Club eventually declined over time. There was an attempt to revive the club, but the final meeting was held in March, 1827 not long after amalgamation of the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821.
Thomas Frobisher
Thomas participated in fur-trading expeditions into the interior. He seemed to prefer the field operations of the trade more than the business aspects. He established a post in 1776 on the Churchill River at Ile-a-la-Crosse.
Thomas returned from the upper country to Montreal in September 1788, when, following a brief illness, he died only a year after his brother, Benjamin. Joseph was the remaining brother left in Canada.
Simon McTavish
“The Marquis”, as he came to be known, was born in Scotland. He arrived in New York at a young age and began to learn about the fur-trading business in the early 1770s. Having acquired a keen sense for business and the fur trade, McTavish became interested in the fur-trading areas beyond the Great Lakes.
Following his acquaintance with the Frobisher brothers, McTavish entered into a long-standing business enterprise with them which resulted in the formation of the North West Company.
He became the North West Company’s leader after the death of Benjamin Frobisher in 1787 and assumed a controlling share. He led the company through much of the turbulent, violent era that pitted so many people against one another for control and profit in the fur commerce rivalry.
With the supply of furs dwindling, the fur-trade companies were forced further into the northwestern wilderness. In addition, the North West Company was denied permission to transport supplies through Hudson’s Bay due to the monopoly held by the Hudson’s Bay Company; nor were they granted a royal charter from the British government like their adversary had been. The historic and powerful charter solidified Rupert’s Land as a monopoly for the Hudson’s Bay Company. As a result, in order to compete in the fur trade, the North West Company encouraged exploration, charting, and expansion of European trade territory from the interior of the continent to the Pacific west.
The young man who had arrived in North America with very little money prospered in the fur business. He extended his endeavours in that regard to include a forwarding business from Montreal to England and formed another business there to sell his furs.
Like many of his fellow entrepreneurs, McTavish settled at Montreal and, like his peers, constructed a large home for his family and became involved in the elite social circles of the time. He eventually diversified his financial interests into such things as farming and milling.
Upon his death in 1804, his nephew, William McGillivray, became head of the North West Company.
James Durand
Durand was born In Wales. In 1802, he came to British North America as a debt collector for a British firm. This led to his connection with the extensive Bridgewater Works along the Niagara River. It wasn’t long before he purchased the business and began to invest in land speculation throughout Upper Canada, which he continued to do throughout his lifetime. Durand invested in other businesses, such as a store at Long Point on Lake Erie, a salt water spring along the Trent River, and in the construction of the Desjardins Canal in Dundas.
Durand participated in the 5th Lincoln Militia 2nd Flank Company during the War of 1812 as a captain. Afterward, he became involved in politics often advocating for reforms. He protested the suspension of habeas corpus during the war declaring it to be a violation of civil liberties. Durand’s efforts, along with George Hamilton and Nathaniel Hughson, helped to establish the settlement of Hamilton as an important district centre in the expanding communities around the Hamilton-bay area.
Durand was a keen advocate of universal education, funded by the government, for the citizens of the emerging young nation, Canada. To that end, along with others, he supported the Common School Act of 1816. In spite of the important Act, the matter of education for Canadians experienced a lengthy process that contained a number of legislative changes over many years.
Durand continued his interest in business, politics, and community affairs until his death in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1833.
Robert Gourlay
Gourlay was born in Scotland where he became well educated. His studies included agriculture at the University of Edinburgh.
He and his first wife, Jean Henderson Gourlay, settled on a farm as tenants in the countryside of Wiltshire, England. There, at Deptford Farm, he experienced farming first-hand. He came to empathize with the farm communities and the difficult conditions which often left them in poverty. Consequently, he began to write articles and publishing pamphlets regarding his ideas to do with reforms that would include education as well as the provision of small parcels of land and dwelling for the rural impoverished. He denounced the Poor Laws of England. He believed that government was corrupted and self-serving, and he advocated for governance that was pure and virtuous. His ideas were not popular with the aristocratic landowners/landlords.
Gourlay was given notice to end his tenancy of Deptford farm. Soon after, he came to Upper Canada in 1817 and took possession of a farm that his wife had inherited upon her uncle’s (Robert Hamilton’s) death. The farm was located in Dereham Township in the county of Oxford. Initially, he planned to return to his wife and family at Deptford as soon as possible.
Gourlay soon became involved in the concerns of the people in Upper Canada where the depressing effects of the recent war were causing economic hardship for many.
About this time, Gourlay began his well-regarded Statistical Account of Upper Canada which he hoped would encourage further emigration from England. He travelled through the province collecting information for his statistical account and observing the conditions of the inhabitants. In reaction to what he believed were obstacles to the improvement of the economy and conditions for people, he lobbied for changes in government policies including the ban against American immigration. He advocated for availability of land to all, not just those connected with the ruling elite. He wrote extensively in local papers about such matters, organized meetings with the general public, and over time, lashed out personally against those he believed were in a governing patronizing and partisan clique that prevented equal opportunities to all.
Gourlay encouraged an upheaval and change in the present governance of Upper Canada, and those in power feared his blistering rhetoric could spur revolution. Eventually, he was stopped by the use of the Sedition Act of 1804 and was imprisoned in a Niagara jail in January 1819. He was treated poorly there under harsh conditions, and by the time of his trial in August 1819, he was unwell. He was ordered to leave Canada and went to the United States before returning to England.
He returned to the Dereham farm in Upper Canada for a short time, but died in Scotland in 1863. He is remembered in Canada for his ideas and promotion of social reforms, which many feel contributed to the reform movement that ultimately resulted in the suppressed rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. Nevertheless, advocacy for fair and responsible government continued.
Pierre-Stanislas Bédard
Bédard was a well-educated lawyer who entered into a political career in 1792 when he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada.
Soon thereafter, Bédard became the leader of a group of elected representatives that came to be called the Parti canadien. The Parti canadien advocated for legislative reforms in the interests of the majority of the population, the French Canadians, of Lower Canada. These proposed reforms were not popular with the Chateau Clique, synonymous to the Family Compact of Upper Canada; that is, a powerful group of politicians, businessmen, lawyers, judges, clergy, and others, and it seemed to many that these elite associations used patronage appointments and other means to ensure that politics, governance, and business complemented each other for their own benefit.
Bédard also promoted French-Canadian interests through his newspaper, Le Canadien, where he wrote about the uniqueness of the French Canadians’ language and culture that rightfully must be protected through a democratic parliament. Bédard proposed that elected members only make up the executive council in the legislature, responsible and accountable to those who had elected them—the people. This proposal was referred to as ministerial or responsible government and objected to the process of unelected members that were chosen and appointed by the governor who was also appointed by the crown and did not need to answer to the electorate.
Bédard was a proponent of freedom of speech. Despite his efforts regarding freedom of the press, his newspaper was abruptly shut down. In 1810, he and others were imprisoned on the grounds of treason. He was held until April 1811, having endured 391 days incarceration without a fair trial.
Afterward, the new governor-general, Sir George Prevost, appointed him a judge on the Court of the King’s Bench at Trois-Rivières, hoping Bédard would remain out of political affairs in Lower Canada. Indeed, Bédard spent the rest of his life in this position. His other interests led him to write a paper which he entitled, Notes on philosophy, mathematics, chemistry, physics, grammar, politics, and newspaper, 1798-1810. His true passion was as a politician promoting the interests of French Canadians. In 1822, he opposed the union of Upper and Lower Canada. During the War of 1812, Bédard served as a militia captain.
The Parti canadien is considered the first political party in Canada. It evolved into the Parti patriote and remained devoted to its efforts to protect the constitutional rights of the French-Canadian people.
Bédard died at Trois Rivières in 1829. One of his sons, Elzear, also became a politician and was the first mayor of Quebec in 1833. Elzear was a member of the Parti patriote, and, along with Louis-Joseph Papineau and others, helped to construct the 92 Resolutions, which highlighted the shortfalls of colonial governance in Lower Canada. As in Upper Canada, the unrest led to a rebellion in 1837/38. The work toward fair and responsible government continued.
Aeneas Shaw
Shaw was born in Scotland but was living in the British colony of New York when the American Revolution occurred. He was a Loyalist and became a member of the Queen’s Rangers during that time. Having lost his farm due to his loyalties, following the revolution he settled in New Brunswick. Later, he came to Upper Canada to enter into politics under the province’s first lieutenant governor and former commander of the Queen’s Rangers, John Graves Simcoe.
Upon their arrival to Upper Canada in 1793, Shaw and his family first settled in Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) before moving to the site of the new capital of Upper Canada at York. Shaw was among a group of Queen’s Rangers that constructed Fort York and helped to begin and clear a settlement in the wilderness that became known as York which is now one of Canada’s largest cities, Toronto, Ontario.
Just before the outbreak of the war in 1812, Shaw was tasked to organize and train the young province’s militia. As a major-general of the militia during the war, he organized militia during the battle of York on April 27, 1813.
He was a well-respected citizen of the town of York and came to be known as the Honourable Aeneas Shaw. As a Loyalist, Shaw had been granted a considerable amount of land throughout Upper Canada.
Shaw was one of the earliest settlers in York and built several homes, one of which he called Oak Hill. He also constructed what is thought to have been the first frame house in the early days of the settlement. A historical plaque regarding Aeneas Shaw is situated close to the site of his former Oak Hill home by the entrance of Trinity Bellwoods Park in the bustling city of Toronto.
Sophia Shaw
Sophia was one of Aeneas Shaw’s daughters. Her mother, Ann Gosline, was Aeneas Shaw’s first wife.
Legend has it that the pretty young woman became the sweetheart of General Isaac Brock, and it was she that handed him a warm cup of coffee in the early morning hours of October 13, 1812. The legend paints a sad picture of that wet, chilly morning when the general rushed toward the advancing American army at Queenston Heights but not before stopping briefly at the home of Captain John Powell, Sophia’s brother-in-law, husband of her sister, Isabella.
It was a fleeting encounter, the two desperately parting with barely a goodbye, as Brock continued his haste onward to the battle.
He died that fateful morning. Sophia was left heartbroken, never to see her true love ever again.
So, the story goes. No one really knows for sure.
William Berczy (Johann Albrecht Ulrich Moll)
The German-born Moll was nicknamed Berczy, and he used that as his surname when he arrived in North America. He came to North America, having organized a number of settlers that were interested in tracts of land in the United States.
It was a difficult voyage for Berczy and the settlers, and settlement near Rochester, New York was fraught with difficulties, particularly with regard to the tracts of land promised to them. He became involved with the German Company and intended to settle in one of the townships available by the company near the Grand River in Upper Canada until Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe offered a generous portion of land in Markham Township near the new settlement of York.
Beginning in 1794, the industrious German settlers helped to construct the road, Yonge Street, from York north toward Lake Simcoe.
Despite their enormous efforts, not only in clearing a way to Lake Simcoe from York and clearing and construction in York, but also in clearing and building a settlement for themselves in and around the Markham area, great hardship fell upon them during the years 1795-96 due to devastating growing conditions. Many settlers succumbed to starvation. Berczy used his own resources and money to help the settlers for as long as he could; consequently, he accumulated much debt.
Executive members of the government of Upper Canada decided that Berczy had not met the conditions of clearing and settlement in the allotted time span, therefore his title to settlement in the Markham township was revoked. This caused Berczy great financial hardship. He spent the remainder of his life trying to recoup his rights to the tract of land that he had worked so hard to establish with the settlers that had accompanied him there.
Berczy left Markham township to seek a living that would enable him to pay his debts. He went to Montreal, and it was there that he fell back on his study of art, which he had experienced earlier in his life before coming to North America.
Berczy was an architect and painter during the remainder of his life. He is regarded as one of Canada’s exceptional artists from the early 19th century. Examples of his paintings can be seen at the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario. He also wrote articles on his travels and studies of Canada.
Berczy designed the second Anglican Christ Church on rue Notre-Dame in Montreal which, like the first one, was destroyed by fire in 1856. A new church was constructed: Christ Church Cathedral of Montreal is located on rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest and is a National Historic Site of Canada. While in York, he contributed to the design of an early drawbridge across the Don River, as well as to the St. James Anglican Church. He was also commissioned to design a number of homes in the growing village of York and cleared part of the Rouge River for navigation.
Because of the efforts of his leadership with regard to settlement in and around Markham and York, Berczy is considered one of the founders of Toronto and Markham, Ontario. He is also designated a person of National Historic Significance, and there are a number of schools, parks, and villages named in his honour throughout Toronto, Markham, Unionville, and Barrie areas.
While on his way to another trip to England with regard to matters relating to compensation for the lands he helped to settle, Berczy stopped in New York. The multi-talented Berczy, being ill, died there in February, 1813. He was buried in an unmarked grave at Old Trinity Graveyard in New York City.
Matthew Elliott
Elliott emigrated from Ireland to Pennsylvania in 1761. He became a trader of various goods and provisions in the Ohio and Detroit area. He spent much time with various Indigenous peoples in the region and became familiar with their customs and languages. He married a Shawnee woman and, later in his life, another woman, Sarah Donovan. He had children from both of his marriages.
During the American Revolution and War of 1812, Elliott allied with the British and was employed by the Indian Department. His relationship with the Indigenous people allowed him to participate in the distribution of gifts and negotiating for the British, as well as being scout, trader, and soldier.
Elliott was often an advocate for Indigenous people, particularly around the Ohio River area with regard to the expansion of European settlement on Native American lands. Several years before the commencement of the War of 1812, Elliott helped to establish an alliance with Tecumseh and other Native American and First Nations leaders within United States and British territory.
As a lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Essex militia during the war, Elliott participated in many battles. Prior to that, the well-seasoned frontiersman seemed to have been in the thick of various violent encounters between the warring factions of the fight for territory. In 1781, Elliott participated in the forced expulsion of the peaceful inhabitants of a Moravian village in Ohio. Later, he assisted their resettlement to a location along the Thames River in Upper Canada that became known as Moraviantown, or Fairfield, under David Zeisberger. Moraviantown was the site of the Battle of the Thames in 1813.
Elliott came to own large tracts of land in the Amherstburg area of Upper Canada. He settled on a tract that became his farm. He constructed a grand house on the property that overlooked the Detroit River and the farm prospered. He was well known for his beautiful property, as well as for his reputation as the owner of the largest amount of enslaved people in Upper Canada. Evidence of his cruel tactics used in this regard is preserved at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum in Amherstburg, Ontario. Ironically, in later years following his death, it is believed his house was used as a safe house for those fleeing enslavement from the United States through the Underground Railroad.
In spite of his questionable scruples and regardless of his illiteracy, Elliott was appointed a justice of the peace and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada in 1800. Occasionally, he assisted settlers in their enquiries regarding pursuit of land in Upper Canada.
Elliott died in Burlington in May 1814.
Chapter 19 – Business As Usual
Richard Cockrell
Cockrell travelled to the United States of America before settling in Newark, Upper Canada, in 1795. He took great interest in education in Upper Canada which he felt was sorely lacking and not available to all in the province. He opened several schools at different communities during his time in Upper Canada, such as Newark and Ancaster. Around the same time, Cockrell wrote an article with regard to education. It was published as a pamphlet, Thoughts on the education of youth, which highlighted discipline and methods of theory that he felt were important as teaching qualifications. Cockrell advocated for teacher examinations to ensure qualified teachers in the classroom. He also promoted the idea of the introduction of dedicated spelling books for use in the classroom.
Cockrell took interest in the newspaper trade and founded the St. Davids Spectator in the Niagara region and, along with Richard Hatt in Dundas, co-founded the Upper Canada Phoenix.
He obtained land grants in various townships and counties of the province. Some of this land he sold to others and became involved with surveying and eventually was appointed deputy surveyor for the province of Upper Canada. Cockrell enjoyed writing, art, and music. During the War of 1812, he was an army surveyor and was a judge and a deputy sheriff.
Cockrell, a man of varied interests and talents, was planning a trip to England when he died suddenly in Ancaster in the summer of 1829.
Samuel Bricker
Samuel Bricker was one among many Mennonite families from Pennsylvania in the United States of America that had purchased land from Richard Beasley along the Grand River in central southwestern Upper Canada, now Ontario. The families travelled from a number of counties in Pennsylvania, such as Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster, Bucks, Montgomery, York, and Berks. The families followed the teachings of Menno Simons who had left the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1536 in the Netherlands to devote his efforts to enquiry and study of the Bible’s New Testament. His new-found theology included peace and love during a turbulent religious period in Europe, and followers of his ideas became known as Mennonites.
Labelled as “non-conformists”, peaceful living and worship based on their own beliefs was extremely difficult and dangerous for Mennonites as well as others who dared to question or believe in doctrine other than that of the powerful, mainstream church. Consequently, many emigrated from Europe to North America where religious differences were more accepted. A considerable number of Mennonites settled in Pennsylvania. After the American Revolution, many decided to settle in Canada, or, as some amongst the Mennonites called it, “the-way-out-of-the-world” country. There, they hoped to find tracts of land large enough to provide room for peaceful, stable settlement with their fellow believers.
Bricker was confident that the land purchased along the Grand River was just that until it was discovered that they were unable to gain clear title to the said lands. In fact, the original deed was examined by Bricker and proved that, indeed, a joint mortgage existed in the amount of $20,000.00. Many settlers were impacted by this news and sought ways to retain their homes and farms.
Bricker returned to Pennsylvania and helped to organize a company that could purchase the land in question. In spite of initial setbacks, The German Company was eventually formed with joint shares enabling funds to be raised to purchase the land in question. The company funds were comprised of $20,000.00 in silver dollars. Bricker, his brother, John, and others helped to transport the valuable cargo back to Canada. Some accounts suggest that the silver was made in two trips, one by horseback and the other by buggy where a large amount of silver was placed in a strong box or oak keg and secured in the buggy. Remarkably, the valuable cargo was safely delivered over hundreds of miles of rugged and wild terrain to Upper Canada from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was May 1804. The tract of 60,000 acres was surveyed and lots were given a number, thereby, shareholders in the company cast lots as a fair means by which to distribute the various plots of land.
In the years that followed, hundreds of Mennonite families made the dangerous journey to the rough countryside of swamp and sand that grew to become the productive and bustling Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario.
Other settlers of this area of Upper Canada that I mention in my story are Samuel Betzner, Abraham Bechtel, and the Erb brothers, Jacob, John and Daniel. The Erb boys assisted Samuel Bricker with some of the transactions regarding the German Company, as well as with the conveyance of the payment due. These settlers were among those who helped to clear and build various communities that became a part of the Kitchener-Waterloo area; Doon, Blair, Preston, Cambridge Mills, Breslau, Roseville, Elmira, St. Jacobs, Conestoga, and others.
Joseph Schneider
Joseph Schneider is considered one of the founders of the city of Kitchener. He helped to clear roads, construct a meeting-house and school in the area which at the time of early 19th century was often called Ebytown. His family’s homestead is now the Schneider Haus National Historic Site in Kitchener, Ontario.
Many other Mennonite families immigrated to various other parts of British North America and contributed much to the development of roads, homes, farms—communities within the harsh, beautiful wilderness of Canada.
Nathaniel Dodge
Dodge hunted and trapped along the Grand River. He was known by some as “Old Dodge” and is believed to be one of the first settlers in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Around 1800, Dodge purchased some land near Blair, now part of Cambridge, Ontario, along the Grand River. He settled on this property, and, over the years, it was owned by several families, including the Wilks family (Matthew Wilks and his wife, Eliza Astor Langdon, granddaughter of John Jacob Astor). Some of the property, known as Cruickston Park farm was sold to the Cruickston Charitable Research Reserve, now known as Rare Charitable Research Reserve. Much of the remainder of the “Old Dodge” lands is owned by the University of Guelph.
William Dickson
Dickson, having emigrated from his homeland of Scotland, became immersed in the business operations of partners and prosperous Niagara merchants and forwarding agents, Richard Cartwright and Robert Hamilton, Dickson’s cousin. Dickson learned much about the mercantile business. He eventually settled at Newark and became a successful merchant supplying goods and provisions to the military.
By 1798, Dickson was involved with land dealings for Joseph Brant and the Six Nations’ land along the Grand River. Acting as agent and lawyer (by special appointment), Dickson aided settlers, many from Scotland, and speculators in acquiring some of these lands. These efforts contributed to the establishment of the township of Dumfries and the city of Galt, now part of the city of Cambridge. Dickson also sold some land to Thomas Douglas, Earl of Selkirk.
Dickson took an active interest in the development of a village at the mouth of Mill Creek and the Grand River. The village was known as Shade’s Mills for a time after Absalom Shade, the man hired by Dickson to assist him in construction of the necessary mills required for a new settlement. The small hamlet grew to become the city of Galt.
In 1806, during his time in Niagara, Dickson and a fellow lawyer, William Weekes, became embroiled in a dispute over comments made during a session of assizes. The pair sought satisfaction through a duel, and Weekes died as a result of being wounded during the exchange of pistol fire. No one was prosecuted for Weekes’ death perhaps due to the fact that the duel took place on United States territory near Fort Niagara on Friday, October 10 at 7 a.m.
Dickson entered politics, appointed to the Legislative Council, and became a justice of the peace. Although, at first, he was supportive of Robert Gourlay’s ideas of reforms and statistical accounts, later, he advocated for Gourlay’s expulsion from Canada.
Dickson was brother to Robert, the fur trader, and to Thomas, a Queenston businessman and a member of 2nd Lincoln Militia serving as a lieutenant-colonel in 1814.
Dickson lived in Galt for many years at his home that overlooked the growing hamlet and the meandering Grand River. Eventually, he retired to Newark which became known as Niagara, and later as Niagara-on-the-Lake. Over the years, he had been a member of the Niagara Library and the Niagara Agricultural Society.
William Weekes
Weekes came to New York from Ireland but relocated to Upper Canada around 1798. He was a lawyer who became part of the Legislative Assembly in the new provincial capital, York, Upper Canada. He was an outspoken critic of what he viewed as inappropriate government spending and matters relating to the distribution of land grants.
During a session of the Niagara assizes, Weekes uttered uncomplimentary remarks about the late lieutenant-governor, Peter Hunter. Since the judge did not rebuke such behaviour, a fellow lawyer, William Dickson, took exception to the comments. This led to a serious disagreement and Weekes challenged Dickson to a duel. The duel ended tragically with Weekes being mortally wounded.
