lORONTO
LIBRARY
Ontario IJtstoriral
PAPERS AND RECORDS.
VOL. IX.
Sotiffo r~^
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TORONTO :
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY,
•1910.
WABWICK BKO'S & RITTTER. LIMITED Printers and Bookbinders.
CONTENTS.
PACK I. Fort Maiden or Amherstburg. By FRANCIS CLEARY 5
II. Thamesville and the Battle of the Thames. By KATHERINE B. Courrs. - 20
ix
III. The Highland Pioneers of the County of Middlesex. 26
/
IV. Centenary of the Death of Brant. By HERBERT F. GARDINER, M. A. - 33 V. The Pioneers of Middlesex. - ---55
VI. The Beginning of London. By COL. T. CAMPBELL, M.D. - - - - 61 VII. An Episode of the War of 1812. The Story of the Schooner " Nancy " - 76
VIII. Register of Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths, at St. Thomas, U.C., com- mencing with the Establishment of the Mission in July, 1824 - - 127
[3]
I.
FORT MALDEN OR AMHERSTBURG. BY FRANCIS CLEAEY.
Read nt the Annual Meeting of the O. H. S., at London, Ont., Sept. llth, 1908.
At last Canadians are awakening to the importance and necessity of making an effort to preserve and restore the historical battlefields and other landmarks of this country. This is seen in the great interest taken in the recent proposal of His Excellency Earl Grey for the conversion into a park, and the restoration of the battlefields of the Plains of Abraham and of St. Foye at Quebec.
It is an opportune time to draw the attention of the Government and of others in the immediate localities to do something to reclaim and preserve the old forts and historical landmarks of lesser note in other parts of our country. These are rapidly passing away and their preser- vation would do much "to strengthen the tie that binds" and make those of the present day feel proud of their ancestors, and to respect and honor the men who in 1812 and again in 1838-1839 helped to defend this country and handed down to us the glorious heritage which we now possess.
In the early history of Upper Canada this western peninsula, the County of Essex, came into notice on account of the stirring events which took place on its border, second only to those which took place in the Niagara frontier.
Fort Amherstburg, or Fort Maiden, as the name under which it became better known, deserves the attention of the Government and of those interested in the reclamation of historical landmarks.
For the following account of this Fort I am indebted to extracts taken from "Early Amherstburg," published in January, 1902, by Mr. C. C. James, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Ontario, and "Fort Maiden," by Rev. Thomas Nattress, B.A., of Amherstburg, published two years later. Mr. James says he found that Fort Maiden did not exist in the early days, but that Fort Amherstburg did. I found that three" different forts had been constructed, or partly constructed, at Amherstburg at different times, and that the first was officially known
5
0 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
as Fort Amherstburg ; the second was known both as Fort Amherstburg and as Fort Maiden, and that the third, constructed subsequent to 1837, bore the name of Fort Maiden.
The war of American Independence was brought to a close in 1783 ; Oswego, Niagara and Detroit remained as British Posts until their evacuation in 1796, Detroit being transferred in July of that year.
The late Judge Woods of Chatham, in referring to this event in "Harrison Hall and its Associations," says this may be called the "Exo- dus Act," as it provided for the departure of British authority from Detroit to Sandwich, .... and that from the passing of the said Act (3rd June, 1796) the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the Western District shall be held in the Parish of Assump- tion (afterwards called Sandwich) in such place as may be now found most convenient to the Magistrates of said District, on the second Tues- day in the months of July, October, January and April, until such time as it shall seem expedient to the Justices or a majority of them to remove and hold the same nearer to the island called the Isle of Bois Blanc, being near the entrance of the Detroit River.
The last Court of Quarter Sessions held in Detroit was in January, 1796, and the removal took place to Sandwich that summer.
After this date no doubt many of those stationed at Detroit, officers and men, removed to Sandwich and Amherstburg.
On June 7th, 1784, the Huron and Ottawa Indians who claimed ownership or proprietary rights in the country surrounding Detroit, gave by treaty a tract of land seven miles square at the mouth of the Detroit River to the following British Officers or fighters who had been associated with them in the recent war: — Alexander McKee, William Caldwell, Charles McCormack, Robin Eurphleet, Anthony St. Martin, Matthew Elliott, Henry Bird, Thomas McKee and Simon Girty. Henry Bird was given the northern section. This would be in the northern part of the Township of Maiden, and would contain what is now the northern part of Amherstburg.
In 1784 the settlement of Maiden Township first began. In July of that year Lieutenant-Governor Hay of Detroit wrote to Governor Haldimand as follows: — "Several have built and improved lands who have no other pretensions, than the Indians' consent to possession. Cap- tains Bird and Caldwell are of the number, at a place they have called ' Fredericksburg. ' "
On August 14th, 1784, Governor Haldimand wrote to Lieutenant- Governor Hay that Colonel Caldwell of Colonel Butler's late corps had
FORT MALDEN OR AMHERSTBURG. 7
applied to him for sanction to settle on the land ; that he could not con- firm the grant, but that they should ' ' carry on their improvements until the land could be laid out and granted according to the King's instruc- tions. ' ' Mr. McKee was to be directed to get the Indians to make over the land to the King, but that "two thousand yards from the centre would be reserved on all sides for the purpose of establishing a fort."
Here, as Mr. James says, we have the first suggestion of the future Fort Amherstburg and the promise of the town.
On 28th August, 1788, Lord Dorchester, who had succeeded Haldi- mand in the Governorship in 1786, wrote to Major Matthews to encour- age settlement on the east side of the River Detroit, but that no lots must be settled upon before purchase from the Crown, from the Indians, "also to report the progress made by some Loyalists in their settlement on a spot proposed for this class of men on the east side of Detroit River, and to state his ideas fully of what may be done for its further encouragement as well as for establishing a Military Post at that quarter. ' '
In 1790 Major Matthews wrote from Plymouth Barracks, giving a summary of his investigation in 1788. He stated that he went from Que- bec to Detroit in 1787 with instructions from Lord Dorchester. He said, "should this post," meaning Detroit, "be given up, and another taken, the most convenient place will be at the entrance of the river, upon a point at present occupied by some officers and men who served the war as Rangers with the Indians. The channel for ships runs between this point and Isle Aux Bois Blanc, which should also be forti- fied, the distance from each to mid-channel about 200 yards. There is a fine settlement running 20 miles from this point on the north side to the lake. Here in 1788 is the reference to the future post at Amherst- burg. The settlement on the north side of Lake Erie refers to what was known as 'the two connected townships' (Colchester and Gosfield),"
The District of Hesse in the west had been set apart by proclama- tion, July 24th, 1788, and early in 1789 the Governor was authorized by Council to appoint a Land Board, and the following were appointed as the first members in 1789: — Farnham Close, Esq., Major of the 65th Regiment of Foot, or the Officer Commanding at Detroit ; William Dum- mer Powell, Esq. ; Duperon Baby, Esq. ; Alexander McKee, Esq. ; Will- iam Robertson, Esq.; Alexander Grant, Esq., and Ademar de St. Martin, Esq.
One of the first duties then put upon this Board was to lay out a township to be called Georgetown, but still there was delay. On Aucrnst
8 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
22nd, 1789, the Land Board reported to Lord Dorchester that Mr. McNiff, the Surveyor, had not yet arrived, and that none of the lands had yet been purchased from the Indians for the Crown, and that the Indians had some years before granted these lands to private individu- als. September 2nd, 1789, Lord Dorchester instructed the Board to receive applications from the occupants for grants, etc., and also to have Mr. McKee obtain from the Indians all the land west of Niagara for set- tlement, the cession to include all lands held by private individuals, from the Indians by private sale, and shortly after the Board reported that all the land was claimed, and asked for power to settle the claims.
May 19th, 1790, the Indians, (Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottawatomies and . . . Hurons), cede to the Crown all the land from the Chaud- iere or Catfish Creek on the east to the Detroit River on the west, and from the Thames to Chenail Ecarte on the north to Lake Erie, includ- ing the grant of 1784 before referred to, but reserving a tract seven miles square north of the 1784 grant, and also a small tract at the Huron Church (Sandwich). May 3rd, 1791, Surveyor McNiff reported that two or three families live continuously on their land east of the river ( Caldwell, Elliott, Lamotte, etc. ) , but many more resort there in the summer to raise corn and beans. He recommended that the Indians be removed to some other reserve, suggests at Chenail Ecarte; says all the land is settled from the Reserve north to Peach Island in Lake St. Clair.
The first Legislature of Upper Canada was called to meet at New- ark (Niagara) on September 17th, 1792, and on January 8th, 1793, the Executive Council resolved that a township to be called Maiden be laid out at the mouth of the Detroit River ; thus we see that Fredericksburg gave place to Georgetown, and this in turn to Maiden.
On 8th January, 1793, it was resolved that Colonel Alex. McKee, Captains Elliott and Caldwell, be the patentees of the above mentioned township, and the persons who have settled under the authority of the late Governor Hay. It was further resolved that the land lying between Captain Bird 's lot and the Indian land be reserved for the Government.
We now come to the year 1793. In the Crown Lands Department at Toronto is to be found the original plan of the Township of Maiden. It gives the subdivision into lots, and each lot carries the name of the original grantee. It bears the name of A. Iredell, Deputy Surveyor of the Western District, and is dated, Detroit, 17th April, 1796. The lots on the river number from the north to the south, 19 in all, 19 ending at the marsh that fronted on Lake Erie.
FORT MALDEN OR AMHERSTBURG. 9
The following statement may be given of a few of the patents for these lots with the dates and to whom issued : —
Lots 1 & 2, David Cowan, East part 100 acres, July 2nd, 1807.
" 3 William Caldwell all 187 " April 13th, 1810.
Water Lot " 1 " August 20th, 1810.
Lot 4 Alexander McKee all February 28th, 1797.
" 5 Matthew Elliott all 200 " February 28th, 1797.
" 9 Archange Mclntosh $ 187 " November 25th, 1803.
"11 Simon Girty all 174 " March 6th, 1798.
" 14 Hon. James Baby all 180 " July 30th, 1799.
" 15 & 16 Thomas McKee all 325 " June 30th, 1801.
All the above names of owners of full lots are on the Iredell map of 1796 except that on the latter. Lot 1 is left vacant and Captain Bird's name appears on Lot 2. In the C.L. record the lot to the north of Lot 1, taken from the Indian Reserve, is known as Lot A.
By agreement between the Government of the United States and Great Britain, Detroit was to be evacuated in this year — hence the necessity arose of at once making provision for the troops on the east side of the river, and of having an arsenal or depot for stores — a town ancl fort were necessary. Lot 1 was vacant, reserved by the Crown, and to it was added Captain Bird 's Lot No. 2 which was appropriated by the Crown.
The following letter now becomes important. It was written a few weeks after the troops left Detroit : —
DETROIT RIVER, Sept. 8th, 1795.
Captain Wm. Wayne, Queen's Rangers,
Commanding on the Detroit River, opposite the Island of Bois Blanc,
To the Military Secretary, Quebec,
Suggest the gunpowder be placed on the ' ' Dunmore, ' ' soon expected to lay up there, pending the erection of temporary magazine. "I have reason to fear that the merchants who have already erected buildings on the ground within the line of defence of the Post under my command will not be easily reconciled to the sentiments of the Commander-in- Chief on that subject. They have not merely built temporary sheds; some of their buildings are valuable, and have cost to the amount of many hundred pounds, authorized in these their proceedings by Colonel England, who hitherto commanded this District; at the same time they were to hold the lots on limited terms."
10 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
He then states that there is no vacant ground in the vicinity of the garrison. Colonel McKee, Captain Caldwell and Captain Elliott claim the lots to the south; on the north is the vacant land of the Indian Reserve, to the rear the land beyond the 1,000 yards reserved is a per- fect swamp. ' ' I enclose for the Commander-in-Chief 's inspection a plan of a town laid out by Colonel Caldwell on his own land. ' ' A reproduc- tion of the plan accompanies the letter, showing a town laid out in lots, with streets at right angles with a vacant square in the centre ; this pro- jected town would be in what is now the southern part of Amherstburg.
The Bird lot has just been taken over by the Government, and a garrison established there with the intention of erecting the Fort.
Thus we see that in the summer of 1796 the plans are set in motion through the Military Department for the starting of a town and post opposite Bois Blanc. On January 10th, 1797, an advertisement was put up at His Majesty's Post, calling for men with teams, oxen, carts, trucks, etc. This was to complete the work begun in 1796. Early in 1797 the creation of the Post begins in earnest. Up to February 2nd, no special name had been given. On February 9th, 1797, appears a requisition for stores for Indian presents for "Fort Amherstburg." Here for the first time the name occurs in an official document, and it no doubt came from the Military Department at Quebec.
In the Crown Lands Department at Toronto is an old plan showing what was to be included that year in the Government Reservation. It is a copy made by William Chewett from the earlier plan of Iredell. On this plan it would appear that Lot No. 3 (Caldwell's) was not required, for the first town plot of Amherstburg belongs to Lot No. 2, the original Bird lot. Lot No. 1 was left vacant in the original division of the land among the first settlers. The lot to the north of that, unnumbered, was acquired from the Indians, as it on several plans is marked a well-de- fined "Old Indian Entrenchment."
Mr. James also gives a copy of an old plan of 1828, showing the location of Amherstburg, in reference to the Military Reserve. The town appears therein occupying part of lot 2 with a line separating it (marked Richmond street and still so named) from the Military Reserve.
In the Michigan records appear letters dated from Fort Amherst- burg in June, July, and August, 1797. On page 267 appears the fol- lowing : ' ' Captain Forbes, of the R. Artillery, who was on duty at Fort Amherstburg, resided in one of the houses built by Captain Bird from July, 1797, to August, 1799."
FORT MALDEN OR AMHERSTBURG. 1 1
In Vol. XXV. is a sketch map of Fort Amherstburg, Town of Maiden, etc., showing Indian Council House, Commissioner's House, dockyards, etc., taken from the Colonial Office Records, and the follow- ing memorandum: — ''Captain Bird's lot was repossessed by Govern- ment in 1796, since which time Fort Amherstburg has been constructed, the town of Maiden built, a dockyard and other buildings, previous to. the year 1796."
It would appear from these documents that the Fort was from the first known as "Fort Amherstburg," and that by some, at least, the group of houses outside the Fort, to the south, was for a time called by some, Maiden, the same name as the township; but there was no Fort Maiden in those days.
In the Vol. XXV., referred to, there is a sketch given, taken from the Colonial Office Records, showing the Fort as a five-sided enclosure, the northernmost angle in a direct line east of the north end of Bois Blanc, the southernmost corner about opposite the middle of the island, and the little town of Maiden extending south to the Caldwell lot, just opposite the southern limit of Bois Blanc Island.
Mr. James continues as follows: —
We pass on now to the war of 1812-1814. Barclay sailed from Amherstburg with six vessels on September 9th, 1813, and on the fol- lowing day his fleet met Captain Perry with his fleet of nine vessels. We all know the result of that naval engagement.
On September 23rd, 1813, Colonel Procter, then in command of the troops at Amherstburg, decided, contrary to the advice of Tecumseh, to abandon the Fort. Under his orders the Fort and public store-houses were burned by the soldiers, and shortly after the retreat began. General Harrison, with the United States troops, followed, and the disastrous battle of the Thames took place, resulting in the death of Tecumseh.
Major Richardson, the author of "The War of 1812/' "Wacousta," etc., who was captured at Moraviantown at the battle of the Thames, speaks of Amherstburg, never of Maiden. Lossing, the American author, in his well-known Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812, refers to Fort Maiden, and gives the map of the Detroit River, showing Amherstburg town and Fort Maiden. Lossing says :— "The army entered Amherstburg with the band playing 'Yankee Doodle.' The loyal inhabitants had fled with the army. The ruins of Fort Maiden, the dockyard and the- public stores were sending up huge volumes of smoke." He also says that there were two block-houses on the main- land in 1813, one near the Fort and one near Salmoni's Hotel. Several Kentucky volunteers were taken prisoners by the Indians at the battle
] 2 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
of the River Raisin. One of them, Elias Darnell, who served under General Winchester, published in 1854 a journal of the campaign, from which the following extract may be made: — "As he took me near Fort Maiden, I took as good a view of it as I could while I passed it. It stands about thirty yards from the river bank. I judged it to be about 70 or 80 yards square ; the wall appeared to be built of timber and clay. The side from the river was not walled, but had double pickets and was entrenched round about four feet deep; and in the entrenchment was the second row of pickets."
Richardson, after describing the historic meeting of Proctor and Tecumseh, says on page 121 : —
"It having been resolved to move without loss of time, the troops were immediately employed in razing the fortifications and committing such stores as it was found impossible to remove to the flames kindled in the various public buildings ; and the ports of Detroit and Amherst- burg, for some days previous to our departure, presented a scene of cruel desolation."
"We now call another witness, an expert witness, a contemporary record that should settle the question, if any doubt remains. In 1799, David William Smith, Surveyor-General of Upper Canada, prepared and published, at the request of Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe, a Gazet- teer of the Province. On page 49 we find the following: "Amherst- burg, the military post and garrison now building at the mouth of Detroit River, in the Township of Maiden. ' '
In 1813 a second edition was published, revised by Francis Gore, Lieutenant-Governor. In this, Amherstburg is described as a post and garrison, and there is no mention of Maiden as either fort or town. Thus we see officially, the settlement was known as Amherstburg from 1797 down to 1813.
In further confirmation of these facts, so ably set out by Mr. James, I may be permitted here to mention another fact which came to my knowledge during the practice of my profession at Windsor. Many years ago I had occasion to search the title to Lot No. 11, First Street, or Lot No. 3 on Dalhousie Street, in the Town of Amherstburg. This lot fronts on what is still known as Dalhousie Street, the main street in the town, and on the southeast corner of said street and Gore Street, and about yards from the remains of the old fort. I found
that this lot, or rather a portion of it, was conveyed by deed dated July 22nd, 1799, by Richard Pattinson & Co. of Sandwich, merchants, to Robert Innes & Co., also of Sandwich, merchants, and is described as "the undivided half of that certain messuage, etc., situate and being
FORT MALDEN OR AMHERSTBURG. 13
in the Town near the Garrison of Amherstburg, and containing 30 feet in front by 120 feet in depth, with the dwelling-house and stable erected thereon." In the deed which follows this, dated 23rd Septem- ber, 1808, from Robert Innes to William Duff, "the consideration being £362 10s. Od."
Mr. James cites various authorities to show that Amherstburg was occupied by United States troops from about September 27th, 1813, to July 1st, 1815, when the renewal of peace placed it in the hands of the British.
Lieutenant J. E. Portlock of the Royal Engineers, in a Report of the Post of Amherstburg prepared in 1826, thus describes it: "The Fort is square, consisting of three bastions and one semi-bastion, and in its present form was constructed by Americans. The original works which had progressed very slowly and stood unfinished at the approach of the enemy during the last war were (as far as it was practicable to do so) destroyed by the British troops prior to their retreat from the western frontier. The Americans had advanced but a little way toward the completion of the present Fort."
It would appear from further extracts that the Fort, even after its re-occupation by the British, was allowed to decay, and Mr. James comes to the conclusion that the Fort Amherstburg, reconstructed by the Americans in 1813, was not exactly on the same lines as that begun in 1797 and destroyed by the British in 1813, and that by 1826 the second Fort had fallen into decay. He further states that it must have been at some date subsequent to this report of inspection that the Fort was reconstructed and renamed, for this third Fort appears to have received an official naming as Fort Maiden. One authority says the re- building took place in 1839.
In the Crown Lands Department is a sketch entitled, "The Sur- vey of Reserves taken by Lieutenant De Moleyns, Royal Engineer, and copied November, 1852, by Captain Moore." On this plan Fort Maiden appears as a four-sided enclosure, the southern wall or face of which is in a line with the northern end of Bois Blanc. The Commanding Officer's quarters, Fort Supanto's quarters and commissariat premises all lie outside of the Fort, between it and the Town of Amherstburg. The land to the east of the Sandwich road is laid out in lots for the pensioners, and a sample pensioner's house is sketched. The old Indian entrenchment is marked on the river to the north, Richmond Street is marked as the northern limits of the town, and the open space around the Fort north of the town, and between the Sandwich road and the river is marked "Enrolled Pensioners' Grazing Ground," and this plan
14 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
comes down to the recollection of many of the older residents of Amherstburg.
The Rev. Mr. Nattress, in his pamphlet before referred to, gives short accounts of the important events which took place on this western frontier and the part taken in its defence by the Military and Militia in charge of Fort Maiden during the wars of 1812-1813 and again in 1537-1838. He says: "On the breaking out of the war of 1812, Fort Maiden was garrisoned by 200 of the 41st, 50 of the Newfoundland Com- pany, and 300 of the Militia, with a detachment of Royal Artillery, being 600 men in all. (Kingsford) Colonel St. George was in command of Fort Maiden when on July 12th, 1812, General Hull crossed from Detroit to the Town of Sandwich at the head of 2,500 regulars of the American army. A few days later an ineffectual attempt was made under Colonel Cass to take the River Canard bridge 5 miles above Amherstburg, Fort Maiden, of course, being the objective point. Manoeuvring and skirmishing continued until the arrival of Colonel Proctor at Fort Maiden, on August 5th. On his arrival he effected a counter movement by sending a detachment across the river, intercepting the supplies in transport from Ohio for the American forces at Detroit, that necessitated the return of Hull's large force from Sandwich to Detroit. General Brock arrived at Fort Maiden, on August 13th, 1812, from York, and next morning met the Indians in Council. Tecumseh urged an immediate attack upon Detroit, and Brock at once took up the march. The small American force at Sandwich re-crossed the river on his approach, and by the following day he had planted a battery opposite Fort Detroit, and shortly after followed Hull's surrender of his post, and all his troops and stores.
Proctor assumed command at Detroit, and in a seires of engage- ments in which the Essex Militia took part, achieved some important results at various points on the Raisin and the Maumee against the forces of the American General Harrison. He was finally repulsed by Harrison in his attack on Fort Meigs and met with an almost crush- ing defeat on August 2nd, 1813, at Fort Stephenson, and immediately retreated to Fort Maiden to recruit his army.
The result of the attempted capture of Amherstburg by the insur- gent leader, Sutherland, with the so-called "Patriots" and their defeat and capture with the schooner "Ann" on the 9th January, 1838, is well known.
Troops from Fort Maiden again on the 24th February, 1838, defeated an attempted invasion, when an expedition led by one McLeod crossed from Michigan and took possession of what has since been known
PORT MALDEN OR AMHERSTBURG. 15
as Fighting Island, a Canadian island in the Detroit River about half way between Windsor and Amherstburg. On that occasion Major Townsend, with a detachment of the 32nd Regiment from Fort Maiden, arrived upon the scene in the night, and at daybreak Captain Glasgow, of the Artillery corp, drove the enemy from their lodgement.
Other attempts to invade this part of Canada and in which troops from Fort Maiden displayed a conspicuous part in defending the coun- try, need only be mentioned, as the engagement on Pelee Island in March, 1838, and the last one, viz., the attack upon Windsor, December 4th, 1838.
Mr. Nattress says that during this rebellion Fort Maiden was gar- risoned by a detachment of the 24th Battalion, another of the 32nd, the 34th Regiment under Colonel Eyre, a battery of Artillery, and as many of the Essex Militia as the exigencies of the situation demanded. The latter were, when embodied with the garrison, in essential parti- culars, considered on the same footing with the regular troops. Last of all came three companies of the Royal Canadians. These were trans- ferred in 1851, after which date no regular garrison was stationed at the Fort. The detachment of the 34th Regiment, which had been sta- tioned at Halifax, did not reach Amherstburg till the early part of 1838, and subsequently the bastions at the Fort were rebuilt, and the fortifications got in good repair.