John Askin Sr. /Erskine
Askin, formerly Erskine, left his birthplace of Ireland for British North America as a young man of 20. When he reached Albany, New York, it was in the midst of the Seven Years’ War. He became a merchant and did fairly well supplying a variety of merchandise to the military, Indigenous people and local settlers. He followed the military to Michilimackinac and continued his activities related to trade in that area. He also established a trading post at Sault Ste Marie and was skillful at his efforts in the mercantile trade, particularly in organizing the transporting of goods throughout the area that included the lucrative demands of the fur trade.
Askin left Michilimackinac around 1780 to relocate his trade at Detroit where he lived until after the American War of Independence. By 1802, he established his family and business on the opposite shore at Sandwich, which became Windsor, Ontario. He became a justice of the peace for the Western District of Upper Canada and was colonel of the local militia for a time.
As a trader in well-positioned locations, Askin was acquainted with a number of business associates, traders, army officials, and speculators, many of which became life-long friends of Askin and his family, such as Isaac Todd, James McGill, Alexander Henry, Robert Hamilton, and Richard Cartwright. Using his knowledge regarding the forwarding business, he entered into shipping contracts on the Great Lakes with other forwarding agents in the Niagara region and as far as Lower Canada and Montreal. Askin also operated a ferry service across the Detroit River.
Askin entered into various business partnerships and enterprises over the years, some more successful than others. His attempts at land speculation were not always successful, especially in the case of the Cuyahoga land purchase in Ohio. Nevertheless, he managed to live comfortably as many of his creditors were his close friends. During settlement of some of his debts, he was granted a tract of land near Sandwich, Upper Canada, where he constructed his home that he named Strabane, after his homeland in Strabane, Ireland.
During his lifetime, Askin had a love for farming and enjoyed gardening wherever he lived. He had a number of children. It is believed, mostly, that the mother of his first three children was Monette/Manette who was enslaved by him until he set her free in 1766. He wed Marie-Archange Barthe in 1772, and they had nine children together. Askin appears to have enjoyed fatherhood with all of his children. John Askin Jr. also became a merchant at St Joseph Island and surrounding areas.
Askin died at his home near Sandwich in 1815. Many letters and papers concerning his life and business affairs have remained.
Alexander Henry
The adventurous Alexander Henry began his long association with the fur-trading industry during the time of the Seven Years’ War in the North American theatre. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, which, at the time, was still British territory. As a young man, he supplied the British army, and this took him into the Lake Ontario and Saint Lawrence River area in 1760.
Henry was intrigued by the stories of fortunes being made in trading for beaver pelts around Lake Superior and Michilimackinac. Despite the dangers, Henry decided to venture into the contentious trading area as treaty negotiations were pending following the recent British victory over France in the Seven Years’ War. Following the Treaty of Paris, 1763, Henry was taken prisoner during Chief Pontiac’s campaign of resistance to the growing European encroachment on traditional Indigenous lands. Henry, through the help of others, survived the dangerous event.
Afterward, Henry entered into the exploration of mining along the Lake Superior shores. This endeavour was unsuccessful, and Henry returned to the fur trade. His curiosity and perseverance led him into the upper northwest country beyond Lake Superior where few others had yet ventured. Some of these early adventurers were Charles (Charles-Jean-Baptiste) Chaboillez, the brother teams of Joseph, Thomas and Benjamin Frobisher and James and John McGill, Maurice-Régis Blondeau, Jean-Baptiste Cadotte (Sr.), and Peter Pond, to name a few. Some of these men eventually banded together to form their own North West Company to rival the powerful Hudson’s Bay Company.
After considerable travelling, exploring, and mapping of the upper country, Henry settled in Montreal with a wife and family. He was part of the social circle of fur traders, merchants, and businessmen of that time who enjoyed each other’s company. This led to the founding of the Beaver Club where stories and reflections of the thrill of fur-trading exploits could be shared with one and other. He also participated in the militia and was a justice of the peace.
An account of his early exploits can be found in his published work, Travels and adventures in Canada and the Indian territories, between the years 1760 and 1776 (published 1809, New York).
Wawatam
Wawatam was an Ojibwa chief from the shores of Lake Michigan. He befriended Alexander Henry as a brother and saved his life following the attack on British-held Fort Michilimackinac by Ojibwa and other allied warriors participating in Pontiac’s Rebellion in 1763.
Henry lived with his steadfast friend and protector, Wawatam, for some time. During this time, Henry participated in much of the culture, customs, and hunting expeditions of Wawatam and his family. Henry describes this extraordinary time in his life in his written accounts published in 1809.
Wawatam is commemorated with parks, sculptures, and place names in St. Ignace, Michigan, and in surrounding areas. The long-running steam-fired ferry S.S. Chief Wawatam was named in the chief’s memory. The vessel ferried railway cars, passengers, and acted as an icebreaker in the Straits of Mackinac from 1911-1984.
Pontiac (Obwandiyag)
Pontiac was an Ottawa war chief who rose to prominence during the Seven Years’ War in North America. During the conflict, Pontiac and many First Nations remained allied to the French. Following the war, some of these Nations were unhappy with the British conquest. Interaction and trading customs were unlike the system that had developed peacefully with the French.
The newly appointed British governor general of British North America, Sir Jeffery Amherst, took a particularly firm stance against offering gifts and other supplies to the Indigenous people. At times, he seems to have discounted the advice of experienced officers and agents that had experience and knowledge with diplomacy, discussion, and tradition amongst the various First Nations.
Violent conflicts erupted in 1762/63 in many key areas of trade and settlement, such as Niagara, Detroit, Ohio, and Michilimackinac. In the spring of 1763, Pontiac held a meeting at the Ecorse River near Detroit where he spoke about a story regarding the Master of Life and about the urgency of driving the English from Indigenous lands. He was a charismatic orator, and leaders and warriors from other Nations came to hear his words. Pontiac held a council meeting at a village of the Potawatomi and gave another rousing speech. His plan to defend traditional lands was made clear.
Pontiac prepared to resist the encroachment of the English conquerors and planned an attack on Fort Detroit which failed. However, he then attempted a siege of the fort. Many Nations, Ottawa, Ojibwa, Potawatomi, Miami, Delaware, Huron, and others seemed inspired by his courageous resolve and joined the resistance which continued and intensified throughout many areas such as Detroit, Michilimackinac, Point Pelee, Indiana, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Forts Detroit and Pitt continued their defense, and, eventually, Pontiac’s influence began to dwindle. Nevertheless, the spirited warrior did not attend peace conferences nor cease his resistance to increased settlement.
When, finally, it appeared that the French would not regain control over North American territory, Pontiac agreed to a peace settlement with the British. But not all Nations were satisfied with the agreements. On April 20, 1769, Pontiac was killed by a member of the Peoria people. Several reasons/theories for this are discussed by historians, such as jealousy for Pontiac’s leadership; an assassin hired by the British; revenge for a conflict between Pontiac and a Peorias chief; or, due to Pontiac’s ‘surrender’ to the British which appeared he had done on behalf of all the independent Nations involved in the resistance.
Pontiac’s burying place is unclear. Some suggest it is near St. Louis, Missouri in the United States.
It is believed by some that Pontiac had a daughter, Marie Manon Labadie (Sauteuse) who is buried in Canada at the Assumption Cemetery, Windsor, Ontario.
As a result of the struggles during the brutal conflict of the Seven Years’ War, the Proclamation of 1763 was completed. For many in Canada, it is considered an important and vital document: the basis for defining limits to settlement and/or development on traditional Indigenous territory.
David Smith (Smyth)
David William Smith was born in England in 1764. He followed in his father’s footsteps in joining the military. He became an ensign at age 15 in the 5th Northumberland Regiment. His father, John Smith, was in command at Fort Detroit when David came to Canada in 1790.
Smith held various military posts, such as assistant quartermaster general and clerk. At Detroit, he had demonstrated skill in map-making and drawing; consequently, he was tasked with surveying land grants around the Detroit River. This opportunity and experience led Smith to a career in surveying amid the wilderness of Upper Canada.
When Smith was transferred with his regiment to Fort Niagara in the summer of 1792, he was appointed acting deputy surveyor general by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe. He and his wife, Anne, settled comfortably into a beautiful mansion in the young, bustling settlement of Newark, the first capital of the province of Upper Canada. Smith was interested in politics and soon became one of the first members of the House of Assembly in Upper Canada’s first parliament which opened on September 17, 1792. He was involved with establishing British law and courts in the nascent province and also became Speaker of the House for a time.
Smith was appointed Surveyor General of Upper Canada in 1798 and relocated from Newark to York, the newly proclaimed capital of Upper Canada. He continued his political career and built a remarkable house in York that came to be known as, Maryvale (also Maryville). The rare, bright yellow painted house was also headquarters for his surveying work. He appointed fellow surveyors William Chewett as his deputy and Thomas Ridout as senior clerk.
During his time as surveyor general, Smith was required to include Crown and clergy reserves of land within the formation of boundaries, lots, and townships in the new province. Smith devised a plan, known as the chequered plan, to carry out this task. As well, Smith was heavily involved with the layout of the town of York. Smith was meticulous and thorough in his approach to surveying, patents, fees, and records; however, he was often in conflict with speculators who purchased land for profit rather than for timely settlement. Smith, himself, acquired large holdings throughout the York area while living in Upper Canada.
Smith was also appointed a trustee with regard to the land sales of the Six Nations along the Grand River. While serving as surveyor general, Smith created a list of United Empire Loyalists who had been granted land (and, therefore, exempt from the attributable land fees) due to their loyalty to the Crown during the American War of Independence/American Revolution; their loyalty caused many to lose their civil liberties, homes, and lands during the war. In November 1789, the governor general of British North America, Lord Dorchester Sir Guy Carleton, had declared their “unity with the empire” be given a mark of honour in the form of capital letters U.E. to be used with their names.
Not long after his wife’s death in 1798, Smith, himself unwell, decided to return to England. He remarried and did not return to the country he had helped to organize and govern. He published various works including, A map of the province of Upper Canada, describing all the new settlements, townships, etc. with the countries adjacent, from Quebec to Lake Huron; A short topographical description of His Majesty’s province of Upper Canada in North America; A gazetteer of the Province of Upper Canada.
He was granted the title of Baronet while in England.
James Miles (Mighells)
In 1796, the Miles family was living in York where they conducted a successful mercantile and tavern business, as well as other various business enterprises. The family relocated further north of the capital along Yonge Street by 1800. Once again, the Miles family operated a store, tavern, and ashery. The well-travelled Yonge Street helped to make the businesses flourish, prompting the village that sprang up around them to be referred to as Miles’ Hill.
Upon his father’s death, Miles took over the family’s operations and inherited a large amount of land not far from the Markham settlement. During the war, Miles became a member of the 1st Regiment of York Militia as a lieutenant. He and his regiment were involved at the Battle of Detroit, the Battle of Queenston Heights, and others along the Niagara River.
Following the war, Miles became a justice of the peace and a magistrate. He constructed a two-storey home and lived with his widowed mother. He was interested in community matters and offered a portion of his land for use as a public woodlot. He also donated some land (later purchased by the Presbytery due to deed complications) to be used for the construction of a Presbyterian church, manse, cemetery, and school. He dispersed his land holdings amongst his family as he never married.
James Miles is buried next to his father, Abner, in the Presbyterian cemetery in the village once known as Miles’ Hill. This little village was eventually renamed Richmond Hill and continues to be a busy, but much larger community along the Yonge Street corridor.
Augustus Jones
Jones came from New York to settle in the Niagara region and, shortly thereafter, in 1787 found employment as a Crown surveyor. He went on to survey a vast amount of land, lots, and townships throughout Upper Canada and often employed First Nations people as part of his survey team. He became well known amongst the First Nations, and he married the daughter of a Mohawk chief (Sarah Tekarihogen); as well, he had a relationship with the daughter (Tuhbenahneequay) of a Mississauga chief. He had a number of children, one of them being Peter Jones who became a devout and influential Methodist minister. His mother was Tuhbenahneequay.
By 1800, Jones appears to have retired from his role as surveyor for the Crown. He turned to farming as a means of income and lived at his farm near Stoney Creek for a time before relocating to the Mohawk Village at Brant’s Ford, present-day Brantford, Ontario, and finally to another farm called Cold Springs near present-day Paris, Ontario.
Jones was involved with the surveying of the new capital, York, in Upper Canada. He also surveyed the area on which the Governor’s Road (Dundas Street) was constructed in 1793/1794 from Lake Ontario to the Forks on the Thames River or present-day London, Ontario. As well, and further to Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe’s vision to create vital military routes in the new province of Upper Canada, Jones was instructed to survey and to supervise the clearing of the path from Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe that was to become Yonge Street.
Despite the gruelling conditions that surveyors and their teams were often faced with, Jones was a successful surveyor for many years. Some of his marking stones can still be found throughout Ontario: a testament to those whose fortitude amongst the wilderness contributed to settlement.
Sir John Johnson
Johnson was the son of Sir William Johnson, the British superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Northern Department in the colonies of British North America. At an early age, Johnson accompanied his father on many expeditions, campaigns, and conferences to do with the Seven Years’ War/French Indian War in North America. During the American Revolution, the Johnson family remained loyal to the Crown.
Like other family members and friends, Johnson escaped to Montreal before being arrested by the rebel forces. Although his wife, Mary (Polly) Watts Johnson, was arrested, she and her young children eventually escaped and were reunited with Johnson. At Montreal, Johnson organized the King’s Royal Regiment of New York comprised of two battalions. Johnson led the “Royal Yorkers” in several raids during the American uprising. During the War of 1812, he was head of the Eastern Townships Militia Battalions in Lower Canada.
Johnson became the British superintendent general of the Six Nations in March, 1782.
The prominent Loyalist was instrumental in organizing settlement for the families who had remained loyal to the Crown during the American war. He helped the Loyalists to relocate to areas around the St. Lawrence River and the Bay of Quinte.
Johnson was very disappointed that he was not appointed as first lieutenant-governor of the new province of Upper Canada. However, he continued his relationship with the First Nations and acted as liaison between the various military and government departments to promote peaceful relations between all concerned. He also became a member of the legislative council of Quebec.
During his time in British North America, he acquired large tracts of land throughout Upper and Lower Canada. One of his favourite estates was at Monnoir, now called Mont Saint-Gregoire. Johnson named his home there, Mount Johnson, after his childhood home along the Mohawk River in New York.
Upon his death in 1830, Johnson was buried in the family vault at Mount Johnson. The vault was restored and re-dedicated in 2014 as it was nearly ruined due to vandalism and bulldozing years ago.
After his father’s death in the summer of 1774, Johnson inherited his father’s vast land holdings and estates which he left behind when he fled for Canada. These huge holdings were maintained by enslaved people, indentured servants, and tenants. Old Fort Johnson and Johnson Hall (Johnstown, New York) are National Historic sites in New York State. The centuries old structures are excellent examples of architecture and life of that era.
Mary Brant, also known as Molly Brant, was the powerful and influential Mohawk partner of Johnson’s father, William. As part of the matrilineal tradition of the Mohawk people, Molly played an important role in maintaining a variety of affairs related to the functioning of William’s estates and matters relating to his position as soldier and diplomat with regard to the First Nations and the tumultuous events related to the Seven Years’ War and American Revolution. Following the American war, Molly lived out the rest of her life in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Her brother, Joseph, led many First Nations to the land granted to them along the Grand River in Ontario.
Timothy Rogers
The young Rogers became a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Vermont. He came to Upper Canada in 1800/1801 with his wife, Sarah, and their children. He settled along Yonge Street not far from the town of York having obtained land through his applications to Lieutenant Governor Peter Hunter and with the aid of Chief Justice, John Elmsley.
Rogers was very industrious and successful at his settlement aspirations throughout the area near Yonge Street, as well as along Lake Ontario. He helped to found the village of Pickering and continuously supported his fellow Friends and their settlement efforts. Members of the Society of Friends contributed much to the development of the areas around Newmarket, Aurora, Uxbridge, Whitchurch, and other areas, such as those in East and West Gwillimbury.
Rogers was a devout member of the Society of Friends. Throughout his life, he attended various meetings with Friends throughout Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, and the United States. He sought to establish regular meetings important to the Society of Friends, such as Monthly Meetings, Half Year Meetings, and Yearly Meetings. He also advocated for meeting houses to be erected for such purposes; one still exists today as a result of his and other Friends’ efforts located at 17030 Yonge Street near Newmarket. The simple frame building is still used for worship.
Later generations of Rogers have contributed to the business and commerce of Ontario, Canada, such as Rogers Communications.
Timothy Rogers died in 1834 and was buried at the Friends Cemetery, Mill Street, (Pickering Village) in what is now Ajax, Ontario. He left a journal, Journal of Timothy Rogers, which can be found through the Canadian Friends Historical Association.
Mary Gage (Jones)
Mary Jones was sister to the land surveyor, Augustus Jones. During the American Revolution, Mary’s husband, James, was a patriot who fought against the British forces during that war, and he was killed. Mary made her way from New York with her two teenaged children, James Jr and Elizabeth, to Upper Canada 1789/1790. Despite her late husband’s patriotism to the United States, Mary confirmed her allegiance to the British Crown.
Mary and her children settled on a farm in Stoney Creek, Saltfleet Township, not far from the military fortification at Burlington Heights during the War of 1812. As Mary’s son, James, matured, he immersed himself in the responsibilities of the large farm. Mary and her family constructed a log home until they were able to construct a larger storey-and-a-half frame home. Later, with James and his wife living with Mary, the house was enlarged to a two-storey one which could comfortably accommodate their growing family.
During the war, an important battle took place on Mary’s farm: The Battle of Stoney Creek was fought in the dark early hours of June 6, 1813. The gruesome encounter resulted in casualties on both British and United States forces; however, the British defeated the American force during the surprise attack which secured the British position in the district. There are various accounts regarding Mary and her family during the battle: they either took refuge in the basement of the Gage farm house or were incarcerated there by the United States forces, which had made Mary’s homestead their headquarters as they advanced toward the Burlington Heights; Elizabeth Gage Birely, Mary’s granddaughter, indicates they hid in a loft amongst the wool. Regardless, to be amid such a horrific battle at one’s home must have been frightfully shocking.
The elderly Mary passed away at her son’s home in Hamilton, Ontario. Her old homestead in Stoney Creek was preserved with the help of Mary’s great-granddaughter, Sara Calder-Beemer and the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society. It is now Battlefield House Museum and Park, a National Historic Site, located on the site of the important battle. The City of Hamilton currently maintains the site. A re-enactment weekend takes place annually every June at the historic site.
Due to the efforts of Sara Calder and the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society along with other supporters of the ambitious project, A Battlefield Monument was also constructed that commemorates the soldiers and Battle of Stoney Creek during the War of 1812. The tall, impressive hilltop memorial has become a landmark in the bustling communities of Stoney Creek and Hamilton areas.
Other commemorative monuments at the park include the Smith’s Knoll Monument, the Lion’s Monument, Crypt, and other stone markers dedicated to the fallen soldiers, British and American, at the Battle of Stoney Creek.
James Gage
James was a Methodist and welcomed many visitors in that regard to the Gage homestead. He was interested in the settlement of the area near his farm and bought land in the vicinity of Burlington near the late Joseph Brant’s home. There, he helped to develop the area with various businesses and mills and the village that grew in Brant’s block was known as Wellington Square for a time.
James also operated a mercantile business in Stoney Creek, as well as other ventures in Bronte and Oakville, Ontario. Eventually, he, his wife, and family moved closer to his business dealings in Hamilton, Ontario.
John McDonald of Garth
The Scottish-born McDonald began a career as a clerk with the North West Company in British North America in 1791. As he worked his way to becoming a partner in the powerful rival company of Hudson’s Bay Company, McDonald gained a reputation for his enthusiasm for daring adventure.
McDonald took part in the development of several trading outposts, such as Rocky Mountain House in Alberta at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Saskatchewan Rivers. He was involved with some of the events during the North West Company’s possession of Fort Astoria in the Pacific Northwest in 1813, as well as with the dangerous occurrences during Earl of Selkirk’s (Thomas Douglas) Red River Settlement.
He was brother-in-law to David and Charlotte Thompson as he married in the custom of the country Charlotte’s sister and his cousin, Nancy. Nancy Small was the daughter of Patrick Small, cousin to McDonald’s mother. They were married for a number of years before he abandoned her to marry Amelia McGillis. McDonald had children from both relationships.
McDonald retired from the adventurous life with the North West Company in 1814. He lived in Montreal for several years where he enjoyed socializing, particularly as a member of the Beaver Club. He moved to his farm by Gray’s Creek near Cornwall. There, he constructed a house that overlooked the St. Lawrence River. He referred to his home as, Garth, after his childhood home in Scotland. In later years, McDonald gave Garth to one of his daughters and it was renamed, Inverarden. The unique graceful house is a National Historic Site of Canada, although it is not open to the public for viewing at this time, but one can stop nearby to examine a marker and observe the house from a distance.
McDonald and Amelia moved to Williamstown along the Raisin River in Eastern Ontario. He participated in various local church and other community affairs until his death in 1866, one of the last of the traders of the North West Company.
James Wilson
Wilson was a millwright and businessman who contributed to the development of the village of Ancaster and its importance as a thriving community. In 1791, Wilson, with business partner, Richard Beasley, constructed a variety of mills along the waterway flowing through the village. The partners invested in the construction of other businesses that would aid in the maintenance of the milling operations. For a time, the area was known as Wilson’s Mills, and it began to attract settlers and more businesses to the growing hamlet. Further contributing to the success and expansion of the village, was its location at the crossroads of vital paths connecting various parts of the province of Upper Canada.
The main thoroughfare that runs through Ancaster today still exists and bears the name Wilson Street.
By 1794, the mills were sold to businessman, Jean-Baptiste Rousseaux, and the prosperity of the growing village continued.
Jean-Baptiste Rousseaux
Rousseaux was born in Montreal, Quebec. His father was a fur trader and interpreter for the Indian Department. The young Rousseaux learned the fur trade and various Indigenous languages from his father. Following in his father’s footsteps, Rousseaux became a fur trader and, in 1775, an interpreter for the Indian Department.
The Rousseaux family left Montreal to operate a trading post at the mouth of the Humber River on Lake Ontario. After his first marriage, Jean-Baptiste and his wife moved to Kingston, and he expanded his trading efforts along the Bay of Quinte area and the Toronto area. His first marriage failed, and his second wife, Margaret Clyne, had been a Mohawk captive adopted by Joseph Brant. Rousseaux and Brant became friends. Rousseaux and Margaret named one of their children Joseph Brant Rousseaux.
Rousseaux opened a shop in the early days of the town of York. He was a customer of Richard Cartwright of Kingston. Around this time, 1791, Rousseaux constructed a corn mill near Brant’s Ford, and carried on a successful trading relationship with the Six Nations nearby.
In 1794, Rousseaux purchased the mills in the village of Ancaster from partners James Wilson and Richard Beasley. Rousseaux and his family settled there, and he became a very successful businessman in Ancaster with various shops and an inn contributing to the development of the village and surrounding area. Rousseaux took an interest in land speculation and partnered with Wilson and Beasley in purchasing a large tract of Six Nations land through their representative at the time, Joseph Brant. Beasley purchased the interests of Wilson and Rousseaux, and the tract of land was sold to members of the Mennonites and became the Waterloo area.
In the spring of 1809, Rousseaux sold the mills in the village of Ancaster to the Union Mill Company. He continued to be involved in the community and also remained employed with the Indian Department. By May 1811, he was a lieutenant-colonel in the 2nd York Militia and participated in the Battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812. Shortly afterward, he died from illness at Fort George in Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake).
Rousseaux, or Mr. St-Jean as some called him, is considered an important contributor to the settlement of the town of York and the village of Ancaster. There is a grand house in Ancaster along Wilson Street that was constructed by one of Rousseaux’s grandsons that remains today as a lovely reminder of the village’s long history. For many years, the stone house was well known as a restaurant, Rousseaux House.
Louis-Joseph Papineau
Papineau was born in Montreal in British North America’s province/colony of Quebec at the time. He was trained as a lawyer who began his exceptional political career in 1809 as an elected member of the Assembly of Lower Canada. Although he once was a proponent of Imperial and British governance, he advocated for reforms within the government of Lower Canada; his goal was to strengthen the interests of French Canadians.
Papineau pushed for more control of taxes and funds by the Assembly rather than by the appointed members of parliament, being the Legislative and Executive Councils. Papineau joined the Parti canadien (which later became the Parti patriote) and became their leader in 1815. He also became the Speaker of the House.
He was a member of a group within the Parti canadien that drafted 92 Resolutions to address the political reforms regarding the governance of the British colony of Lower Canada. After the rejection of the resolutions by the Imperial government in 1837, failure to enact reforms through peaceful, legislative means resulted in rebellion.
Following the failed resistance, Papineau went to the United States and then to France. After an eight-year exile, he returned to Lower Canada. He disagreed with the union of the two Canadas into one province, and, for a time, he thought perhaps annexation to the United States would benefit the French people of Canada.
Disappointed with politics, Papineau retired to a country manor house at Montebello, once part of the seigneury he had inherited from his late father. He lived out the remainder of his life there, enjoying peaceful country living, as well as indulging in his love of books and reading.
Chateau Montebello is a National Historic Site of Canada; so too, his home in Montreal located on the corner of rue de Bonsecours and rue Notre-Dame.
Jean-Baptiste Cadotte/Cadot
Cadotte was a young man when he ventured into the Upper Great Lakes and the busy fur-trading routes around Sault Ste. Marie and Michilimackinac. He established a career immersed in trade, furs, and government positions to do with interpreting and liaising with the First Nations. Although Cadotte became involved with the fur trade beyond the Great Lakes into the northwestern interior of fur country, he spent most of his years at Sault Ste. Marie conducting the affairs of his own trading company and farm.
Cadotte met the trader, Alexander Henry, and began a long-lasting relationship with Henry, not only with the fur trade, but also with an early mining venture. Not long after the time of Chief Pontiac’s insurgency and his allies’ attack of Fort Michilimackinac in June 1763, Cadotte and his family protected Henry from further harm by giving him refuge at the Cadotte farm in Sault Ste. Marie.
Cadotte wed Athanasie, relative of the Ojibwa chief Madjeckewiss. She was a powerful ally to Cadotte’s cause in the success of his fur trading and trading post. Together they had two daughters (one died very young), and two sons. Some sources suggest that, upon Athanasie’s death, Cadotte married another Ojibwa woman with whom he had more children.
Cadotte, his family, and relatives continued an active involvement with the fur trade for many years.
Athanasie (Equawaice)
Athanasie was an Anishinaabe woman. As the case with so many fur traders at the time, her marriage to Jean-Baptiste Cadotte, a fur trader in the midst of Indigenous territories, was a tremendous asset to him. Athanasie is said to have travelled great distances to help her husband’s business affairs.
During the aftermath of the violent attack on Fort Michilimackinac by Chief Pontiac’s allies, Chief Wawatam, Henry’s protector for some time after, allowed Henry to seek refuge from Pontiac’s allies by fleeing to Sault Ste. Marie. Athanasie, homeward bound from Fort Michilimackinac, gave Alexander Henry safe passage to Sault Ste. Marie where he found refuge with her family.
She was in Montreal when she died in 1776, having accompanied her children who were being educated there. Her great-grandson, William Whipple Warren, took much interest in his Ojibwa heritage and created a compilation of their history based on their oral history telling. In 1885, some years after Warren’s death in 1853, the Minnesota Historical Society published his account as History of the Ojibwa People.
Ann Macaulay (Kirby)
Ann was born in England and came to New York with her parents, John and Ann, and her siblings, John Jr. and William, prior to the American Revolution. After her marriage to merchant and businessman, Robert Macaulay, the newlyweds journeyed to Kingston by horseback on Robert’s horse. After arriving in Kingston, Upper Canada, following their trek, the couple made the waterfront hamlet their life-long home. Macaulay set up business along the waterfront of the busy village, but he passed away leaving Ann a widow at a young age.
Ann took responsibility for her late husband’s business affairs, while at the same time raising her young family of three sons. She established a company, along with her brother, John: John Kirby and Company. After some years, the company was dissolved, and Ann devoted much time to her children. As well, like her brother, John, she took a great interest in community affairs and charities throughout her lifetime.
Ann passed away in 1850. During her time in Kingston, she built a stone cottage she called Knaresborough Cottage after her birthplace in England. It is designated as a heritage property in the historic city of Kingston, Ontario.
John Kirby
Kirby came to New York from England as an infant with his family in 1774. From his family’s home in Quebec following the American Revolution, Kirby travelled to Kingston, Upper Canada, where his sister, Ann, was living with her businessman husband, Robert Macaulay. Kirby was involved with Macaulay’s business, and after his brother-in-law’s death, he and his sister, Ann, partnered to create the company, John Kirby and Company.
Kirby’s forwarding business was very successful, and he diversified his business affairs. Kirby became involved with banking, land speculation, and improvement of water transportation that included navigation along the St. Lawrence River and the construction of steamships as well as a bridge across the Cataraqui River in Kingston.
The prosperous businessman took an active interest in the development of the community of Kingston and the surrounding area. He supported the construction of churches, libraries, schools, and hospitals. He supported many other charitable organizations throughout the area. He participated in politics for a time as a member of the provincial Legislative Council.
Kirby enjoyed his final years in Kingston spending much time with his sister and her sons, John, William, and Robert Macaulay. John Kirby passed away in Kingston in 1846.
James Crooks
Crooks was born In Scotland and came to North America in 1791 to partner with his half-brother, Francis, in his merchant business at Fort Niagara. James Crooks’ brother, William, joined the business in 1792. By 1795, the brothers were compelled to relocate from the fort and went to Newark, present-day Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they continued their business. Following Francis’ death in 1797, James and William created the company W. and J. Crooks.
W. and J. Crooks was a diverse and prosperous enterprise involving the forwarding of various goods, much of it to military posts. Crooks and his company have become part of a remarkable story regarding a sunken schooner, USS Scourge.
Scourge was a schooner taken by American forces in June 1812, just prior to the outbreak of war. Originally named Lord Nelson, Crooks had her constructed at Newark for his merchant business between the Great Lakes. In the early morning hours of August 8, 1813, a violent storm caused Scourge to founder with nearly all aboard. She rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario along with USS Hamilton (US merchant schooner, Diana, purchased and renamed by the US Navy), two of the most well-preserved ships of their class in the world. In fact, they are a unique National Historic Site of Canada; divers are not permitted due to the fragility of the final resting place of the lost crew of the ships, as well as to protect the integrity of the vessels and their historic contents.
During the war, Crooks was a captain in the 1st Lincoln Militia. Like many others, he lost a good deal of his property and goods during the war. He managed to re-establish his business enterprises in West Flamborough near Ancaster, Upper Canada, now Ontario, along Spencer Creek. There, his successful group of businesses included various mills and other enterprises, and the area became known as Crooks’ Hollow. It is a picturesque area now known as Greensville. A few remnants of his milling businesses are still discernable today.
Crooks entered politics as a member of the House of Assembly for Halton riding, and later, was appointed to the Legislative Council. He was keen on improvement of navigation along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes and advocated for the construction of canals. His entrepreneurship continued throughout his life as he also established mills and businesses along the Trent and Speed Rivers.
Banking, education, economy, and trade were of great interest to Crooks throughout his lifetime. Eventually, with the advent of railroads and manufacturing competition, Crooks’ business successes decreased. He died in 1860 at Crooks’ Hollow.
John Molson
The England-born Molson was orphaned at a young age, but made his way to Montreal when he was 18 years old. Following a harrowing sea voyage, the ambitious Molson worked for family friends at different types of businesses. Molson was introduced to the brewery trade through a partnership with Thomas Loid who owned and operated a brewery.
Molson became the sole owner of the brewery in 1785. He returned to England several times to obtain inheritance funds and state of the art equipment for his new brewing establishment. Unlike many others of the time who chose to invest in the fur trade, Molson was thoroughly enthused about his brewing endeavours and dedicated his time, funds, and energy into its success.
By 1816, Molson had formed a company with his sons, which evolved throughout his lifetime. He appears to have been a man possessed with extraordinary foresight and an enterprising spirit. For example, with the brewing company’s success and stability, he became interested in the development of the latest technology in ships: steam power and steam engines. Molson invested in the construction of the earliest examples of steamships in Canada.
Molson participated in politics, was very active with the Masons, and during the war of 1812 was captain in the 5th Battalion of Select Embodied Militia until March, 1813. He began to take great interest in community affairs, including the construction of the Lachine Canal and the creation of a hospital for the growing city of Montreal. Molson built a luxury hotel, Mansion House Hotel, which contained the city’s first library. He opened a live theatre, Theatre Royal, adding to the attraction of the bustling city. He and his children also became involved in banking, and he was president of the Bank of Montreal for a time.
Never seeming to run out of vision or energy, the older Molson continued his interest in steam technology and was intrigued by the advent of the steam engine and railroads. He helped to create a railroad company: Company of Proprietors of the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad. This became Canada’s first railway line. He succumbed to a sudden illness and died on June 11, 1836, shortly before the company’s first steam locomotive made its initial trip on the railway line.
Although it has become a U.S.-based company, Molson Coors Beverage Company, John Molson’s legacy in the brewing industry lives on with each glass of his cold beverage, Molson Export or Molson Canadian.
Matthew Boulton
Boulton was the son of a toy-maker or small-items maker. He was born in Birmingham, England, and following in his father’s footsteps, he became known as an ingenious manufacturer of various metal works, such as plates, vases, shoe buckles, candlesticks, cups, and other various ornate objects. Bolton was always interested in the latest advances and techniques to do with manufacturing. He became well regarded for fine quality application of gilt on many types of items.
In 1766, along with his own inheritance, Boulton invested his second wife’s wealth into his small items making company and constructed a “factory”, Soho Manufactory, considered to be Britain’s first of its kind. His factory was very successful, and his workmanship and metal works became world renown. He also created the development of copper coins and was commissioned to produce them for the new Royal Mint in London, England.
Boulton’s long association with the inventor, James Watt, began through business dealings with Carron Ironworks in Scotland; Boulton acquired the owner’s share (John Roebuck) in Watt’s latest improvement to steam engine technology (particularly on the Newcomen engine by Thomas Newcomen) to power machinery. Boulton and Watt seemed to work well together and their partnership led to continuous further improvements to the steam engine, including the introduction of rotary-motion technology. Design and assembly of their engine was carried out at Soho Foundry. The steam engine had great impact on the manufacturing industry including mills, textiles, ironworks, shipping, and mining. Their partnership was extremely successful.
Boulton was forever keen on new ideas to do with all facets of life. Along with a group of like-minded friends, Boulton organized a club, the Lunar Society, in Birmingham. They enjoyed discussion on technology, natural philosophy, and social issues. Some members of the society joined the growing demand for abolition of the slave trade. Olaudah Equiano spoke in Birmingham in 1790 regarding his enslavement and autobiography, Narrative of Enslavement of a Native of America.
Boulton died at Soho House, Handsworth, in August 1809. Soho House is now a museum near Birmingham, England.
James Watt
Watt was born in Scotland, and from an early age he was fascinated by creating works with his hands as he reasoned, formulated, and tinkered in his father’s workshop in Greenock. He enjoyed mathematics and became proficient in the making and repair of mathematical instruments, such as compasses, quadrants, scales, and telescopes.
His interest in steam engine technology intensified when he worked on repairing a Thomas Newcomen steam engine. Eventually, he met Matthew Boulton who had acquired a share in Watt’s patent to do with improvements to the steam engine. This chance meeting evolved into a successful partnership for many years. The pair became friends and colleagues, and Watt became a member of the Lunar Society.
Watt’s many interests involved surveying, engineering, and chemistry; however, his inventive mind spurred continuous improvements and designs with regard to steam engine technology. Steam technology continues to be researched for improvements and innovations as its use remains significant in the 21st century.
Following his retirement in 1800, Watt continued his creative passion and designed various devices from sculpting machines to copying machines. His efforts and achievements are highly recognized throughout England. James Watt passed away in 1819 at his home, Heathfield Hill, in Birmingham.
Robert Fulton
Fulton was born in Pennsylvania colony in 1765 at the dawn of American sentiments for independence. At an early age, Fulton showed an aptitude for drawing, including mechanical illustrations as he enjoyed visiting local workshops near a school he was attending. Around 17 years old, he went to Philadelphia and developed his abilities in drawing and painting. His artwork consisted of diverse subjects such as portraits, landscapes, construction/drafting plans, and anything else that enabled him to earn a living.
The young man decided to travel to Europe where he stayed for some years. Initially, he lived with his father’s friend, Benjamin West, and learned a great deal from the artist. In addition to painting, Fulton was keenly interested in the excitement of invention that was prevalent at the time. He became involved with the early development of canals and with various projects to do with their construction and navigation. Much of his thoughts turned to the advancement of steam-powered vessels. There were many inventors working on such technology during this time. He travelled to Paris and took great interest in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. He worked on steamboat designs and plunging boats or submarines. Fulton also designed weaponry such as torpedoes and mines.
Unable to find investors to aid in his inventions, Fulton went to Britain in 1804. After working on various weapons for the British military, he returned to the United States in 1806 and found collaborators that enabled him to design and construct the first successful steam-powered passenger vessel to sail along the Hudson River, North River, later renamed the Clermont. Other steam-powered vessels followed including a steam-powered warship for the United States Navy, Demologos. Intended for use during 1814 against the British, it was never used for that purpose.
Fulton faced many legal challenges by other inventors regarding his patents on various inventions. This was often the case with many inventors at the time. In the winter of 1815, Fulton, following a court session in Trenton, New Jersey, tried to save his friend who broke through the Hudson River ice as he and Fulton crossed the river. Fulton developed severe pneumonia following the incident. He died in New York City shortly thereafter, leaving a wife and four children. His ingenuity is greatly memorialized throughout the United States and the world.
Samuel Cunard
Samuel was the son of United Empire Loyalist Abraham Cunard. Abraham and his wife, Margaret, settled near the waterfront of Halifax, where Abraham did well at his various endeavours to do with the shipbuilding and shipping trades. Abraham named his enterprise A. Cunard & Son, appointing one of his sons, Samuel, at the helm of the growing venture in 1814.
By the time Samuel took over the business affairs of the company, A. Cunard & Son managed a considerable number of vessels along the Halifax harbour waterfront since Abraham came to own valuable lots near the bustling wharves. The company was well invested in the lucrative timber trade and received and distributed various supplies and goods from all parts of the world. Following his father’s death in 1824, the growing company was renamed S. Cunard and Company. The company came to invest in whaling, canal construction, banking, and mining. As well, the direct importation of tea from China was a lucrative industry for the company.
Cunard’s company was involved with the business of mail delivery for many years, and it was such that lured him into the steamboat era. Although his early Quebec and Halifax Steam Navigation Company was not successful, he eventually obtained a contract to carry mail between Britain and North America. Thus, began a successful venture, and as his wooden-hulled paddle-wheeled steamboats cautiously transitioned to steel-hulled propeller vessels, Cunard Steamship Company was incorporated. In spite of fierce competition, Cunard ships became known for their quality construction, safety, comfort, and reliability. As well, his steam powered ferry, SS Sir Charles Ogle, was one of the first of its kind for use from Halifax to Dartmouth.
Although Cunard was regarded an affluent businessman in Nova Scotia, he had many setbacks and faced bankruptcy on occasion. He also owned large tracts of land on Prince Edward Island and was embroiled for a time in troubles regarding rent collection from tenants and the contentious issue of absentee landlords.
Cunard’s interest in business and commerce took much of his time, but he also supported various charities in the place of his birth, Halifax, Nova Scotia. During the War of 1812, he volunteered for the Battalion of Halifax Regiment and was once a commissioner of lighthouses for Nova Scotia.
Cunard passed away at his home in London, England, in the spring of 1865. His iconic ship line continues through ownership by Carnival Corporation & plc.
Adam Smith
Smith was a Scottish philosopher who became a professor at the University of Glasgow in 1751. Later, in 1763, Smith was tutor to a young Henry Scott, a Scottish duke and nobleman. This position took him to various destinations in Europe. During these travels, he spent time with some of his contemporaries, such as Hume, Rousseau, Voltaire, and Franklin. He lived in Paris for a time, and he acquired an interest, knowledge, and understanding of the workings of economics, as he saw it.
Following his return to his homeland of Scotland, he authored a ground-breaking book, in 1776, containing his thoughts on economics, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, or, as it became known, The Wealth of Nations. The book discusses his ideas, some of which include the division of labour, importing and exporting in trade with minimum government interference, and ways in which certain concepts of economics lead to wealthy societies on the whole.
He is considered a part of the Scottish Enlightenment and was a founding member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He wrote various papers, gave lectures, and is known for another book, Theory of Moral Sentiments.
Smith is highly regarded for his contributions to principles of economics, which continue to be studied. He his remembered by many various memorials, schools, bank notes, and organizations named after him.
James Dunlop
Dunlop was a Scottish-born Loyalist who arrived in Quebec from the new republic of the United States of America following the American Revolution. He became a merchant in Montreal involved in an assortment of goods and supplies through importing and exporting. He became known for his collection of specialized alcoholic spirits from all parts of the world.
Dunlop’s business along Rue Saint-Paul in Montreal grew to become a powerhouse for trade, bill-brokering, and shipbuilding. He was a shrewd entrepreneur with important connections to affluent commercial enterprises throughout the globe, particularly Glasgow, Scotland, which enabled his investing in diverse, lucrative opportunities. His skillful business prowess is thought to have contributed to the establishment of a vibrant commerce in Canada.
During the wars with France and United States, Dunlop obtained letters of marque for privateering. He prospered through provisioning the military with much-needed supplies of flour, potash, lumber, and grain. He was a member of the 1st Battalion of the Montreal Militia during the war of 1812 until his dismissal for unbecoming conduct.
He possessed a lively character and enjoyed socializing with his wealthy contemporaries. He died in Montreal in 1815 following a sudden, brief illness.
William Allan
Allan began his life-long involvement in the world of business and finance as a young clerk in Montreal. He arrived from his homeland of Scotland and was employed by Forsyth, Richardson and Company around 1787 before relocating to Niagara in 1788. He continued his work for the company in York where he settled for the rest of his life.
Allan learned much about the workings of the mercantile trade. It wasn’t long that he decided to enter a partnership with another entrepreneur, and they opened a store in York. Eventually, he operated the store on his own and prospered supplying the town and the military with a variety of goods. During the War of 1812, Allan was a major in the 3rd York Militia and participated in organizing the terms of surrender following the successful siege by the United States forces in April 1813.
By 1822, he sold his store and devoted his time to a variety of business ventures, including the development of the Bank of Upper Canada. Other projects involved the Welland Canal Company, The Canada Company, and City of Toronto and Lake Huron Rail Road Company. He was a founder of a successful insurance company, the British America Fire and Life Assurance Company. He held many government posts such as, justice of the peace, district treasurer, and postmaster. Allan was appointed to the Legislative Council and later, the Executive Council of Upper Canada. He supported the construction of St James Anglican Church and Trinity College in York (Toronto).
Allan became well regarded as a knowledgeable finance manager and was employed by many to organize their investments and speculation interests. He constructed a grand mansion, now demolished, in Toronto on a picturesque wooded acreage. He named his home, Moss Park, after his birthplace in Huntly, Scotland. Sadly, many of his children and his wife succumbed to tuberculosis, or consumption as it was often called at that time.
Allan was a respected businessman who supported commerce and banking during the formation of a young country. He passed away in 1853, in Toronto, Ontario.
Samuel Street (Jr.)
Street was an American-born Loyalist who settled in the Niagara District of Upper Canada. He became involved in the goods and forwarding business and developed a lucrative partnership with a fellow forwarding merchant, Thomas Clark.
The partnership came to possess valuable flour mills in the Niagara area, Street’s Mills and Bridgewater Mills. The Bridgewater Flour Mills, along the Portage Road, was highly successful, provisioning local inhabitants as well as the military throughout the Canadas during the War of 1812. However, the United States forces burned the mills during the campaign of July 1814. Street was a captain in the 3rd Lincoln Militia at that time.