The defence of the Fort in 1838 consisted of ten 24-pounders, six 6-pounders, three brass field pieces, six mortar guns, and a number of rocket tubes, besides the full complement of small arms. There is at the present time plainly visible the well-defined outline of a mortarbed in the only remaining trench, the one on the north side of the works. Another of the mortar batteries was immediately in rear of where the last of the old flagstaff still stands on the rear of the southwest bastion. The two front bastions are well preserved, the angles being as sharp as the day they were built. On the east side of the Fort there was a double defence formed by two rows of pointed pickets, one on the moat outside the trench, and the other on the inner side of the trench. The Sally-port crossed this east trench alongside the east bastion. The trenches on the east side have been filled in and the bastions levelled in the construction of a roadway.
In 1838 the buildings, etc.; in connection with the Fort were all located along the river front from where the post office now is north- ward. Here were the Commissary department (a part of the old brick building is still standing), the dockyards, Government stores, the hospital and Officers' quarters. The space between the Officers' quar-
16 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
ters and the southwest bastion of the Fort was protected by a row of pickets, as was also the space between the two front bastions, not other- wise protected by trench or moat. A part of the defence, not yet spe- cified, was the block-houses on Bois Blanc Island. There were three of them, known as the North, Centre and South block-houses, or No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. The South block-house still stands as in the old days. The one at the north end was burned some twenty-six years ago. The cen- tre one stands on the west side of the Island, and is embodied in the Colonel Atkinson summer residence. About opposite to it, on the east side of the island, and abreast of Richmond Street, there was a picket barracks, long afterwards used as a dwelling, but not now standing.
The main site of the Fort, with a few of its old buildings still stand- ing, is now owned by private individuals. Some years ago a petition, largely signed by the inhabitants of Amherstburg, was presented to the Government asking for its restoration and preservation as a National Park. The situation is beautiful and it is very accessible. It has been estimated that the property could be purchased for $25,000, and an additional sum of about $10,000 might be required to lay it out as a park. It is to Be hoped the Government will do something to aid in such a laudable object.
The reclamation of this Fort would not only be an object lesson to the youth of the present day but would do much to promote the study of the history of the early struggles on this frontier in 1812 and in 1838. Situated on the Detroit River, no place could be better advertised. Few places are more visited during the summer season than this river, which is only 24 miles long, yet it is one of our greatest water-ways, carrying more tonnage during the season of navigation than leaves the ports of London and Liverpool during the same period. There are many freighters over 600 feet long and carrying from 10,000 to over 13,000 tons each trip, and over 100 more between 400 and 500 feet long, carrying about 10,000 tons. The passenger traffic is enormous on the steamers plying between Buffalo, Cleveland and other lake ports to Mackinac, Chicago, Port Arthur and Duluth. The new "City of Cleveland" can carry 4,000 passengers, and the Ferry Company 's steamer, ' ' Columbia, ' ' is licensed to carry 3,666, and makes two trips a day from Detroit to Amherstburg and Bois Blanc Island, loaded with excursionists, many from the interior of Michigan and from the States of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. These boats pass almost within a stone's throw of Fort Maiden.
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This map is more modern and true to fact in the matter of locations. Copy of an old plan of 1828.
II.
THAMESVILLE AND THE BATTLE OF THE THAMES. BY KATHERINE B. COUTTS.
On the outbreak of the war of 1812 General Brock, upon whom the duty of defending Upper Canada had devolved, saw the importance of securing its western frontier. Thither therefore he went; and, with a good fortune which probably exceeded his utmost expectations, he found himself by the middle of August, without a blow struck or a life lost, master of the Fort of Detroit with its supplies of ammunition and ordnance, including some interesting revolutionary trophies, and of the vast territory of Michigan, out of which five sovereign states have since been formed. It was at this time that took place the first and only meet- ing between Brock and Tecumseh, the two most heroic figures of the war. For Tecumseh, smarting under a sense of wrongs endured by his people at the hands of the Americans, had hastened at the first rumor of war to proffer his aid to the British. Brock soon returned to the Centre Division, leaving in command at the West General Henry Proctor, with a small number of regular troops, mostly of the Forty-first Regi- ment, and some companies of Kent and Essex Militia. Though all that could be spared, Proctor's force was confessedly inadequate. But he had as allies a body of Indians varying in number from time to time. He complained that these Indians were "not a disposable force" and that their zeal was too apt to be in inverse proportion to his need. These are the well known characteristics of Indian warriors. Yet there was one amongst them — Tecumseh his name — whose zeal and constancy were afterwards to form a standard by which Proctor should be tried and found wanting.
During the thirteen months that followed, the gallant Right Divi- sion and their allies gave a good account of themselves. Richardson, who was with them the whole time, says that Proctor gained from their gallantry and success a reputation that no act of his own deserved. Indeed it is borne in upon the most casual reader of his narrative that, though Proctor was at the head of the defence, Tecumseh was its soul.
After the disastrous Battle of Lake Erie — September 10th, 1813— which left Proctor denuded of his great guns and cut off from his source of supply, he held a council at which it was resolved to destroy the forts
20
THAMES VILLE AND THE BATTLE OP THE THAMES. 21
of Detroit and Amherstburg and retire via the Thames route upon the Centre Division.
This decision was bitterly opposed by Tecumseh, the mouthpiece of the Indian contingent. He accused Proctor of direct breach of trust with his people and demanded that, if the British must retreat, the forts and ammunition should be given to the Indians, who would themselves oppose the landing of the Americans. Pie compared Proctor to a "fat animal which slinks away, its ta,il between its legs," and finally hurled at him that ultimate epithet of scorn — an old squaw.
Harrison said afterwards that Proctor must have been infatuated not to make a stand as Tecumseh advised. It is certain that situations as desperate as his have been retrieved, and had there been a leader who
"When the right arm's shattered waves The good flag with the left,"
history might have a different story to tell. Such a leader, however, Proctor was not ; and I believe that his resolve to retreat has never been assailed as a normal measure. A compromise was finally arrived at which Tecumseh accepted, though unwillingly. It was to destroy the forts and retire, with such ammunition and stores as they could carry, to Moraviantown, the farthest point on the Thames to which batteaux could ascend; to fortify this village and there await the enemy. Mor- aviantown had been built, so far as it was built, by a company of Dela- ware Indians who, led by their missionaries, had migrated thither from the Ohio in 1792. The Moravian church abandoned its work there only about five years ago. Proctor called it half way to the Centre Division, though it is but a bare third to Ancaster, — the Centre Division's out- post. Did Proctor make this promise in good faith? I think not. He made it to escape a present perplexity. He seems to have persuaded himself that Harrison would be content with the possession of the forts and would not pursue. At all events the way he conducted his retreat shows no intention of fighting; and he did not fight. He took much pains to save the great quantity of unnecessary and forbidden per- sonal baggage he had carried off. The safety of his little army, his honor, his reputation — these things he lost sight of. He left Sandwich September 27th and marched at the leisurely rate of nine miles a day for five days. The roads were shockingly bad, for it had been a rainy season.
Having reached Dolsen's, four miles below Chatham, he left his little army there, and, with his personal staff and baggage and the women
22 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and children, went forward to Moraviantown. He took all the guns but one, and his only officer of engineers, as if to arrange for fortifying. But he left no orders to guide Colonel Warburton, the Second in command ; and at Moraviantown he took not a step towards his promised fortifica- tions, though the place is said to have afforded facilities. Abattis could have been constructed, the houses occupied, etc.
"Whilst thus tarrying by the way and knowing nothing of the gen- eral's plans, Warburton got word of the approach of the enemy. Har- rison had left Sandwich on the second of October and was already, on the third, close behind them. The British retired to Chatham ; and the Indians seeing what they thought a good place to make a stand where now Tecumseh Park is, clamored to fight there. Warburton was in much perplexity and consulted anxiously with the other officers. All were indignant at the General's conduct and a proposal was seriously made to deprive him of the command and confer it upon Warburton, who declined, as he very well might, so perilous an honor. However, by the arguments of Elliot, the Commissioner, the Indians consented to go on, a few remaining behind and actually disputing the progress of the Americans. A further march of six or seven miles brought the little army to Richardson's, where Proctor joined them. Leaving a rear guard here, he led the half-fed troops to Sherman 's, where the night of October fourth was spent, Tecumseh, according to local tradition, having spent this, his last night on earth, in Sherman's barn. The Sherman of the day — Lemuel by name — was a member of Captain Shaw's Company of Kent Militia which in May, 1813, applied for, and seems to have got, leave to go home and till their farms. At all events it was not in the battle of the Thames, though it was in that of the Longwoods the fol- lowing March, where two of Captain Shaw's sons were wounded — one mortally. The Sherman house was the first built within the limits of the present Thamesville, and probably the only one then standing. It was built on the knoll above the river now occupied by the Sherman cemetery.
On the morning of the fifth the rear guard joined the rest of the army at Sherman's, with the disheartening news that all their supplies of food and ammunition had fallen into the enemy's hands through the night, the guard as well as the sick and wounded being made prisoners. Raw meat was served for breakfast, but before that luxurious meal could be despatched news of the proximity of the enemy caused a further tramp of two muddy miles, this time to the scene of the battle. They were formed in two lines, the British in an irregular group in the woods which, having no underbrush, offered little obstacle to cavalry. The
THAMESVILLE AND THE BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 23
solitary gun, for which there was not a single round of ammunition, was at the left of the road. In a black ash swamp to the right, Tecumseh and his men were drawn up and here alone, according to local authority, were abattis constructed. David Sherman, the fifteen year old son of the militia man referred to, was looking for his cows that afternoon in company with a boy named Ward. Naturally they looked in the direc- tion where something unusual was going on. An Indian, sitting on a newly-felled tree, called the boys, questioned them a little and advised them to get their cows and hurry home. He wore a scarf wound round his head in which was stuck a large white ostrich plume. When forty years later David Sherman surveyed a portion of his patrimony into vil- lage lots, he named the village after that Indian — Tecumseh. But, there being already a post office of that name in Essex, our village had to find another and was called Thamesville.
The battle of the Thames was fought in the Gore of Zone, and lots 2, 4, 5 and 6 have been entered for the honor of being the site. Lots 5 and 6, the farm until recently owned by Mr. G. J. Watts, who inherited it from his grandfather, whose patent is dated 1849, was long known as the Tecumseh Farm, as it was supposed to be the actual battle ground. But I am assured by Mr. John McDowell, the present owner of the Tecumseh farm, as well as of the adjoining land west, that all the relics known to have been found, — bayonets, muskets and human remains, and skeletons of horses — have been found on the latter — lot 4. Mr. McDowell has a collection of bullets of two sizes, picked up by himself within the past seven years. When the little army was arrayed Tecumseh rode along the lines, shaking the officers by the hand and try- ing to cheer the weary, hungry and dispirited men about to encounter a foe outnumbering them at least three to one. (The British had 367 of all ranks and their Indian allies were about 800, whereas Harrison's troops numbered at least 3,000 of which almost half were cavalry.) He was dressed in a close fitting suit of buckskin and his favorite white ostrich plume waved above his head. How it recalls another hero — him whose commission Samuel de Champlain carried in 1908:
"The King hath come to marshall us
In all his armor dressed, And he hath bound a snow white plume Above his gallant crest."
Proctor with his staff took his stand behind the rear line. He may well have been ashamed to face the men whose confidence he knew he
24 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
had lost and whom he was flinging to the enemy as the wicked man in the children's story flung the child from his arms to the wolves. I have no technical terms at my command but this is what happened: Harri- son's advancing cavalry was met by a fire from the front rank who then retired. The second attempting to fire were borne down by the horsemen and in two minutes or less all was over. The Indians held out the longest; but when Tecumseh fell they also broke and fled. Of the British only about fifty men under Lieutenant Bullock escaped.
Where was Proctor ? Two minutes after the first volley was fired he was galloping east to Moraviantown, where his treasures were, and onward through the forest towards Burlington. The enemy pursued him fifteen miles plundered the baggage which he was compelled to abandon — and which included his carriage — and returned, burning Moraviantown en route. Proctor was courtmarshalled at Montreal in December, 1814, and sentenced to a suspension from rank and pay for six months and a public reprimand. In his defense he had the meanness to throw the blame upon his little army. The Prince Regent was dis- satisfied with the sentence, complaining that he was treated with inex- cusable leniency ; and one finds oneself for once agreeing with his Royal Highness.
The morning after the battle Lemuel Sherman and his son, David, w:ere amongst those who went down to bury the dead. The bodies were thrown into a pit from which relic hunters have since carried off many a trophy. Mr. William Sherman assures me that he knows where Tecumseh was buried — that his father (then the boy David) had wit- nessed the burial and showed him the spot when a boy. There is a strong opinion, however, amongst historians "that no man knows that sepulchre, and no man saw it e'er" — no white man at least.
Harrison left the sick and wounded at Sherman's and many of them spent the winter there, using the barn already mentioned as their hospital. The names of some of them cut into the boards are still to be seen. One of the Kentucky troops remained behind altogether. When David Sherman married he took up his abode with him, died in his house in 1857 and is buried in the family plot on the spot where Lemuel Sherman's house stood in 1813.
I have left for the last the few words I wish to say on Tecumseh. That great Shawnee Chief was born in 1768 in the valley of the Mad River within the present State of Ohio. Like his brother the prophet, he was believed to be of supernatural birth, being thus a hero to his own people in the classic sense, as he is a hero to us according to the better meaning of the word — not the one that came in "about the time of the
THAMESVILLE AND THE BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 25
Boer War. From his earliest years he nourished wrath against the Americans from the belief that his people had been unjustly treated concerning their lands. He was of course a warrior. But a warrior of the best type known to our military age — wise in council, fertile in resource, magnanimous and fearless. If we may believe the story that he fled on the occasion of his first battle, it is interesting as indicatory that his courage had a moral rather than a physical origin. When war was declared in 1812 it was natural that he should come forward in aid of the British. Richardson says that he had nothing of the savage about him save the color and the garb. Kipling calls the savage people of to-day "half devil and half child," and the description suits our own red men well enough. They were children for instability and devils for cruelty. Yet from the day Tecumseh took his stand beside Brpck at Detroit till that on which Johnston's bullet stilled forever his noble heart he never wavered in his determination and loyalty. And he had learned from civilization her noblest lesson that mercy "which becomes the throned monarch better than his crown," and which shines with even greater lustre from the untutored savage. Richardson, who knew him well, speaks of him with affectionate enthusiasm. Harrison, against whom he fought, respected him while living and lamented his death. In the story of^the war he towers above the short-sighted, selfish and unready Proctor. He stands, an equal, besides the heroic Brock.
Such he was; and of his great gifts he gave all in the Canadian cause. "Green leaves of his labor," he gave, "white flower of his thought, and red fruit of his death." Should we not then honor him " as we honor our bravest who fall ? ' '
In five years will come round the one hundredth anniversary of the battle of the Thames. How fittingly on that day would the Canadian people unveil a monument to the memory of the brave, the noble Shawnee who died in battle against the Invaders of Canadian Soil!
III.
THE HIGHLAND PIONEERS OF THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
It is difficult, if not impossible, for men of the present generation to estimate aright the courage and heroism of their Highland ancestors. Inspired by a noble patriotism, knit to their homes by sacred associations, and the traditions of many centuries, qualified by their mental equip- ment to admire and enjoy its beautiful scenery, bound to race and clan with the strong ties of friendship and affection so characteristic of the Gael. It is hard to appreciate fully the intensity of the strain, or the severity of the trial of their expatriation. Before them was an ocean voyage in sailing vessels, both tedious and dangerous, and a scarcely less tedious and difficult journey from Quebec or Montreal to their western forest homes. But to counterbalance all this there was a pre- vailing dissatisfaction with their condition in the Highlands, a noble ambition to better themselves by securing perfect freedom and inde- pendence, and a calm, firm reliance on an overruling Providence.
Once arrived at their destination their hardships, so far from ended, were only really beginning. A vast stretch of almost pathless forest, with only here and there a clearing, surrounded and comforted them, and the situation taxed to the utmost their native energy as well as their powers of endurance. It is not necessary here to do more than simply mention the struggle of years in clearing the land and bringing it into cultivation, the many privations, the simple life in the old log cabins, their devoted attachment to their native land, and their loved Gaelic, their steadfast persevering battle with obstacles, and their final success and victory. It is proper to say here that though this paper is confined entirely to the Highland settlers, the pioneers of other origins are no less worthy of honorable mention.
As a people they carried with them from their Highland homes and grandly illustrated the characteristics of their races. Their stalwart physique and capacity for endurance were not only proved and tested, but exercised and strengthened by the inevitable hardships and exer- tions of their environment. They were gifted with strong intellects and keen powers of observation. No less prominent was their moral stamina and their reverence for religious worship and institutions. With few exceptions their lives were upright, and their economy and thriftiness, a necessity in the early days, were continued in the days of their pros-
26
THE HIGHLAND PIONEERS OF MIDDLESEX. 27
k
perity. In the midst of the great woods and their howling denizens, so complete a contrast to their Highland abode, even more strikingly were the traits of friendship and hospitality displayed, and their souls knit together in fraternal fellowship. Gaelic was practically the only language spoken, and all their customs, not only from their early train- ing, but from their surroundings, were simple and primitive. The old Highland "Ceilah" kept in the long winter evenings, around great blazing log fires, rested and refreshed them as the pleasant hours were spent in recalling the scenes, incidents, and even superstitions of their native land, and reciting or singing Gaelic songs or hymns. They had their faults but they were like spots in the sun. The Celtic fire was sometimes associated with an irascible temper. Firm as their granite hills at times this degenerated into obstinacy, or the open, honest, straightforwardness passed into abruptness, or their whole-souled hos- pitality was maimed by prejudice against people of other origins.
The dawn of civilization in Middlesex County first appeared in the township of Delaware, and here we also find a trace, but only a trace, of the pioneer Highlander of the County, Ronald McDonald, who in 1798 obtained a patent of the land on which Delaware village stands, but soon after sold out to Dr. Oliver Tiffany. It is stated that John Sutherland came in 1829, but as far as known there \vere no others till the close of the pioneer period. In London township there appear to have been two distinct settlements, one near what is now Ilderton, and one near Hyde Park. In the former the first settler was John Carmichael, and in the latter Duncan McKenzie ; both came in 1818, and were prob- ably, except Roderick McDonald, the first Highland pioneers in the county. In Mosa the Highland settlers occupied the northern part of the township from the 4th to the 10th concession, and the first settler was Archibald Sinclair, 1827. Many others followed in the next few years, a large number of whom had come to Aldborough, Elgin County, at an earlier date. In Lobo about two dozen families settled in 1820, and from that time till 1835 they continued to come till they had taken possession of the greater part of the township. Among these were the Johnsons, the Grahams, the McKellars and Mclntyres. The first High- landers who come into Ekfrid were Angus Campbell, his two sons, John and Malcolm, and his son-in-law, John Mclntosh, in 1821. From that time till 1835 the stream continued to flow till it had filled practically the whole township. The first in Caradoc were Archibald and Mal- colm Campbell, 1822. Not many followed till 1829-1835, when posses- sion was taken of the northern part of the township. In 1831 a dozen stalwart Highlanders, prominent among whom was Donald Mclntosh,
28 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
settled in East Williams. The wave of immigration continued during that and the two following years until about 100 families had come in, chiefly from the northern counties of Scotland. There was a second wave of immigration in 1848-49-50, which not only completely filled this township, but overflowed into West Williams, and was chiefly from the western islands of Scotland. In this latter settlement it is said the first pioneer was Donald McGregor, 1846. In Westminster there were comparatively few Highlanders located south of the sixth concession, and John Munro appears to have been the first, 1831. As the early his- tory of London has been so elaborately written by others, I need only say from what I can glean the pioneer Highlander of London was Patrick McGregor, 1826. As far as could be ascertained there were no Highland pioneers in Biddulph, and very few in Nissouri. A few High- landers, all from Inverness, came into McGillivray in 1849, and about fifty years ago a small colony from the island of Uist settled there, but are now said to be extinct. There were also a few Highlanders in North Dorchester, of whom the first is said to have been Dan. McCallum, 1830. Except as mentioned, nearly all came from Argyleshire. I say nothing of Metcalfe, as it was included in Ekfrid and Adelaide till near the close of the pioneer period.
It is a historical fact that in the matter of public or common school education, Scotland was very considerably in advance of Eng- land. All through the Highlands, parish schools had long been estab- lished, and the instruction was valuable, even if not very extensive. It was, therefore, only what might be expected that the early Highland settlers, from their past associations and their strong intellectual bias, would lose no time in giving attention to the education of their children. The buildings and equipment in the early years were rude and primitive, but as time passed conditions improved. The first log school house in Mosa was erected in S- S. No. 8, about 1836, followed by another in No. 9, soon after. Patrick McGregor was probably the first teacher in No. 8, and others were Duncan McCallum, Findlay Munroe, and Walter Payne. In Metcalfe the first school was opened in 1839, and the first teacher was Duncan McCallum. The pioneer school in Ekfrid was on lot 6, Longwoods' Road, 1836, and the pioneer teacher was Mr. Smith, followed by William Livingstone, and he by Malcolm Campbell. The first log school house in Canada was erected in the early thirties, on the 9th concession, but it was burned down, and a blacksmith's shop on lot 1, concession 7, Lobo, was utilized for the purpose and attended by children from both townships. Some years after the Caradoc academy, on the Longwoods' Road was opened and conducted by Wm. Livingstone, until
THE HIGHLAND PIONEERS OF MIDDLESEX. 29
it was burned down in 1857. In Lobo a log school house was erected as early as 1826, on lot 7, concession 6, but never roofed or occupied. The first school house to be used was built about 1831 on lot 1, concession 6, and was soon followed by others when the township was divided into sec- tions from 1835 to 1840. Among the pioneer teachers of those years were John Irvine, Donald McRae and Robert Dixon. In East Williams the first school opened in 1837 on the exact spot on which the Nairn hotel afterwards stood, and the first teacher was William Munro, long kindly remembered by his pupils and the people generally. In 1839 or 1840 the next school was opened at Beechwood, and one of the first, if not the very first, teacher was Wm. Wells. In West Williams, which was settled at a much later date, the first log school house in S. S. No. 12 was built in 1857, and the first teacher was Miss Dewar, of Lobo. In West- minster the first school house (a little log one) was in S. S. No. 13, and Mr. McCormick, who had been engaged as teacher in the old land, was the first teacher. The pupils who attended those primitive schools, in most cases knew only Gaelic, but they soon acquired a knowledge of English, and made such rapid progress in their studies that before many years had passed they could compare favorably with those of other origins. An unusually large number entered into intellectual pursuits, and twenty-five years ago Rev. Wm. R. Sutherland, of Ekfrid, in response to an inquiry, stated that he had made a careful estimate and found that up to that time in Western Ontario, 300 of the descendants of the early Highland pioneers had become teachers, or entered into the ministry or learned professions. Faith in a presiding Almighty Ruler of all things was a prominent trait of Highland character. The physical features of their country, the grand scenery, the glens and bens, and locks and islands, the great old ocean, and even the mountain mists and torrents, were all well calculated to imbue an impressible and emotional people with belief in the supernatural. Their acute powers of observation, their vivid imagination, their lofty con- ception of moral obligation and physical and mental beauty, were abundantly shown in the large volume of Gaelic poetry which had been gathering and increasing for centuries. But in addition it may be said that many of them, even in the early ages, received the gospel as the power of God unto Salvation through the labors of St. Columbus and others, and the mighty impulse which the career of John Knox gave to religion in Scotland was felt, even in the Highlands. Not only were parishes and parish ministers established throughout, but for many decades preceding the coming migration, many able, scholarly, fervent and faithful men bv their zealous and extended labors, helped to keep
30 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
alive the flow of true devotion and genuine religion. To this people, in the great woods the change was great, and the contrast in almost every t future sharp and clear, but it did not efface old memories, nor was it less unfavorable to their religious tendencies or convictions. So it comes about that before being visited by pioneer preachers of any kind, the more devout and spiritual met together for prayer, conference and worship. They were also helped and comforted by reading their Gaelic Bibles, reading and singing the Gaelic Psalms and paraphrases, and perusing the "Pilgrim's Progress," and many other good books which had been translated into their native language.