Street became a shrewd financier and moneylender to many. He was able to invest in a number of diverse enterprises involving milling, banking, canals, railroads, hotels near Niagara Falls, land speculation, and many others, making him one of the wealthiest people in Upper Canada.
Street died in 1844 at the hamlet of Port Robinson by the Welland Canal near present-day Thorold, Ontario.
Peter Skene Ogden
Ogden was born in Quebec in 1790. Although he was possibly destined for a career in law in keeping with a family of lawyers, judges, and public servants, the young Ogden was smitten with the lure of adventure and opportunity to earn a living from the prevalent fur trade at the time.
After joining the North West Company in 1809, his initial assignment with the company took him to Île-à-la-Crosse in northern Saskatchewan. He communicated well in French and English and learned many Indigenous languages, making him a great asset for the company. It was not long that his reputation grew as a dangerous man. His association with the company took place during the bitter rivalry occurring between fur trading companies, particularly between the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Ogden was involved in various violent confrontations, and finally, following his participation in the murder of an Indigenous trapper, he was assigned to a more remote fur-trading post and avoided prosecution for the crime.
Regardless of his unscrupulous reputation, following the merger of the two companies, he was employed as a chief trader for the newly amalgamated Hudson’s Bay Company. Ogden worked for many years in the Columbia District department and contributed to fur trapping, trade relations, and exploration in many remote areas, especially in the United States: places and rivers in Oregon, Utah, Northern California, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming.
Ogden died in Oregon City, Oregon, in September 1854.
Samuel Black
Black arrived in Montreal from his homeland of Scotland in 1802. His lifetime association with the fur trade began with the XY Company and followed with his employment with the North West Company. He developed a reputation as a tough and dangerous man who was always armed and ready for confrontation. His intimidating nature led to his involvement in violent encounters with many.
When the Hudson’s Bay Company ventured further westward, the North West Company’s Black harassed the traders at various HBC outposts. The HBC’s factor, Peter Fidler, was the target of Black’s aggressive tactics more than once. In 1811, Black took part in the razing of a Hudson’s Bay Company post at Île-à-la-Crosse after Fidler’s abandonment of it due to Black’s effective intimidation.
Despite his dangerous reputation, or perhaps because of it, like his good friend, Peter Skene Ogden, Black was hired by the newly merged Hudson’s Bay Company. Competition with American and Russian interests remained in the Pacific Northwest for trade territory and Black was employed as a chief trader.
Black led an exploration of the dangerous and rugged Finlay River area. His exploits during the journey are documented in his account entitled, A journal of a voyage from Rocky Mountain Portage in Peace River to the sources of Finlays and North West Ward in summer 1824.
In February of 1841, Black was shot to death by the nephew of the deceased Shuswap chief, Le Tranquille, at Thompson’s River Post, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Black and Le Tranquille are reported to have had a disagreement regarding a gun shortly before the chief’s death.
Peter Fidler
Fidler was employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1788. He became a skillful surveyor and map maker under the tutorship of the company’s chief surveyor, the highly regarded Philip Turnor. Around this time another skilled surveyor, David Thompson, still employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company, was convalescing from a serious injury. Consequently, Fidler was chosen to accompany Turnor on an important exploratory assignment into the Athabasca region.
Following his venture with Turnor, Fidler established several outposts and continued his map making throughout the interior west of Hudson’s Bay. While exploring, he learned the language and customs of various Indigenous peoples. He married Mary Methwewin Mackagonne, a Swampy Cree woman, in 1794 according to the custom of the country. In August of 1821, they were wed by a minister at Norway House, Manitoba. Mary was his devoted wife and companion for many years; she, along with their children, often accompanied Fidler throughout the dangerous wilderness of the interior fur-trading country, assisting him in his exploits and responsibilities with regard to the company.
Throughout his career with the Hudson’s Bay Company, Fidler was often intimidated by some of the more aggressive traders of the North West Company. This situation intensified as the Hudson’s Bay Company continued their advance into the competitive fur region of the west. He and his family experienced several life-threatening situations due to the hostile rivalry between the fur companies. One instance occurred at Île-à-la-Crosse in 1811 when the North West Company’s men launched a vicious campaign to drive anyone affiliated with the Hudson’s Bay Company out of the area.
Later, in 1812, Fidler was selected to aid Lord Selkirk’s settlers from Scotland to reach their new settlement along the Red River near present-day Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Red River Settlement was very close to a North West Company post; as a consequence, Fidler was caught in the midst of another cruel campaign to discourage and dispel the new settlers from the area.
Fidler, the young man from England spent a lifetime in the fur trade and exploration of western Canada. He left many valuable notes and maps regarding his experiences and surveying with the Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1821, the once valued surveyor ended his career as a clerk for the Hudson’s Bay Company at his assigned post at Dauphin Lake House, in present-day Manitoba, where he died in December, 1822.
John Richardson
Richardson was a young man when he ventured to North America from Scotland. He became immersed in the mercantile and fur-trading business while apprenticing with the firm, Phyn, Ellice, and Company that was headquartered in Schenectady, New York at the time.
Following the American Revolution, Richardson participated in the growing business community at Montreal. He was a skillful businessman and was involved with various companies throughout his lifetime.
In 1789, while involved with the business interests of Robert Ellice and Company, he helped to organize the construction of a trade vessel to be used by the company. He travelled throughout the Great Lakes regions on business matters as well as supervising the ship’s construction at Detroit. The schooner, named Nancy, was launched in November of 1789 and became famous for her prowess as a trade vessel and daring during the War of 1812. By 1790, Richardson became partners in Forsyth, Richardson and Company.
Richardson also became active in the fur trade and was among a group of merchants that created the XY or New North West Company in 1799. The company became part of the highly competitive fur trade and, by 1804, had formed an amalgamation with the North West Company.
Eventually, Richardson left the fur trade to concentrate on various other business interests. He also took great interest in his place of residence in Montreal, Lower Canada. During his lifetime, he supported a number of projects in the city, such as the construction and founding of a hospital, construction on the Lachine Canal, court-house, jail, roads, streets, and monuments. He supported churches, societies, and other charitable works. He was extremely active and influential regarding the creation of a chartered bank in the Canadas. For many years, he participated in politics, but was often at odds with the views of Louis-Joseph Papineau and the Parti canadien/Parti patriote.
During the War of 1812, Richardson served with the Montreal Incorporated Militia. Following the French and American revolutions, he was much concerned with the security of the Canadas and was involved with various committees and organizations that sought to mitigate threats to the security of the colonies in British North America. He was involved with intelligence-gathering, spies, and was among those that supported the suspension of habeus corpus and the imposition of martial law.
Richardson and his wife, Sarah Ann Grant, raised a large family together. He was known to be an outspoken and loyal subject of Great Britain. He passed away in the spring of 1831 in the city that had been his lifetime home, Montreal.
Richardson is sometimes confused with the soldier and author, John Richardson, grandson of John Askin Sr.
Chapter 20 – Cora, the Captain’s Wife
Robert Gray
Gray was an American naval captain in the merchant trade business. In his successful efforts to establish trade with China, he is credited with completing the first American circumnavigation of the earth.
The adventurous captain plied the coast along the Pacific Northwest and entered the mouth of a large river in 1792. He charted some of the river before turning back to the ocean. Captain Gray named the river, Columbia, after his ship. Aided by Gray’s charts, the Royal Navy’s captain of HMS Discovery, George Vancouver, ordered his lieutenant, William Broughton, in a smaller vessel, Chatham, to explore the river further upstream. The explorer, David Thompson, charted the length of the river from its source at Columbia Lake in the Rocky Mountains down to the Pacific Ocean.
According to journal entries made by one of Gray’s crew, Gray was, at times, harsh with his methods in dealing with Indigenous people along the Pacific coast. The coastal area was an extremely competitive one due to the valuable furs to be obtained in those waters, particularly otter furs. Britain, Spain, United States, and Russia were a few of those vying for control of the area.
Gray’s venture into the Columbia River influenced the discussions between Great Britain and the United States regarding control of the Oregon/Columbia area and the construction of the Oregon Treaty, 1846.
John Rodgers Jewitt
Jewitt was hired by Captain John Salter to use his skills as a blacksmith aboard the ship, Boston. In 1802, Jewitt departed his homeland of England and sailed to the Pacific Northwest where the fur trade was a lucrative endeavour for many merchants and their ships and crew engaged in such.
Boston arrived in Nootka Sound on the western side of present-day Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, in March 1803. Relations between various traders and Indigenous peoples had not always been amicable. In the case of the Boston, Captain Salter and Chief Maquinna, a Mowachaht chief (today Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, part of Nuu-chah-nulth-speaking tribes), had a disagreement. Chief Maquinna ordered an attack on the captain and crew; all were killed except John Jewitt and one other crewman, tailor/sailmaker/gunner John Thompson, and they were taken and enslaved by Chief Maquinna.
Jewitt lived as the Mowachaht did, often participating in many aspects of their lives. He took a Mowachaht woman as his wife.
In 1805, Jewitt and Thompson were rescued by Captain Samuel Hill of the ship, Lydia. Jewitt settled in the United States and published his journal. His journal provided an insight into the lives of some of the Indigenous peoples of Yuquot and western Vancouver Island at the time.
Jewitt died in Hartford, Connecticut in 1821.
Enos Collins
Collins was born along the Atlantic shores of Nova Scotia at Liverpool. He was raised amid fishing and merchant ships, and it is no surprise that the ambitious young man became an owner of one of Nova Scotia’s most famous privateer ships, Liverpool Packet.
Not only did Collins profit from supplying the British army during the Peninsular War with Napoleon, but from buying 1812 wartime American prize ships and their lucrative cargo. Collins established a store in Halifax. Along with his partner, Joseph Allison, Collins continued to purchase prize ships and stored their cargo at his warehouse as he sold the goods at a profit. By 1825, Collins established a private bank, Halifax Banking Company, which included other investors as well. This first bank in Nova Scotia received its charter in 1872.
In 1903, the Halifax Banking Company became part of a larger one, The Canadian Bank of Commerce, founded in Toronto in 1867. The Canadian Bank of Commerce eventually merged with the Imperial Bank of Canada, founded in 1874 also in Toronto and became known as the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: CIBC, one of several well-known banks in Canada and beyond.
Throughout the years Collins invested in diverse enterprises, including the profitable lumber business as well as whaling. He was offered a seat on the colony’s powerful Council of Twelve who were appointed by the governor of the province. By 1838, this council was divided into separate functions as the Legislative Council and Executive Council; this was further changed with responsible government in 1848 and persons were selected for the Executive Council from the elected legislative assembly.
The successful and wealthy Collins supported many charitable works in Halifax. He strongly opposed confederation.
Collins, the seaman, businessman, and politician passed away at the age of 97 in 1871 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Some of the buildings used by Collins and his contemporaries are preserved as a National Historic Site along the Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) waterfront.
Joseph Allison
Allison was a successful and prominent member of the group of merchants that contributed to the growth of the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was partner to Enos Collins and they operated a lucrative mercantile in Halifax: Collins & Allison.
Allison invested in various ventures with his long-time partner, Collins, including privateer ships, prizes, and banking. He was also a member of the Legislative and Executive councils of Nova Scotia.
Joseph, John, and James Barss
Captain Joseph Barss, like Enos Collins, was also raised amid the activity of fishing vessels, merchant ships, and privateers.
During the War of 1812, Barss commanded the privateer, Liverpool Packet. His many successes at confiscating American privateers as prizes became legendary. However, in June 1813, Liverpool Packet was overtaken by a large United States privateer, Thomas; Barss and members of his crew were captured. Captain Barss was imprisoned at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was released on parole following rigid confinement and taken as prisoner again shortly thereafter. He was kept prisoner under harsh conditions for some time.
Finally released, Barss returned home to his wife, Olivia (DeWolfe) and family in 1815. He retired inland on a farm near his wife’s family near Kentville, Nova Scotia. He died only 48 years old in 1824.
A large home in Liverpool built by his father, Joseph Barss Sr. (once also a privateersman), was home to Barss and his family for a time. The historical house remains today as part of an inn.
Barss’ brothers, John and James, were also born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. They too learned a great deal about ships, trading, and privateers. Along with Enos Collins and Joseph Allison, John and James invested in various privateers, including Liverpool Packet.
John and James were businessmen and partnered together on various investments. They both became involved in politics.
Charles Oakes Ermatinger
Following his involvement in the fur trade and his association with the North West Company, Ermatinger settled at Sault Ste. Marie on Lake Huron in 1807. He established a successful trading post for many years on the British side of the St. Marys River. His many years of experience in the fur trade of the upper country, or northwest, provided him with knowledge and experience in operating a valuable post for the trapping and trade industry. He also maintained connections of trade with American counterparts for some time on the opposite side of the St. Marys River.
Ermatinger married, in the custom of the country (a la façon du pays), around 1799 or 1800. He married Mananowe, (Cattoonalute) daughter of Ojibwa Chief Katawabidai. She became his lifelong partner and they raised a large family together.
During the War of 1812, Ermatinger was amongst the allied forces, British, First Nations, and Canadian, that accompanied Captain Charles Roberts from British Fort St. Joseph, St. Joseph Island, to American-held Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island in 1812. The siege was a bloodless defeat of the American forces early in the war.
Ermatinger constructed a large, solid stone house at Sault Ste. Marie. It has a view of the St. Marys River and Charles and Mananowe, or Charlotte as she was often known, hosted many visitors at their spacious inviting home. The house is a National Historic Site of Canada.
Ermatinger also had acreage at Sault Ste. Marie, and he grew various grains and produce. For years, he supplied provisions to the fledgling, struggling Red River Settlement organized by the Earl of Selkirk. Thomas Douglas, Earl of Selkirk, was a visitor to the Ermatinger house.
During the year 1827, Ermatinger inherited his late brother, Frederick’s, property in Montreal. He retired there with his family. He and Charlotte were married at Christ Church in Montreal shortly before his death the following year.
Chapter 21 – The Remaking of a Rat
Owen Roe O’Neill (Red Owen) (Eoghan Rua O Neill)
O’Neill was the nephew of Irish chieftain Hugh O’Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone. For some years, O’Neill fought in the Spanish Army in Flanders.
The fearless soldier returned to his homeland in Ireland, where the Irish Uprising continued as the Irish Confederate Wars and the War of the Three Kingdoms. The staunch, charismatic leader rallied an army to enable him to fight for Irish independence from England and for freedom of religion.
After a series of violent battles, intrigue, and betrayal amongst various factions of forces in Ireland, O’Neill and his forces won a decisive battle at Benburb in June 1646. However, ultimately, O’Neill’s attempts to lead a successful campaign against England’s powerful parliamentarian forces led by Oliver Cromwell were thwarted. Cromwell was intent on the complete control of Ireland; consequently, the various forces in Ireland began to prepare by working together against a vicious invasion.
As O’Neill was participating at a meeting to organize the allied campaign against the invasion by Cromwell’s army, he suddenly fell gravely ill.
O’Neill was taken to Cloughoughter/Clough Oughter Castle, on an island in Lough Oughter, County Cavan, where he died on the 6th of November, 1649.
His wife, Rosa (O’Doherty) supported her husband by organizing supplies of arms and gathering intelligence whenever possible. Their only son, Henry, was executed following his capture at the Battle of Scarrifhollis, County Donegal.
Owen Roe O’Neill is immortalized in a poem by Thomas Davis: Lament for the Death of Eoghan Ruadh O’Neill.
Some believe O’Neill was poisoned. Other theories suggest he suffered from an old wound or from complications from gout. His exact burying site remains a mystery also, although it is believed to be at a Franciscan abbey. As a young boy, O’Neill had been educated by Franciscan monks.
Chapter 23 – Fort Chambly, Lower Canada
Robert Cruickshank
There were a number of silversmiths in Montreal who produced silver goods for sale and for trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. Cruickshank was one such merchant who settled in Montreal in 1773. The exact place of his birth appears debatable; however, some believe it was Scotland.
By 1782, he found it necessary to expand his premises in order to meet the high demand for silver goods, particularly trade silver. Trade silver was valuable to the fur-trading companies of the day as they used the desirable silver items to negotiate, trade, and ally with the Indigenous people for furs and supplies. Pendants, medallions, crosses, coins, earrings, bracelets, and arm and wristbands were some of the types of small articles made and used by the fur-trading companies. Beaver pendants, for example, were given a value in relation to the size of the pendant: smaller pendants being worth one beaver pelt while larger ones worth more pelts. The production of such articles became highly competitive among silversmiths.
At his shop in Montreal, Cruickshank’s inventory for sale included silver works, as well as, clocks, table ware, ornaments, and jewellery. He also sold hardware goods. Junior silversmiths often apprenticed to Cruickshank. Like his contemporaries, his pieces were distinguished by a maker’s mark; for example, Cruickshank used his initials and often the word, Montreal, to indicate the place of origin of the silver work. Additionally, with regard to trade silver, a fur-trading company’s mark was sometimes stamped on the silver article.
Cruickshank was regarded as a skillful, successful silversmith who enjoyed a prosperous livelihood in Montreal. In 1807, Cruickshank made a trip to England. On his return voyage to Montreal, the ship he was travelling on, Eweretta, met with disaster at sea, causing his death on April 16, 1809.
Some of his silver works may still be found and can be viewed at museums and online.
Chapter 25 – Taken by Surprise: The Scorching of a Tranquil Shore
Lieutenant Colonel John B. Campbell
Campbell, born in Virginia, became a member of the 19th United States Infantry in 1812. He was appointed commander of the 11th United States Infantry in 1814. His unit participated in various battles of the war, such as the taking of Fort Erie and the Battle of Chippewa.
His name became synonymous with two important events during the war: the raid and destruction of the Upper Canada village of Dover Mills and surroundings areas along the Lake Erie shore, May 1814; the raid and destruction of Native American villages along the Mississinewa River in the American Northwest Indiana Territory in December of 1812. These raids were surprise attacks, and the razing and destruction of homes and stores of food caused much hardship to the inhabitants.
Retaliation ensued as Britain’s Royal Navy intensified a campaign of raids along the eastern seaboard of the United States and as far as Washington, D.C.
Along the Mississinewa River, Indigenous forces counter-attacked in a fierce attempt to free prisoners taken during Campbell’s raids; this attempt, the Battle of Mississinewa, was hard-fought by each side. After Indigenous forces retreated, Campbell led his men and prisoners back to Ohio during freezing conditions and many were frostbitten and starving before reaching aid.
The raid and destruction along the Mississinewa contributed to successful advancement and recapture of Fort Detroit in 1813 by American forces.
During the Niagara campaign at the Battle of Chippewa in July 1814, Campbell was wounded and died weeks later.
Robert Nichol
Nichol came to Upper Canada from Montreal in 1792. He had experience as a seaman and found work as such for a time with one of the Niagara Districts’ prosperous businessmen, Robert Hamilton. Nichol became acquainted with various merchants, forwarders, and businessmen throughout Upper Canada. He left sailor work behind and was employed as a clerk for various businessmen, partnering with one before setting up his own forwarding business at Fort Erie around 1803.
In 1808, Nichol invested in the milling trade at Dover Mills by Lake Erie. He renovated and expanded mills there creating a hub of milling enterprises, such as gristmills, sawmills, and distilleries, along with a store, barn, house, and other facilities including accommodation for workers.
After meeting General Isaac Brock, Nichol was asked by the general to submit a report regarding the state of the province of Upper Canada in relation to preparedness in anticipation of an invasion by the United States of America. Brock later appointed him as quartermaster general of militia during the war; as well, Nichol was appointed colonel of the 2nd Flank Norfolk Regiment.
Colonel Nichol was involved with various engagements of the war, as well as offering counsel, provisions, transportation, and whatever else was required of him in his duty to King and country. He participated in politics for many years. He often found himself embroiled in disagreements and controversy with others, particularly with Joseph Willcocks, Benajah Mallory, and Abraham Markle.
Nichol seemed to lean toward more responsible governance as time went on, and his intense disagreements with various politicians and often lieutenant governors continued. He was considered an exceptional orator and spoke out against the Sedition Act of 1804 and supported the voice of the elected Assembly, especially to do with revenues and spending, and matters to do with economic recovery. Nichol promoted improvement of inland navigation to enhance trade from Upper Canada to the Atlantic Ocean. He was House Speaker for a time, a tax collector, justice of the peace, and took on various government posts throughout his lifetime.
During the razing of Dover Mills in May of 1814 by American forces, Nichol lost his entire milling business. His war loss claims were not realized until after his death years later. As was sometimes the case for soldiers, officers, and others involved in war, appreciation, awards, or pay was not always forthcoming in a timely manner to veterans and their families.
Nichol was leaving Niagara, known as Niagara-on-the-Lake today, late on the evening of May 3, 1824, when he met a tragic end: his horse and carriage careened from the road over a cliff along the Queenston Heights. Nichol was killed. Although deemed an accident, his death remains a source of speculation as many wonder if this terrible event was merely an accident or foul play.
Colonel Robert Nichol was buried in the Hamilton family plot at Queenston, Ontario, Canada, in an unmarked grave.
Abraham Markle
Markle, a businessman from New York, was involved with diverse enterprises. He settled in Ancaster when he became the head of the Union Mill Company in Ancaster, Upper Canada, Ontario today. By 1813, he operated a tavern in the prosperous village. He also did very well as a land speculator throughout the province.
As an elected member of the House of Assembly for the Ancaster area, he was among several other members who did not agree with General Brock’s attempts to curb the dissenting voices regarding measures Brock felt were required to prepare for the American invasion; measures such as the imposition of martial law and the suspension of habeas corpus.
Habeas corpus is an important legal measure that ensures that a person being detained or imprisoned is being held legally. In Canada, this protection can be found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; Legal Rights, section 10 (c).
Eventually, many inhabitants of the province of Upper Canada sought to quell such “disobedience” and opposition to the suppression of civil liberties by dissenters who appeared to some as advocating for republican or American-like ideals. Markle was suspected of being such a sympathizer to the American cause and was incarcerated in Kingston for a time.
After his release, Markle went to the United States and became a captain in a volunteer American regiment known as the Company of Canadian Volunteers. Its leader was one of Markle’s former political peers, Joseph Willcocks. The men were of considerable asset to the American forces as their knowledge of the Canadian landscape, communities, and military outposts proved most advantageous during the war.
The Canadian Volunteers participated in many events during the war, such as the destruction of Newark (Niagara-on-the-lake), St. David’s (near Queenston), and Dover Mills (Port Dover). Markle became leader of the group following the death of Willcocks.
Markle was convicted, although in absentia, in 1817, and any of his property in British North America was forfeited to the Crown. He and his family remained in the United States, where he acquired land from the American government since he aided their cause during the war of 1812.
He and his family made their home at Terre Haute in the Wabash valley of Indiana. Once again, he invested in a land company and constructed mills, distilleries, and a tavern. Markle died there in 1826.
Joseph Willcocks
Willcocks came to British North America from Ireland in 1800. Initially, he settled in York, Upper Canada. Through family connections, he managed to find employment performing various clerk positions before obtaining minor appointments to government positions.
Influenced by recent events in his homeland of Ireland, Willcocks observed the affairs of government in the province paying particular attention to its relationship with local affairs. He became increasingly critical of what he perceived as autocratic governance and its control of issues regarding land grants, for instance, and overreach of power by the Executive Council; he claimed the council was made up in large part by an elite group of Scottish merchants and businessmen exacting governance for their benefit.
Willcocks relocated to Newark in 1807 and began publishing a newspaper espousing fair governance and liberty. He was elected as a member of the legislative assembly and soon found himself a participant in the political unrest of a province in the midst of the rumblings of war with the young republic of the United States of America.
He and his like-minded peers created a powerful influence, an “opposition”, so to speak, in the Assembly by 1812. The members dealt with many issues common to the inhabitants of a growing province, such as schooling, land fees, matters of agriculture, as well as matters to do with crown-appointed representatives in government, and equal representation regardless of religious beliefs.
Despite his views, Willcocks agreed to assist General Brock in acquiring the support of First Nations as allies against the American invasion. Willcocks rallied citizens for a local militia and participated in the Battle of Queenston Heights. However, following a successful American offensive in 1813, some in Upper Canada sought for government measures to quell dissension.
Possibly disillusioned by what he perceived as government overreach, Willcocks left Upper Canada and British North America in July 1813 to join the American cause.
Willcocks became an effective leader of the Company of Canadian Volunteers, a company largely made up by many of his fellow political allies who had also defected to the American cause. He and his Company fought at various major engagements, also participating in the razing of several villages. He was killed during the brutal Niagara campaign of July 1814.
Willcocks remains a controversial figure: some historians believe his loyalty to King and country was false. Others speculate that his strong belief in a country’s civil liberties and just, responsible governance for its people led him to abandon a country and its citizens that he believed failed to uphold such values.
Colonel Samuel Ryerse (Ryerson)
Ryerse was a Loyalist from the British colony of New Jersey. He fought against the United States forces during the American Revolution. Ryerse was twice imprisoned under harsh conditions. Following the revolution, he was granted land in New Brunswick. He returned to New York and New Jersey for a time, but wartime grudges persisted, and as a consequence of meeting with Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe in Upper Canada, Ryerse decided to move his family to Norfolk County not far from the Long Point Settlement by Lake Erie.
Ryerse’s land grant in Norfolk County was by the mouth of Young’s Creek in Woodhouse Township. There, he founded a village, Port Ryerse, having constructed mills there. The hamlet became an important shipping port for some years for local shipments of grains, lumber, and other commodities. Eventually, the railways took over the transporting of goods throughout the province.
Governor Simcoe appointed Ryerse justice of the peace in 1796. The next year, Ryerse was made lieutenant-colonel of the newly-formed 1st Norfolk Militia. Many other government appointments followed. During his bid to enter politics in 1804, Colonel Ryerse encountered sharp opposition which led to rather factious relations between some members of the area, such as Benajah Mallory, who later became a member of the Company of Canadian Volunteers for the American forces during the War of 1812.
Ryerse died in June 1812. The war of 1812 ensued, and the thriving hamlet of Port Ryerse was invaded by Colonel John B. Campbell’s American forces in May 1814, much of it burned and ransacked. Ryerse’s wife, Sarah (Underhill), staunchly defended their home during the dangerous raid.
Samuel’s gravesite is located in the peaceful churchyard of the Memorial Church in the historic village of Port Ryerse, Ontario, Canada.
Sarah Ryerse (Underhill Davenport)
Samuel Ryerse met his second wife, a widow, Sarah Underhill Davenport, in the colony of New Brunswick, British North America, as refugees from the recent upheaval of the American Revolution. Samuel’s first wife had died; Sarah’s first husband, Captain Davenport, a daring fighter during the American war, was killed.
Sarah and Samuel raised their children, along with those from his first marriage to his late wife Elizabeth Colwell, in the village they worked to build by the mouth of Young’s Creek, Port Ryerse. Like many women of that time, Sarah lost many of her children in infancy or early childhood due to illness and injury. Women also frequently succumbed to infection and to other birthing complications at that time.
In later years, Sarah joined her daughter, Amelia Ryerse Harris, at the Harris home, Eldon House, in London, Upper Canada, now Ontario, Canada, until her death in 1838. She rests by her husband, Samuel, at the Port Ryerse Memorial Church cemetery.
Amelia Harris (Ryerse)
Amelia was born in Port Ryerse, Upper Canada, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Ryerse. She was present with her mother at their homestead when Colonel John B. Campbell led his invading forces into their village along the Erie shore. The homestead was spared, but much of the village was destroyed by the American forces.
She was a young woman of seventeen when she first saw her future husband at work along the Erie shore: “That is the man I shall marry,” she is quoted as saying. Indeed, she did marry Captain John Harris of the Royal Navy. He was to continue hydrographic surveying of the Great Lakes under Captain William Fitz William Owen. Amelia joined her husband at the survey headquarters located in Kingston, Ontario.
By 1817, the growing family moved to her “Loyalist” lands near Port Ryerse, and they lived there until 1834. Her husband had become Treasurer of the London District, and when the district capital was relocated from Vittoria to London in 1826, the Harris family eventually moved to London where they had constructed a new home at a picturesque location overlooking the forks of the Thames River.
Their home in London, Upper Canada, came to be known as the Eldon House, named after a lord of England. Many visitors were entertained there over the years. Various family members resided at Eldon House throughout the years. Amelia started a journal there and other family members did as well. A collection of some of these notes, diaries, and an assortment of correspondence can be found in a book entitled, The Eldon House Diaries: Five Women’s Views of the 19th Century.
Eldon House, the generational home of the Harris family, is a historic site in the city of London, Ontario, Canada. The beautiful house contains memorabilia from the Harris family and welcomes visitors through its doors for touring, various special events, and exhibitions that reflect life of a bygone era in the history of Canada. The historic site is also known for its lovely gardens.
Joseph Ryerson
Joseph was the younger brother of Samuel Ryerse. The change in the spelling of Samuel’s last name remains the subject of various explanations, one being a misspelling in army documents. Joseph’s signature remained the same throughout his lifetime. Like his elder brother, Joseph joined the Loyalist forces during the American Revolution.
Ryerson settled in Norfolk around 1799. He received government appointments, such as Sheriff of the London District. During the War of 1812, Ryerson was a lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Regiment, Norfolk Militia.
He raised a large family with his wife, Sarah Mehetable Stickney; one of their sons was Adolphus Egerton, minister and educator who helped to shape Ontario’s educational system. They lived in Charlotteville for many years. Ryerson was 94 when he died; Sarah, 84. They are buried side by side at the Old Woodhouse Cemetery in Norfolk County, Ontario.
Captain Arthur Sinclair
Sinclair was a Virginian who distinguished himself as a naval officer with the United States Navy. Prior to the War of 1812, Sinclair served in the United States Quasi-war with France and the First Barbary war.
During the War of 1812, Sinclair was part of Commodore Isaac Chauncey’s squadron in the Great Lakes of North America. Captain Sinclair took part in several major engagements during that time, such as the encounter in the Burlington Bay of Lake Ontario on 28 September 1813 between Commodore Chauncey’s squadron and Commander James Yeo’s Royal Navy squadron. This brisk, intense exchange ended without a decisive victory for either force. Sinclair was commander of USS General Pike during this contest for control of the lakes.
The battle for superiority of the upper lakes and the vital northwest trade route took place in the summer of 1814. Sinclair, in the legendary USS Niagara as flagship, led a powerful squadron from Detroit to the confluence of Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior. The United States fleet was unsuccessful in taking Fort Mackinac or in seizing control of the area.
After the war, Sinclair was promoted to commodore. He was assigned to a shipbuilding navy yard, the Gosport Navy Yard, renamed Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, and it was during this time that he organized training specifically designed for emerging naval officers. The idea was successful and formed the basis for the development of a formal naval school; The United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland.
Sinclair died at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1831.
Reverend Titus Finch
Elder Finch, as he was often known, was a United Empire Loyalist that had fought for the British forces during the American Revolution. At the end of the conflict, he settled in an area of Nova Scotia that became part of the province of New Brunswick in 1784.
In 1798, Finch and his family settled along Lake Erie not far from the hamlets of Port Ryerse and Vittoria, Upper Canada. He and his sons operated a grist mill which was among those burned during the raid led by Colonel John B. Campbell in May of 1814.
Finch became a devout Christian and preached the word of God for some years prior to his arrival in Upper Canada. He was eventually ordained as a Baptist minister and continued his religious work throughout the growing communities throughout the Norfolk area. Finch helped to establish a Baptist Church, the first in the London District, at Vittoria in 1803/04.
Reverend Finch moved to Lobo Township in Middlesex County in his later years to live with family members. He died there, and the date of his death is said to be 1821, while other sources state that he died in 1834. He is buried in Vittoria, Norfolk County, Ontario in the cemetery of the original Baptist church, which was replaced by a larger structure on Lamport Street. When this church was unable to continue for worship services the building was sold.
Silas Montross
Along with brothers, Levi and Peter, and sisters, Phoebe, Frances, and Margaret, Silas Montross ventured to the Long Point Settlement in Upper Canada from New Brunswick.
He and his wife, Sarah, and their children settled near Finch’s Mill at Newport. Newport was a village situated in a pretty valley along Lake Erie; it was often referred to as “The Glen”, and today is known as Fisher’s Glen/Fishers Glen after one of the owners of a later milling complex.
Montross operated a distillery close to Finch’s Mill. Colonel John B. Campbell and his men decided to take advantage of the distillery’s close proximity to the mill as they raided the village in May 1814. The colonel and his men helped themselves to a generous supply of the spirits.
Montross’s wife, Sarah, passed away at the young age of 40 several years after the war in 1818. He lived until 1824 to the age of only 52 years.
Daniel Rapelje
Rapelje immigrated to Upper Canada from New York following the American Revolution. He and his wife, Elizabeth Vandervoort, and their family first settled in Norfolk County. Upon receiving a grant of land along the Talbot Road near Kettle Creek, Rapelje and his family moved to the acreage. He constructed one of the area’s first grist mills and divided parts of his grant into town lots. A community developed and was named St. Thomas in honour of Sir Thomas Talbot. This small community grew to become the city of St. Thomas, Ontario.
Rapelje served in the War of 1812 as a captain in the 1st Middlesex Militia. During August of 1814, he led a company to intercept a destructive raiding party led by dissident Andrew Westbook. Westbrook had captured several local militia officers during a raid. Rapelje and his company ambushed Westbrook and his raiders but one of the prisoners, Captain John Carroll Jr., was killed by friendly fire.
Rapelje donated land for the construction of an Anglican church and cemetery. The historic-designated church no longer offers regular worship services but remains an important reminder of the community’s past; the Old St. Thomas Church, also known as St. Thomas Pioneer Church, continues to host special services, community events and activities, and welcomes visitors throughout the year.
Abraham A. Rapelje
Rapelje, a Loyalist, arrived in Upper Canada around 1800 to settle in Norfolk County. He and his family first settled near Dover Mills (Port Dover), before moving to Vittoria following the end of the War of 1812.
During the war, he was a captain in the 1st Flank Company of the 2nd Regiment of the Norfolk Militia, and later, in a Volunteer Incorporated Militia Battalion of Upper Canada. The regiments participated in various battles.
Rapelje was appointed Sheriff of the London District. He continued service in the local militia for many years and lived a long life in Norfolk County.
His wife, Sarah (Wyckoff), was keen to visit her relatives in the United States, and, on one occasion, made the long, arduous trip to New York accompanied by only her children across the wilderness in a horse and wagon. She raised a large family with Abraham.
John Bostwick
John Bostwick accompanied his brother, Henry, to Upper Canada from Massachusetts, United States, following the death of their father, Reverend Gideon Bostwick, in 1793.
John first settled in the Long Point area and began to learn the skills of a surveyor.
Throughout the War of 1812, Bostwick was a captain in the 1st Regiment Norfolk Militia. He was nearly killed during the Battle of Nanticoke Creek in November 1813. The location of the event is designated a National Historic Site of Canada and marked by a plaque at the Nanticoke Community Centre in Walpole Township, Ontario.
After the war, he and his family settled on property he had acquired on Kettle Creek in southwestern Ontario. He founded a village there that came to be called Port Stanley. Undeterred by the often shallow, shifting shore by Kettle Creek, Bostwick established a viable harbour for trade and shipping of goods in Elgin County. In later years, the successful harbour was operated by Transport Canada. Commercial fishing also took place in the nearby waters as the historic community evolved into a popular recreational destination; sandy beach, dance halls, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and theatres are some of the enjoyable activities that continue to be visited to this day.
The historic lakeside village contains several markers and plaques regarding its history. A stone cairn in the village marks the village as a National Historic Site of Canada. The sandy shore at the mouth of the ancient waterway, Kettle Creek, was a stopping point for early explorers, and in the early campaign of the War of 1812, General Brock rested with his forces there before reaching Fort Detroit and launching his capture of the fort in August of 1812.
Throughout his life, Bostwick held various government positions, such as Sheriff of the London District, member of the House of Assembly for Middlesex, and as a justice of the peace. He contributed to surveying tracts of land in the area around the Talbot Settlement, and in 1804, surveyed the early section of the Talbot Road from Sayle’s Mills, which is now known as Waterford, Ontario, to Port Talbot, Upper Canada.
John Bostwick donated land for the construction of an Anglican place of worship, and a church was completed in 1845; Christ Church still offers services today. Bostwick is buried in the adjacent churchyard cemetery.
Henry Bostwick
Henry was John’s younger brother. Henry and his wife, Ann Nancy Williams, settled in Dover Mills, Port Dover today. The young lawyer was appointed by General Brock to serve as a lieutenant-colonel for the 1st Regiment Oxford Militia during the War of 1812. The Oxford Militia participated in many significant battles during the war, such as the taking of Fort Detroit by British forces in 1812. Colonel Bostwick is well remembered for his role in organizing and leading a force of Oxford and Norfolk militia to a suspected traitor’s home on Nanticoke Creek near Lake Erie in November 1813. The encounter is known as the Battle of Nanticoke Creek.
The stalwart lieutenant-colonel was also a leader of the combined militia and First Nations force that, despite the odds, attempted to repel a superior United States force led by Brigadier General Duncan McArthur at the Battle of Malcolm’s Mills in the Burford Gore, Oakland today. This rather short, but significant, battle of November 6, 1814, is considered to be the final battle fought in Canada during the war. The Americans defeated the militia resistance and continued along the Long Point Trail burning and looting their way back to Detroit. Many valuable mills, stores, and farms were destroyed during this brutal raid leaving many citizens destitute as winter was arriving.
Henry Bostwick and his family lost their own home and many of their possessions during another brutal raid by American forces led by Lieutenant Colonel John B. Campbell in the spring of 1814. Both British and American forces conducted destructive raids on homes, mills, towns, and villages throughout the war.
It was not long after the war, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Bostwick died in the summer of 1816; it is thought that the effects of old wounds from the late war as well as illness led to his early death at 34 years of age.
Samuel Edison
Samuel Ogden Edison moved to the Talbot Settlement area near Lake Erie in 1811. He accompanied his elderly father, John Edison, across the country from Nova Scotia where John and his family fled following the American Revolution. John was a Loyalist who was convicted of treason and condemned to be hanged. With his wife’s help, the Edison family was able to escape to the colony of Nova Scotia.
Samuel and his first wife, Nancy Simpson, established a home with their children not far from Big Otter Creek which empties into Lake Erie at the village of Port Burwell. A hamlet grew, first known as Shrewsbury, and renamed Vienna. Some accounts suggest that the name, Vienna, relates to the Edison (Edeson) family’s heritage in some way.
Samuel Sr. was a captain in the 1st Regiment Middlesex Militia during the war of 1812. One of Samuel’s sons was named Samuel. Although the family had Loyalist ties, Samuel Jr., years after the war of 1812, joined the movement attempting to bring about government reforms. He was forced to flee Canada due to his involvement in the Rebellion of 1837. Samuel Jr. and his wife, Nancy Elliott, raised a family in the United States, and one of their sons was Thomas Alva Edison who became the famous inventor. The development of the incandescent lamp or light bulb was one of Thomas’ most well-known achievements.
It is believed that Thomas visited his family homestead in Vienna, Canada, on occasion. Thomas became good friends with fellow inventor, Henry Ford. After Thomas Edison’s death, Ford purchased the original Edison homestead and had it moved to the Greenfield Village, part of the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan, United States. A plaque remains in Vienna where the homestead once stood. There was an Edison Museum in Vienna for many years, but has since closed indefinitely. Some historical records regarding the Edison family may be found at the Elgin County Museum and Archives. As well, the Bayham Historical Society operates a community museum, The Edison, Vienna and Area Museum in the village.
The village of Vienna became a prosperous one during the lumber boom industry around 1850, but eventually the intense harvesting depleted the area of trees, which not only caused the village to decline but the entire region was affected due to loss of vegetation and subsequent erosion that persisted for many years.
Samuel Sr. lived a long life; he passed away in 1865 at the age of 98 and is buried at Edison Pioneer Cemetery in Bayham Township, Elgin County, Ontario.
David Secord
Numerous members of the Secord family from the United States settled in Canada following the American Revolution. Many had participated in Butler’s Rangers and made their homes in the Niagara District of Upper Canada, while others moved into the regions around the Lake Erie shore.
One of the ‘Davids’ settled in Yarmouth Township of Middlesex County in the London District of the province at the time. He and his wife, Mary Mabee, erected a log cabin around 1810 on a farm by Catfish Creek near the hamlet of New Sarum in present-day Elgin County, Ontario.
Secord was appointed captain of the 1st Flank Middlesex Militia during the War of 1812. The Middlesex Militia saw considerable action during the war, including the Battle of Lundy’s Lane in July 1814.
William Bowen
Bowen’s father, Daniel, was a Loyalist who had fought with the New Jersey Volunteers during the American Revolution. Afterward, the Bowens left the United States for Nova Scotia. In the spring of 1811, the Bowen family relocated to Upper Canada along Patterson’s Creek at Dover Mills, Port Dover today. Shortly thereafter, William and his father purchased a farm from Benajah Mallory located in the village of Burford.
In 1812, Bowen was appointed a major in the 1st Regiment Norfolk Militia. He helped to assemble soldiers for the Detroit campaign in August 1812. He was among those of the Norfolk Regiment to fight at Lundy’s Lane in July 1814, and at Malcolm’s Mills later that year.
Following the war, Bowen took interest in the growing community of Burford. He continued to participate in the local militia, became a justice of the peace and the first postmaster of Burford. The village remains a bustling community in Southern Ontario.
Major William Bowen rests at the Burford Pioneer Cemetery.
John Eakins
Eakins, Adjutant in the 1st Oxford Militia, took part in various battles during the War of 1812. He was given command of the 1st Regiment Middlesex Militia during the Battle of Malcolm’s Mills in November 1814.
George Catchmayd Salmon
George C. Salmon was born in England and came to Canada around 1809/10. His wife, Mary (Moon) and their sons, George Jr. and William, accompanied him to Woodhouse Township in the county of Norfolk. They settled not far from Port Ryerse.
During the War of 1812, Salmon was appointed a major in the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia. The regiment took part in numerous battles, including at Lundy’s Lane in July 1814 and Malcolm’s Mills in November 1814.
Salmon became a justice of the peace and one of his sons, George Jr., became a pastor; William became involved in politics for the county of Norfolk.
There was another George Salmon born in Pennsylvania that settled in Woodhouse Township around 1799. He travelled from New Brunswick to Norfolk County and married Parnel Mead.
Mahlon Burwell
Burwell, at a young age, arrived in Upper Canada from New Jersey with his family not long after the conclusion of the American Revolution. He settled near Port Talbot with his wife, Sarah (Haun) and became a surveyor.
Burwell was commissioned by the lieutenant-governor at that time, Sir Francis Gore, to survey township lots in the wilderness in preparation for the continued development of the road surveyed and begun by John Bostwick in 1804. This road ran from Sayle’s Mills, Waterford now, to Port Talbot by Lake Erie. Burwell’s surveying led to the expansion of the road that was to become known as the Talbot Trail/Road which continued along the north shore of the lake to Amherstburg and Sandwich, now Windsor. Burwell surveyed areas for various other roads, such as the Proof Line Road through London, Upper Canada; these roads connected communities and promoted further settlement, particularly within the Talbot Settlement. Burwell and Thomas Talbot were business acquaintances and friends.
During the War of 1812, Burwell was appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the 1st Regiment Middlesex Militia. He was made prisoner by marauders in August 1814 and taken to Chillicothe, Ohio; he was released by the end of that year. During his capture, his home and buildings were razed.
Burwell was well regarded for his thorough, detailed, and meticulous notes and maps to do with his surveying. He conducted numerous surveys throughout many counties and townships of Upper Canada, including Kent, Essex, Bayham, Southwold, Malahide, Middleton, Norfolk, Haldimand, and others. He also performed surveying in the new district capital of London, Upper Canada, in 1826.
Surveying work was tough, gruelling, and often dangerous work in the wilderness. Burwell and others involved in surveying work spent much time in the elements. This is believed to have contributed to various ailments, some becoming chronic such as ague, intestinal ailments, and, as in Burwell’s case, rheumatism.