The great majority of the Highland pioneers of Middlesex were Presbyterians. Those who settled in West Williams at a later date were in part Roman Catholic, and there were a few of the same faith in Ekfrid. There were also a few Baptists, and a considerable number in some of the townships became Baptists at a later date. Speaking of Presbyterian Churches, a house for public worship was erected in East Williams in 1835 on a splendid lot of 118 acres, granted by the Canada Company, and was succeeded by a large frame church in 1842. A com- modious church was erected in Ekfrid in 1849, and in the area then included there are no less than 10 separate congregations. About 1835 a small log house for religious services was built in Mosa, followed in a few years by a large one, and in 1867 by a brick church. In West- minster services were for a time held in a school house until a church was built in 1854. In 1860 the first log church was erected in Caradoc. The first Baptist churches were erected in Lobo in 1837, followed by a brick structure in 1855, and in Ekfrid in 1840, succeeded by a frame building in 1854.
Among the pioneer ministers of the Church of Scotland who labored in Middlesex in the early days, were Alex. Ross, and Donald McKenzie, 1830 ; W. McKellar, 1833 ; Dugald McKellar, Lobo, 1839. Soon after a minister, named Cameron, spent some time among the people of Ekfrid, and among the others may be mentioned Wm. R. Sutherland, Ekfrid, 1848-1898; Donald McKenzie and Donald Allan, as visitors, 1834; in East Williams, Duncan McMillan, 1839 ; and Lachlan McPherson, 1849, as settled pastors in the same township. Also Wm. McGillivray and Alex. Fraser in the late forties. Robert Stevenson, 1856 ; Dr. John Scott, D. McKenzie and D. McMillan, Hyde Park, in the forties. John McEwen, 1852, and Duncan McColl (an ordained chatechist), 1841, both in Westminster. Archibald Stewart, Kilmartin, 1862; John Ferguson, Caradoc, 1860. Among the pioneer Baptist ministers who labored with great success among the early settlers in Lobo, Caradoc and Ekfrid
THE HIGHLAND PIONEERS OP MIDDLESEX. 31
from 1827 onwards were Dugald Campbell, Thomas McColl, Duncan Lamont, and Duncan McCallum. Dugald Sinclair, a minister of the Disciples or Christian Church, labored in Lobo from 1831 to his death, in 1870. In the decade ending 1856 Father Kirvvan visited the Roman Catholics who had settled in West Williams. A church was built in 1861, and the succeeding priests were Fathers O'Donavan, Kellehan, O'Shea, Lamont, Corcoran and McRae. Fathers O'Danavan, Lamont and MeRae, as well as nearly all of the ministers mentioned, could speak and preach in Gaelic. The preaching in the early years was mostly in that language, but I believe there is only one place — Kilmartin — where it is still continued.
From three important documents of the pioneer period, two of which have come into my own possession, I am able to glean some interesting information. The assessment roll of the township of Lobo for 1825, written in a plain legible hand and signed by John Baskin, contains altogether 49 names, 29 of whom were Highlanders. The total value of assessed property was £2,675 8s., Halifax currency at $4 to the £, and the total taxes were £13 9s. 9d. One-fourth of a penny per pound was for payment of members of the Assembly for their services. The tax paid by Joel Westbrook was only four pence, and Captain John Matthews paid the highest tax, £1 12s. 5d.
Much more full and complete than the similar roll for .Lobo is the assessment roll for Ekfrid for 1827, probably the first one prepared there. It also bears the signature of John B. Askin, as clerk of the London district. It contains 46 names of whom only about ten were Highlanders. The lot and concession as given shows that all settled along and on both sides of the Longwoods ' Road, which had been opened up in 1812. It was the only road then open, and there was not one settler in the rest of the township to the north and south, which was all unbroken forest. As a rule each one of the settlers had 100 acres or a total of 4,312 acres; only 121 acres was arable land in patches of from one to twenty acres. The total population was 107, total valuations £1,198 8s., total taxes £7 13s. 4d., and the wolf hunger, the overshadow- ing influences of friendship and fraternity and the higher claims of religion so occupied their attention that politics had little or no place in their horizon. Besides, they had no means of obtaining the knowledge on which alone intelligent political opinion could be based. But the upheaval of 1837, the mission of Lord Durham, the granting of respon- sible government in 1841, the establishment of municipal institutions in 1842, and the publication of newspapers constituted the beginning of a new era. Almost from the first there was a more or less distinct line
32 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
of cleavage between the two great political parties, which have ever' since steadily maintained their organization and identity, and High- landers and their sons have not been slow to take their places in the political arena, and fill the most exalted positions in the gift of the people.
To Andrew J. Ross, who unearthed what was probably the first assessment roll of Williams for 1833, I am indebted for some of its inter- esting contents. There were on this roll forty names in all, and with scarcely an exception they were all Highlanders. The wild land is put down at 4,590 acres, cultivated land 141 acres, assessed value £1,254. , This last in 1837 had increased to £4,627. At the foot of the list is the entry, "in the County of Huron." In the early years there was practi- cally no politics among the Highland pioneers. The franchise was to them a new privilege, which, as a rule, they had never before enjoyed, and it took some time to estimate its value and realize its responsibility.
IV.
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF BRANT.
BY HERBERT F. GARDINER, 1VI. A., PRINCIPAL OF THE ONTARIO INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND, BRANTFORD.
Joseph Brant, or Thayendanegea, the celebrated Mohawk Chief, died in 1807, and the one hundredth anniversary of his death, which fell on Sunday, November 24th, 1907, was fittingly observed by the inhabitants of Brantford and the adjacent Indian Reserve, the newly organized Canadian Club of Brantford taking a special interest in the proceedings.
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 23rd, the Brant monument in Victoria Park, Brantford, was decorated with impressive ceremonies in the presence of a large assemblage. The first speaker was Chief A. G. Smith, who explained the object of the gathering and called upon Chief Jacob General to perform the condolence ceremony, which is an ancient rite observed whenever a death occurs in a chief 's family. Chief Jacob General, on behalf of one side of the council, addressed the Mohawks. He repeated all the names of the dead Chief.
The response to the condolence was made by Chief A. G. Smith, who, on behalf of the other side of the council, thanked them for the con- dolences which had been so kindly extended. Condolence, he said, was a great help, and it was able to clear away the lump in the throat and brighten the dimmed eyes. In closing, he stated that if any death occurred on the other side of the house he could say, on behalf of his side, that they would be willing to offer condolence and wipe away the tears with a clean linen handkerchief.
Mr. Frederick O. Loft, of the Provincial Secretary's Department, Toronto, said that on this occasion they were gathered to commemorate the death of a man who was true to his cause. Brant was a soldier from the top of his head to the soles of his feet, and he proved his fidelity to the British crown. The speaker then reviewed the life of Brant.
Chief A. G. Smith placed a beautiful wreath of roses on the Brant monument. The floral piece was two feet in diameter, and across it was the word "Thayendanegea." Beside the wreath were placed two small Union Jacks as a fitting tribute to the Chief who loved and was true to that flag.
33
34 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
A. D. Hardy, Judge of Brant County, and Superintendent Smith, of the Indian Office, made short addresses in which they referred to the life of one of the noblest of red men.
This closed the proceedings at the monument.
SERVICES AT THE MOHAWK CHURCH.
On Sunday morning, November 24th, a special service at the Mohawk Church was attended by a large number of Indians, and also by many residents of the city. After the regular matins had been said and sung, Rev. R. Ashton, Superintendent of the Mohawk Institute and Rector of the Church, referred in his sermon to the great Chief Joseph Brant, saying that there were many misapprehensions in regard to him. Many thought, for instance, that Joseph Brant built the church they were in. This was not so, as the church was built under the direction of King George III. in 1785. Chief Joseph Brant, the speaker stated, had received a fair education, and even translated the Gospel of St. Mark into the Mohawk tongue. This translation was printed in 1778 by George Ill's, order, and the books were sent to the Mohawk Church. Joseph Brant, the preacher also stated, had translated the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer into Mohawk. These transla- tions were placed on three tablets, which were sent out from England in 1786. These are at present in the church and greatly valued. The reverend gentleman paid high tribute to the great Chief, for he was much ahead of his time, and his great idea was to restrain his tribe from being a wandering one and leading an aimless life. Brant also wanted to have the white man teach the Indians agriculture, but the authorities thought that Brant was trying to get the land for himself and this scheme was never taken up during his lifetime.
The pupils of the Mohawk Institute attended the church in a body.
A piece of the famous Queen Anne silver plate, which was sent to the Mohawk Indians in New York in 1712, was used to take up the col- lection. This valuable silver plate was brought here by Brant's tribe when they came from the other side.
GRAVE DECORATED.
After the service the grave of Chief Joseph Brant was decorated by two wreaths, one being placed on the tomb by the Six Nations and the other by the Canadian Club. The first was of red roses, typifying the red man; the second of white roses, symbolical of the white friends of the dead Chief.
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OP BRANT. 35
Judge Hardy, Chief Smith and several others delivered short addresses. Those present then inspected the church and graveyard, and a most interesting memorial service was brought to a close. The weather Saturday and Sunday was ideal for this celebration, and the ceremonies at the monument, at the church and at the grave were all most reverently participated in by large numbers of people.
AT THE COUNCIL PIousE.
On Monday, November 25th, the proceedings in connection with the centenary of the death of Brant were continued on the Six Nations Reserve. The chiefs assembled in the Council House at Ohsweken, the Mohawks and Senecas sitting at the right; the Oneidas, Cayugas, Tus- caroras and Dela wares at the left; the Onondagas, who as fire-keepers, sit in the centre, were back at the extreme edge of the two sides. A debate is never settled by show of hands. If the Chiefs to right and left cannot agree, the decision remains with the fire-keepers, whose voice is final. If the two sides agree, the fire-keepers have nothing to say.
The Chiefs sit at the far end of the Council House and their por- tion is railed off, with seats on the outside for the warriors and women. The Superintendent occupies a chair on a small raised platform.
Proceedings opened at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, the Chiefs occupy- ing the positions above described. To the right and left of Super- intendent Smith sat Judge Hardy, President, and Mr. F. D. Reville (Editor of the Brant ford Courier), Vice-President of the Canadian Club of Brantford. Other guests within the Chiefs' enclosure were Mrs. A. D. Hardy, W. G. Raymond (Postmaster of Brantford), Mrs. and the Misses Raymond, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. F. D. Reville and Mr. "W. F. Cockshutt, M.P. for South Brant. The council room outside of the dividing barrier was crowded.
Rev. Mr. Carpenter, Dr. and Mrs. Holmes, and many of the teachers on the Reserve were present. The Chiefs, who were grouped according to their nation, were : —
Mohawks — Chiefs D. Doxtater, A. G. Smith, Simon Bomberry, J. W. M. Elliott and Abram Lewis.
Senecas — Chiefs John Gibson, Johnson, Williams and John Hill.
Onondagas — Lawrence Jonathan, Joseph Olsey, Joseph Porter and William Echo.
Oneidas— Simon Douglas, J. S. Johnson, Daniel Sky, William C. Hill, A. H. Lottridge, Robert Isaac.
36 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Cayugas — "William Hill, Jacob General, Alexander McNaughton, Joseph Jacobs and Daniel McNaughton.
Tuscaroras — Chiefs Josiah Hill, Joseph Green and Richard Hill.
The addresses throughout the day dealt principally with the edu- cation of the Indian, for which Joseph Brant had worked throughout his life. Most of the Chiefs spoke in their own language, some of the speeches being translated into English for the benefit of the white guests.
All the speakers paid tribute to the man who died one hundred years ago. They crowned his head with wreaths of eloquence in refer- ring to his history, and recalled many incidents in his life which showed the excellent character of the man who, born in the woods, was later patronized by leading British soldiers and scions of royalty. Brant was described as loyal to his followers and to the British crown, unselfish and always anxious to find ways to better the condition of his people.
The meeting was declared open by an Onondaga Chief, who laid a string of wampum on the table. Chief Echo, who performed this ceremony, said that the council had seen fit to hold a commemoration in honor of the death of a member of the Six Nations, who had lived over one hundred years ago. He charged the people, no matter of what standing, to be prepared for death at a moment's notice, as the Great Spirit called souls to the great beyond in a minute's time. He wel- comed the white visitors with a few appropriate words.
The ceremony of condolence was conducted by Chief John Gibson, who spoke in the Indian language.
Letters were read from Lieut.-Col. and Mrs. Delamere, of Toronto ; Principal Gardiner, of the Ontario Institution for the Blind; T. H. Preston, M.P.P. for South Brant; and Hon. William Paterson, Minis- ter of Customs, expressing regret at being unable to be present.
Superintendent Smith said the federation of the Six Nation Indians was the oldest established government on the continent. The constitu- tions of the present governments were modeled after the Six Nations ' constitution. They had shown forethought in framing their system. They believed that at some later day there would be a great confederacy of all the tribes, and they had worked to that end.
Chief A. G. Smith (Mohawk) spoke at some length on the "Life and Times of Joseph Brant." He considered him a thoughtful, unselfish man, who sacrificed many things in order to better the condition of his people. When the Government had given the land grants for the use of the Indians, it was Joseph Brant who advised them to settle and learn to till the ground, rather than to spend their time in laziness. It
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF BRANT. 37
was he who brought the white man in to teach them the art of agricul- ture, and it was he who said: "We cannot succeed unless we obtain education. ' '
Judge Hardy spoke at some length on the career of Joseph Brant, touching on many interesting incidents of his life which brought out the true worth of the man. He considered it a fitting thing to hold a celebration in honor of one so great as Joseph Brant, and he had a feeling of intense interest in all the Indian brethren concerned in such an event. The experiences and exploits of these first inhabitants of our great Dominion were interesting, and Joseph Brant figured as greatest of them all. He referred to the natural endowments pos- sessed by Brant. He was the possessor of an educated, cultivated and trained mind, making friends with all men with whom he came in con- tact. To show the attitude of Captain Brant as regards education, Judge Hardy read a letter written by Brant to Mr. "Wheelock, Principal of a Seminary at Lebanon, Conn., in which he gave Mr. Wheelock full charge of his two sons, that they should be thoroughly educated in all lines, and particularly in morals. Brant was solicitous of education, and desired to educate the Six Nations in the same manner as his own sons. He had also assisted in the promotion of religion, thus proving himself an accomplished man, of broad and noble culture. Judge Hardy read a letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, recommending Brant to her as a man of education, well bred and a suitable person to be introduced to their friends. Judge Hardy described the interview between John Brant and the poet, Campbell, in which John convinced the author of Gertrude of Wyoming that he had done a grave injustice to his father, Joseph Brant. He also referred to Brant's interview with General Herkimer, in which the former announced his fixed inten- tion to adhere to the British side in the war.
W. F. Cockshutt, M.P., made a capital speech, interspersed with humorous stories, which the Indians enjoyed thoroughly. He said his first speech in the House of Commons was on behalf of the Indians, whom he had always been proud to regard as his friends. It was Sir Wilfrid Laurier who had asked him to make that speech on the effect of education on the red man. The Indians had once had the franchise and he believed they should still have it. They were a living, not a dead, race, and they should have legislative privileges. Many of them had demonstrated their capabilities under educational advantages. The late Dr. Oronhyatekha had become the head of a large fraternal order, and at the time of his death he was enjoying a salary as large as that of the Premier of the Dominion. He knew of an Indian girl who had charge
38 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
of a large hospital in the United States, and examples of similar success could be found in other walks of life. The Indian was capable of the highest education. The Six Nations had proved their ability to occupy the highest positions in peace as well as in war. They formed the larg- est reserve on the American continent, possessing over 4,000 souls, and they were the most advanced of all the tribes. He had heard the late Senator Plumb, who was an authority, say that no people had made greater advancement within a given time than the Six Nations; that it had taken the whites nearly 2,000 years to reach a position which the Six Nations had largely attained in one century. As a matter of fact, Longboat had recently shown that he was able to go far ahead of all the whites.
He considered Brant a statesman as well as a warrior. Brant's reputation would remain when his detractors were dead and forgotten. The truth was that he had been earnest, loyal and true; he had nobly done his duty in his day and generation, and bequeathed wise measures which had left their impress to the present time. Look at his influence in this vicinity — Brant county and Brantford city perpetuating his name. To the Indians Canada also owed her very name. "Okanada" was an Indian word, meaning a village or settlement, and thus had become transformed into Canada. He knew that some people tried to make out that the Spanish, when they first landed in the country look- ing for gold, exclaimed "Acanada" — there is nothing here — and that this was the derivation of Canada, but the first explanation given was obviously the true one. The Indians of the Grand River had been the possessors of many valuable relics, too many of which had found their way to Montreal, to England and to the United States. He was sorry that so many of these things had been taken away from this neighbor- hood, and he would like to have Judge Hardy start a collection of local Indian relics. He knew that some regarded him as a sentimentalist about the Six Nations, but he believed them to be capable of attaining any heights, becoming members of parliament, and perhaps even pro- viding a premier for the land they once owned. He had heard some men say that the Six Nations should be removed to the north or the west, and their lands be opened for white settlement. He protested most strongly against that. In former times it was largely the Indian trade that had made Brantford, and he was old enough to know how much that fact had tieen appreciated by the business men of the earlier days. They deserved — richly deserved — the lands given them in Brant county for loyalty to the British crown in a time of peril, and to attempt to force them back from the present reserve would be to break faith and pledges. It could never be done.
CENTENARY OP THE DEATH OF BRANT. 39
After luncheon Chief William Hill was the first speaker. His address was in the Indian language and seemed to please those who understood it.
Warrior Jacob Hill, dressed in regular war costume, his face cov- ered with vermilion and his hands filled with bows and arrows, was called on for a speech. He said he had dropped in accidentally and did not know what the multitude of people meant. On being told the cause of the gathering, he said he was prepared for war but not for speech-making, so he would withdraw.
John Gibson, of the Senecas, made an address in his own language.
William G. Raymond, Postmaster of Brantford, said that if Brant could but stand for a moment on the banks of the Grand River, and view the great changes, he would see naught but what he had laid the foundation for. This successful application of methods by Brant and his followers, he considered, was an example to be followed by all men. He thought that the Six Nations Indians had justly earned every privilege that was granted by the Government and sincerely hoped that the removal of the Reserve was not contemplated.
Frederick Loft, of the Six Nations, employed in the Provincial Secretary's office, Toronto, spoke on the constitution of the Six Nations. He thought that the Indian was rapidly gaining a position of equality with the white man. If the Government contemplated any steps in the removal of the Reserve, they should send a delegation to discuss the mat- ter with the Indian Council.- He appreciated all the Government had done for the Indians in teaching them the different departments of agriculture, and sincerely hoped that nothing would be done to retard them from their rapid advancement. The old system of rule which had been in force in Brant's time has passed down through these many years, and though it might have many failings, yet it was a most won- derful constitution. It provided for a great many things just as modern Governments have done, and there is a great resemblance between the two constitutions. He knew that the Chiefs would never consent to be put back and hoped there would be nothing done to mar the peace of the people.
Chief J. S. Johnson considered education the means of elevation for the Indian.
Mr. F. D. Reville, seconded by Mr. E. L. Cockshutt, moved a hearty vote of thanks for the cordial reception tendered the white visitors. The proceedings closed with cheers for the King and the Indians, the latter responding with three war whoops, led by Chief J. S. Johnson.
40 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
SKETCH OP BRANT'S LIFE.
A very large audience assembled in Victoria Hall, Brantford, on Monday evening, November 25th, to listen to a patriotic lecture on the life and works of Joseph Brant, delivered by Principal H. F. Gardiner of the Ontario Institution for the Blind, a well-selected program and a speech by Chief William Smith of the Six Nations Indians. The affair was held under the auspices of the Canadian Club, which has a primary object in the dissemination of a broader knowledge of Canadian affairs. Needless to say, the lecture of Principal Gardiner was instruc- tive in its every detail, and was of a highly patriotic color from begin- ning to end. The days of the early revolutionary wars, especially in relation to the settlement of this part of the province by the Six Nations brought about by their removal from the Mohawk valley before the onslaughts of Sullivan and his artillery, were lucidly portrayed by the speaker. He suggested that one good object the Canadian Club could accomplish would be to mark out the place where Joseph Brant lived between the Mohawk Church and the locks at the river, by the erection of a stone monument. He thought it was a subject calling for the patriotic attention of Brantfordites.
Miss Russell, graduate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music, con- tributed to the program in very fine style. She recited a poem of Miss Pauline Johnson's, and received a meritorious encore. Miss Russell pos- sesses a very pleasing manner, and is an elocutionist of rare ability. Mr. Joyce also contributed solos to the program, and was in very fine voice. Chief William Smith of the Reserve, was the representative of the Six Nations present, and made a patriotic but brief address in which he expressed unswerving loyalty to the British crown and the Canadian Government. The evening was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem, and proved a most enjoyable one in every respect.
Mr. Gardiner said he felt complimented by the invitation of the Brantford Canadian Club to speak about Joseph Brant, especially as he was not a native of the city or the county whose names commemorate the great Indian chieftain, who died 100 years ago. He must be a poor Canadian who could not appreciate the labors and the services, the achievements and the character of a man who had devoted the best years of his life to the interests of the British crown and the welfare of his own race. In the time at his disposal he could not attempt to tell any- thing like the full story of Brant's life, but without regard to style or method he would endeavor to crowd into his remarks as much informa-
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF BRANT. 41
tion as possible about the man in honor of whose memory the meeting had been called.
BRANT'S BIRTH, PARENTAGE AND EDUCATION.
In the eighteenth century the Indian tribe to which Joseph Brant, or Thayendanegea, belonged, dwelt in the valley of the Mohawk, a river 135 miles long, which flows in a southeasterly direction and empties into the Hudson about 10 miles north of Albany, N.Y. But his parents must have strayed many miles from home, for Joseph is said to have been born in the year 1742, "on the banks of the Ohio," a sufficiently indefinite location, since the length of the Ohio River, from Cairo, 111., to Pittsburg, Pa., is 975 miles. The Ohio at one point comes within little more than 100 miles of Lake Erie, and its chief branch, the Alleghany, approaches within 14 miles of that lake. According to one account, Brant's father died in the Ohio country, and his mother came back to the Mohawk with Joseph and his sister Mary, where she took for her second husband a man named Barnet or Burnet, which was contracted into Brant. Another version makes Joseph Brant the grand- son of the Indian Brant, who visited Queen Anne in England in 1710, and the son of Nickus Brant, who lived in the Mohawk country and was mentioned in the papers of Sir William Johnson. Colonel Stone says that Brant was a well-known family name in England. In 1458 — nearly 300 years before the birth of Joseph Brant on the banks of the Ohio — Sebastion Brant was born in Strasburg, Germany. He wrote a book containing a poem called the Narrenschiff, or Ship of Fools, which was translated into Latin, French and English (1508), and it was the first book published in the English language which contained any men- tion of the New World.