As payment for his survey work, Burwell often received land, and he acquired large holdings in this way. By 1830-31, Burwell and his brother, John, founded a village at the mouth of Otter Creek in Bayham Township. The village became known as Port Burwell, and the brothers established a harbour and lumber trade/shipping enterprise. Burwell donated land for the establishment of a church and cemetery in the growing community. He contributed to the construction of Trinity Anglican Church which began worship services by the spring of 1836. The historic church continues to offer fellowship and worship services.
Burwell took interest in community matters in his home area and was appointed to various government positions, such as justice of the peace, registrar of lands for Middlesex, and as a member of the Legislative Assembly for Oxford and Middlesex, Middlesex, and the town of London. He was involved with educational matters as well.
Burwell donated acreage for the construction of another church near the site of his former home and office: St. Stephen’s Anglican Church was built in 1871 and is located at Burwell’s Corners on Fingal Line in Elgin County, Ontario. Mahlon Burwell and his wife, Sarah, are buried in the adjacent cemetery.
Port Burwell is home to the extraordinary HMCS Ojibwa, Museum of Naval History and the Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse.
Little Turtle (Mihsihkinaahkwa, Me-She-Kin-No-Quah, Michikinikwa and various other spellings)
Little Turtle grew up in what was to become the state of Indiana. Before statehood, Indiana was part of the Northwest Territory established by the United States government in 1787. The vast area was territory and home of many Indigenous peoples. As European settlement increased in the territory, Native Americans came together as allies to stop the encroachment into their territories. Delaware, Shawnee, Potawatomi, Miami, Ojibwa, and others joined the defense of their lands.
Little Turtle became one of the participants in defending Indigenous territory. Various sources indicate he was the son of a Miami chief and his mother is believed to have been Mahican (Mohican). Prior to the establishment of the Northwest Territory, Little Turtle allied with the British during the American Revolution. The tall, strong Little Turtle was an exceptional warrior and became a Miami war chief.
Violent encounters between those defending Indigenous territory and those seeking (having purchased land from the United States government) to settle in the Northwest Territory became increasingly brutal. United States forces were ordered to the territory and battles ensued; these battles became known as the Northwest Indian Wars or Little Turtle’s War. After a devastating loss by United States forces under Major-General Arthur St. Clair along the Wabash River against Little Turtle and allies, a well-trained force under United States commander Major-General Anthony Wayne entered the Northwest Territory, prepared to battle against allied Indigenous forces.
Around this time, sensing the number and the improvement in skills of the United States soldiers, Little Turtle advocated for peace negotiations with the United States government. Other leaders, such as Blue Jacket (Weyapiersenwah) of the Shawnee and Buckongahelas of the Delaware/Lenape people, believed otherwise and trusted their British allies for support in their cause, if need be.
On August 20, 1794 by the Maumee River, Ohio, in a clearing littered by wind-damaged branches and brush, General Wayne defeated the Native American forces. As the warrior forces sought refuge at the British-held fort, Fort Miami, the British commander, Lieutenant-Colonel William Campbell, would not let them enter fearing a war with the United States if he did so. Bitter shock and disappointment were felt by the Native American forces; their alliance with each other and the British ended for some time.
Following what came to be known as the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Little Turtle and other Native American leaders entered into peace negotiations with General Wayne, and, after relinquishing vast lands, Native American leaders completed the signing of the Greenville Treaty, August 3, 1795. The British were compelled to abandon Fort Miami and all British-occupied forts in United States territory as set out in the Jay’s Treaty of November, 1794.
In 1809, the Treaty of Fort Wayne was negotiated between William Henry Harrison, representative for the United States government, and many leaders of various Native American tribes. Along with Little Turtle, many chiefs signed the treaty ceding millions of acres of Indigenous territory to the United States government.
Not all chiefs supported the treaty, such as the Mississinewa hereditary chiefs and representatives of the Miami people. Little Turtle was not considered their representative on such matters, and was criticized by some for signing treaties on their behalf. He was no longer allowed to speak for the Miami people.
Afterward, a new Native American alliance was forming under the leadership of the Shawnee warrior, Tecumseh, and his brother, Tenskwatawa, also known as The Prophet. Defence of Indigenous territory from white settlement erupted into violence once again. Tecumseh, along with many Native Americans and First Nations, allied with the British during the War of 1812. Little Turtle did not join this alliance. For the rest of his life, he promoted peace, temperance, and an agricultural way of life as a means of survival for Native Americans. The United States victory at the Battle of the Thames in October 1813 in Upper Canada, and the death of Tecumseh caused the end of the Indigenous-allied resistance for a time.
For many Native Americans, struggles for defence of territory, self-governance, and preservation of their traditional way of life continued for some years. Little Turtle remained steadfast in his belief and efforts toward peace. He met with various American presidents such as George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. He received gifts and a house was provided for him.
Little Turtle suffered from gout and rheumatism. He died in July 1812 at the home of his son-in-law, William Wells. He was buried at Fort Wayne. There is a commemorative marker for the respected warrior and peacemaker in a park off of Spy Run Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Chapter 26 – Camp Bull in Chillicothe, Ohio
Nathaniel Massie
Massie was born in Virginia and fought as a patriot in the Virginia Militia during the American Revolution. As a well-educated young man, he settled on land in Kentucky given to him by his father, who had purchased the land on advice from his friend and acquaintance, Daniel Boone.
In the dangerous wilderness of Kentucky, Massie learned the skills of surviving in the woods. He learned the skills of a surveyor of lands. His ambitious, determined spirit enabled him to develop fortitude and endurance required for exploring, charting, and surveying in the challenging climate and landscape of the newly independent nation. He became a sought-after surveyor throughout the region. As well, Massie invested in commercial ventures, such as trading in salt and furs.
By 1790, Massie was appointed to the position of deputy surveyor responsible to chart the Virginia Military District: land grants for veterans of the recent American Revolution. He surveyed extensively. As payment for his services, he acquired much land. He also purchased land grants from those wishing to sell their grants.
Massie also surveyed large tracts of land in the Ohio region of the young Northwest Territory. This was particularly challenging as the region was in the midst of conflict with the Indigenous population who were defending their territory.
In Ohio, Massie founded Massie’s Station, now Manchester. He was becoming a wealthy landowner and businessman. He also founded Chillicothe along the Scioto River in Ohio and Bainbridge, Ohio.
Massie became involved in politics in Ross County, Ohio. He firmly opposed Governor Arthur St. Clair’s attempts to divide the Northwest Territory. Massie believed such a division would hinder Ohio’s ability to become a state of their own. He and his allies, Thomas Worthington and Edward Tiffin, organized a petition to prevent St. Clair’s attempts. Following this successful tact, Ohio entered statehood in 1803.
Although Massie was the first speaker of the Ohio State Legislature, he eventually left politics. In the spring of 1813, upon hearing that Fort Meigs was under siege by the British and their allies, Massie organized a force and led them to aid in defense of the fort. The British forces withdrew but would conduct another failed attempt in July 1813.
Massie died in November of 1813, having succumbed to pneumonia.
Sir Francis Gore
Gore had held various military positions as a young man. In 1806, he was selected to become the third lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada. Upon his arrival in Upper Canada, he was anxious to promote harmony amongst the growing concerns of a nascent province.
Regardless of his intentions, Gore was immersed in numerous contentious issues during his tenure: land patents, clergy reserves, government appointments, economic development, American interests, and more.
His measures to curb American immigration met with resistance amongst members of the Legislative Assembly. Matters became so contested that Gore decided to prorogue parliament in April 1817.
Gore took interest in military matters and was in support of the formation and training of militias. However, he took a leave of absence during the years 1812 to 1815. Gore returned in 1815 to continue his role as lieutenant-governor.
Gore enjoyed socializing and with his wife, Annabella (Wentworth), often hosted elegant affairs at Government House in York, present-day Toronto.
By June, 1817, with his wife ailing and matters escalating in parliament, Gore returned to his homeland in England and remained there for the remainder of his life.
General William Hull
Hull was born in the British colony of Connecticut. He completed his education as a lawyer shortly before the onset of the American Revolution. He joined the Continental Army and fought for independence against the British. Following the revolution, he became the first governor of Michigan Territory in 1805. He was also appointed superintendent of Indian Affairs and procured land from Native Americans with the Treaty of Detroit in 1807. Further unrest at the loss of their territories arose amongst the Indigenous peoples.
With the onset of the War of 1812, Hull was selected to lead the Army of the Northwest due to his military experience during the American revolutionary war. As brigadier general, Hull led a force comprising the United States 4th Infantry Regiment and militia, many from Ohio. They marched to Fort Detroit from whence Hull led a force into Canada in July, distributing his own proclamation to the inhabitants of Canada at the onset of the American invasion before he withdrew back to Fort Detroit.
In August of 1812, General Isaac Brock, Tecumseh, John Brant, John Norton, allied First Nations, and militia commenced a siege of Fort Detroit. Hull believed there to be a larger British force than there actually was. Although the United States forces were larger than the British forces, Hull surrendered on August 16, 1812, much to the dismay of some of his fellow officers and soldiers.
Deemed cowardly for his premature surrender, Hull was charged with cowardice, treason, neglect of duty, and bad conduct. A military court-martial sentenced him to execution, but due to his military services during the revolutionary war, President Madison reduced the sentence to a dishonourable discharge.
Hull retired with his wife, Sarah (Fuller), to their farm in Massachusetts. He lived the remainder of his life there and penned memoirs regarding the circumstances of his actions during the siege of Detroit. His son, Captain Abraham Hull, fought at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and was killed there. His nephew, adopted by Hull after his brother’s death, was Isaac Hull, commander of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. It was under his command that USS Constitution engaged in a fierce battle with HMS Guerriere commanded by James Dacres and resulted in the surrender of the shattered Guerriere.
Captain John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen)
Norton’s mother is believed to be Scottish, his father Cherokee.
Norton, once a British soldier in Upper Canada, became a teacher for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte along Lake Ontario in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, for a time. Later, he came to live along the Grand River with the Six Nations and was adopted by Joseph Brant as his nephew. He was given the title of Teyoninhokarawen, and as a leader and interpreter dealt with various issues for the inhabitants of the Six Nations Territory, particularly with regard to land claims issues with the Crown.
Not only was he interpreter for the Six Nations, but for the Indian Department as well as amongst Christian groups. Norton is noted for his work in translating the Gospel of St. John into Mohawk.
Norton travelled to the United States to visit his relatives, and upon his return in June 1810, soon found himself involved with the War of 1812. Working with his friend, John Brant, Norton brought together First Nations warriors, many from the Six Nations, and allied with the British cause. He and First Nations forces participated in many battles during this time, such as the Battle of Queenston Heights where they distinguished themselves against the United States forces.
Following the war, Norton travelled to England with his wife, Catherine/Karighwaycagh, a Delaware/Lenape woman, and his son from an earlier marriage. He compiled years of journal notes into a Journal of Major John Norton, 1816. He also was appointed brevet major in the British Army.
When he and his family returned to Upper Canada in 1816, they settled along the Grand River at Sims Locks, not far from the village of York, Ontario, today. During his time on his farm, Hilltop Farm, at Sims Locks, he became involved in a duel with another man regarding his wife. The man was killed during the altercation and Norton was convicted of manslaughter and fined.
Norton made a pension settlement with Catherine and left Upper Canada never to return or to see Catherine again. Catherine went to reside at Moraviantown/New Fairfield, Upper Canada where she died in 1827. Norton travelled to the United States, and little is known about what happened to this influential man who was much a part of early Upper Canada history.
A Six Nations and Native Allies Commemorative Memorial/Landscape of Nations can be visited at the Queenston Heights Park along the Niagara Parkway at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.
Norton has been designated as a National Historic Person and a plaque by Parks Canada to commemorate him states his birth date as December 16, 1770 and his death as 1827. The memorial was unveiled on November 2, 2024, also at Queenston Heights Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Judge James Mitchell
Mitchell came to Upper Canada from his homeland of Scotland around 1800 to take up his position as tutor to the family of Robert Hamilton of Niagara. He was a friend of fellow Scotsman, John Strachan. By 1807, Mitchell became head of the London District Grammar School and settled on a farm in the Long Point Settlement of Norfolk County not far from Vittoria, Charlotteville Township. The grammar school was located at his home and many children in the county attended. He married one of Joseph Ryerson’s daughters, Elizabeth. They built a spacious house, called the Hermitage, on their farm.
During the War of 1812, Mitchell was a captain of a company in the 1st Regiment Norfolk Militia and fought at various engagements, such as the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Afterward, Mitchell was appointed judge, Judge Mitchell, of the London District. When the courthouse burned in 1825, the district capital was relocated to London. Mitchell continued his role as judge for the district and lived away from his farm for long periods of time to be nearer to the new courthouse.
Eventually, Mitchell retired from his role as judge and lived the remainder of his life on his Norfolk farm.
Judge Mitchell left a remarkable legacy in relation to his acute interest in teaching and learning: On hearing about the opening of a college to be founded by Presbyterians of Upper Canada, Mitchell gifted some books to the school including a bible and new testaments. The entire collection is still maintained at the university that was founded in 1841, and now known as Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. His donation is known as the Mitchell Gift: the beginning of the university library and archives.
Titus Williams
Williams was born at Long Island, New York in the United States of America in 1790. His father, Captain Jonathan Williams, a United Empire Loyalist, took his family to Upper Canada around 1800. They settled in the Woodhouse Township of Norfolk County, and when Titus reached the age of 18 years, he joined the Norfolk Militia as an ensign.
During the War of 1812, Williams became a lieutenant and later, a captain in the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Milita. He participated in various battles and skirmishes throughout the war and was taken prisoner during a retrieval of cached flour and supplies at Sugar Loaf Hill (near today’s Port Colborne) on Lake Erie in June of 1813. Legend has it that in retaliation for poor treatment as prisoners, Williams chopped down a United States Liberty pole. He and his fellow prisoners were in danger of execution during their incarceration.
Williams was released in May of 1814 and returned home by July and appointed adjutant of the 4th Regiment Norfolk Militia. Following the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, Williams was stationed at the fort being constructed at Turkey Point, Fort Norfolk, as quartermaster and paymaster.
Williams had a large family, having married twice, first to Elizabeth McCollum and then Susannah Rohrer. He settled near Lake Erie at Walsingham in the Long Point Settlement area. He remained a member of the Norfolk Militia until his hearing and eyesight became impaired with age and was a colonel upon his retirement. Colonel Titus Williams died in 1879 and is buried at Newkirk Cemetery in the lakeside hamlet of St. Williams, Ontario.
Philip Wilson
Wilson is thought to have seen the pretty valley that was to become the hamlet of Lynedoch along Big Creek when camped there as a prisoner following a campaign of raiding and burning by United States forces.
Wilson settled there with his wife, Elizabeth Lydia Monroe, and their family. He established mills along the creek and operated a tavern from his home. The Wilson home was situated along the Bostwick Road and was a popular stopping place for many travelling through the area.
Wilson was a member of the 1st Regiment Norfolk Militia.
William Culver
William was the son of Joseph and Phoebe Culver of New Jersey in the United States of America. William came to Upper Canada with his father, mother, and his wife, Catherine Fisher, and other family members.
Culver settled in Norfolk County in the Woodhouse Gore where his father also had settled. He constructed mills nearby and also operated a tavern in the gore. It has been written that General Brock made his appearance at Culver’s Tavern on his way to Detroit in 1812; the general rallied volunteers for the British cause. In 1814, as General McArthur and his troops made their way along the road toward Detroit following their marauding campaign, they stopped at the same tavern on William’s property. Legend has it that before leaving the Culver’s establishment, the rowdy American patrons decided to paint the exterior of the building a bright red.
Culver served in the Norfolk Militia during the War of 1812.
Thomas Hornor (Horner)
Hornor arrived in Upper Canada with his cousin, Thomas Watson Jr., from New Jersey around 1794. Following the American Revolution, Upper Canada’s first lieutenant-governor, John Graves Simcoe, offered generous grants of land to encourage settlement. Many people fleeing persecution and having lost their homes due to the consequences of the brutal revolution took up land and were designated as United Empire Loyalists. Wishing to hasten settlement in the wilderness of Upper Canada, Simcoe allowed American settlers, such as Hornor for example, to take up land provided an oath to the British Crown was given by the applicant/s. The settlement plan by Simcoe that included American settlers, some of whom had fought against the Crown during the revolution, was criticized for years to come as distrust persisted against these settlers.
The land granted to Horner was located further from Lakes Erie or Ontario in largely unsettled areas that were to become part of Blenheim Township in Oxford County in Upper Canada. Hornor and his cousin were very early settlers in the area, and, despite poor or no roads in the heavily forested wilderness, they managed to erect a sawmill, as well as a gristmill along a river, which became known as Hornor Creek/Horner’s Creek. When the grants allocated to them were reduced in size by the incoming lieutenant-governor, Peter Russell, Watson decided to return to the United States.
Hornor wished to remain and continued to develop the area by establishing roads, having the area surveyed, and becoming involved in the development of a community. He married Olive Baker and they settled on a farm. He received numerous government appointments including justice of the peace for the London District, captain of the 1st Regiment Oxford Militia, and Registrar for Oxford and Middlesex counties. A fierce rivalry ensued between Hornor and Benajah Mallory, especially for the position of deputy-lieutenancy of Oxford County. Accusations of disloyalty to the King and his subjects were made against the American-born Hornor. He lost some of his government appointments, including the deputy-lieutenancy.
During the War of 1812, Hornor was unable to retain or receive an officer’s position in the Oxford Militia. Undeterred, he enlisted as a private for the duration of the war. He aided Captain John Norton in recruiting First Nations allies for the Detroit campaign in 1812 as he had become acquainted with and friends with many First Nations people near the Mohawk Village at Brant’s Ford, now Brantford. Although he was once a Quaker, Hornor became a member of the Church of England and joined his friend, Joseph Brant, as a member of Lodge No. 11 of the Masonic Order.
In 1809, Hornor’s gristmill burned. He did not rebuild the mill, but concentrated on his farm and entered politics. In 1820, he represented the County of Oxford in the House of Assembly. During his time in the Legislature, he supported many reforms. He was appointed colonel of the 1st Oxford Militia in 1822. After retiring from politics by 1830, Hornor enjoyed farming and working and repairing farm implements of the time. He was a co-inventor of improvements to the horse-powered threshing machine.
Hornor took great interest in the community that had developed around the early mill sites begun by him and his cousin. The hamlet was first named Prince Town, and eventually was called Princeton.
Hornor died in 1834 during a cholera epidemic. He is buried at the Princeton Cemetery along old Governor’s Road/#2 near the historic community he helped to found.
John Snider
Snider was a United Empire Loyalist from Pennsylvania who acquired lots in the New Settlement of Essex County in Upper Canada.
He was a skilled blacksmith and one of the early settlers who contributed to the development of the area near the village of Colchester, Ontario, Canada.
He and his wife, Elizabeth, constructed their home along the Lake Erie shore. A popular anecdote regarding the house states that labourers working atop the roof could hear the thunderous sounds of the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813.
The original Snider house remains as a private residence and is considered the oldest house to belong to the ancestors of the same family since being constructed.
Snider and his wife are buried in one of the historic pioneer cemeteries in the Colchester area, Tofflemire Snider Cemetery.
Reverend Richard Pollard
By 1777, Pollard began his involvement with Upper Canada as a merchant in various communities including Kingston, Newark, and Detroit.
Pollard had received an education, which included law, in England before coming to Canada. While conducting a living as a merchant and trader, he was appointed to various government positions, such as registrar of deeds, sheriff of the Western District, postmaster, and others.
It seems he was ‘chosen’ by bishops, politicians, and peers as a candidate for the priesthood of the Church of England, particularly for the Western District of Upper Canada where a clergy presence was sorely needed. In 1804, he was ordained a priest and resigned from some of his government appointments to tend fully to his clergy duties, which at that time also included missionary work in Detroit.
Pollard travelled throughout the Western District to perform his duties and minister to as many people as he could. He was chaplain to the soldiers at Fort Amherstburg and worked to establish a church at Sandwich, Windsor today. The log church, St. John’s Anglican Church, was rebuilt in 1820; the first structure was burned during the War of 1812 by William Henry Harrison’s United States forces following the defeat of British forces during the Battle of Lake Erie in September 1813.
Pollard joined the British withdrawal from the fort and was present during the Battle of the Thames in October 1813. He was taken prisoner by the Americans for a time but returned in 1814. In the remaining year of the war, due to lack of clergy to fill the needs of Upper Canada at the time, Pollard ministered extensively throughout the province from Ernestown near Kingston to York, Ancaster, and surrounding areas and back to the Western District. The ‘chosen’ minister seemed to have found his calling as he worked with much effort to meet the spiritual needs of growing settlements.
Following the war, he worked to help establish Anglican churches in the Western District communities of Sandwich, Amherstburg, Chatham, and Colchester. The historical structure, St. John’s Church, begun in 1819 in Sandwich, Upper Canada, has been extended throughout the years and remains today in present-day Windsor, Ontario; Christ Church in Amherstburg, built in 1819, still offers services; St. Paul’s of Chatham, a log structure built in 1819 burned in later years, but a new Anglican church called Christ Church was built in Chatham to serve its parishioners; Christ Church in Colchester, constructed in 1821 became ruined due to lakeside erosion, but a new structure was constructed to serve the community.
Reverend Pollard suffered often from poor health. He died in 1824 and is buried in the historic cemetery of St. John’s Anglican Church Cemetery beside the church in what is now Windsor, Ontario.
Captain John Carroll (Carrol)
Carroll was the son of John Carroll Sr. and Mariah Carroll (VanAlstyne) from New York. They were early settlers of Oxford County in Upper Canada.
John Jr. became a captain in the 2nd Flank of the 1st Regiment Oxford Militia during the War of 1812. Captain Carroll was noted as a brave and dutiful militia officer. Following the Battle of the Thames near Moraviantown in October 1813, Carroll led a group of his men and injured persons toward Burlington Heights as they withdrew from the battle. Kentucky riflemen followed the beleaguered group until a skirmish ensued near the Forks of the Thames (London today) in the London District known as the Battle of Hungerford Hill/Reservoir Hill. Carroll and his militia forces bravely held their ground as they protected the injured against the American forces. Some sources indicate that the Canadian militia were aided by a local woman, Phoebe McNames who cared for the injured and assisted with ammunition during the dangerous exchange.
Marauders who were sympathetic to the United States conducted devastating raids throughout the Western and London Districts of Upper Canada. During the month of August 1814, Andrew Westbrook led a raid throughout the area and captured several militia officers. As Westbrook made his way back toward the United States with captives in tow, he and his marauders were ambushed by a detachment of militia led by Captain Daniel Rapelje. Although the marauders were dispersed by the attack and several captives freed, Carroll, riding in front on Westbrook’s familiar pinto horse, was shot and killed by friendly fire.
Ebenezer Allen
Allen appears to have been a most colourful, legendary inhabitant of the wilds of North America.
During the American Revolution, Allen joined Colonel John Butler and his Rangers in fighting against the American efforts for independence. As an ally to the British cause, he gained a reputation as a fierce fighter, spy, and agent for the British Indian Department. He appears to have been a rough and tough frontiersman who was unafraid of the danger and hard work necessary to survive in some of the most remote areas of the developing settlements in New York and later in his life, Upper Canada.
In spite of his loyalty to Britain, Allen found himself imprisoned by them when he was suspected of aiding the Americans as an interpreter for dealings with First Nations. Upon his release, he remained in the United States for a time before coming to Middlesex County. As he had done in New York in the Genesee Valley, he worked to establish mills and settlements in Upper Canada on land granted to him for his services during the Revolutionary War. He brought other settlers with him and constructed mills, distilleries, and houses along Dingman Creek near the Thames River. He remained a colourful character as one of the founders of the Village of Delaware; a questionable character by some for his spirited enjoyment for socializing with others and for his companionship with women, having several wives and many children.
However, once again, he found himself at odds with the British authorities and was imprisoned during the War of 1812. Along with a few of his neighbours, such as Andrew Westbrook and others with roots in the United States, Allen became sympathetic to the American cause during the war.
Eben Allen, as he often called himself, died shortly after his release from jail in 1813.
Ebenezer Allen is considered one of the earliest settlers of Rochester, New York, in the United States. The original millstones from the mill he constructed on the Genesee River are displayed at the County Office Building in Rochester, New York, United States of America: set in stone, so to speak.
John Dolsen (Dolson)
Dolsen was a lieutenant in the 1st Regiment Kent Militia when he was captured by Andrew Westbook in the early part of 1814. He was also leader of a rifle company that was engaged in various battles throughout the War of 1812, such as at Detroit, Queenston Heights, Fort Meigs in Ohio, Moraviantown, and Lundy’s Lane.
Dolsen helped operate the family farm situated not far from the mouth of the Thames River in the county of Kent, Upper Canada. Family members established a successful store, tavern, distillery, smithy, and dock where travellers and military units often stopped along the major thoroughfare beside the Thames River. This busy stopping place was often referred to as Dolsen’s Landing.
Christopher Arnold
Arnold also resided along the Thames River in Upper Canada during early settlement of the area when he came to Upper Canada with his father, Frederick, and family from the United States of America.
The Arnold farm and mill site are near a fording place in the Thames River called Howard Bridge (later called Kent Bridge) in Howard Township of Kent County. The historic hamlet of Kent Bridge remains today.
Arnold was an officer in the 1st Regiment Kent Militia. Legend has it that Tecumseh and his warriors rested overnight near Arnold’s mill the night before the Battle of the Thames on October 5, 1813. Tecumseh is said to have been friends with Arnold and others in the area, and on the morning of the ill-fated battle near Moraviantown he visited with Arnold before departing to battle.
Sykes Tousley
In 1812, Tousley was appointed major in the 1st Regiment Oxford Militia. The regiment participated in numerous actions such as at Detroit, Lundy’s Lane, and Malcolm’s Mills.
Tousley was taken prisoner by Andrew Westbrook and his marauders during a raid in April 1814; sources describe Westbrook breaking into the Tousley bedroom with Westbrook threatening to kill Mrs. Tousley’s husband should she scream.
Benjamin Eby
Eby accompanied family members, friends, and relatives to Upper Canada in 1807, having chosen a site during an earlier visit, to a tract of land near the Grand River inland from Lake Erie. They travelled from Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, United States. He and his first wife, Mary Brubacher, settled in the wilderness area that developed into the thriving district that is now known as the Waterloo Region or Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario.
Not long after his arrival, Eby was ordained a Mennonite minister, and sources describe him as a well-respected preacher. In 1812, Eby became a bishop. Eby took great interest in the growing settlement and helped to establish the community’s first meeting-house for worship in 1813. As well, a school had begun and a cemetery created.
Throughout his lifetime, Eby continued supporting the community in business development, schools, and worship. For some time, the prosperous community was called the Eby Settlement or Ebytown, and even simply Ben Eby’s. Later, the town was called Berlin, and later still, it was renamed Kitchener and remains so today as a city and the seat of government for the Waterloo Region.
Eby also was a schoolteacher, and he authored a number of books in German for school use and also wrote a history of Mennonite teachings and beliefs. After his first wife passed away, Eby married Magdalena Erb.
Bishop Eby died in 1853.
Richard Hatt
Hatt was a successful businessman who began his new life in Upper Canada when he arrived from his homeland of England. After involvement as a merchant in Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) for a time, Hatt partnered with his brother, Samuel, to construct a mill in the village of Ancaster along the Ancaster Creek. It was an impressive mill, both for its grinding capacity and its unique red colour, earning it the name the Red Mill.
Later, Hatt invested in a site along Spencer’s Creek and established a successful cluster of mills and other businesses located not far from Cootes Paradise, a large wetland extending from the west side of the Burlington Bay in the Hamilton Harbour of Lake Ontario below the grounds of Dundurn Castle (Burlington Heights during the War of 1812). Today, Cootes Paradise is a protected wetland and nature sanctuary under the care of the Royal Botanical Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada in Hamilton, Ontario.
Hatt’s prosperous mills and the surrounding hamlet that grew around them became known as Dundas Mills or Cootes Paradise and eventually grew to become the town of Dundas. One of the oldest structures in Dundas is a remnant of Hatt’s commercial enterprises, a stone shop, on Hatt Street.
Hatt was active in the community where he raised a family with his wife, Mary Cooley. He was appointed to various government positions, such as justice of the peace, judge, and politician. He also published a newspaper, Upper Canada Phoenix. He was an officer in the 5th Regiment Lincoln Militia, which saw much action during the War of 1812.
Hatt died at 50 years of age in 1819.
Henry Proctor (Procter)
Proctor was appointed a lieutenant-colonel with the 41st Regiment of Foot and ordered to take command of British forces at Fort Amherstburg in Upper Canada with the outbreak of the War of 1812. He led a series of skirmishes in the area around Fort Detroit by cutting off paths and communication near the fort and isolating the American forces there, enabling an opportunity for a British siege. General Brock and his forces successfully won the surrender of the fort by American forces on August 16, 1812.
In 1813, Proctor continued efforts in maintaining control of the area around Detroit, and following the victory at Frenchtown along the River Raisin in Michigan, he was promoted to major-general; the brutal treatment and killing of American prisoners left behind after the battle was the beginning of the end of Proctor’s accolades.
After the decisive British loss during the Battle of Lake Erie to the United States in September 1813, Proctor organized a retreat from Fort Amherstburg. Following the battle on the lake, supplies were dwindling at the fort, food was becoming scarce, and United States forces had retaken Fort Detroit and were closing in on Fort Amherstburg. The abandonment of Fort Amherstburg was complicated as many people occupied the fort including soldiers, settlers, First Nations, and respective families. During the difficult withdrawal along the muddy road toward Burlington Heights and with the United States forces in close pursuit, Proctor assured British ally Tecumseh that a stand would be taken against the Americans. Finally, on October 5, 1813, at a partial clearing beside a swampy wood near the village of Moraviantown along the Thames River, the British forces were soundly defeated. Early in the battle, Proctor retreated with some of his forces toward Burlington Heights, leaving Tecumseh and his warriors to fight a vicious battle with the United States forces. Tecumseh was killed during that Battle of the Thames.
Proctor was court-martialled and disgraced; although his sentence was reduced, his promising military career was over. He died in 1822 in England. Historians continue to discuss his role in the disastrous British campaign during 1813 in the Western District of Upper Canada, which suffered from lack of adequate supplies and soldiers during that time.
William Henry Harrison
Harrison was born in Virginia in 1773 and initially studied medicine before leaving college to join the army in 1791. As an aide-de-camp to General Anthony Wayne, Harrison was engaged in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Ohio, in August 1794, a United States government victory over Native Americans resisting encroachment on their territorial lands. He left the army shortly thereafter.
By 1800, Harrison was governor of Indiana Territory entrusted to negotiate treaties and acquire land from Native Americans in order to allow for settlement. In 1811, he again saw military action as commander of a force that defeated a Native American resistance along the Tippecanoe River, Indiana Territory.
During the War of 1812, Harrison was appointed commander of the Army of the Northwest. As a major general, he led a powerful force into Upper Canada following the British defeat on Lake Erie in September of 1813. After retaking Fort Detroit and claiming the British-razed Fort Amherstburg for the United States, Harrison pursued British General Proctor on his retreat from Amherstburg. Harrison and the United States forces defeated the British near Moraviantown/Fairfield during the Battle of the Thames. The Shawnee war chief, Tecumseh, was killed, and further negotiations for land resumed with the Native American people in the United States.
Harrison entered politics after the War of 1812, eventually becoming a presidential candidate. He lost on his first attempt, but on a second attempt several years later, he was successfully voted in as the ninth president of the United States of America in 1840.
On a cold, rainy March 4, 1841, Harrison gave a lengthy inaugural address in the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. He became ill soon after and died on April 4, 1841.
His wife, Anna (Tuthill Symmes), outlived him by some years. Harrison had wed her secretly in November of 1795, and they had ten children together. In later years, their grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was elected as 23rd president of the United States of America.
Chapter 27 – Past the Ancient Mounds
Jabez Collver (Colver, Culver)
Reverend Collver, a Presbyterian minister ordained in the United States of America, travelled from New Jersey to Upper Canada in 1793-94. Collver became interested in moving to Upper Canada after hearing about Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe’s settlement incentives that were offered in order to encourage the clearing and settlement of the young province of Upper Canada.
The 62-year-old Collver and his wife, Ann (Smith), along with members of their family, came to Norfolk County to take possession of tracts of land granted to them in Windham Township. Other relatives and family members followed and settled in various parts of Norfolk County and beyond, many of their descendants still remaining in Norfolk County, Ontario, to this day.
Collver travelled throughout the county and surrounding areas as a minister to many being one of only a few Presbyterian ministers in the province at the time. Reverend Collver passed away in 1818. He was buried by his home, which was often used as a place of worship. The burial ground came to be known as Old Windham Pioneer Cemetery, where eventually Windham United Church was established. The cemetery is a historic United Empire Loyalist gravesite near Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. A stone memorial cairn and plaque located in a small greenspace not far from the cemetery serves as a remembrance to the Collver early pioneer family.
Sovereen (Sovereign) brothers, Morris and Leonard
Morris and Leonard were the sons of Frederick Sovereen Sr. The elderly Frederick led family members to Upper Canada from New Jersey in the United States of America around 1799. Frederick’s children were grown by that time and many joined their father’s move to Norfolk County, Upper Canada. Other families from the vicinity of Morris County, New Jersey, were part of a large group of settlers travelling to Norfolk County.
The two brothers, Morris and Leonard helped to establish the community that was growing around Paul Averill’s mills along Nanticoke Creek. After Mordecai Sayles took control of the Averill mills, the hamlet was often referred to as Sayles’ Mills. Following the purchase of the mills by the Sovereen brothers, Morris and Leonard, the community was referred to as Sovereen’s Mills for a time until the Sovereen brothers sold the mills again. Eventually, the hamlet grew to become the town of Waterford, Ontario.
A remarkable legend during the War of 1812 recounts the story of General Duncan McArthur’s raid on the hamlet in November 1814. After burning the mills at Malcolm’s Mills, McArthur proceeded down the Long Point trail to Sovereen’s Mills. McArthur’s men tried several times to set a mill ablaze; each time Morris Sovereen and another man, William Schuyler, bravely put out the flames. As McArthur was about to execute the pair for their interference in setting the fire, it is said that Morris gave a sign of the Masonic Order. McArthur, a fellow Mason, spared the men’s lives, but not the mill and continued down the path to the next hapless village.
Other Sovereen family members settled near Big Creek in Middleton Township, Norfolk County. Frederick Sovereen, son of Jacob and grandson of Frederick Sr., established several businesses along Big Creek, creating a bustling community that was also known by different names for a time: Sovereen’s or Sovereign’s Corners before being renamed Fredericksburg and eventually Delhi. Frederick’s grandson, Henry Sovereen, established a mill along Big Creek, which was later purchased by the Quance family. The Quance Dam and mill site can be visited at Delhi Quance Park, a public park in Delhi, Ontario.
Members of the Sovereen family served in the Norfolk Militia during the War of 1812. Many of their descendants remain in Norfolk County.
Paul Averill (Avery, Averell)
Despite his loyalty to the Patriot cause during the American Revolution, Averill decided to come to Upper Canada upon hearing (through developers Andrew Pierce and Associates) that the British government was offering generous tracts of land in an effort to settle the province of Upper Canada. He was granted land in the recently surveyed townships of Townsend and Windham in Norfolk County.
The industrious Averill had successfully learned the construction of various types of mills while in his American homeland. Averill, his wife, Elizabeth, and their children left the village of Dorset located in what was to become the state of Vermont and travelled to Upper Canada. After arriving to his grants of land in Norfolk County in 1793, he constructed sawmills, gristmills, and houses to settle a number of families. His efforts contributed to the development of Townsend Township. At a location along Nanticoke Creek, Averill’s mills encouraged the creation of a village which came to be called Averill’s or Avery’s Mills.
Averill’s mills were developed in partnership with Mordecai Sayles, and when the partnership suffered a breakdown, Sayles took ownership of the lucrative mill site. Not long after, Sayles sold the mills to the Sovereen brothers, Leonard and Morris, and Sayles’ Mills became known as Sovereen’s Mills until Job Loder purchased them; the hamlet was then referred to as Lodersville and eventually became known as Waterford, Ontario.
Perhaps disappointed with obstacles in Townsend, Averill moved to the Niagara area, finding work on both the American side and Canadian side of the falls. While being involved with mill construction on the Canadian side, sources indicate he was present at the discovery of the burning spring by the falls of the Niagara River. The burning spring became a popular tourist attraction.
Afterward, Paul joined his son, Paul Jr., and his son-in-law, John Earle, at the village of Otterville in Oxford County. He assisted in constructing a mill along Otter Creek. Unfortunately, the mills were burned down by General Duncan McArthur during his destructive raid of November 1814, leaving only the mill stones to be used in another mill constructed by Edward Bullock in 1845. This historic mill remains and is maintained by the South Norwich Historical Society.
Averill, the man who had helped to clear and settle the Township of Townsend, is believed to have left Upper Canada to return to the United States Some sources suggest he returned to Upper Canada again and died in Canada, but it is not known for certain. Other family members also returned to the United States of America, but many of Averill’s descendants remain in Ontario, Canada.
Slaght brothers, Job and Richard
Brothers Job and Richard, came to Upper Canada from New Jersey in the United States of America around 1797. The sons of Hendrick (Henry) Slaght decided to obtain land offered to settlers by the British government to hasten settlement of newly surveyed tracts of land.
Job was a blacksmith who settled in Norfolk County. He also invested into the construction of Paul Averill’s mills along Nanticoke Creek. Aaron, Job’s youngest son, eventually purchased the mill from Job Loder and became a farmer and a successful merchant in the community of Waterford. Job’s grandson, Aaron Slaght Jr., became a Baptist minister in the town of Waterford and also contributed to development of the town and Baptist churches throughout the surrounding area.
Richard settled in Brant County while another relative, John Slaght, settled in the Township of Townsend in Norfolk County and constructed a sawmill near the growing community of Boston Corners. It remains today as Boston, Ontario, Canada, with a busy elementary school and a vibrant Baptist church.
Ezra Parney/Perney
Parney was a young man of 17 years of age when he accompanied the Slaght family to Norfolk County in 1797. He was said to be an energetic, hard-working man and worked diligently to clear a plot of land in Townsend Township, which became the site of the Parney homestead.
Parney married one of Job Slaght’s daughters, Elizabeth. Ezra Parney, originally from Ireland with the last name Penny, was a blacksmith. He and his wife raised a large family on their farm where they were known to offer rest to visitors and travellers; the Parney home appears to have gained a reputation as a lively place to visit.
Parney was appointed as constable for Townsend and Windham Townships in 1802. He lived a long life, and he and his is wife of many years are buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Waterford, Ontario, Canada, amongst fellow early settlers of the area.
John Sells
Sells’ father, Ludwick Sells, brought his family from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, to a tract of land on the fertile high ground near the Scioto River in an area that was to become the 17th state of the United States of America: Ohio. The area was set aside for the veterans who had fought in the American War of Independence/American Revolution and was known for a time as the Virginia Military District. As members of the Sells family arrived in the early 1800s, they first settled near a spring that became a popular source of fresh, clean water for many years.
John Sells appears to have had an enterprising spirit and vision for the development of a settlement. He arranged to have a section of his land surveyed into lots for the purpose of encouraging settlement. He invested in various business ventures over the years, including one of the early flour mills (along with a partner, George Ebey), sawmills, distillery, and hat manufacturing.
Legend has it that the growing village was first known as Sells Settlement and was renamed Dublin by the land surveyor, John Shields, who hailed from Dublin, Ireland. The early village remains part of the city of Dublin today as Historic Dublin where centuries old houses and limestone fences provide a glimpse of the past when mills, farms, taverns, businesses, and churches founded the beginnings of the city of Dublin.
A poignant story regarding the early days of Dublin includes the Wyandot chief, Shateyahronya (Shateyaronyah), also known as Leatherlips. He was charged with witchcraft, although political motives are also suspected in regard to the charge and the sentence of death to the elderly, respected leader. Leatherlips was executed by fellow Wyandot warriors (and possibly Shawnee) in a grim ceremony near the village in 1810. Sources indicate that friends of the Wyandot leader, including John Sells, tried to stop the execution but were unsuccessful. A limestone memorial monument with regard to the historical event is located at Scioto Park overlooking the Scioto River near Dublin, Ohio, as well as a nearby memorial stone at Leatherlips Cemetery marks the grave and vicinity of Shateyahronya’s execution.
An early tavern in the community was kept by Sells and called, The Black Horse Tavern. The lively village grew to become a busy city and it hosts an annual festival called the Dublin Irish Festival, which has become a popular summer event over the years.
George Ebey
Ebey was also one of the early settlers of the Dublin, Ohio area. It is thought that the Ebey and Sells families likely knew each other as they came from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania at around the same time. In 1812, Ebey partnered with John Sells in building a mill along the Scioto River.
Ebey and Sells also contributed to the establishment of one of Dublin’s early church congregations as the Methodist Episcopal Church. Eventually, several different congregations came together to form the Dublin Community Church which remains today.
Ebey is believed to have been among the witnesses of the execution of Shateyahronya.
One of Ebey’s grandsons, Isaac Ebey (his father was Jacob Ebey who fought in the War of 1812 under General William Henry Harrison), ventured as far as the Oregon Territory where his efforts contributed to the separation of the territory into two: Oregon Territory and Washington Territory, which eventually became the state of Oregon and the state of Washington in the United States of America. As well, Isaac Ebey is said to have chosen the name Olympia which became the capital city of the state of Washington. He and his family settled on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound and farmed. The Ebey homestead is now known as Ebey’s Prairie, part of the first historical reserve in the United States, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve along the northwestern coast of the state of Washington.
Thomas Worthington
Worthington of Charles Town, Virginia, learned the skills of surveying and, as a Deputy Surveyor, worked with Duncan McArthur and Edward Tiffin, Tiffin being Worthington’s brother-in-law, as an assistant in surveying parts of the Virginia Military District following the American Revolution. Like Nathaniel Massie and other surveyors of that time, Worthington was given land warrants in payment for his work and amassed wealth through land speculation, land warrants, and inheritance.
In 1798, Worthington took possession of a tract of land in Ross County, Ohio in Chillicothe along the Scioto River. Along with family members, former slaves joined the trek to the wilderness of Ohio. Worthington took much interest in the development of Chillicothe and the surrounding area. The village continued to thrive, and Worthington entered into politics, becoming a strong advocate for statehood for Ohio.
In 1803, Ohio became the 17th state of the United States of America. By 1815, Worthington became the sixth governor of the state of Ohio. Chillicothe was Ohio’s first state capital city, and then Zanesville was chosen for a time and Chillicothe again. Columbus was eventually chosen as the state’s capital.
Initially, Worthington did not support a war against Britain in 1812, but did so once hostilities broke out; as well, he supported military assistance against Native American resistance to white settlement. A prisoner of war stockade was constructed on a section of his property where captured British regular, naval, and militia soldiers were incarcerated. The prison became known as Camp Bull as the expression John Bull was often used by the Americans in describing Englishman at the time.
Throughout his lifetime, Worthington supported various social reforms for Ohio, as well as, the construction of roads, bridges, canals, public schools, libraries, and more.
Worthington chose a site atop a hill overlooking a picturesque view of the Scioto River Valley to construct his life-long home. It is said to have inspired the image on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. The elegant house, amid acres of flower and vegetable gardens, orchards, farmland, and forest, was a hub of social events and political gatherings for the Worthington family. He named his family’s home, Adena, where he and his wife, Eleanor Swearingen, raised a large family. Adena Mansion has become a National Historic Landmark of the United States.
John DeCew (DeCow, DeCou)
DeCew became a highly successful mill owner along Beaverdams/Beaver Dams Creek, a tributary of Twelve Mile Creek in Thorold Township, not long after his arrival in 1787 to the Niagara area from New Jersey in the United States. His milling complex included a sawmill and gristmill.
DeCew and his wife, Katherine Doksteder, constructed a beautiful limestone house along the Niagara Escarpment near the mills. He was appointed a captain in the 2nd Regiment Lincoln Militia during the War of 1812. A British detachment used the DeCew homestead as headquarters and storage facility during the war.