It is not recorded that Brant went to school when a child, but after he had seen some service as a warrior he attended Dr. Wheelock's school at Lebanon, Conn., probably from 1759 to 1761. The labors which he performed as a translator of the Scriptures, his letters and speeches, and his intimate friendship with learned men, indicate that Brant attained considerable culture, probably to a great extent by pri- vate study. His essay on "American Antiquities and the Relative Advantages of Savage and Civilized Life," quoted by Stone, betokens extensive reading and keen, intelligent observation. An illiterate sav- age could not have been esteemed by men like Boswell, Sheridan, the Earl of Moira and the Duke of Northumberland, as Brant undoubtedly was.
42 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
When a mere child, during the war between the English and the French, he listened to the call to arms.
BRANT THE WARRIOR.
Brant was at the battle of Lake George, under Sir William John- son, in 1755, being then only about 13 years old. The Mohawks were led by their King Hendrick, who was slain. For his success in that expedition Sir William received a baronetcy and £5,000.
In 1759 Brant accompanied Sir William Johnson against the French at Niagara. General Prideaux being killed, Sir William assumed command and the fort was taken, thus breaking the chain of forts that the French had designed to establish from Canada to Louisiana.
In 1763-64 Brant was engaged in the war against Pontiac, the Ottawa chief, who captured Mackinaw and besieged Detroit, having combined Delawares, Wyandots, Shawnees, Mingoes and Chippewas against the western garrisons and settlers. Pontiac submitted to the British in 1766. Brant returned from the expedition in 1764 and lived a peaceful life until the outbreak of the Revolution.
In May, 1776, Brant led the Indians at the battle of The Cedars, 40 miles above Montreal. Major Sherbourne surrendered to the British.
Brant's first raid on any of the New York settlements was in May, 1777. In June of that year he went south through the Mohawk country as far as Unadilla on the Susquehanna. He there had an interview with General Herkimer, and announced to him that he was engaged to serve the King. Thence he went to a council at Oswego, where the alliance of the Six Nations with the British was cemented.
Later, in 1777, returning from St. Leger's expedition against Fort Stanwix, Brant met with a severe loss in an engagement, which he attri- buted to the Oneidas, and attacked them. In retaliation they plun- dered Miss Molly at the Upper Mohawk Town, and she and her family fled to the Onondagas. She got and gave information which enabled Brant to ambuscade General Herkimer at Oriskany, where there was a drawn battle, both sides losing heavily and both claiming the victory.
In the spring of 1778 Brant was again on the Susquehanna below Unadilla. His first movement was on Springfield, ten miles west of Cherry Valley. He was not at Wyoming, where Colonel John Butler was in command. The fact of his absence from that alleged "massacre" was fully established by John Brant and acknowledged by the poet Campbell, who wrote "Gertrude of Wyoming."
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OP BRANT. 43
In July, 1778, Brant attacked and wiped out of existence Andrus- town, and in August of the same year he laid waste German Flats.
In November he served under Walter Butler in the attack on Cherry Valley.
In July, 1779, Brant destroyed Minisink, and devastated other small places in the Mohawk Valley.
In August, 1779, General Sullivan defeated Brant at Newtown on the site of the present Elmira. The Indians could not stand against Sullivan's artillery, and they were not only defeated, but demoralized. Sullivan proceeded through their country, utterly destroying the houses, their corn and their orchards, which he was surprised to find in such abundance. This policy was adopted by order of General Washington and the American Congress. Sullivan went as far west as the Genessee country and he could have taken Fort Niagara, the winter quarters of the British and Indians, if he had pursued his victory.
In the winter of 1779-80 Brant invaded the Oneida Indians.
On April, 1780, he surprised and destroyed Harpersfield, but saved the life of Col. Harper, ancestor of the New York publishers.
In May, 1780, Brant attacked the Saugerties settlements ; in August he burned Canajoharie ; in October he successfully invaded the Schoharie country.
After the close of the war, Brant was interested in the formation of a confederacy of the Northwest Indians against the United States. He attended councils on the Detroit River, and in the Miami country, helped to defeat General St. Clair in 1791, and kept in close touch with military affairs until the conclusion of Wayne's Treaty in 1795.
How INDIANS FOUGHT.
Rev. Peter Jones, in his chapter on the mode of Indian warfare, says that "the more scalps they take the more they are revered and consulted by their tribe. Their mode of action is entirely different from that of civilized nations. They have no idea of meeting the enemy upon an open plain face to face, to be shot at like dogs, as they say. Their aim is to surprise the enemy by darting upon them in an unex- pected moment, or in the dead of night. They always take care, in the first place, to ascertain the position of the enemy. When they find them unprepared or asleep, they creep up stealthily and slowly, like panthers in pursuit of their prey; when sufficiently near, they simultaneously raise the war whoop, and before the enemy awake or have time to defend themselves, the tomohawk is rattling over their heads. When a
44 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
village, a wigwam, or a party is thus surprised, there is seldom any mercy shown either to age or sex; all are doomed to feel the weight of the tomahawk and the deep incision of the bloody scalping knife. Such close battles, if they may be so called, seldom last more than a few min- utes. If a captive is not adopted by some family who have lost a rela- tive in the war, he is compelled to undergo the most painful death, by being burned alive either at the stake or tree. It is stated that the Indian victims thus burned have never betrayed any weakness in com- plaining of the severity of their punishment by shedding a tear, or uttering a groan; but, on the contrary, have been known to upbraid their tormentors, telling them that they did not know how to give pain."
With the wisdom that comes after the event, it is now generally conceded that it was a mistake for Britain to employ Indians in the war against the revolting colonies; not that the Americans can afford to throw stones, for they were anxious to get the Indians to fight on their side, and there was not much to choose between the treatment of the whites by the Indians, and the treatment of the Indians by the whites. The Indians practiced the trade of war — always dreadful — in conformity with their own usages and laws. The scalping of a slain foe was not in their opinion barbarous. The scalplock was an emblem of chivalry. The warrior was careful to leave the lock of defiance on his crown, for his enemies to take if they could get it. The stake and the torture were identified with their rude notions of the power of endurance. But whatever degree of hardship and suffering their female captives were compelled to endure their persons were never dishonored by violence; a fact which can be predicated of no other victorious soldiery that ever lived.
The name of Brant has been connected with every species of atro- city from the "massacre" of Wyoming, at which he was not even pre- sent, to the deliberate murder of a prisoner. But Colonel Stone has collected evidence to show that on many occasions Brant saved the lives of those who were opposed to him, and while he says that "no matter for the difficulties or the distance, wherever a blow could be struck to any advantage, Joseph Brant was sure to be there." He adds that "there is no good evidence that Brant was himself a participator in secret murders or attacks upon isolated individuals or families." He fought and he fought to win — to kill rather than to be killed. "Whether in the conduct of a campaign or of a scouting party, in the pitched battle or the foray, this crafty and dauntless chieftain was sure to be one of the most efficient, as he was one of the bravest, of those who were engaged. Combining with the native
CENTENARY OP THE DEATH OF BRANT. 45
hardihood and sagacity of his race the advantages of education and of civilized life — in acquiring which he had lost nothing of his activity or his power of endurance — he became the most formidable border foe with whom the Provincials had to contend, and his name was a terror to the land."
BRANT'S DOMESTIC RELATIONS.
Some time previous to 1765 Joseph Brant married Margaret, the daughter of the Oneida chief, and for several years he lived at Cana- joharie on the Mohawk. "When Rev. Dr. Stewart visited him there in 1771, he found him comfortably settled in a good house, with every- thing necessary for the use of his family, consisting of his wife, his son, Isaac, and his daughter, Christina. After Margaret's death, he mar- ried her half-sister, Susanna, who died shortly after her marriage with- out issue. In 1780, at Niagara, he was regularly wedded to his third wife, Catharine, with whom he had been living, according to the Indian fashion, for some time previous. She survived him for thirty years, dying in 1837 at the Mohawk village on the Grand River. By his third wife, Brant had seven children, Joseph, jr., who died in 1830, leaving a daughter, Catharine, who married Aaron Hill; Jacob, who died in 1846, leaving six children ; John, who died in 1832, unmarried ; Margaret, who died in 1848, leaving several children; Catharine, who died in 1867, having had three children; Mary, who married Seth Hill, and Elizabeth, who died in 1844, having married William Johnson Kerr, a grandson of Sir William Johnson. She had four children, one of whom, Chief Simcoe Kerr, was living at Burlington in 1871. Brant's two children, by his first wife, married and left issue. His sister, Mary, or "Miss Molly, "-as she was called, is described in Sir William Johnson's will as "my faithful housekeeper/' and to her children he left money and land. Dr. Canniff says: "We cannot excuse the conduct of Sir William, when he had lost his European wife, in taking the sister of Brant, Miss Molly, without the form of matrimonial alliance; but we must concede every allowance for the times in which he lived. But while grave doubt may rest upon the moral principle displayed by him, we see no just reason to reflect in any way upon the Indian female. Miss Molly took up her abode with Sir William, and lived with him as a faithful spouse until he died. However, this must not be regarded as indicating depravity on the part of the simple-minded native. It must be remembered that the Indian's mode of marrying consists of but little more than the young squaw leaving the father's wigwam,
46 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and repairing to that of her future husband, and there is no reason to doubt that Miss Molly was ever other than a virtuous woman. And this belief is corroborated by the fact that four daughters, the issue of this alliance, were most respectably married."
Captain Campbell, who visited Brant's house on the Grand Eiver in 1792, reported that "Captain Brant, who is well acquainted with European manners, received us with much politeness and hospitality. Mrs. Brant appeared, superbly dressed in the Indian fashion. Her blanket was made up of silk and the finest English cloth, bordered with a narrow strip of embroidered lace. They have a fine family of children. Tea was on the table when we came in, served up on the handsomest china plate; our beds, sheets and English blankets were fine and comfortable. Two slaves attended the table."
A few years before his death, Captain Brant built a residence on a fine tract of land at the head of Lake Ontario, given to him by the King, but after his death Mrs. Brant came back to the Grand River to live.
BRANT THE BUSINESS MAN.
Brant's record and ability as a man of business cannot be com- pletely understood without reference to the Canadian Archives, in which his name frequently appears. His caution was displayed in going to Montreal in 1775 to negotiate with Carleton and Haldimand about compensation for the lands of the Six Nations in the Mohawk Valley in case the British arms should not be successful. His visit to England to have the King and Government confirm the arrangement and to have his standing in the service confirmed, before committing any overt act against the enemy, was well advised. After the war, he insisted that Haldimand should implement his promise, and made a second visit to England. He had managed to have the women and other non-combatants removed from the Mohawk Valley to Canada early in the struggle, and when peace came he soon got them comfortably settled on the Grand River reserve. How he provided for his own household has been described. He doubtless had many unrecorded difficulties in the distribution and disposal of the land grant, but he seems to have taken a broad view of the future of his people, and his personal honesty is conceded.
THE LAND GRANT ON GRAND RIVER.
The Neuter nation, on the north shore of Lake Erie, like the Eries or Cats on the south shore of the same lake, had been practically exter- minated by the Iroquois about the middle of the seventeenth century,
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF BRANT. 47
so that there were few human beings in that part of Canada between the Niagara and Detroit Rivers. The Chippewas or Mississaugas laid claim to the country, so the Government bought out their right to a tract bounded on the east by a straight line running from the north end of Burlington Beach to the Falls of the Grand River (Elora), and on the west by a line from the Falls of Elora to the mouth of Catfish Creek, on Lake Erie, about midway from the present Port Stanley to Port Burwell.
Out of this tract, on October 25th, 1784, Sir Frederick Haldimand, by an instrument under his hand and seal declared that the Six Nations "and their posterity should be allowed to possess and enjoy a tract of land six miles in depth on each side of the Grand River," from its mouth to the Elora Falls, a distance of 100 miles. This grant would include, counting land and water, 1,200 square miles, or 768,000 acres, covering the present townships of Sherbrooke, Moulton, Dunn, Canboro ', Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, Tuscarora, Onondaga, Brantford, Dumfries, Waterloo, Woolwich, Pilkington and Nichol. This tract, though much smaller than that which they had been obliged to forsake in the United States, amply satisfied these loyal Indians; indeed, it was not long before they began to dispose of part of their grant. Brant and his people had supposed, it was alleged, that the territory allotted to them had been conveyed in fee by a perfect title. W. H. Smith says : ' ' It is hardly necessary to remark that an estate in fee simple in lands, belong- ing to the crown, could not be conveyed by Sir Frederick Haldimand 's mere license of occupation under his seal. Letters patent, under the Great Seal of England, or of the Province of Quebec, could alone have conferred such a title." It had been expressly declared in 1763, and again in 1788 and 1789, that the Indians were never to alienate their lands without the assent of the crown.
The Indians had not been long in occupancy of the new territory on the Grand River before the white settlers began to plant themselves in their neighborhood. Brant saw that the hunting grounds of his people would be thus circumscribed, and he also saw without regret that the effect would be to drive his people from the hunter to the agricul- tural state, in which case the territory would be too large, instead of too small. He conceived the idea of selling part of the land for money for the immediate improvement of the people, and part in such a way as to secure a permanent revenue for the Indians. This led to disputes with the Government, especially in Governor Simcoe's time.
The principal chiefs and warriors, in the name of the whole, exe- cuted on November 2nd, 1796, a formal power of attorney, authorizing
48 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Captain Brant to surrender into the hands of the Government certain portions of the lands possessed by them, and for which they had found, or intended to find, purchasers, so that His Majesty, thus holding those portions of their lands, relieved from the pledge which had been given for their exclusive possession, might make a clear and free grant, in fee simple, by letters patent, to such persons as the Indians might agree to sell to. This method of proceeding was clearly in accordance with the nature of the tenure under which the Six Nations held, and was, in principle at least, as proper as could be devised for protecting the interests of the Indians and guarding them against hasty and indis- creet sales. The tract which Captain Brant was authorized to surrender was described in the power of attorney referred to, and was stated to contain 310,391 acres. From a report made to the Government in 1830 the disposition of those lands can be ascertained:
94,305 acres, now constituting the township of Dumfries, were sold to P. Steadman for £8,841. This tract passed into the possession of Hon. William Dickson, who paid the price and opened the land for settlement.
94,012 acres, the township of Waterloo, were sold to Richard Beasley, James Wilson and John B. Rousseaux for £8,887.
3,000 acres additional were given to Mr. Beasley to make up a deficiency in Waterloo township.
86,078 acres, the township of Woolwich, were sold to William Wal- lace for £16,364. Mr. Wallace paid for 7,000 acres, and the Indians reported to the commission that they had given from this tract 10,000 acres to Mrs. Glaus, daughter of Sir William Johnson, and 5,000 acres to Captain Brant. Jacob Erb had bargained for 45,185 acres of Wool- wich township at half a dollar per acre.
28,152 acres, Nichol township, were sold to Hon. Thomas Clark for £3,534, payable in 1,000 years from the date of the bond, the interest to be paid annually.
30,800 acres, the township of Moulton, were sold to W. Jarvis for £5,775; sold out to Lord Selkirk, who sold to Henry J. Boulton.
The township of Canboro' was granted to John Dockstader, who transferred it to Benjamin Canby for the benefit of Dockstader 's Indian children. It was reported that Canby had paid neither principal nor interest.
The township of Sherbrooke appeaqs to have been given to Mr. Dickson, on his agreement to transact all necessary business of a pro- fessional character for the Indians.
CENTENARY OP THE DEATH OF BRANT. 49
15,000 acres, comprised in the township of Pilkington, were sold to Captain Pilkington.
The commissioners reported: "Whether Captain Joseph Brant did or did not on all occasions execute the trust reposed in him faithfully towards the Indians the trustees are unable to judge, no evidence having been laid before them upon that subject ; and it is indeed only right to observe that no improper conduct whatever has been imputed to him before the trustees; and they are, therefore, bound to assume that he discharged his duty with due fidelity."
Until long after Brant's death, that is to say, until 1830, the entire area of what is now Brantford township remained in possession of the Six Nations Indians, but at that date the town plot of Brantford and the north part of the township were deeded away and further surrenders were made from time to time until the whole township was ceded and settled.
BRANT THE PATROIT.
Brant was to the day of his death an Indian chief, owing his first duty to his kindred and his nation. He was ready to contest Indian rights with Governor Simcoe, Agent Claus or any other disputant. Nor were his sympathies confined to the Six Nations. For years he was active on behalf of the Indians west of the Detroit River, and only gave up the struggle when he became convinced that the cause could expect no assistance from Great Britain. It was Brant's proud boast that he had never taken pay for work done on behalf of the Indians. He also claimed that his loyal devotion to the British cause during the War of the Revolution was in fulfilment of the pledges given by his fore- fathers. -
One of his biographers says that the interests of his people, which were ever uppermost in his mind while in the fulness of health and strength, seemed to be foremost in his thoughts to the end. His last words were: ''Have pity upon the poor Indians; if you can get any influence with the great, endeavor to do them all the good you can." With these sentiments paramount in his thoughts, Joseph Thayendanegea died. His remains were brought to the burying grounds which surround the old Mohawk Church, and there interred among those of many of his kindred.
Forty-three years passed away. The flight of time and the corrod- ing hand of neglect were fast obliterating the little mounds of earth which marked the last resting place of Joseph Brant and his son and successors, John Brant. In the year 1850 the remains of the two chiefs
50 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
were re-interred in one common vault. The Brantford Herald of November 27th, 1850, said:
"On Monday last the remains of Thayendanegea, which had been previously exhumed, were placed in the tomb at the Mohawk that had been recently prepared for their reception. This was done with no small degree of pageantry. The vast multitude of people who had assembled from different quarters went in procession from the town of Brantford to the Mohawk village. Addresses were delivered by Rev. A. Nelles, Rev. P. Jones, Sir Allan McNab, D. Thorburn, Esq., and others, among wHom was an American gentleman whose father had many years ago been most generously treated by Brant. After the speaking was concluded the interment took place, when three volleys were fired over the grave of the brave and faithful Indian soldier, Captain Joseph Brant."
In his address on that occasion Rev. Peter Jones said that Brant's adherence to Great Britain was strong and sincere ; and in consequence of that attachment the Six Nations lost their extensive fertile country, now the garden of the state of New York. No one can dispute his gravery. In Indian language it may be said of him: 'His eye was like the eagle's — his motions like arrows from the bow — his enemies fell before him as the trees before the blast of the Great Spirit. ' Brant was the principal means of the erection of this church, now the oldest in Canada, and procured the bell which has so often summoned the people of God together to worship in his holy courts; and has tolled for hundreds of those whose bones now lie in that sacred yard. I am informed that it tolled, when Brant died, 24 hours. I am happy to learn that our white friends have it in their hearts to erect a monument to the memory of the Indian brave, that succeeding generations may see and know the hero after whom the town of Brantford is named."
BRANT, THE GENTLEMEN.
Mr. Stewart denies that the family of Brant occupied a pre-eminent position in their village on the Mohawk River, and contends that Joseph 's influence was acquired by his uncommon talents and address as a coun- cillor and politician. "Distinguished alike for his address, his activity and his courage — possessing in point of stature and symmetry of person that advantage of most men even among his own well formed race — tall, erect and majestic, with the air and mien or one born to command — having, as it were, been a man of war since his boyhood — his name was a tower of strength among the warriors of the wilderness." Re-
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF BRANT. 51
garding his first visit to England in 1776, it has always been said that he was not only well received, but that his society was courted by men of rank and station — statesmen, scholars and divines. He had little of the savage ferocity of his people in his countenance; and when, as he ordinarily did, he wore the English dress, there was nothing besides his color mark to mark wherein he differed from other men. He was pro- vided with a splendid costume after the manner of his own nation, in which he appeared at court.
On his second visit to England in 1785-86, he was received with even greater favor, for he had made the acquaintance of many officers of the army and other persons of prominence who vied with one another to do honor to Brant. Lord Dorchester, Earl Moira, General Stuart, the Duke of Northumberland, the Earl of Warwick, Charles Fox, the Bishop of London and the Prince of Wales were among his intimates. With King George II. and the royal family he was a great favorite. Speaking of the people he met at the table of the Prince of Wales — Fox, Burke and Sheridan, and others of that splendid galaxy of elo- quence and intelligence — Col. Stone says that, "though deficient in his literary acquisitions, Brant, with great strength of mind and shrewdness of observation, had moreover sufficient taste and cultivation to appre- ciate society, even of this elevated and intellectual character. The natural reserve of the Indian he could assume or throw off at pleasure and with a keen sense of the ludicrous he could himself use the weapons of humor and sarcasm with a good share of skill and dexterity. ' ' Brant 's method of impressing the Turkish diplomat who had allowed his cur- iosity to get the better of his caution is too well known to require repetition.
BK ANT'S RELIGION.
About the time of Brant's second marriage (1772-3) he became the subject of serious religious impressions. He attached himself to the church, was a chastened and regular communicant at the celebration of the Eucharist; and from his serious deportment, and the anxiety he had ever manifested to civilize and Christianize his people, great hopes were entertained from his future exertions in that cause. No doubt has ever been entertained of his sincerity at that time ; and it has been attributed to the counteracting influences of the dreadful trade of war, in which it was his fortune afterward again so actively to become engaged, that those manifestations of Christian utility were effaced; entirely eradicated they were not, as was shown at a subsequent stage of the career of this remarkable man. As far back as 1762 Rev. Charles
52 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
J. Smith, a missionary to the Mohawks, took Brant as an interpreter. Rev. Dr. "Wheelock receiving a report from Rev. Mr. Kirkland that, on account of the outbreak of the war, Mr. Smith was obliged to return, but Joseph tarried and went out with a company against the Indians and was useful in the war ; in which he behaved so much like the Chris- tian and the soldier that he gained great esteem ; adding ' ' he now lives in a decent manner, and endeavors to teach his poor brethern the things of God, in which his own heart seems much engaged. His house is an asylum for the missionaries in that wilderness."
Brant assisted in translating the prayer book and portions of the Scriptures into the Mohawk language, and after he came to reside in Canada, his efforts for the moral and religious improvement of his people were indefatigable. One of his first stipulations with the com- mander-in-ehief, on the acquisition of his new territory, was for the building of a church, a school house and a flouring mill and he soon made application for a resident clergyman. It is no less interesting than true that the first Episcopal Church erected in Upper Canada was built by Brant, from funds collected by him while in England in 1786. The communion service is of beaten silver, each piece bearing an inscription stating it to have been given to the Mohawks for the use of their chapel by Queen Anne. The church bell was made by John Warner, Fleet Street, London, 1786. Brant died at Wellington Square (now Burlington), on November 24, 1807, at the age of 64, and his remains were interred by the side of the Mohawk Church on the Grand River. Not far away is the institute for the education of Indian chil- dren, maintained by the New England Company, which was originally constituted a corporation under the name of ' ' The President and Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England," by an ordinance issued in 1649. It was this Company which supported var- ious missionary undertakings in New England during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, until interrupted by the war between Britain and her colonies. The operations of the Company have since been car- ried on in what is now the Dominion of Canada.
THE MAN BRANT.
As a warrior, Brant was cautious, sagacious and brave; watching with sleepless vigilance for opportunities of action, and allowing neither dangers nor difficulties to divert him from his well settled purposes. His constitution was hardy, his capacity of endurance great ; his energy untiring, and his firmness indomitable. He was at once affable and
CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF BRANT. 58
dignified, avoiding frivolity on the one hand and stiffness on the other. His temperament was decidedly amiable; he had a keen perception of the ludicrous, and was both humorous and witty himself. In his dealings and business relations he was prompt, honorable and expert, and a pat- tern of integrity. The purity of his private morals has never been questioned, and his house was the abode of kindness and hospitality.