James FitzGibbon and his stealth light infantry forces were present at the DeCew home when Laura Secord arrived from the village of St. David’s to warn the British of an imminent American attack on the DeCew headquarters. The vital warning allowed the British forces and their First Nations allies to carry out a successful counter-attack at Beaverdams. During this time, DeCew was a prisoner of the United States, being captured following the American victory at Fort George in Newark, Upper Canada, May 1813.
In the spring of 1814, DeCew made a daring escape from a prison in Philadelphia, United States. Although DeCew had injured his foot during the escape, he managed to make it back to his home by the summer of that year. He fought at several engagements during the remainder of the war.
Following the war, DeCew set to work repairing his property and mills as quickly as possible. He was an entrepreneur and invested in various business opportunities. He became involved with the Welland Canal Company believing that the investment would ensure a steady abundance of water to enable the continued operation of his mills. However, the project eventually resulted in a diversion of water that negatively impacted his operations at DeCew Falls. DeCew clashed with the members of the company, such as William Merritt Hamilton, and this led to DeCew’s withdrawal from the company. The bitter rivalry carried on during a hotly contested bid for the provincial legislature.
A village flourished near his home and mills that was known as DeCew Town; however, by 1834, DeCew became discouraged by events related to his businesses, the canal, and politics. DeCew and his family resettled in North Cayuga Township in Haldimand County. Although his attempts to establish glass works at his new location near the Grand River were unsuccessful, his other efforts at milling and farming were successful. A hamlet grew at the new location and became known as DeCewsville and remains today.
Throughout his lifetime, DeCew was active in various community efforts. He is considered a founding member of the Niagara Library. He also obtained several government positions, such as tax collector and assessor. He took much interest in agriculture and became a director of the Niagara District Agricultural Society. He remained an advocate for government reforms and took interest in the political views of William Lyon MacKenzie.
The stone remnants of DeCew’s first home are marked as DeCew/DeCou House Monument and can be visited at DeCew House Heritage Park in Thorold, Ontario, Canada. The First Nations Peace Monument and Sunflame sculpture honouring the vital role of First Nations throughout Canada’s past, present, and future are located nearby. The heritage park is situated near trails and conservation areas in the Niagara Region.
Near DeCewsville, Ontario, in Haldimand County, there is a conservation area, Taquanyah Conservation Area, that can be found near the Grand River where DeCew had established his new mills.
Thomas Clark (Clarke)
Clark arrived in Upper Canada from Scotland in 1791. His cousin, the successful businessman Robert Hamilton, took Clark into his care as an apprentice in the mercantile trade. It wasn’t long before Clark began his own business in the portage and forwarding trade along the Niagara River. He found a partner for his venture, Samuel Street, another aspiring young entrepreneur in the Niagara region.
His initial partnership with Street ended before long, and Clark began another partnership in a trading venture with fellow businessman Robert Nichol; however, that, too, was short-lived. Clark decided to invest into flour milling as the Niagara River provided plenty of water power for a large milling complex. Once again, Clark teamed up with Street to produce large quantities of flour at several milling sites, including the Bridgewater Mills near Dufferin Islands by the falls. Their mill operations also included sawmills and, at one time, iron works.
During the War of 1812, Clark was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Regiment Lincoln Militia in which he fought at various battles, including the Battle of Queenston Heights in October, 1812. The flour mills by the falls were burned and destroyed by the Americans during the vicious Niagara campaign of 1814. The partners rebuilt the Falls/Street’s Mills (once John Burch’s mills near the Bridgewater Mills) and continued to prosper at milling. Clark invested in a number of different business opportunities, often with partners such as Street and also with his cousin, William Dickson, and others. Some of these investments included money-lending and land speculation. Clark also assisted Thomas Douglas (Lord Selkirk), in organizing supplies for his settlement ventures.
Clark held several government positions and was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in 1815. He was always eager to improve transportation between Upper and Lower Canada. He advocated and invested in construction of canals, locks, and other improvements that would increase successful and timely trade with other provinces. In 1835, Clark, was among several investors attempting to establish the Erie & Ontario Railroad from Chippawa to Queenston using horse-drawn wagons that could be moved along wood tracks capped with metal strapping. The remarkable project was completed and in operation years later after Clark’s death in 1835. The horse-drawn transport was later replaced with steam power. Prior to his railroad investment, Clark, along with a group of investors known as the City of the Falls Company, purchased land near the falls in order to develop a picturesque community complete with houses, libraries, schools, and parks; however, the project did not transpire.
Clark constructed a grand estate on a rise that overlooked the Dufferin Islands and Niagara Falls. He lived in the 40-room mansion with his wife, Mary Margaret Kerr, the granddaughter of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant. After his death, the estate was owned by several different people until 1924 when the mining magnate, Harry Oakes, purchased the property. He rebuilt the house into a Tudor style mansion called Oak Hall. The home was once used as a convalescent hospital for the Royal Canadian Air Force, but eventually, in 1959, Oak Hall was purchased by the Niagara Parks Commission and remains in their possession. The Commission’s administrative offices are located inside the beautiful structure.
The Dufferin Islands are now part of a picturesque park owned by the Niagara Parks Commission for public enjoyment.
Cecil Bisshopp (Bishoppe, Bisshop)
Bisshopp was born in England, eldest son and heir to his father’s baronetcy. He chose a career in the military, although he had also been a member of England’s parliament. The young, enthusiastic soldier began in the 1st Foot Guards in 1799 and participated at various campaigns during Napoleon’s war.
Bisshopp was ordered to British North America at the onset of the War of 1812. He was appointed a lieutenant-colonel as inspecting field officer but also commanded regular and militia soldiers along the Niagara River district. As the war progressed, he participated in various engagements in Upper Canada. During the summer of 1813, while the United States forces held Fort George in Newark, Niagara-on-the-Lake today, British regulars, Canadian militia, and First Nations forces conducted raids to intercept/destroy crucial American supply lines and confiscate various supplies and armaments.
Colonel Bisshopp led one such event on the early morning hours of July 11, 1813. Orders were to attack an American outpost across the Niagara River in United States at Black Rock, New York, near Buffalo. It was a daring attack as the British forces overtook the outpost, burning many of the buildings and a schooner while obtaining a goodly sum of supplies and artillery. Bisshopp decided to order the removal of valuable salt as well. Their mission completed, they reached their waiting bateaux at the shore of the river when United States soldiers and their Native American allies conducted a destructive counter-attack. Although the British forces successfully managed to return to the Canadian side, there were many casualties, injuries, and men captured.
Bisshopp was among those wounded. He suffered multiple injuries and died several days later. The courageous officer was well liked by many. His younger brother and second of only two sons had died years earlier while serving with the Royal Navy.
The young officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Bisshopp, was buried at Drummond Hill Cemetery that is located near the Lundy’s Lane Battlefield National Historic Site of Canada, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. His burial crypt is indicated by a historical marker.
William Caulfield Saunders
Saunders was a member of a regiment of the King’s regular army, the 41st Regiment of Foot. He participated in a number of military engagements and duties while stationed with his regiment in Upper Canada.
By 1811, it appears Saunders was appointed a captain. He was part of the British forces engaged in the attack on the American outpost at Black Rock, New York, in the early part of the morning of July 11, 1813 under the command of Colonel Cecil Bisshopp.
Saunders was wounded and taken prisoner. He received medical care and recuperated from his injuries.
According to Volume II of the Life of Edward Jenner, M.D., by John Baron, 1838, Saunders of the 41st Regiment, then a lieutenant, was present at a council meeting held at Fort George, Newark, in November of 1807, where the Deputy Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, William Claus, presented a copy of Dr Jenner’s book, on his behalf, regarding the smallpox vaccination, to a delegation of Five Nations. The delegation bestowed a belt strung with wampum beads to be given to the doctor.
Peter Porter
Peter Buell Porter was a lawyer, businessman, and politician. He was born in Connecticut several years before the outbreak of the American Revolution. The young man, already involved in politics, settled along the Niagara River near the American outpost at Black Rock in 1809. Porter supported the Declaration of War against Britain and was appointed assistant quartermaster general of the State of New York Militia. Soon after, he became brigadier general of New York Militia.
Porter worked tirelessly in recruiting soldiers for the militia, and men from New York and Pennsylvania helped to increase his militia brigade. He also met with Native American leaders, such as the Seneca chief Red Jacket, urging their support as allies of the United States of America.
Porter’s militia fought at many battles during the Niagara campaign of 1814, including Chippewa, Lundy’s Lane, and Fort Erie. In the summer of 1813, it was Porter who mustered forces at Black Rock, New York, in order to conduct a counter-attack during the British attack led by Lieutenant-Colonel Bisshopp on July 11, 1813.
Porter remained a popular veteran of the War of 1812. Following the war, he continued his involvement in politics, becoming the Secretary of the State of New York in 1815 and served for one year in that capacity. Years later, he became Secretary of War under President John Quincy Adams from 1828-1829.
As a businessman, Porter joined his brother, Augustus, in forming a lucrative portaging and forwarding company along the Niagara River. He helped to establish a bustling village at Black Rock, which led to some rivalry with Buffalo, New York. Black Rock eventually became a community within the city of Buffalo. Porter advocated for road construction and canals that would connect the Black Rock and Buffalo areas with other major trade destinations in the United States.
In accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Ghent, surveying, deliberations, and negotiations were carried out between Britain and the United States with regard to establishing border boundaries between Canada and the United States. Porter was selected to serve on the International Boundary Commission for the United States.
Later in his life, following the death of his wife, Letitia (Breckinridge), Porter moved from Black Rock to the city of Niagara Falls in 1837 and constructed a new home. Porter died there and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, New York.
Throughout Buffalo and the surrounding areas there are street names, counties, and more named in Porter’s memory. A military outpost was constructed along the shore of the Niagara River at its confluence with Lake Erie. The outpost was named Fort Porter. It had been constructed during the years 1841-1844. It was removed in 1926 to allow for the construction of the well-known international Peace Bridge between Buffalo, New York, United States of America and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. The area near the former site of Fort Porter is marked by a statue of another popular War of 1812 veteran: Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. His statue is located at Front Park, Buffalo, New York, overlooking the historic waterways of the Niagara River and Lake Erie.
Chapter 28 – Trois Rivères
Galileo Galilei
Galileo, as he was mostly known, initially studied medicine at the University of Pisa, Italy, in 1583. He realized that his greatest interest was in the field of mathematics and philosophy. He left the university to concentrate on his chosen path. He found work as a mathematics tutor, and later taught at universities in Pisa and Padua.
When Galileo was introduced to the recent invention of the spyglass or telescope, he set out to improve its capabilities by increasing its magnification abilities which enabled him to begin his lifelong fascination and study of astronomy. He soon wrote various papers on his numerous observations of stars, planets, moon, and sun. His observations regarding these led to his belief in a heliocentric view that the earth revolves around the sun daily on its axis which was in contrast to the popular geocentric theory that the earth was the centre of the universe and the sun and other celestial bodies rotated around it.
Galileo’s ideas were considered to favour those of the late astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus, and were not condoned by the ruling authority of the Catholic Church. Galileo published further works regarding his findings, and he was invited to lectures, debates, and became part of a well-respected scientific society, Accademia dei Lincei. His interest in the world around him and in the universe caused his natural curiosity to ask questions, conduct tests or experiments based upon a possible explanation or hypothesis, to observe, record, and calculate his conclusions and theories using his mathematical skills, thus, helping to develop the scientific method, as well as, the specific scientific study of physics. It is thought by some that Galileo and other like-minded contemporaries spurred what is often referred to as the Scientific Revolution.
Galileo helped to develop an early microscope, thermometer (thermoscope), and military compass or sector. A sector is a hinged ruler used in mathematical and geometric calculations that are useful in surveying, navigation, artillery aiming, and more. He developed theories regarding laws of motion and free fall, strength of materials, and hydrostatics.
During his busy life, he met Marina Gamba and formed a relationship with her that led to three children, two daughters and one son. His ideas about the world caused conflict with the members of the Catholic Church. He was ordered to cease from writing and speaking about the Copernican doctrine. His publications were censored and banned. By 1632, Galileo was ordered to Rome to face the Inquisition and stand trial for his alleged heresy.
Galileo was convicted of heresy in June, 1633. He was compelled to kneel and recant his ideas regarding the planet earth. He was sentenced to house arrest. His final years of his incarceration were served at a villa in Arcetri where his friends managed to bring him books and news of the outside world. His eldest daughter, Sister Maria Celeste, visited him from a nearby nunnery until her death. Although he was going blind, Galileo managed to complete his final work: Discourses and Mathematical Demonstrations Concerning Two New Sciences. The manuscript was secretly removed to Holland in 1638 in order that it could be published.
Galileo died in 1642. He was, by authority, ordered to be buried in a discreet out-of-the-way location within the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. Years later, in 1737, he was reinterred in a visible area of the basilica in a tomb marked by sculptures in his memory. Hundreds of years after Galileo’s death, Pope John Paul II, in 1992, offered an apology regarding the Galileo trial and in March, 2000, during his historic “list” of apologies.
On September 12, 1621, sources indicate that a polar light display was witnessed by many including Galileo. Although the name, aurora borealis is often attributed to Galileo, others believe that a French astronomer, Pierre Gassendi, named the stunning phenomena.
Chapter 29 – Rosalie and the Ursulines
Francisco de Goya (Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes)
Goya was born in Spain and began his interest in painting at an early age. While working at a studio in Madrid, the aspiring artist married Josefa Bayeu. He became employed as a court artist for the royal family. His early works were to become tapestries for the royal family, and the paintings, referred to as cartoons, consisted of scenes of everyday life, portraits, and rather light-hearted depictions, such as works entitled, “Children with a Cart”, and “The Swing”.
Goya suffered an unknown illness which left him with hearing loss and eventually, deafness. Not long after, he was employed as First Painter to King Charles IV and his court. Goya enjoyed experimenting with various techniques in his artistry. He produced etchings that were unique in display of tones, shades, and relationship to the process that came to be known as lithography. The subject matter of many of these works was also striking. They revealed fascinating images of life under the monarchy of the time and of the hardships and turbulence of war, famine, rebellion, and repression experienced in Spain during the Napoleonic Wars and afterward during the re-instatement of the king, Ferdinand VII.
Some examples of his etchings include Los caprichos/The Caprices, Bulls of Bordeaux, and Disasters of War. The etchings often contained political satire, romance, irrationality, superstition, allegory, and fantasy while others depicted the horrors of war and famine. Capricho No. 56, Subir y bajar, or To rise and fall, is part of the Los Caprichos series. Goya’s works included many portraits as well, such as Senora Sabasa Garcia and the Duke of Wellington. Some of his paintings reveal his presence in the scene he was capturing, as in the family portrait entitled, Charles IV of Spain and His Family.
During his lifetime, Goya was witness to the power, injustice, and atrocities of the Inquisition. He was often careful with his works, sometimes producing works that were not published at the time due to the controversial nature of them. He was summoned for questioning regarding his painting, La Maja Desnuda. He produced an image of the dangerous Inquisition with his painting, The Inquisition Tribunal.
Goya appears to have suffered from depression in later years. He moved to the countryside where he constructed a series of paintings as murals on the walls of his home. These startling images are referred to as his “Black Paintings”. Some sources suggest that he suffered from illness, or prolonged effects of his deafness, or disillusionment with politics and humankind. His final self-portrait was created at his country home and depicts his physician, Dr Arrieta administering to him. Goya gifted the painting to the doctor.
Goya’s thought-provoking and compelling works continue to be of great interest. Discussion and controversy regarding some of his creations (such as Milkmaid of Bordeaux), his life, and his illnesses still exists. He left Spain for France in 1824. It was in France that he completed his etchings of Bulls of Bordeaux, as well as Milkmaid of Bordeaux. He died there in the spring of 1828. His wife, Josefa died in 1812, and they had a son, Javier, their only child to have survived to adulthood.
Chapter 30 – End of a Lifetime
Aaron Hart
Hart settled in Trois-Rivières about 1761 and is considered to be one of the first Jewish settlers in Lower Canada. He was a merchant and provided an important role as such to the British troops stationed in the town. The energetic merchant invested in the lucrative fur trade and prospered. He increased his property holdings steadily. As well, he became postmaster for Trois-Rivières in 1763.
In 1768, Hart was a founding member of one of the earliest synagogues in Lower Canada: Shearith Israel or Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal. He and his wife, Dorothea/Dorothy (Judah) raised their family in the busy community of Trois-Rivières. He brought his sons into the mercantile business teaching them the importing and exporting trade of a vast variety of goods. His sons, Moses, Ezekiel, Alexander, and Benjamin became businessmen; throughout their lives, they invested in many ventures, such as banking, steamships, railroads, potash, and established a brewery in Troi-Rivieres for a time. Aaron’s sons served in local militias during the War of 1812 and following years.
Hart’s son, Ezekiel, was elected by the people of Trois-Rivières as their representative in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1807. However, the members of the Assembly voted to expel him from his position and prevent him from his participation in the House of Assembly. Although Ezekiel was voted in a second time by the people of Trois-Rivières, once again, he was not permitted to take his seat as it was suggested that he could not take the required oath of office due to his Jewish religion. Years later, Ezekiel’s sons and brothers continued to advocate for reforms that would grant political and civil rights to them. In 1832, the Harts were successful in their efforts with the passing of the 1832 Emancipation Act: An Act to Grant Equal Rights and Privileges to Persons of the Jewish Religion. Ezekiel Hart is designated a National Historic Person and a plaque commemorating him is located on Hart Street in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada.
René Godefroy de Tonnancour
Tonnancour settled in Trois-Rivières in its early days of New France. He was a king’s attorney and a seigneur. He was also a successful merchant and helped to maintain and develop the important trading community at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River.
From 1723 to 1725, Tonnancour constructed a spacious mansion and raised a large family with his wife, Marguerite Ameau. His son, Louis-Joseph, also a prosperous merchant and crown attorney, was the last Tonnancour to live in the grand house. In 1784, a fire caused much damage to the house.
Years later, Pierre-Louis Deschenaux purchased the land and remains of the home. Deschenaux rebuilt the structure using whatever architectural remains could be salvaged from the fire. By 1812, the house was sold to the British to be used as barracks for soldiers and officers until 1822.
The house was sold by the British and underwent several owners and survived the fire that swept through Trois-Rivières in 1908. Eventually, the City of Trois-Rivières acquired the building, and the Manoir du Tonnancour was designated a heritage monument by the Government of Quebec.
The beautifully restored and maintained house is one of the oldest in the historical area of Old Trois-Rivières. It is also home to the Galerie d’art du parc.
Mathew Bell (Matthew)
Upon Bell’s arrival in Quebec from England in 1784, he began a career that involved trade goods, supplies, and manufacturing. By 1790, Bell formed partnerships with other merchants in the business of importing and exporting various goods to and from Quebec. Through these partnerships, Bell also provided important supplies to the British regiments in Quebec and beyond.
In 1799, Bell and his partner, David Monro, became sole lease holders of the lucrative iron manufacturing forges located along the Saint-Maurice River near Trois-Rivières. The partners invested in improvements and expansion of the ironworks site, adding houses for workers and flour and saw mills. He was manager of the ironworks for many years and sole lease holder by 1816. He constructed a large house near the forges for his use when there.
Bell was appointed master of Trinity House in Quebec from 1814 to 1816. Trinity House was organized to ensure safe passage through the St. Lawrence navigation system by erecting lighthouses, markers, and so on, as well as to provide knowledgeable pilots to assist ships’ captains in entering a harbour. He became involved in politics and in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada and the Legislative Council. He was a leader of the Quebec Volunteer Cavalry during the War of 1812.
Bell, along with his wife Anne Mackenzie and their children, resided in Quebec. He continuously increased his land holdings, and as his prosperity grew, he enjoyed socializing with other wealthy merchants, landowners, and politicians in Quebec, Trois-Rivières, and surrounding areas.
The British government decided to sell the forges in 1846, and Bell tried to purchase them but lost his bid to another. He remained in Trois-Rivières during his retirement years and died there in 1849. Bell Street in the historical city of Trois-Rivières is named after him.
The Forges of Saint-Maurice were completely shut down in 1883. The site has been designated as Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada. It is a rich archeological heritage site and park that is open to the public seasonally.
Isabella Leonarda
Leonarda was born into a wealthy family in Novara, Italy. In 1636, she attended an Ursuline convent at the age of 16, the Collegio di Sant’Orsola, where it is presumed she acquired education, particularly in music. Many daughters of distinguished families in Europe, and later in North America, were encouraged to enter religious orders for education, and, possibly, vocation as a nun.
At the time, women’s creative expressions were not commonly encouraged, nor were they often published. However, music was usually an important part of worship and devotion for those who had taken their vows in service to God or were part of such community. Music composition by women within such communities was more acceptable. As well, music was much enjoyed in the homes of the aristocracy and at royal courts and theatre, thereby providing musical opportunities for women during the Baroque era, especially in Italy.
Music was a very important element of the Ursuline order. The community of Ursuline nuns was often a cloistered one. Leonarda became an Ursuline nun and a composer of many sacred works. Her compositions included masses, concertos, motets, and much more. Remarkably, despite the nature of the cloistered order which limits interaction with the world at large, Leonarda was able to incorporate the innovative musical characteristics of the Baroque era into her compositions.
Leonarda is believed to have created at least 200 compositions. Later in life, she began to publish her works. She dedicated each piece to the Virgin Mary, as well as to someone living and of prominence that perhaps would support the work and needs of the convent.
Leonarda died in 1704. Copies of her compositions can still be found and enjoyed. Two beautiful examples are, Ave Regina Caelorum and Sonata Duodecima.
Maria Xaveria Peruchona
Peruchona was born into a musical family over 30 years later than Leonarda, but was also educated at the Collegio di Sant’Orsola, not in Novara, however, but nearby in Galliate. She became a nun.
There is not much written about Peruchona, and it is not known how many musical compositions she created. A volume of her music was published in 1675, and copies may be found for performing. As well, there are wonderful recordings available to be enjoyed: Sacri concerti de motetti a una, due, tre, e quattro voce.
It is believed she died sometime after 1708.