F. W. Halsey, in his book on ' ' The Old New York Frontier, ' ' says that in the town named after him an imposing monument perpetuates the memory of Brant. In that soil, therefore, sleeps in his last sleep the most interesting Indian, who, in that eventful eighteenth century, for- ever linked his name with the history of central New York. Stone is not alone among Brant's eulogists. William C. Bryant, of Buffalo, had remarked that the evidence is incontestable that he was a great man — in many respects the most extraordinary his race has produced since the advent of the white man on this continent ; and John Fiske, in one of his later books, declares that he was the most remarkable Indian known to history. Schoolcraft calls him the Jephtha of his tribe, and lauds his firmness and energy of purpose as qualities, which few among the American aborigines have ever equalled. But the best evidence of the man's personal worth lies in the high respect and friendship which he inspired among educated and titled Englishmen, as shown in many ways and notably in his correspondence. Brant, says Halsey in conclu- sion, has deserved no large part of that load of obloquy which on this frontier for many years rested upon his name. He was better than the Tories under whose guidance he served, and far better than most Indian chiefs of his time. There was much in the man that was kindly and humane. If he loved war, this was because he loved his friends and his home still more. He fought in battle with the vigor and skill of a savage, but we are to remember that he fought where honor called him. To the story of his life peculiar fascination must long be attached, a large part of which springs from the potent charm of an open personal- ity. In Brant's character were joined strength and humanity, genius for war and that unfamiliar quality in the Mohawk savage, bonhomie.
Mr. Gardiner said he had not attempted to depict Brant as a man free from imperfections. He had his faults, as which of us has not? Doubtless, he made mistakes. His judgments were not infallible. Could he have foreseen that, within one hundred years from the time when he sold hundreds of thousands of acres for 50 cents an acre, payable either in spot cash or at the end of 1,000 years, Woolwich, Waterloo, Dumfries and the other townships bordering the Grand River would be filled with smiling farms, while the hum of manufacturing industry would be
54 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
heard from such busy centres of population as Berlin, Preston, Gait, Paris and Brantford, he would probably have advised the leasing of the lands at a ground rent adjustable every 40 or 50 years, and would thus have secured for his people an ample income for all time to come. Doubtless, in the lust of battle, he committed acts for which he was afterwards sorry. But Brant has now been dead long enough for an unprejudiced public to estimate him fairly, and the verdict will surely be that the good in him far outweighed the evil, and that his name is entitled to rank with the Robinsons and Ryersons, the Merritts and McNabs, the Tisdales and Sherwoods, the Cartwrights and Hamiltons whom by common consent Canadians delight to honor. Joseph Brant was a man, take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again.
V. THE PIONEERS OF MIDDLESEX.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: —
You will see by the addenda that the paper I have promised to read is entitled "The Pioneers of Middlesex," though that scarcely correctly describes my attempt. What I intend to speak to you about is certainly men who were pioneers in the county of Middlesex, though I intend to deal principally with them in their character as pioneers and founders of the city of London.
London, often spoken of as the Forest City, from the fact that when and for many years after it was first laid out, indeed, until a period well within living memory, there remained a wide expanse of unbroken forest within a very short distance of the site upon which this beautiful city of the west now stands.
In the year 1826 Thomas Talbot, Mahlon Burwell, James Hamil- ton, Charles Ingersoll and John Matthews were appointed by govern- ment Commissioners to erect county buildings in the town of London, in the Province of Upper Canada, which had been named as the county town of the county of Middlesex in the same province in the place of Victoria previously named.
Before going any further a few words may be said about some of these commissioners. Thomas Talbot was the famous Colonel Talbot, who came to Canada with Governor Simcoe in 1792, and eleven years later, in the year 1803, founded the town of St. Thomas. It would occupy more time than the Ontario Historical Society has at its disposal for the whole of its meeting, to attempt to give any history of the famous Thomas Talbot.
His whole life is bound up with the city of St. Thomas, with the early settlers on Lake Erie, with the Talbot Settlement and the county of Elgin. He is one of the most notable characters of the early days of Upper Canada, now Ontario, and one could only deal efficiently with the circumstances of his advent in Canada and his subsequent sojourn here in a long series of papers.
Mahlon Burwell, another of the commissioners, was a Colonel of Militia. He was one of the very earliest settlers on the shores of Lake Eirie, the town of Port Burwell receiving its name from him.
55
56 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
James Hamilton was a member of the famous Niagara family of that name. They were, 80 years ago, greatly interested in the lake trade; built several steamers themselves and exercised a wide influence in the province.
Charles Ingersoll was the founder of the town of Ingersoll in the county of Oxford, where he was a very large land owner. Of John Matthews I do not possess any very accurate information, beyond the fact that he was a prominent figure of Lobo.
Every student of Canadian History is aware that Governor Simcoe, when he first visited Upper Canada, had it in his mind to plant his capital on the River La Tranche, on the site now occupied by London. This idea, though, was speedily abandoned, and it was quite thirty years after Governor Simcoe 's time before the present city of London was founded.
In 1826 the first survey was made for the proposed town. The work was carried out by Colonel Mahlon Burwell, assisted by Freeman Talbot and Benjamin Springer as chain bearers.
Everything must have a beginning and the first beginning of the present city of London was very modest, indeed, some two or three log cabins being the first houses erected.
Colonel^ Talbot had a very great deal to do with settling the place. He was apparently land commissioner, the patents all being in his hands ; but it must also be admitted that the conditions entitling a proposed settler to a tract of land were not very rigid. They were the payment of a fee of £8 currency or $32 upon the patent, with the additional con- dition that they built a house, the quality not being specified, though the size was to be 24 feet by 18. There were no stipulations as to it being a one or a two-storey building, and it goes without saying that no sanitary regulations were enforced; all the settler had to do was to pay the patent fee and build any kind of a shack that he fancied so long as it was at least 24 feet in length.
The boundaries of the first town were Wellington Street on the east, North Street, now know as Carling Street, on the north, and the River Thames on the south and west.
Among the very early settlers were Robert Carfrae, who was related to a well known resident of York, Hugh Carfrae; John Yerex, Dennis O'Brien, Patrick McMannis and Thomas Fisher. John Yerex was father of the first native born Londoner, Nathaniel Yerex, who first saw the light of day in 1826, very shortly after the survey was made for the new town. Information is very vague as to the first year or two of London's history, though it is known that in the year 1827 the
THE PIONEERS OF MIDDLESEX. 57
total population of the place numbered 133, there being in all thirty-three families. The first marriage, which took place in the town, was that of Thomas Carling, father of the late Senator Carling, to Miss Anne Rout- ledge, and it was performed not by a clergyman but by a magistrate, Colonel Mahlon Burwell.
Reference has been made previously to the county buildings. These were duly erected and completed in 1827, the builders being Ewart & Clarke, who were contractors in the town of York, now Toronto, the former of whom, two years later, erected the buildings on the north side of King Street West in that city, between Simcoe and John Streets, which for more than sixty years was the home of Upper Canada College.
Among the very early merchants in London was an American citizen, George Goodhue, who soon became a naturalized British subject and for many years occupied a prominent and responsible posi- tion, both as business man and a politician in the Province of Upper Canada. Mr. Goodhue commenced business in London in 1829, and very shortly afterwards was joined by Lawrence Lawrason, who was the first postmaster in the place.
There are many of Mr. Goodhue 's relatives and descendants still living in the province, while there are still not a few residents in the city who have a vivid recollection of the gentleman himself.
Lawrence Lawrason, his partner, was a Canadian by birth, having been born in the Province of Upper Canada early in the last century. His father had emigrated to this country at a period the date of which I am uncertain.
Lawrence Lawrason married Miss Abigail Lee, a daughter of Dr. Hooker Lee and a sister of Dr. Hiram D. Lee, one of the pioneer medi- cal practitioners in the London district. By this marriage there were two daughters and one son born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrason. The latter married a Miss Bettridge, of Woodstock, and died in Muskoka from the effects of an accident about twenty years ago. One of Mr. Lawrason 's daughters, Mrs. Reed, of British Columbia, survives, while the remaining one, the late Mrs. Lionel Ridout, died about fourteen years since. Mr. Lawrason was a Conservative among Conservatives in his political views and sat in the Provincial Parliament as member for London in the year 1844. He continued in business in partnership with Mr. Goodhue for many years. When that partnership was dissolved he was joined by his wife's nephew, Hiram Chisholm, and then a few years later, having retired from active business, he was appointed the first police magis- trate for London. He died in 1881. His wife survived him for about sixteen years.
58 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Another of the early settlers whom I have mentioned was Thomas Fisher. He only lived in London for two or three years, but he was one of those who assisted in making the first clearing. After leaving the newly-founded town, which he did somewhere about 1829, Thomas Fisher removed to the township of Etobicoke in the county of York, and there on the River Humber established a grist mill which continued in operation under various owners from early in the thirties until about 1860. Mr. Fisher died about 1878 at a very great age, but to the very last he was pleased to relate that he had taken part in the founda- tion of London.
The first two-story frame house and store erected in London was the work of G. J. Goodhue, and the first post office was opened by Law- rence Lawrason, who afterwards joined the former in business, as I have previously stated. One of the very first, if not the very first, doctor in London, to whom belongs the honor of establishing what is now the present city hospital, was Archibald Chisholm. Dr. Chisholm married Selina, the eldest daughter of Dr. Hooker Lee and sister of Lawrence Lawrason 's wife. Dr. Chisholm died in 183'2 or 1833. The date is somewhat uncertain but the former is the more probable one. His widow, on January 29th, 1834, married Colonel Edward William Thompson of Toronto township, who died in 1865, and Mrs. Thompson, formerly Mrs. Chisholm, died in Toronto in 1884.
Dr. William Hooker Lee, who has previously been mentioned, died in London, Ontario, March 30th, 1829, aged 67 years. One of Dr. Lee's sons, Hiram Davis Lee, who had studied medicine and taken his degree, played a very prominent part, not only in the history of the province but in that of the town of London. Having in his earlier days seen service in the War of 1812 and thus brought himself under the notice of the authorities, he was, on October 14th, 1833, appointed Government Medical Officer for London District. Dr. Lee married in 1819 Anne Terry, daughter of Parshall Terry, one of the most notorious of the U. E. Loyalists, who settled in Canada, he having been a Lieutenant in the famous corps of Butler's Rangers who fought with such intrepidity and vigor during the Revolutionary War. When the revolted colonists attained their independence Parshall Terry and the whole of the other officers of the rangers found it highly desirable to leave the new United States of America and become settlers in Canada. Parshall Terry was one of the best known of the U. E. Loyalists. He first settled in King- ston, then removed to York, being one of the most prominent of the early citizens of that place, where he also possessed a considerable amount of land, granted to him for his services. Terry was also a land
THE PIONEERS OF MIDDLESEX. 59
owner in the county of Middlesex. He was a member of the second provincial parliament, and died in Toronto in 1807.
Dr. Lee who was Terry's son-in-law had a very large family, one of whom is still alive, though in extreme old age, was Grace Simcoe Lee, the well-known actor of fifty years since. Dr. Lee died a victim to his own sense of public duty and heroic self-forgetfulness, whilst doing his duty among the fever-stricken emigrants suffering from the dreaded ship-fever in the emigration sheds of London in 1847.
My paper has already taken up a considerable amount of time, and yet it seems to me as if I had scarcely touched the fringe of my subject, namely, the Pioneers of London. Let me, though, go on a little further. The first Anglican clergyman in London was the Rev. E. J. Boswell, who came here in the year 1829 and established St. Paul's parish. For some reason or other Mr. Boswell does not seem to have had a very happy sojourn in London, for he only remained for about three years, being succeeded in 1832 by Benjamin Cronin, for more than thirty years rector of St. Pauls, and for nearly fourteen years Bishop of Huron.
The Anglicans in 1830 had no place of worship in London. This is shown by the fact that on January 16th, 1830, in reply to an appli- cation from Mr. Boswell that his congregation might use the court room for divine service, Colonel Mahlon Burwell writes : —
"The magistrates cannot grant the congregation the use of the court room, as it was erected for the only purpose of accommodating his Majesty's courts of law in the administration of justice. They do not conceive that they possess the right of granting you your request."
In the year 1835 there was a small frame church built near where the present custom house stands. This was destroyed by fire in the early part of 1844, but to the credit of the congregation, almost immedi- ately rebuilt.
The first Presbyterian minister was the Rev. William Proudfoot. His name is mentioned in many places as early as 1831. Among the Baptists the earliest name of any accredited minister belonging to that denomination is that of the Rev. Thomas Hutchins, who officiated at the solemnization of a marriage on February 4th, 1833.
The Methodist Church appears to have been fairly established in the London District about the year 1833, the name of the Rev. John Beatty frequently recurring in documents relating to that denomina- tion.
In the Congregationalist body there was a church formed so far back as 1835, the minister of which was the Rev. William Lyall.
60 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The Roman Catholic Church first established a congregation in the London District about 1830. It was not a remarkably strong one, as there were in the early days not a very large number of adherents of that faith in this part of Canada.
Turning to municipal matters. The first president of the village council was George J. Goodhue, who has often been mentioned already. Tlie second in 1841 was James Givins, better known as Judge Givins.
Judge Givins was a son of Colonel James Givins, an officer in the Queen's Rangers, commanded by Governor Simcoe. He occupied a very conspicuous position in military and political circles in the early part of last century. He had great influence with the government of the day and was appointed Indian Commissioner. He was one of the very first householders in the town of York and built what was for the time a very handsome residence in the western portion of the city, which was only pulled down about 1888.
The first town warden of London was John Jennings, a well known distiller, who was appointed in 1838. The village was created a town in 1848, the first mayor being Simeon Morrell. It was created a city on January 8th, 1855, Murray Anderson being the first mayor.
The members of the Provincial Parliament were as follows: —
Hamilton Killaly, 1841.
Lawrence Lawrason, 1844.
John Wilson, 1847.
T. C. Dixon, 1851.
John Wilson, 1854.
John Carling, 1858, until Confederation.
I cannot conclude this paper without referring to two notable events in the history of London. The first was the great fire which occurred in 1845 when more than 150 buildings were destroyed and damage done to the extent of $100,000, an enormous sum for such a poor and small place as London was then.
The next event happening in London that I wish to refer to was happily one which was for the benefit and not the injury of the town. It was the fact that in 1854 the Provincial Agricultural Association held their first exhibition there during the month of October, that exhibi- tion being the precursor of the Western Fair which will open here next week.
VI.
THE BEGINNING OF LONDON. BY CL. T. CAMPBELL, M.D.
When Canada passed under the control of the British Government, the problems arising in the effort to govern an alien race, were rendered more serious by the influx of the loyal English, who left the United States after the establishment of the Republic. To relieve the burden of Government it was decided to divide the territory into two sections — Lower Canada, where the French element would predominate, and Upper Canada, which would be essentially English. The proclamation of Lord Dorchester, the Governor-General, announcing the new order of things, was issued on May 26th, 1791. The Governor-General, having his headquarters in Lower Canada, his authority in Upper Canada was, to some extent, delegated to a Lieutenant-Governor — Colonel John Graves Simcoe being the first appointed to that office. At the time of its constitution the population of the new province would be about 20,000. There were villages at Kingston and Newark, and a number of small settlements generally located near the St. Lawrence Eiver and Lakes Ontario and Erie.
Col. Simcoe had served in the British army during the American Revolution. He had personal knowledge of the intense anti-British feeling in the States; and was certain that many years would not elapse before the war would be renewed. This thought dominated his policy during his administration. To settle Upper Canada with loyal Britons — soldiers, especially, and to place it in a state of defence, that would protect it from hostile raids from over the border, was to be his mission.
As he looked over the map, he saw the western part of his province especially liable to attack ; for at two points — the Niagara River and the Detroit River, the enemies' forces could be easily concentrated and an invasion easily affected. To establish a strong military centre from which his forces could be promptly despatched either east or west, seemed to him a necessity.
His map at the Home Office indicated the River La Tranche to be a large stream extending from the lake well up to the northeast, with only a short portage necessary to connect it with the Ouse or Grand
61
62 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
River. Here was a military highway which he thought could be utilized to good advantage. Of course the maps of those days were not the most accurate. Gallinee's map (1670) the first drawn, only outlined the coast; Farquharson 's (1684) indicated a river where the Thames might be, and so did that of Jeffery in 1762. A report accompanying Billini's map (1744) refers to it as the Askenessippi or Antlered River; and it appears to have been about this time that the trappers had dubbed it La Tranche (the cut or trench). Later geographies give it a fuller outline, and hinted at greater magnitude. But Cartography in the past never hesitated to draw on its imagination ; and Col. Simcoe might be excused if his expectations were tempered by his desires.
Coming to Canada in the latter part of 1791, the Governor pursued his enquiries at Montreal with apparent success. In a letter to the Hon. Henry Dundas, Colonial Secretary, written from Montreal, on the 7th December, 1791, he says: —
"I am happy to have found in the surveyor's office an accurate survey of the River La Tranche. It answers my most sanguine expecta- tions; and I have but little doubt that its communications with the Ontario and Erie will be found to be very practicable, the whole form- ing a route which in, all respects, may annihilate the political conse- quence of Niagara and Lake Erie. . . . My ideas, at present are to assemble the new corps, artificers, etc., at Cataraqui (Kingston), and to take its present garrison and visit Toronto and the heads of La Tranche, to pass down that river to Detroit, and early in the spring to occupy such a central position as shall be previously chosen for the capital."
The Governor had doubtless a busy winter in Newark, his tem- porary capital, during the first year; but he was laying his plans for the future. In a letter to the Colonial Office of April 28th, 1792, he writes :
"Toronto appears to be the natural arsenal of Lake Ontario, and to afford easy access overland to Lake Huron. The River La Tranche, near the navigable head of which I propose to establish the capital, by what I can gather from the few people who have visited it, will afford a safe, more certain, and I am inclined to think by taking advantage of the season, a less expensive route to Detroit than that of Niagara."
Again, on the 30th of August, he announces his intention of estab- lishing himself at the forks of La Tranche in the spring following. It was in a proclamation issued this year that he christened the river the Thames.
The spring of 1793 came ; and as a first step towards locating him- self midway between the Niagara and Detroit Rivers, he made a trip
THE BEGINNING OF LONDON. 63
across the peninsula. It required two months for the journey; and that without any unnecessary delay at any point. His Secretary, Major Littlehale, kept a diary which was published in a pamphlet by Dr. Scadding some years ago. A portion of the original manuscript is in possession of the family of the late Mr. Shanly of this city.
It is not possible to map out with precision the route of this first British journey of exploration across the southwestern peninsula of Ontario. There were no cities to be seen ; few .settlements to be visited. The major does not seem to have taken any observations of latitude or longitude ; and his references to points which were considered of interest are not always sufficiently clear for us to identify them; nor are the descriptions we get of the physical aspect of the country as exact as a scientific observer would make.
Speaking in general terms, and using the well-known names of places not then existant, we may say that, leaving Newark on the 4th of February, 1793, the governor and his party went by way of St. Catharines, Hamilton, Brantford and Woodstock, following a line from there south of the south branch of the Thames through Westminister Township to Delaware. Here they took to the ice on the river for a short distance ; returning to terra firma they passed through the newly- established Moravian Missions to Dolson's, near Chatham, and from there to Detroit by canoe. Returning from Detroit the Governor retraced his steps to Delaware, and on Saturday, the 2nd of March, came to the forks of the Thames. Here I give the record in full : —
"March 2nd. We struck the Thames at one end of a low, flat island, enveloped with shrubs and trees. The rapidity and strength of the current were such as to have forced a .channel through the main- land, being a peninsula, and to have formed the island. The Governor wished to examine the situation and its environs, and therefore remained here all day. He judged it to be a situation eminently cal- culated for the metropolis of all Canada. Among many other essentials it possesses the following advantages: command of territory, internal situation, central position, facility of water communication up and down the Thames into Lakes St. Glair, Erie, Huron and Superior, and for small craft to probably near the Moravian settlement ; to the north- ward by a small portage to the waters flowing into Lake Huron ; to the southeast by a carrying place into Lake Ontario and the River St. Lawrence; the soil luxuriantly fertile; the land rich and capable of being easily cleared and soon put into a state of agriculture ; a pinery upon the adjacent high knoll, and other timber on the heights, well calculated for the erection of public buildings; a climate not inferior
64 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
to any part of Canada. To these natural advantages, an object of great consideration is to be added; that the enormous expense of the Indian department would be greatly diminished, if not abolished. The Indians would, in all probability be induced to become the carriers of their own peltries; and they would find a ready, continuous, commodious and equitable mart, honorably advantageous to the Government, and the community generally, without their becoming a prey to the mono- polizing and unprincipled trader.
"March 3rd. We were glad to leave our wigwam early this morn- ing, it having rained incessantly the whole night; besides, the hemlock branches upon which we slept were wet before they were gathered for our use. We first ascended the height at least 120 feet, into a continua- tion of the pinery already mentioned; quitting that we came to a beautiful plain, with detached clumps of white oak and open woods, then crossing a thicK swampy wood, we were at a loss to discover any track ; but in a few moments we were released from this dilemma by the Indians, who, making a cast, soon discovered T>ur old path to Detroit."
Analyzing the record in the diary, we should infer that the Gover- nor coming from Detroit, south of the Thames, struck the river at what is now called "The Cove." The stream had here made a sharp curve to the south, then west, then north, near where the curve began, thus forming a peninsula. During a heavy flood its waters had cut across the neck of the peninsula, and formed an island. How long that was before the Governor 's visit we cannot tell. Spending the night at the Forks, probably where the bowling club grounds are situated, he turned southward, climbing the high bank at the Ridgeway near Becher Street, which seems to have been covered with pines. Going south, in order to strike the trail by which he had passed to Detroit the previous month, he found a plain with clumps of white oak, then a swampy wood, and finally came to the site of his former encampment on the 14th of February, which, as we learn from an earlier part of the diary, was at an Indian village, some four miles distant from two little lakes, presumably the ponds well known, between the second and third concession of Westminster.
During the summer the Governor sent Mr. McNiff to make a survey of the Forks, and in forwarding this to Mr. Dundas on the 30th of September, he wrote:
"The tract of country which lies between the river (or rather, navigable canal, as its Indian name and French translation import), and Lake Erie, is one of the finest for all agricultural purposes in North America, and far exceeds the soil or climate of the Atlantic States.
THE BEGINNING OP LONDON. 65
There are few or no interjacent swamps, and a variety of useful streams empty themselves into the lake or the river. . . They lead to the propriety of establishing a capital of Upper Canada, which may be somewhat distant from the centre of the colony. . . The capital I propose to be established at new London."
The settlement of the peninsula, at first confined to the lake shore and the river bank, now began moving to the interior. A treaty with the Indians, dated May 22nd, 1784, had secured for the new settlers a legitimate title to their lands. The earliest pioneers in our own neigh- borhood appear to have located at Delaware. James K. Brown, of Edinburgh, who published his "Views of Canada and the Colonists, u in 1844, and who claimed to have his information direct from some of the original settlers, tells us that: Shortly after the landing of the U. E. Loyalists in the Niagara District, a party of them left Ancaster for the West, with tobacco, whisky, calico, knives and trinkets for the Indian trade. Striking La Tranche, about the present site of "Woodstock, they took canoes and followed the river down past the forks, and camped near the present village of Delaware, making it the headquarters of their traffic with the Indians. The location pleased them, and they sent word back to their friends in Ancaster, some of whom speedily joined them, and the foundation of the first settlement was made. More precise knowledge of Delaware refers to a later period, when Governor Simcoe, following his regular policy of encouraging settlement, made a number of grants of land — including one of two thousand acres to B. Allen, on condition that he would erect a grist mill. This was com- menced in 1797, on Dingman's Creek; but before he finished it Allen had to go to jail for counterfeiting. He seems to have been an energetic person, but not an exemplary citizen. A post office was established at Delaware, with Dan Springer for Postmaster. This was, at the time, the only post office between Niagara and Detroit.
The name London was connected with this locality at an early period in its history. At first it was applied only to the Governor's town site, but later to a distinct section of country. In 1787 Lord Dorchester divided Upper Canada into four districts, named from west to east, Hesse, Nassau, Mecklenberg, and Lunenberg. A few years later (1792) this intensely German momenclature was dropped by Gov. Simcoe, and they were called Western, Home, Midland and Eastern. Subsequently there was a rearrangement : 38 George III., chap. 5, passed in 1789, divided up the province into nine districts — Western. London, Gore, Niagara, Home, Midland, Newcastle, Johnston and Eastern. These districts were subdivided into counties or "circles," though the
66 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
latter title appears to have been used only in some official documents. Section 36 of the Act gives the county of Middlesex as made up of the townships of London, Westminster, Dorchester, Yarmouth, Southwold, Dunwieh, Aldboro and Delaware. In 1821, Lobo, Mosa, Ekfrid and Caradoc were added to Middlesex, and McGillivray and Biddulph in in 1865. The southern townships were formed into the county of Elgin in 1852.
Townships at first were numbered, but names soon took the place of numbers; and the one laid out at the forks of the Thames and north of its south branch was called London.
The most extensive grants of land in the peninsula were made to Col. Talbot, who located not far from Port Stanley in 1803— Lord Dur- ham's celebrated report credits him with having received 48,500 acres. North of London township the Canada Company controlled the land; at the western extremity of the peninsula Col. Baby had a large section ; while east of London, Reynolds, Ingersoll and Nelles had extensive grants. And throughout the peninsula the hardy pioneer entered and took possession.
But the site of the Governor's capital remained vacant. That, how- ever, was not his fault. Eeading Canadian history casually, one might get the idea that he changed his mind and selected Toronto. As a mat- ter of fact he never changed. His correspondence with the home office shows this clearly.
I have given an extract from his letter to Mr. Dundas in 1793, inclosing McNiff's survey, October 23rd, of the same year, he urges upon the imperial authorities the advisability of at once occupying London in the public interests; and in December he advises that the troops should be removed from Detroit — one-half to be located at Chatham, which he had selected for his future navy yard, and the rest sent to London.
A letter which he received from Dundas, dated March 16th, 1794, showed that the Government approved of his ideas as to the future capital, and he was told that the Governor-General, Lord Dorchester, had been instructed to raise two batallions of 700 men each, and from these he would receive a sufficient detachment to garrison his proposed post on the Thames and his capital city.
In all his correspondence up to the date of his removal from Can- ada. Simcoe persistently clung to the idea of founding his capital on the Thames. Even after buildings had been erected at York, or Toronto, for Government purposes, he would only consider them as temporary works, and in one letter we find him suggesting that, "should the seat
THE BEGINNING OP LONDON. 67
of Government be transferred to the Thames, the proper place, the buildings and grounds at York can be sold to lessen or liquidate the cost of their construction." (Letter to Portland, February 27th, 1796). He left the country this year, and his successor in the administration — Peter Russell — inherited his views, speaking in his reports to England of York as ''The temporary seat of Government;" until Portland in September, 1797, gave him to distinctly understand that the matter was finally settled and that "the selection of York had been made on mature reflection."
The trouble was that Simcoe was only Lieut.-Gbvernor of Upper Canada, while Lord Dorchester was Governor-General of the entire colony, though Simcoe had great difficulty in realizing his subordinate position. He was in the west, and thought he knew the requirements of his own province; but Dorchester, who lived in Lower Canada, could not see the wisdom of placing the capital of Upper Canada so far away, and preferred to have it in a place more accessible by water from Mon- treal and Quebec. So he decided on York, and the home Government very naturally accepted the view of their chief officer in the colony. But Londoners may well bear in grateful recollection the first governor of our province, who could see no place to equal " Georgina-upon-the- Thames, " as he was once inclined to name it, or London as it has ever since been known.
And so, while all around, farms were being located, and the lands being cleared, London remained in primeval beauty. George Heriot, Deputy Postmaster General of British North America, who saw it about 1807, writes of it in his "Travels through Canada." Coming eastward from Detroit up the valley of the Thames he pictures the country for us:
"In proceeding upward, the sinuosities of the river are frequent, and the summits of the banks rather elevated, but not broken. On either sides are villages of the Delawares and Chippewas. Somewhat higher up at the confluence of the two forks of the river, is the site of which Governor Simcoe made choice for a town to be named London. Its position with relation to Lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario is central, and around it is a fertile and inviting tract of country. It communi- cates with Lake Huron by a northern or main branch of the same river and a small portage or carrying place.
"Along the banks of the Thames are several rich settlements, and new establishments are every week added to this as well as to other parts of the neighboring country by the immigration of wealthy farm- ers from the United States.
68 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
"On the east side of the forks, between the two main branches, on a regular eminence, about forty feet above the water, there is a natural plain denuded of wood except where small groves are interspersed, affording in its present state the appearance of a beautiful park on whose formation and culture taste and expense have been bestowed."
The war of 1812-15, though it moved over the western peninsula, found London still the natural park that Heriot described, and left it unstained by blood of friend or foe. A sharp skirmish occurred a few miles west. Lieut.-Governor Sir Gordon Drummond had established a military post at Delaware, and from it a sortie of 240 men under Captain Basden was made against a United States post at Longwoods, on March 3rd, 1814. Our troops did not succeed in capturing the post attacked, but the United States Commandant evidently found the neighborhood too warm for comfort and retreated to Detroit. The Delaware post was strengthened during the summer by the addition of some light infantry and a party of dragoons, but there was no more fighting.
At the close of the war the surrounding townships began to fill up more rapidly with settlers. What is now Middlesex, had been generally surveyed and lands granted. The earliest settlers in Middlesex and Elgin were doubtless those who came through the instrumentality of Col. Talbot. Here are a few of the names : Daniel Springer, R. B. Bing- ham, Timothy Kilbourn, Joseph Odell, Andrew Banghart, Seth Put- nam, Mahlon Burwell, Jas. Nevills, Jacabus Schenck, Leslie Patterson, Sylvanus Reynolds, William Orr, Henry Cook, Samuel Hunt, Richard Williams, Peter Teeple, John Aikens, Maurice Sovereign, Henry Daniels, James Smiley and Abraham Hoover.
Westminster had been surveyed by Watson in 1809-10, and we find the Odells there in 1810, Norton in 1810 and Griffith and Patrick in 1812. George Ward purchased land from the Indians in 1810 ; his name is familiar to us in connection with Wardsville. About the same time A. McMillan settled in Byron. Nissouri was surveyed in 1818, and its settlement began with the McGuffins, Vinings, Hardys and Scatch- erds.
Prior to 1818 London township had very few families, but in that year a large addition was made. Richard Talbot, an Irish gentleman, received a large grant from the Imperial Government — a condition being that he should bring out at least sixty adults. To insure the stability of the new settlement each man was required to advance 50 pounds, which was to be returned to him as soon as he had built a log house. On the way out some dropped from the ranks at Kingston, but about forty families came on to London. Among them were: Richard
THE BEGINNING OP LONDON. 69
Talbot, John and Edward Talbot, William Gerrie, Thomas Brooks, Peter Rogers, Thomas Guest, Frank Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, William Haskett, William Mooney, William Evans, William O'Neil, Edmund Stoney, Joseph O'Brien, Geo. Foster, Thos. and James Howay, John Phalen, Jos. Hardy, John Grey, Jos. Keays, Robt. Ralph, John Sifton and Thos. Howard.
Probably the nearest settler to the site of London was John Apple- garth, who about 1816 commenced cultivating hemp, an industry which was at that time encouraged by money grants from the English Govern- ment. He located on a ridge east of Mount Pleasant Cemetery and built a log cabin. He was not very successful, however, and shortly after moved south to the neighborhood now occupied by Mr. A. C. John stone; and his deserted cabin fell into the occupation of some squatters. There was no bridge over the river at this time, but a canoe ferry, a short distance below the forks, served the purpose of com- munication.
During this period the official centre of the London District was off to one side, at Vittoria, about six miles south of the present town of Simcoe, and fifty miles in a straight line from the forks. A court house had been erected in that village, and the district school was also located there. It had been started at Charlotteville in 1 807 ; John Mitchell, who had come from Scotland to act as tutor for Col. Hamilton's children, secured two lots, and in a small building opened the school. It was removed to Vittoria shortly after. Mitchell was made a judge in 1819, and remained on the bench until 1844.
Great inconvenience was experienced by the residents of the dis- trict in their enforced attendance at Vittoria. They had now reached a very respectable number. Gourlay's statistics, in 1817, places them at 8,907, while Fothergill's record in 1825 showed an increase to 12,351. The roads were not of the best. By an act passed in 1793, every settler was required to clear a road across his own lot ; but as crown lands and clergy reserves came between lots, the road often began on one side of a man 's farm and ended on the other. Of course there was the Govern- ment road, running westward 'from York, which had been originated by Governor Simcoe. Col. Talbot was also engaged in constructing Talbot Street through his own settlement. But the facilities for travel were primitive at the best. And when the court house in Vittoria was burned in 1825, the people of Middlesex made a vigorous effort to remove the headquarters of the district to a more convenient locality. Especially persistent in their labours to this end were Charles Ingersoll and Peter Teeple, of Oxford ; M. Homer, of Blenheim ; Dan Springer, of Delaware,
70 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and Ira Schofield, of London township — leading merchants and magis- trates of this section. They were determined, if possible, to have the seat of Government transferred from Vittoria to London; and though they met with considerable opposition, especially from the southern townships, they were finally successful.
On the 30th of January, 1826, an act was passed by the Provincial Parliament (George IV., chapter XIII) ''to establish the district town of London in a more central position." After reciting the burning of the court house in Vittoria, and noting the inconvenient location of that place for the business of the district, it declares that "it is expedi- ent to establish the district town at the reservation heretofore made for a town near the forks of the River Thames, in the townships of London and Westminster;" and orders that "the court of quarter sessions for the peace, and the district courts in and for said district, shall be holden and assembled within some part of the reservation ... so soon as a jail and court house shall be erected thereon;" and in the mean- time at such place as the sheriff may appoint.
The original reservation made by Simcoe appears to have extended to the 3rd concession, London, north of London West, and south to the present southern limit of the city in Westminster, all the lots in this space having been laid out in park lots. The grants to settlers in the vicinity had, however, encroached somewhat on the limits of the reservation.
Another act, passed at the same session (Chap. XIV.), makes pro- vision for the survey of the town and the building of the court house. The first section provides that "a town shall be layed out and surveyed under the direction of the Surveyor-General within the reservation heretofore made for a town near the forks of the Thames in the town- ships of London and Westminster, in the county of Middlesex in the said district of London, and a plan thereof shall be furnished by the said Surveyor-General to the commissioners hereinafter named; and in the said plan or survey a tract of space of not less than four acres shall be designated as reserved for the purposes of a court house and jail."
Section 2 appoints Hon. Thomas Talbot, Mahlon Burwell, James Hamilton, Charles Ingersoll and John Matthews, of Lobo, as commis- sioners, for erecting the court house and jail.
Section 3 authorizes the justices of the peace to levy by assessment on every inhabitant householder in the district, an additional rate of one-third of a penny in the pound to defray the cost of building. Sec- tion 4 gives the commission power in the meantime to borrow not more than 4,000 pounds, at interest not exceeding 6 per cent.
THE BEGINNING OF LONDON. 71
Section 5 requires the commissioners to meet at St. Thomas, on the first Monday in March, 1826, and organize by the election of a presi- dent and secretary.
The first step taken under the acts above cited was the appoint- ment of Mr. Mahlon Burwell to make the survey of the proposed town. The plan in the Crown Lands Department, Toronto, a copy of which I have here, shows that it contained about 240 acres. The river formed the southern and western boundaries of the town ; to the east it extended as far as Wellington Street; on the north it was bounded by North Street or Queen's Avenue, as it is now called. North Street, however, did not run in a straight line; a short distance west of Richmond the line of survey turned southwest, striking what is now Carling Street, about where the police court stands, and running from thence direct to the river. This was owing to the fact that the land to the northwest of this jog was part of the Kent farm, which extended westward over the river. The land along the river bank was not surveyed into lots, but was left as a strip of meadow surrounding the town plot on two sides, and varying from one to six chains in width. It is evident, from an inspection of the map, that there were a number of small streams in the locality, all signs of which have long since disappeared. The most important commenced on York Street, probably beyond the town boundary, and running south and west, entered into the river near the foot of Bathurst Street. It was subsequently converted into a covered drain, which the older property holders of that section can well remember.
In selecting names for the streets, the surveyor chose some well- known to the people of the colony at that time. North and South Streets appropriately marked the boundaries of the town in those two directions, while Thames Street was but a proper compliment to the river which ran near by. Loyalty was satisfied by naming one street King and giving two others to members of the royal family — the Dukes of York and Clarence, Dundas, Bathurst, Horton and Grey were called after British ministers, whose departmental duties had brought them into frequent contact with Canadian affairs. The Duke of Wellington was complimented by having one street named after him, and another, Hill, for his mother. Simcoe Street kept in memory the name of the first Lieutenant-Govern or of Upper Canada, while the name of the pop- ular Governor-General, the Duke of Richmond, whose sad death from hydrophobia in 1819, created a melancholy interest throughout the country, was given to what is now one of our leading thoroughfares. Two streets were named after local celebrities — Col. Talbot, the
72 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
uncrowned king of the country, and Thomas Ridout, Surveyor-General of Upper Canada, or possibly his son, equally well-known in London.
The first man to move into the new town was a Scotch tailor, Peter MacGregor, who came in from the neighborhood of Byron, and took up a lot (21 S. King), on which he erected a little shanty to serve the pur- pose of a hotel. He wanted to be on hand to provide for the comforts of the London pioneers; though the first provision seems to have been little more than a jug of whiskey on the stump of a tree at the front door. His wife, formerly a Miss Poole, of "Westminster, was an energetic, bustling woman, and developed the hotel business as rapidly as she could — though for some time the accommodation was limited ; and when there was an influx of visitors at the first courts holden in town, most of them, we are told, had to go some three miles to Flanagan's to find shelter. This first house built in London was situated on the south side of King Street, a short distance west of Ridout. MacGregor did not obtain a patent from the crown for some years- — the record in the registry office giving the date as July 25th, 1831. It was the lot on which now stands the Grand Central Hotel. The first lot patented was by J. G. Goodhue, the pioneer merchant, who received his deed for lot 20, N. Dundas Street, being half an acre on the corner of Dundas and Ridout Streets, on September llth, 1830. He had, however, commenced business before that date, in fact, he seems to have opened his store in 1826 — the same year in which MacGregor arrived. Other lots were rapidly taken up and a number of settlers made the new town their home.
The commission appointed to attend to the erection of the court house met in St. Thomas, in March, 1826, and commenced their work as speedily as possible. The plan of the building is said to have been in imitation of one of the baronial homes of Great Britain, and was adopted more as a compliment to Col. Talbot than with any view to public convenience. At first, a temporary building was constructed on the northeast corner of Dundas and Ridout Streets, and in this the first Court of Quarter Sessions was held January 9th, 1827, Col. Ryerse being chairman of the bench of magistrates. It was scarcely completed before it was required. Thomas Pomeroy, a sheriff's officer, was murdered, and his murderer tried, found guilty, and hanged in three days after sentence was pronounced. It was not convenient to keep a prisoner any length of time in these primitive jails.
In the Gore Gazette of July 31, 1827, a paper published by Geo. Gurnett, Ancaster, appears a letter from a traveller who had visited London during the holding of a court, and who tells a very amusing
THE BEGINNING OP LONDON. 73
story of a trial for assault made by a little Irish pensioner on a big Yankee from Delaware, who had offended the loyalty of the Irishman by some insulting remarks, and received a blow on the mouth, which knocked out some of his teeth. The fiery pensioner was defended by Mr. TenBrock in an eloquent speech, and was sentenced to a fine of one shilling. The writer says :
"I was much pleased with the delightful situation of the town, commanding as it does a most extensive view of the richest, most fer- tile, and most thickly settled part of the province ; as well as a delight- ful prospect of both branches of the picturesque river Thames. The new court house, which is to be a fine building in the gothic style, 100 feet long, 50 feet wide and 50 feet high, having an octagon tower fourteen feet in diameter at each of its angles, is now building by Mr. Edward, an architect of first-rate ability. The house in which the law courts are now held is a building erected by subscription, and eventually intended for the district school-house."
The new court house was built by Mr. John Ewart of Toronto. Thomas Park, father of the late Police Magistrate, was his foreman, or partner, and had charge of the wark. He became a citizen of the new town. One of the employees was Robert Carfrae, whose widow died on Carfrae Street "a few years ago. The brick for the building, as I am informed by Hon. Freeman Talbot, was manufactured by a Toronto man, William Hale, who also became a resident of London. There were two brickyards, one at the rear of the present Robinson Hall, and the other in London West, on land subsequently belonging to Walter Nixon.
As soon as preparations were commenced for the building of the court house and goal, a post office was opened, with Major Ira Scho- field as Postmaster. The office was kept in a little log house on Dundas Street. As near as I can discover, its site would be about the Queen's Avenue entrance to the Sacred Heart Academy, between Colborne and Maitland Streets.
Thus the beginning of London centred in a tavern, a goal and a post office. Churches came later; for the pioneer clergymen held ser- vices in private houses. And three or four years elapsed before any building was erected for religious worship.
When the court house was completed, the temporary building was converted into a school-house, according to the original intention; and Peter Van Every, jr., who had been acting as jailer, became the first schoolmaster. The early teachers in Upper Canada, it is said, were largely recruited from the ranks of retired soldiers, and were mostly Irish. I am -not sure whether Van Every was an Irishman or not ; his name is not good Irish, at all events.
74 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The construction of the court house definitely marked the founda- tion of London; though, at first, it was not a distinct municipality, and its officials exercised their authority over a larger tract of country than the few acres of which the new town was composed. Of the first set- tlers, some like Parke, and Carfrae, and Hale, came in connection with the building of the court house ; some, like John TenBrock, a lawyer, who came from Long Point to practice in the courts. Others came to Lon- don as a suitable place from which to supply the wants of the people of the surrounding country, at that time the most important element in population of this section.
Peter McGregor's little pioneer hotel soon took second place, for in 1828 Abraham Carroll built the Mansion House on the north side of Dundas Street, east of Ridout, a more pretentious establishment, and one which provided ample accommodation for the travelling public for many years. Mr. Goodhue's store was the general emporium, which supplied the material needs of the community as well as any of our modern departmental stores. Rev. E. J. Boswell came as a Church of England Clergyman in 1829; though Rev. Mr. Mclntosh, of Kettle Creek, held occasional services before that date. Mr. TenBrock was the pioneer lawyer; and Dr. Arch Chisholm the first physician.
The first officials, as near as I can find, were the following: Sheriff, Daniel Rappalge; judge, James Mitchell; clerk of the peace, John B. Askin; deputy clerk, William King Cornish; high constable, John O'Neil; jailer, Samuel Park; court crier, Gideon Bostwick; registrar, Mahlon Burwell; treasurer, John Harris.
For the first few years London did not seem to grow very rapidly, though all circumstances were radiant with hope for its future. Andrew Pieken's book "The Canadas," published in England in 1832, has this to say of it as it appeared in 1829:
"London is yet but inconsiderable; but from its position in the heart of a fertile country, is likely to become of some importance here- after, when the extreme wild becomes more settled. The town is quite new, not containing above 40 or 50 houses, all of bright boards and shingles. The streets and gardens are full of black stumps, etc. They were building a church, and had finished a handsome gothic court house. ' '
Such Avas the beginning of London. This is not the place to trace its development to its present condition; or to forecast its future. The population represented at the beginning, by Peter McGregor and his wife, has increased to 50,000. The area of 240 acres in the first survey, has broadened to 4,500. The nominal value of the original site has
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 7 5
advanced to $30,000,000. The beginning of London was humble; its growth has been steady; its condition is prosperous; its future is bright; and the most sanguine hopes of its loyal citizens will doubtless, in due time, be realized.
VII.
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. THE STORY OF THE SCHOONER ''NANCY."
BY LIEUT.-COL. E. CRUIKSHANK.
In the summer of 1789, the firm of Forsyth, Richardson & Co., fur / merchants of Montreal, undertook the construction of a schooner for / > the navigation of the upper lakes. As I have related in a former paper, John Richardson, one of the partners, went to Detroit to superintend the work, in which he was deeply interested. fa r,
"The schooner," he wrote on the 23rd September, 1789, "will be a perfect masterpiece of workmanship and beauty. The expense to us • ***' will be great, but there will be the satisfaction of her being strong and wY^ very durable. Her floor timbers, keel, keelson, stem, and lower uttock jb***' are oak. The transom, stern-post, upper uttocks, top timbers, beams ^jJ^ and knees are all red cedar. She will carry 350 barrels." \J*\ '
He ordered a suitable figure-head of "a lady dressed in the pre- ^
V
sent fashion with a hat and feather" from the carver Skelling of New j York. The schooner was launched on the 24th September, 1789, "a most beautiful and substantial vessel," and in the spring following made her first voyage from Detroit to Fort Erie, whence she sailed upwards in June with a full cargo, bound for the Grand Portage at Sault Ste. Marie, with the intention of visiting Mackinac on her way back.
"She is spoken of here," Richardson wrote from Niagara, "in such a high strain of encomium as to beauty, stowage, and sailing, that she almost exceeds my expectations."
By 1793, the Nancy had become the property of George Leith Co., and is described as being of sixty-seven tons burden. Sometime before the end of the century, she passed into the possession of the Northwest Fur Company, by whom she was employed in the transportation of furs and merchandise on Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan. In 1805
76 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
she was navigated by Capt. Wm. Mills, who had some years before owned her in connection with Forsyth, Richardson and Sir Alexander Mackenzie of Montreal.
In a list of merchant vessels prepared early in 1812 by Colonel Matthew Elliott for the information of Major-General Brock, the Nancy is described as a schooner of about one hundred tons, lying at Mclntosh 's wharf, at Moy, opposite Detroit.
On July 1st, 1812, when the declaration of war by the United States became known to Lieutenant- Colonel St. George, the commandant of the British Garrison at Amherstburg, she was still lying at Moy wait- ing for a favorable wind to carry her into Lake Huron, and he at once ordered her to be brought down under the guns of that post to secure her from capture. Some light brass guns with which she had been armed were mounted in row-boats to patrol the river, and the schooner was impressed into the government service as a transport. On July 30 she sailed for Fort Erie under convoy of the Provincial schooner, Lady Prevost. Five days later she left Fort Erie on her return voyage, in company with the armed brig General Hunter, having on board sixty soldiers of the 41st Regiment and a quantity of military stores. The timely arrival of this small reinforcement had considerable weight among the reasons which induced General Hull to evacuate Canada.
During the summer and autumn of that year the Nancy was con- stantly employed in the important service of transporting troops, stores, and provisions between Detroit and Fort Erie.
On April 23rd, 1813, she was included in the small squadron assembled to transport General Procter's division from Amherstburg to Miami Bay, to undertake the siege of Fort Meigs.
The next recorded incident in her history is narrated in a letter from her commander, Captain Alexander Mclntosh, to Captain Richard Bullock of the 41st Regiment, commanding the garrison at Mackinac, dated "5 miles from St. Joseph's," on the 16th of October, 1813. On the 4th of that month he had sailed from St. Joseph's for Amherstburg to obtain a much needed supply of provisions, and arrived at the mouth of the St. Clair river on the following afternoon when he sent two men ashore to ascertain whether it would be safe for him to enter the river. As they were prevented from returning by rough water, he decided to venture as far as the foot of the rapids. There he learned that the whole of the British squadron on Lake Erie had been taken and that the Americans were in possession of Detroit and Amherstburg. It was also reported that two of their armed schooners and two gun-boats were awaiting his appearance in the river below.
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 77
"Next day about noon," Captain Mclntosh wrote, "a white flag was seen coming towards us in a canoe. About half an hour after- wards I was hailed from the shore by a Canadian, ordering me to give up the vessel and that my property, as also that of the crew, should be respected. I went ashore to see who this man was. It was Lieutenant- Colonel Beaubien, of the militia, who wished me to surrender the vessel to him, repeating what he had already said. I told him I would give an answer in an hour 's time. I immediately went back and got all ready to °- **'
defend the vessel. After the time had elapsed I went to him, gave him my answer, which was that I would defend the vessel until necessity com- . , pelled me to give her up, and that if the wind proved strong enough, I would attempt going back to the lake. He then replied, ' "We shall fire f\ on you.' I asked what number of men he had. 'Fifty,' was his answer. ^A'^ I returned to the vessel, made sail and was fishing the anchor when /J^M- they commenced firing. I returned the fire as quickly as I received it, which continued for a quarter of an hour or more. They then ceased, whether from want of ammunition or that we had killed any, I know not. During the action I was placed at the helm and exposed to the whole of their fire, but luckily escaped. Several shots struck the main boom and railing. No person was injured from their fire, but the blow- ing up of a couple of cartridges burnt one of the men severely on the face and hands. Whether it was from a piece of the cartridge or their fire, our main sail was blazing which was no sooner seen than extin- guished. During the engagement my men behaved with the greatest coolness, and I cannot say too much for them. We were all this time. sailing with a very light breeze but not sufficiently strong to ascend the rapids. That night I received a letter from the same Lieutenant- Colonel, repeating what he had already said. I returned no reply. This was brought by Reaume, who is now with Mr. D. Mitchell, prisoners of war, they having gone ashore the morning of the action. Next morning at daylight we got under weigh. At 8 a.m. (we) entered the lake on which we have been fighting the elements these nine days, twice nar- rowly escaping going ashore."
As early as the 3rd of October, Captain Bullock had received information of the disastrous result of the battle on Lake Erie from Major-General Proctor, who informed him that he had already recom- mended that supplies for his garrison should be forwarded from York to Machedash Bay. His stock of provisions was then nearly exhausted, but by purchasing everything that could be obtained in the small set- tlements on the mainland he succeeded in laying in enough to keep his men until February. The Nancy arrived on the 18th with her sails
78 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and cables so badly damaged as to render her unfit to navigate the lake during the storm of autumn, and Captain Mclntosh determined to take her to the Northwest Company's pest, at Sault Ste. Marie, in the hope of procuring the necessary materials to refit her during the winter. Before he sailed, Robert Dickson, Agent for the Western Indians, arrived from Machedash on his way to Prairie du Chien. After con- sulting with him, Bullock proposed that six gun-boats should be built at Machedash to keep open the communication and protect supplies on their way to Mackinac, and requested that the garrison should be re- inforced early in the spring by twenty artillerymen and two hundred infantry with four field guns. An officer and twenty-seven men of the Michigan Fencibles were at once detached with Mr. Dickson to establish a post at Green Bay and the remainder of the garrison was put on short rations.
Continued stormy weather made it impossible to send forward any supplies from Machedash before navigation closed, but it also pre- vented the American squadron from entering Lake Huron to under- take the reduction of Mackinac as had been at first intended.
The Governor-General was, however, fully impressed with the great importance of maintaining possession of that place, and lost no time in preparing a small force for its relief as soon as the lake again became navigable.
"Its geographical position is admirable," he wrote to Lord Bath- urst. "Its influence extends and is felt amongst the Indian tribes at New Orleans and the Pacific Ocean; vast tracts of country look to it for protection and supplies, and it gives security to the great estab- lishments of the Northwest and Hudson's Bay Companies by supporting the Indians on the Mississippi ; the only barrier which interposes between them and the enemy, and which if once forced (an event which lately seemed probable), their progress into the heart of these Companies' settlements by the Red River is practicable and would enable them to execute their long-formed project of monopolizing the whole fur trade into their own hands. From these observations, your Lordship will be enabled to judge how necessary the possession of this valuable post on the outskirts of these extensive provinces is becoming to their future security and protection."
The failure to forward supplies caused him considerable uneasi- ness, but having been informed that there were some cattle and a quantity of potatoes on the island he anticipated that the garrison would be able to subsist until spring. Their stock of provisions might be increased considerably by fishing.
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 79
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert McDouall, of the Glengarry Light Infan- try, an officer of tried courage and discretion, was selected for the com- mand of this expedition. About the end of February, 1814, McDouall crossed Lake Simcoe on the ice, following the Nine Mile Portage from Kempenfeldt Bay to the head waters of the Nottawasaga River, where he was directed to select a suitable place for building the necessary boats for the conveyance of troops and stores across Lake Huron. He was accompanied by a party of shipwrights, twenty-one seamen, eleven artillerymen in charge of four field guns, and two companies of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, many of whom were expert boatmen. Although this route had the merit of being shorter than that by way of Machedash, yet it was less known and much obstructed by rocks and shoals which in many places rendered the channel so narrow that noth- ing larger than batteaux could pass. Favored by the unusual mildness of the season, McDouall began the descent of the river on the nineteenth of April, with thirty batteaux of the largest class, heavily loaded with provision and" military stores. Six days later, he sailed from its mouth, and after an extremely hazardous and stormy voyage, arrived at Mackinac, on May 18th, with the loss of but a single boat, the crew and cargo of which were saved.
"The difficulties which were experienced in conducting open and deeply-laden batteaux across so great an extent of water as Lake Huron, covered with immense fields of ice and agitated by violent gales of wind," Prevost wrote to Lord Bathurst, "could only have been sur- mounted by the zeal, perseverance, and ability of the officer command- ing the expedition. For nineteen days it was nearly one continued struggle with the elements, during which the dangers, hardships, and privations to which the men were exposed were sufficient to discourage the boldest amongst them, and at times threatened the destruction of the flotilla."
Dickson arrived at Mackinac a few days later, bringing with him two hundred picked warriors, and every effort was made to strengthen the defences of the island. It was proposed that the Nancy should be cut down to the dimensions of a gunboat and armed with the guns brought from the Nottawasaga, but as it was evident that she could not keep the lake in the face of the overwhelming force which the enemy could bring up from Lake Erie, McDouall became satisfied that he could make better use of these guns on shore and she was accordingly retained in service as a transport and sent away for a cargo of supplies.
On June 21st information was received that the trading post of Prairie du Chien, where Dickson had established his headquarters
80 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
during the winter, had been taken by a large force under the command of General William Clark, Governor of the Missouri Territory, which had ascended the Mississippi in boats from St. Louis, and next day a Winnebagoe chief came in to demand assistance, relating that besides several Indians of his own tribe, the wife of Wabash, a leading Sioux chief, who was then at Mackinac on his way home from Quebec, had been murdered in cold blood. This news caused an irresistible outcry for vengeance from the Indians who demanded to be led against the enemy without delay.
"I saw at once the imperious necessity which existed of endeavor- ing by every means to dislodge the American general from his new conquest and make him relinquish the immense tract of country he had seized upon in consequence and which brought him into the very heart of that occupied by our friendly Indians," McDouall wrote. "There was no alternative, it must either be done or there was an end to our connection with the Indians, for if allowed to settle themselves in place by dint of threats, bribes, and sowing divisions among them, tribe after tribe would be gained over or subdued and thus would be destroyed the only barrier which protects the great trading establishments of the Northwest and the Hudson's Bay Company."
He, therefore, promptly decided to attempt the recovery of Prairie du Chien at the manifest risk of imperilling his own position by greatly weakening his garrison. A company of sixty-three volunteers was enrolled in forty-eight hours. Sergeant Keating of the Royal Artillery, with a sergeant and thirteen men of the Michigan Fencibles, was put in charge of a field gun and the whole of the Sioux and Win- nebagoe warriors on the island, 155 in number, were detailed to accom- pany them. The expedition set off on its voyage of more than six hun- dred miles on the seventh day after the news had been received under command of Major William McKay, a veteran fur trader. At Green Bay, McKay wras joined by a second company of volunteers, which increased his white force to one hundred and twenty men, and during his advance by way of the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, the number of his Indians was gradually argumented to 450. The journey was accom- plished in nineteen days, and on the 17th of July, McKay unexpectedly invested the American Fort at Prairie du Chien, which was surrendered forty-eight hours afterwards by its garrison of three officers and seventy- one men of the regular army.
Meanwhile, a formidable expedition for the recovery of Mackinac had been organized at Detroit. The land force consisted of a detach- ment of United States Artillery, with several field guns and howitzers,
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 81
a battalion of regular infantry, composed of picked companies from the 17th, 19th and 24th regiments, and a battalion of Ohio Volunteers, numbering in all nearly a thousand men. Lieutenant-Colonel George Groghan, who had gained much reputation among his countrymen by his successful defence of Fort Stephenson, was selected for the command of these troops, and Major A. H. Holmes, who had lately conducted a vigorous raid from Detroit up the Thames as far as Delaware, was given the second place as commandant of the regulars. Six of the largest vessels of the Lake Erie squadron, mounting sixty guns and manned by more than five hundred seamen and marines under Commodore Sin- clair, provided with launches for landing artillery, were detailed to convey these troops to their destination. Sinclair sailed from Detroit on the 3rd of July but did not succeed in entering Lake Huron until the 12th, when he shaped his course for Machedash Bay where he had been informed that -the British had established a depot of supplies and were building gunboats, but having no pilot familiar with those waters and being enveloped for several days in a dense fog in a perfect maze of islets and sunken rocks, the attempt was abandoned and he steered for the Island of St. Joseph. Arriving there on the 20th July, he learned that the military post had been abandoned a few weeks before and the garrison withdrawn to Mackinac. "While his squadron lay windbound near this place, the Northwest Company's schooner Mink, on her way from Mackinac to Sault Ste. Marie, was intercepted and taken by its boats, which were then despatched to destroy the trading station at the latter place. This was accomplished without opposition, but much of the property deposited there had been removed before their arrival.
On July 26th the American squadron came in sight of Mackinac. Its presence in the lake had been known to the garrison for some time, and every possible precaution had been taken in anticipation of an attack. A strong redoubt had been completed on the summit of the cliff overlooking the former works which so greatly increased their strength that McDouall considered his position one of the strongest in Canada. "We are in a very fine state of defence here," he wrote "the garrison and Indians are in the highest spirits and all ready for the attack of the enemy. We apprehend nothing for the island but from want of provisions."
The Nancy had already made two successful trips to the Nottawa- saga and sailed again for that place a few days before. A message to her commander, warning him of the appearance of the American squad- ron off Mackinac and advising him to take his vessel as far up the river
82 , ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
as possible and remain there until the blockade of the island was at an end, was entrusted to Lieutenant Robert Livingston, a daring and adven- turous officer of the Indian Department, who volunteered to deliver it. After serving for several years as a midshipman in the Royal Navy, Livingston obtained a commission in the Royal Canadian Volunteers, which he retained until the disbandment of that corps at the peace of Amiens. He then became a fur trader and was living at St. Joseph's when the war began. Having raised a company of volunteers, he was ap- pointed adjutant of the battalion organized for the capture of Mackinac, in July, 1812. Being despatched to Detroit in charge of the prisoners, he was detained by the enemy but soon effected his escape. Two days later, he was wounded and taken prisoner in a skirmish, again recover- ing his liberty at the surrender of Detroit. After receiving his com- mission in the Indian Department, he was frequently employed in con- veying important despatches owing to his intimate knowledge of the country, and in this service travelled a distance of 8,890 miles, mainly by canoe or on snow shoes. In the summer of 1813, Livingston assem- bled a body of Indians on the north shore of Lake Huron, whom he con- ducted to Niagara to assist in the investment of Fort George. In a skirmish near the Four Mile Creek, on the 17th of August, he received four severe wounds and was again taken prisoner, but on the night of the 19th October, he escaped from Fort Niagara and secreted himself in the woods until he found means to cross the river, subsisting for seven days on acorns only. He had acted as pilot for McDouall's force during its voyage to Mackinac and conducted the Nancy to the Not- tawasaga on her first trip. Although two of his wounds were still unhealed, his zeal and energy seemed unimpaired and he eagerly under- took this difficult and important mission.
Foul weather prevented the American vessels from approaching the shore for several days, but on August 1st a party of soldiers was landed on Round Island where they had a skirmish with some Indians. After carefully reconnoitering the harbour and the vicinity of the forts, Croghan decided to adopt the advice of former residents of the island who accompanied him as guides and attempt a landing on its western coast where there was a break in the cliffs and his largest ships could anchor within three hundred yards of the shore. From this place, how- ever, he would be compelled to advance for nearly two miles through dense woods before reaching an open space where a favorable position existed for assailing the works "by gradual and slow approaches" under cover of his artillery which he knew to be superior in range and weight of metal. Nearly a thousand men, including a body of marines,
AN EPISODE OF THE WAE OP 1812. 83
were accordingly landed on the morning of August 4th and began their march across the island.
McDouall promptly advanced to meet them with one hundred and forty men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and Michigan Fencibles and about one hundred and fifty Indians, mostly of the Folles Avoines or Menomonee tribe from the Wisconsin River, whom he considered the bravest and best fighting men of any at his disposal. With this force he occupied an excellent position in which his men were hidden among thickets and underwood on the edge of a small clearing across which the enemy must pass in their advance, yet it could easily be turned as there were paths leading around either flank which he had not force enough to guard. When the enemy came in sight, he opened fire upon them from two field guns, without effect except to check their advance and cause them to attempt a movement around the clearing in the direction of his left flank. But the battalion of regular troops which undertook this flank march was suddenly assailed by a party of Menomonees from an ambush among the thickets. Their first fire killed Major Holmes and severely wounded Captain Desha, next in command. Two other offi- cers, Captain Van Home of the 19th and Lieutenant Jackson of the 24th Infantry, were mortally wounded and their men instantly fell into great confusion. A field piece was brought up, but the fire of their unseen foes was so effective and the disorder became so great that Croghan soon decided to retire to his shipping to avoid a worse disaster, leaving behind him two wounded men and the bodies of Major Holmes and others of the dead.
Captain Sinclair stated that "it was soon found that the further the troops advanced, the stronger the enemy became and the weaker and more bewildered our force were ; several of the commanding officers were picked out and killed or wounded without seeing any of the enemy. The men were getting lost and falling into confusion natural under such circumstances, which demanded an immediate retreat or total defeat and a general massacre must have ensued."
In all three officers and fifteen men were killed and one officer and fifty-eight men wounded, while McDouall 's force was so well concealed that he had not a single man hurt.
Sinclair had learned from a prisoner taken in the Mink that re- inforcements and supplies had arrived at Mackinac from the Not- tawasaga River and that the Nancy had lately been despatched thither for more. By destroying her and blockading the river he hoped to retrieve his defeat and ultimately compel the garrison to surrender for want of provisions, and also prevent the Northwest Company from receiving any further supplies.
84 ( ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
About the middle of July, Lieutenant Miller Worsley, of the Royal Navy, with a small detachment of seamen, had arrived at the mouth of the Nottawasaga, where he awaited the appearance of the Nancy for more than a week, suffering much discomfort from bad weather and swarms of mosquitoes. On her arrival, the schooner was loaded with three hundred barrels of provisions and a quantity of much-needed military stores, and on August 1st, she again set sail for Mackinac. Before she entered the lake, Livingston met her with McDouall's instructions, and Worsley at once turned back. The Nancy was towed up the river about two miles to a place where she was hidden from view from the bay by intervening sandhills and the construction of a log blockhouse for her protection on a commanding position on the right bank was begun. Information of her perilous situation was sent to Lieutenant-General Drummond, who was then besieging Fort Erie, and he promptly gave orders for the assembly of a body of militia and Indians for her defence. But on the 13th of August, before these instructions could be fully car- ried into effect, part of the American squadron, consisting of the brig Niagara and the schooners Scorpion and Tigress, made their appearance in Nottawasaga Bay, having on board a detachment of artillery with sev- eral field guns and three companies of regular infantry under the com- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan.
Lieutenant Livingston, who had returned that morning from York with despatches, was at once employed in assembling the neighboring Indians, but only succeeded in mustering twenty-three. Worsley had under his command Midshipman Dobson and twenty-one seamen of the Royal Navy and nine French Canadian boatmen. Three guns had been mounted in the blockhouse, two of which were twenty-four pounder carronades, taken from boats lying in the river, and the other was a six pounder field piece. With such inadequate means Worsley gallantly undertook to offer the stoutest resistance possible. Late in the after- noon, Croghan landed his troops on the narrow peninsula separating the lower reach of the river from the bay, and while exploring it for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for encamping, he discovered the Nancy lying on the opposite side of the stream close under the guns of the blockhouse. Next morning Sinclair anchored all his vessels near the shore within easy range and opened fire with little effect, as both vessels and blockhouse were screened from view by the sandhills, sur- mounted by a thin belt of trees and bushes. About noon, however, two howitzers were landed and placed in a favorable position within a few hundred yards. Their fire speedily became so damaging that Worsley determined to destroy the schooner and retire into the woods. The guns
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 85
had accordingly been spiked and a train of powder laid to the Nancy when a well directed shell burst inside the blockhouse, setting fire to a quantity of combustible material near the magazine which soon blew up, communicating the flames to the schooner which was entirely destroyed with her valuable cargo still on board. Worsley had defended himself "very handsomely," as Sinclair said, but lost only one man killed and another severely wounded. The Indians continued to fire for some time from the edge of the woods and no pursuit was attempted. Eventually Sinclair sent a party of men across the Nottawasaga in boats who brought off the guns from the smoulding ruins of the block- house and took away a batteaux which had escaped destruction, after which they endeavored to obstruct the river by felling trees across it. On the following day Sinclair sailed for Lake Erie in the Niagara, leaving Lieutenant Turner in command of the Scorpion and Tigress, with instructions to maintain a rigid blockade until "driven from the lake by the inclemency of the season, suffering not a boat or canoe to pass in or out of this river," but authorizing him at the same time to detach the Tigress to cruise for a week or two at a time in the vicinity of St. Joseph 's to intercept fur canoes passing between Sault Ste. Marie and French River. Twenty-five picked men from the 17th United States Infantry were detailed to serve on these vessels as marines, and the Scorpion was provided with a boarding netting as a protection against a night attack by small boats.
"Against attacks of this kind, which he might be driven to by his desperate situation, as this blockade must starve him into a surrender, I must particularly caution you, ' ' Sinclair said in his instructions. ' ' If we can keep their boats from passing until October, I think the bad weather will effectually cut off all communication by anything they have on float, and in the spring an early blockade will possess us of Mackinac. ' '
A brigade of boats from Montreal, by way of French River, under Captain J. M. Lamotte, laden with supplies for Mackinac, received timely warning of their presence before entering Lake Huron and turned back to a place of safety.
Upwards of a hundred barrels of provisions still remained in a store-house several miles up the Nottawasaga which the enemy had not discovered, and two batteaux and Livingston's large canoe had escaped destruction. In these circumstances Worsley determined to elude the blockading vessels. The obstructions were quietly removed from the river, seventy barrels of provisions were taken on board, and on the night of the 18th, he entered the bay without being observed. Six days
86 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
later, when within a few miles of St. Joseph 's, after rowing three hun- dred and sixty miles along the north shore of the lake, he was greatly surprised to discover both the schooners which he had seen in Nottawa- saga Bay a week before, cruising among the islands ahead. As it would be scarcely possible to pass them unobserved, with his heavily-loaded boats in the narrow channel known as the Detour which they were evi- dently watching, he turned back and concealed them in a secluded bay. His whole party of twenty-five persons then embarked in Livingston's canoe on the night of August 29th, and after passing one of these vessels within a hundred yards in the darkness, arrived at Mackinac at sunset on September 1st.
Worsley lost no time after reaching the island in soliciting per- mission to lead an attack on the two schooners which were lying about fifteen miles apart when last seen by him. Next day four large row- boats were equipped for this enterprise. One of these, armed with a six pounder, was manned by Midshipman Dobson, a gunner's mate and seventeen seamen of the Eoyal Navy, under Worsley himself. The other three were manned by a picked detachment of two sergeants, six corporals and fifty privates of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, com- manded by Lieutenants Bulger, Armstrong, and Radenhurst. Bulger's boat was armed with a three-pounder in charge of a bombardier and a gunner of the Royal Artillery. As it was reported that the blockading vessels were accompanied by a body of Indians, whom they had induced to co-operate with them, about two hundred warriors were also embarked in nineteen canoes, under the orders of Diekson and four officers of his department. The expedition left Mackinac that evening, and at sunset on the 2nd of September, arrived at the Detour, thirty-six miles distant, where they expected to find one of the schooners. The men were landed on the island and the boats concealed in a secluded bay. Early next morning Worsley and Livingston went out in a canoe to reconnoitre and soon discovered one of the schooners at anchor about six miles away. It was thought prudent to defer the attack until night when they could approach her unseen. At six o'clock the whole force was re-em- barked and rowed as quietly as possible towards the enemy. When about three miles from the schooner the Indians were directed to remain behind and await further orders, but Dickson and three of their principal chiefs were taken on board the boats, making a total of ninety-two of all ranks. The night was very dark and still. About nine o'clock the outline of the schooner was described close ahead. It was then arranged that Worsley 's and Armstrong's boats should board her upon the starboard side and Bulger's and Radenhurst 's on the lar-
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 87
board. Their approach was so noiseless that Worsley 's boat was within ten yards of her and Bulger's not far behind when they were discov- ered and hailed. No answer being returned, a gun was fired without doing any injury and a hasty and ill-directed fire of musketry was opened upon them. In the face of this the boarders quickly gained the deck on both sides nearly at the same instant and within five minutes the commander of the schooner, Sailing Master Champlain, and all his officers were cut down with several of his men and the remainder driven below. From between decks they kept up a desultory fire which killed one of Worsley 's seamen. After all resistance had ceased it was ascer- tained that the prize was the Tigress, having a crew of thirty-one per- sons, of whom four were killed and four wounded. Worsley lost two seamen killed and one seaman wounded, but Lieutenant Bulger, Gunner McLaughlin and six privates of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment were also wounded. The prisoners were sent away in boats under guard, and Livingston was despatched in a canoe to ascertain the position of the other schooner. In two hours he returned with information that she was apparently beating down toward the Tigress under sail. As it seemed highly improbable that the firing could have been heard by her crew, Worsley determined not to alter the position of his prize and to keep the American colors flying. During the night of the 5th, the Scorpion anchored within two miles of the Tigress without making any effort to exchange signals or communicate with her in any way. At break of day next morning, Worsley slipped his cable and ran silently down towards her under the jib and foresail only with a dozen sailors in sight besides a few soldiers who were lying down covered with over- coats. Four or five of the Scorpion's crew in charge of the gunner were scrubbing her deck, and although the approach of the Tigress was observed and duly reported it excited no suspicion in the minds of her officers. At the distance of a dozen yards the twenty-four-pounder on the Tigress was fired into the Scorpion's hull as a signal for the remainder of the soldiers to rush on deck. Worsley then ran alongside and grappled with her. The boarders fired a single volley and sprang on her deck, meeting with scarcely any resistance from her bewildered crew, of whom two were killed and two wounded before they surrend- ered. Like the Tigress the Scorpion mounted a single twenty-four- pounder but also had a twelve pounder in her hold, the carriage of which had Become unfit for use. She was commanded by Lieutenant Daniel Turner and ha J a crew of five officers and thirty-one soldiers, sea- men and soldiers. It appeared that these vessels had been forced out of Nottawasaga Bay by a fierce gale which had nearly driven the Niagara
88 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
on shore after parting from them and even compelled Sinclair to cut loose his launch and the captured boat which he was towing astern. For the last five days the Scorpion had been cruising between St. Joseph's and the French River in the hope of intercepting Lamotte's Brigade of boats from Montreal, of whose approach they had received some informa- tion. In her capture Worsley had but a single seaman wounded. He had regained entire control of Lake Huron and effectually relieved Mackinac from all danger Of being forced to surrender from want of provisions. This expedition was admirably planned and executed and certainly richly deserved the success with which it was crowned. The prizes were fine vessels for lake service and were at once placed in com- mission under the names of the Surprise and the Confiance. They sailed at once for the Nottawasaga whence they returned in the begin- ning of October with a supply of provisions sufficient to maintain the garrison of Mackinac for six months.
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. Major-General Brock to the Earl of Liverpool.
YORK, 23rd November, 1811. (Extract.)
I have directed a survey of a tract of land on Lake Simcoe belong- ing to the Indians to meet your views. The merchants are particularly anxious to obtain a route for their goods unconnected with American territory.
"It is proposed to purchase 428 acres of land and erect grist mills for the convenience of a populous neighborhood."
From a memorial enclosed in the foregoing letter from General Brock to the Earl of Liverpool, signed by "William McGillivray, "William Hallowell, Roderick McKenzie, Angus Shaw, Archibald McLeod, James Hallowell, jr., and others composing the Northwest Fur Company.
NOTE. For two round trips of the Nancy from Detroit River to Fort Erie, in 1812, the Northwest Company claimed and received £500. For her services in 1813-14, her owners were allowed £1,243 5s. Od. and the further sum of £2,200 as compensation for the loss of the vessel.
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 89
(Extract.)
"We have been continually subjected to the vexatious interference of the United States customs' officials since 1796, and have had boats and property seized. We suggest the establishment of a road from Kempen- feldt Bay to Penetanguishene and will change our route in that direc- tion as soon as practicable. We apply for a grant of land at each end of the road and at the landing at Gwillimbury. — 2,000 acres on Kem- penfeldt Bay, 2,000 acres at Penetanguishene, 200 at Gwillimbury — consideration, £4,000 in goods to be paid the Indians. ' '
Extract from a letter unaddressed and unsigned in the Canadian Archives. Series C, Volume 257, page 144.
"It appears to be a matter of essential expediency, if not of indis- pensable necessity, that Mr. Dickson should be sent on forthwith to Michilimackinac by Machedash or if he finds it more convenient to go only to the mouth of the French River in Lake Huron, and in either case to wait for the canoes with the Indian presents which will in all probability reach Lake Huron in the month of September. ' '
From Robert Dickson to Noah Freer, Military Secretary to the Governor-General.
YORK, 29th September, 1813.
With the assistance of Mr. Cameron, I have got the provisions in the way of being transported to Lake Huron and shall set out for Michilimackinac to-morrow. I shall attend particularly to the route and shall transmit my remarks on the return of the canoe by the Grand River. . . .
Should our fleet be totally destroyed on Lake Erie, as we have rea- son to believe, the bay at Machedash or Penetanguishene are both good harbors and there is plenty of excellent wood in the vicinity for con- structing a vessel of any dimensions.
From an unsigned memorandum addressed to Major-General Proc- ter, dated 6th October, 1813. (Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume
880, page 146.)
(Extract.)
"Penetanguishene Bay is an excellent harbor, arid easy of access from Lake Huron; the entrance into it is not half a gun-shot across,
90 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and the ground very commanding. Near to the water's edge is the finest oak and pine timber that can be imagined. Here (if there are ships' stores in the country for the purpose), vessels might be built in the winter to command Lake Huron and secure the Indians notwith- standing our being driven from Lake Erie."
From Robert Dickson to Noah Freer.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 23rd October, 1813.
(Extract.)
' ' I send you a map of Lake Simcoe on a large scale. I think that if a road is to be cut the best route is from Kempenfeldt Bay to Pene- tanguishene. ' '
From Captain Richard Bullock, 41st Regiment, to Noah Freer.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 23rd October, 1813. (Extract.)
"Mr. Dickson and I have consulted together as to the best means of defence for the security of Michilimackinac, and we are of the opinion that should the enemy not attack us here this fall, the first and most essential thing to be recommended is the building this winter of six large gunboats at Machedash Bay to protect supplies of any descrip- tion from falling into their hands ; that a re-inf orcement of at least two hundred men with an officer of engineers and twenty artillerymen would be required and ordnance as per the enclosed return
"The pork and flour which you mentioned in your letter that Mr. Dickson was to take in charge and which we are so much in want of, I am sorry to say, he has not brought. I understand from him that it was to be forwarded from York to Machedash on Lake Huron, to which place, he informs me he must send for it, and I shall lose no time in sending what canoes I can for that purpose."
From Earl Bathurst, Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, to Sir George Prevost, Governor-General of Canada.
DOWNING STREET, 3rd December, 1813.
(Extract.)
"From every information which I have been able to collect, the port of Machedash at the mouth of the Severn is peculiarly well calculated
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 91
for a naval depot. It has been long used as a post by the persons trad- ing with the Indian nations ; it has a good land and water communica- tions with Kingston and is less distant than the former dockyard at Amherstburg. It has moreover this advantage that nothing short of the most serious disaster could render it necessary to abandon it or its communication with Kingston.
"Upon a consideration of all these advantages, His Majesty's Gov- ernment have determined to convej7 to you the necessary authority for erecting such block-houses and other defences as may be required to secure this post from attack or insult. As soon as these shall be com- pleted you will make every exertion to build and fit out vessels cal- culated to meet those which the enemy may transfer to the lake. As the success of this measure depends much upon the rapidity of execu- tion, I would recommend to your serious attention the advantage of laying down vessels at Quebec or Montreal which might afterwards be transported in frame to Machedash and set up there in a much shorter time than would have been required to build them there."
From Captain Richard Bullock to Noah Freer.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 30th December, 1813. (Extract.)
"In my letter to you of the 23rd October, I mentioned that I should lose no time in sending what canoes I could to Machedash for the flour and pork Mr. Dickson had directed to be sent to that place from York
' ' Having no alternative, on the 28th October I despatched two large canoes and a bateau manned with Indians and some of the Michigan Fencibles with an interpreter and a sergeant of the veterans for that place. Previous to this party leaving the island I was told by the oldest residents the impracticability of the undertaking, but our situation war- ranted me to make the trial. On the 2nd of November the bateau with the sergeant and one of the canoes returned, the Indians having refused to proceed, owing to the weather setting in very severe with frost and snow, and they had to cut their way through the 'ice to get back. It was now too late to send off another party, nor indeed could I get any person on the island to undertake it notwithstanding a large sum was offered by the commissary for that purpose. The other canoe with Indians, having presents for a few of the inhabitants on the north shore of Lake Huron, were prevailed on by the interpreter to go on for the
92 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
purpose of delivering them. The interpreter on his return informed me that when the presents were delivered the weather becoming more moderate, he further prevailed on the Indians to go to Machedash for what provisions they could bring in the canoe, where they arrived on the 15th November, but to their great disappointment the provisions had not been brought to that place. In consequence lest they should be frozen up, they lost no time in returning here, and after suffering very severely, arrived on the 2nd instant."
From Lieutenant-General Sir Gordon Drummond to Sir George Prevost.
KINGSTON, 19th January, 1814.
(Extract.)
In reply to Your Excellency's letter of the 2nd instant, marked private, I beg to assure you that I have lost no time in giving ample instructions relating to the supply of troops and provisions to be for- warded to Michilimackinac by Lakes Simcoe and Huron, as also with regard to the building of gunboats and bateaux at Panatanguishene for their conveyance thither.
"In fact I had, prior to the receipt of Your Excellency's letter, already ordered two of the latter description of boats to be constructed at that place for the transport of the provisions and stores for some time since deposited at Machedash, and also for 100 barrels of flour and 50 of pork which I had ordered in addition before I left York. ' '
From Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Bruyeres, R.E., to Sir George Prevost.
YORK, 23rd January, 1814.
(Extract.)
"I have made every enquiry since I have been here respecting the practicability of building four gunboats in Penetanguishene harbor on Lake Huron for the purpose of communicating from thence to the island of Michilimackinac as early as the opening of navigation will permit. I have seen the only person here that could be competent for this service (Mr. Dennis, late master builder at Kingston). He is at present unemployed, but from the conversation I have had with him he is unwilling to engage in this business, owing to the impossibility of
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 93
obtaining workmen here for that purpose. Captain Barclay, whom I have seen on this subject, very strongly recommends a Mr. Bell, who was master builder at Amherstburg. He is now at Kingston and I have written to General Drummond to endeavor to engage him for this ser- vice and to procure twelve shipwrights to accompany him. I have stated fully all that will be necessary, and I still hope that this business will
be accomplished
"Mr. Crookshank, the Commissary, is at present at Lake Simcoe where I understand he is gone to make arrangements for the building of five bateaux to convey provisions that were left on the communica- tion to be sent to Michilimackinac. "
From Lieutenant-General Drummond to Sir George Prevost.
KINGSTON, 28th January, 1814. (Extract.)
' ' I have the honor to acquaint Your Excellency that I have received a communication from Deputy Essistant Commissary-General Crook- shank, at York, on his return from Lake Simcoe where he had been to make arrangements for forwarding supplies to Michilimackinac.
"He informs me that from the authority of several credible per- sons and likewise from Mr. Wilmot, the surveyor, who had been employed in running the line from Lake Simcoe to Penetanguishene Bay that it is impracticable to transport anything by that route previous to a road being cut upwards of thirty miles in length, and that it was calculated to take 200 men for at least three weeks before it could be made pass- able, and in case of deep snow it could not be done at all.
"In consequence of the delay and difficulty attending such a meas- ure Mr. Crookshank has made arrangements for forwarding the supplies to Nottawasaga Bay on Lake Huron, a distance of only 20 miles from Penetanguishene.
' ' The opening of the road to the river leading to Nottawasaga Bay will take but 12 men for about 10 days, and in the course of a few days, as soon as a shed can be erected on the other side of Lake Simcoe, he will commence sending the stores across it, should a thaw not prevent.
"As Mr. Crookshank found it almost impossible to procure hands to build boats and altogether no person to contract for the whole or even a part, I have had a communication with the Commissioner of the Navy here who says he could furnish 30 workmen with an able foreman that would ensure the measure being completed in a given time and
94 , ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
contract at once the building of as many as should be required, and they could set out from hence at a day's notice well furnished with tools and oakum, and every other requisite for the occasion.
"This mode of proceeding would undoubtedly prove somewhat expensive, but I see no alternative.
P.S. Since writing the above I have received a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Bruyeres from York corroborating that part of Mr. Crookshank's letter relative to the inability of procuring persons there to build at Penetanguishene Bay, and asserting the only way this object can be accomplished is by sending up builders with the necessary mater- ials of pitch, ironwork, etc., from Kingston."
From Captain Richard Bullock to Noah Freer.
FORT MICHILIMACKINAC, 26th February, 1814. (Extract.)
"The number of boats I can send to Nottawasaga and Penetan- guishene Bay in the ensuing spring to assist in bringing in the supplies, etc., will be two bateaux, two large birch canoes and a keel boat."
From Lieutenant-General Drummond to Sir George Prevost.
KINGSTON, 21st May, 1814. (Extract.)
I have the honor to enclose herewith the copy of a report I have just now received from Colonel Claus, Deputy Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, from which I am concerned to learn that the enemy have passed up the River St. Clair with two vessels and six gunboats containing about 300 men, about the 22nd or 23rd of last month for Lake Huron.
"Lieutenant-Colonel McDoualTs last brigade of boats for Michili- mackinac left Nottawasaga on the 20th of the same month, which I most anxiously hope has arrived at its destination in safety."
(Extract from Colonel Claus 's Report Enclosed.)
Thirteen Indians from Naywash's band arrived at Burlington, on the 9th instant, from Flint River, and say that they were informed that two vessels and six gunboats with about 300 men had passed the River St. Clair about the 22nd or 23rd April for Michilimackinac and that no more than about 250 men remained at Detroit.
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 95
From Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to Lieutenant-General Drum- mond.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 26th May, 1814.
(Extract.)
"The Nancy being just under way, I refer to my letter to Colonel Harvey for particulars of our voyage. I avail myself of the few minutes left me before she sails to urge in the strongest terms the necessity of Mr. Crookshank being immediately directed to deposit for us at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River another supply of provisions consisting of from three to four hundred barrels of flour and pork, otherwise this place will be in great danger from the want of that article, owing to the great issues to the Indians which I have curtailed as much as possible, even at the risk of offending them."
From Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Nichol.
KINGSTON, 30th May, 1814.
(Extract.)
"In addition to the establishment at Long Point, I should strongly recommend the formation of one at Penetanguishene on Lake Huron. The road, however, to the north of Lake Simcoe which is, I understand, about twenty-four miles, should be previously opened. A flotilla on Lake Huron will be found of great service, both as it respects offensive and defensive operations. The remoteness of the situation will keep the enemy ignorant of our movements."
From Lieutenant-General Drummond to Sir George Prevost.
KINGSTON, 2nd July, 1814. (Extract.)
"I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of an interesting letter I received from Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall from Michilimac- kinac. I am apprehensive his Indian allies, unless he can find some method of employing them so as they may in a greater degree supply themselves with food, will cause him some uneasiness and difficulties with regard to provisions. To enable him to meet all their demands, how- ever, as much as possible, I have given directions to Deputy Commissary Couche to take measures for securing a constant supply to his post, and I understand Deputy Assistant Commissary General Crookshank is at
96 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Nottawasaga at present on this business as well as for the purpose of improving the road to that place from Lake Simcoe."
From Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to Lieutenant-General Urum-
MACHILIMACKINAC, 17th July, 1814. (Extract.)
I was greatly disappointed at the Nancy bringing us last trip only eleven barrels for Government. I at least expected three hundred. I also received but little comfort on Mr. Crookshank telling me that by the 20th instant, he was in hopes to have 200 barrels at the Nottawasaga River. However, as it is of great consequence, even the securing of that quantity, I am now despatching the Nancy for it. I, however, beg to represent the great necessity which exist that the supplies should be more liberal for this place. It is now the last point of connection with the Indians and I believe the great importance of their alliance and the policy of conciliating them as much as possible is generally admit- ted, particularly as the enemy is making such efforts to seduce them from us ; and yet what means are placed in my hands to counteract the influence of the Americans? A continual interchange of Indians is going on at this place and some have come a great distance for its defence, and yet I have been compelled to refuse rations to their wives and children, and to many others in a half-famished state; even my own garrison I am compelled to reduce the rations of, and as soldiers have but little foresight and think only of the present, it adds to the general discontent on the subject of provisions. In what a predicament does this leave me, and in what a situation should I be left if great efforts are not made for my relief? Every day adds to my perplexity on this subject. I now only issue 250 rations daily to Indians which make the whole about 550. It is absolutely essential and cannot with prudence be otherwise, that in calculating the supplies for this garrison, at least three hundred Indians should be included, and I am fully con- vinced that they could never be expended to a better purpose
(Canadian Archives, C, 685, page 67.)
From Captain A. Slinclair to the Secretary of the Navy. UNITED STATES SLOOP NIAGARA,
OFF ST. JOSEPH'S, 22nd July, 1814.
SIR, — The wind became favorable on the evening of the 3rd instant, the troops were embarked and I sailed from Detroit that night, but
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 97
such were the difficulties I had to encounter on the flats of Lake St. Glair, where, instead of ten feet, as I had been led to believe there was, I found only eight, and the rapid current of that river, that I did not reach Lake Huron until the 12th. From thence I shaped my course as directed for Machedash Bay and used every possible effort to gain it, but not being able to procure a pilot for that unfrequented part of the lake, and finding it filled with islands and sunken rocks which must inevit- ably prove the destruction of the fleet as it was impossible to avoid them on account of the impenetrable fog with which this lake is almost con- tinually covered, and finding the army were growing short of provisions from the time already elapsed, it was agreed between Colonel Croghan and myself to push for this place where we should procure such informa- tion as would govern our future operations. We were favored in winds and arrived here on the 20th. The enemy had abandoned his work, consisting of a fort and a large block-house, etc. ; those we destroyed but left untouched the town and Northwest Company's storehouses.
From Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to Lieutenant-General Drum- mond.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 28th July, 1814.
(Extract.)
"We are here in a very fine state of defence, the garrison and Indians in the highest spirits and all ready for the attack of the enemy. I apprehend nothing for the island but from the want of provisions. I have, therefore, to beg to supplicate, to entreat, my dear General, that every effort may be made, every step be immediately taken which can facilitate our being supplied. There are now three bateaux in the Not- tawasaga River, a fourth can be carried over from Lake Simcoe. These should be manned by the crew of the Nancy, mounting one of her carronades in one of them and could bring 140 barrels of flour which should be taken to the depot at the Eiver Sauganock, and being there secured, the party would have sufficient time to return to the River Tessalon which we consider (the secret being well kept) as out of the reach of the enemy, and which (should the blockade not be raised in time) can easily be brought here over the snow in the winter. River Sauganock is fifteen miles on our side of the Cloche and is the place where the Montreal canoes are directed to deposit the cargoes they brought from that place and likewise the first cargo of flour they bring from the River Nottawasaga. The River Tessalon is thirty miles from St. Joseph's and is the place where the second cargoes of both the
98 i ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
canoes and the bateaux must be landed, as by that time the enemy's squadron may have been obliged to leave us, but be that as it may, we consider it a safe place. Should the Nancy's crew- come with the bateaux as proposed she must be hauled as high as possible up the river. A subaltern and 20 men and some Indians stationed for her defence and that of the depot which, I think, will perfectly secure both."
From Lieutenant Daniel Turner to Captain A. Sinclair.
UNITED STATES SCHOONER SCORPION,
OFF MICHILIMACKINAC, July 28th, 1814.
SIR, — I have the honor to inform you that, agreeable to your orders of the 22nd instant, I proceed on the expedition to Lake Superior with launches. I rowed night and day, but having a distance of sixty miles against a strong current, information had reached the enemy at St. Mary's about two hours before I arrived at that place, carried by Indians in their light canoes, several of whom I chased, and by firing on them and killing some, prevented their purpose, some I captured and kept prisoners until my arrival, others escaped. The force under Major Holmes prevented anything like resistance at the Fort; the enemy car- rying with them all their light valuable articles, peltry, clothes, etc. I proceeded across the strait of Lake Superior without a moment's delay, and on my appearance the enemy, finding they could not get off with the vessel I was in quest of, set fire to her in several places, scuttled and left her. I succeeded in boarding her, and by considerable exertions, extinguished the flames and secured her from sinking. I then stripped and prepared for getting her down the falls. Adverse winds prevented my attempting the falls until the 26th, when every possible effort was used, but I am sorry to say without success to get her over in safety. The fall in three-quarters of a mile is forty-five feet and the channel very rocky, the current runs from twenty to thirty knots, and in one place there is a perpendicular leap of ten feet between three rocks. Here she bilged but was brought down so rapidly that we succeeded in running her on shore below the rapids before she filled and burned her. She was a fine new' schooner, upwards of one hundred tons, called the Perseverance, and will be a severe loss to the Northwest Company. Had I succeeded in getting her down safe, I could have loaded her with advantage from the enemy's store-houses. I have, however, brought down four captured boats loaded with Indian goods to a considerable amount, the balance, contained in four large and two small store-houses,
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 99
were destroyed, amounting to from fifty to one hundred thousand dol- lars. All private property was, according to your orders, respected. The officers and men under my command behaved with great activity and zeal, particularly Midshipman Swartwout.
From Captain A. Sinclair to the Secretary of the Navy. UNITED STATES SLOOP NIAGARA,
OFF MICHILIMACKINAC, July 29th, 1814.
SIR, — Whilst windbound at St. Joseph's I captured the Northwest Company's schooner, Mink, from Michilimackinac to St. Mary's with a cargo of flour. Receiving intelligence through this source that the schooner Perseverence was laying above the falls at the lower end of Lake Superior in waiting to transport the Mink's cargo to Fort Wil- liam, I despatched the ships' launches under Lieutenant Turner of the Scorpion, an active and enterprising officer, to capture, and, if possible, get her down the falls. Colonel Croghan attached Major Holmes with a party of regulars to co-operate in the expedition in which the capture of St. Mary's was included. The official report of the result made by Lieutenant Turner I herewith enclose you. The capture of the Perse- verence gave us the complete command of Lake Superior, and had it not been for the strong force at Michilimackinac forbidding a separation of our means of attacking that place and feeling myself bound by my instructions to do so before I was at liberty to enter into any extensive enterprise of my own planning, I should have availed myself of this un- locked for advantage and have broken up all their establishments on Lake Superior. The capture of Fort William alone would have nearly destroyed the enemy's fur trade, as that is his grand depot and general rendezvous from which his extensive trade branched out in all direc- tions, and at which place there is never less than a million in property, and at this season of the year it is said there is twice that amount. I fear such another opportunity may never recur. The capture of those two vessels and the provisions will, however, prove of very serious incon- venience to the enemy in that quarter where the loss cannot possibly be retrieved. Flour was before this loss worth sixty dollars per barrel with them, and salt provisions fifty cents per pound, etc.
From Major A. H. Holmes to Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan.
UNITED STATES SCHOONER SCORPION, 27th July, 1814. SIR, — Pursuant to your orders of the 22nd instant, I left the squad- ron with Lieutenant Turner of the Navy, and arrived at the Sault Ste.
100 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marie the day after. Two hours before the Northwest Agent had received notice of our approach and succeeded in escaping with a con- siderable amount of goods after setting fire to the vessel above the falls. The design of this latter measure was frustrated only by the intrepid exertions of Mr. Turner with his own men and a few of Captain Saunder's company.
The vessel was brought down the falls on the 25th, but having bilged, Mr. Turner destroyed her. Most of the goods we have taken were found in the woods on the American side and were claimed by the agent, John Johnson, an Indian trader.
I secured this property because it was good prize by the maritime law of nations as recognized by the English courts (witness the case of Admiral Rodney, adjudged by Lord Mansfield), further, because John- son has acted the part of a traitor, having been a citizen and magistrate of Michigan Territory, and at its commencement and now discharging the functions of a magistrate under the British Government; because his agent armed the Indians from his stores at our approach, and, lastly, because those goods, or a considerable part, were designed to be taken to Michilimackinac. Pork, salt, and groceries compose the chief part. Johnson himself passed to Michilimackinac since the squadron arrived at St. Joseph's.
Prom Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to Lieutenant Worsley.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 28th July, 1814.
SIR, — The American expedition destined for the attack of this island having at length made its appearance under the command of Commodore Elliott and Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan, consisting of the Niagara, 20 guns, Lawrence, 20 Hunter, brig 8, and a large schooner of
guns, the Mary of guns, five gunboats and the Mink, their
prize, I hasten to apprise you of the circumstance, lest the Nancy and her valuable cargo fall into their hands, and that you may be enabled to take such steps for her preservation as will appear to you most expedient under the circumstances. I have taken such precautions as were in my power to make you acquainted with this event in case you may be on your passage. If so, I would recommend you to return to the Nottawasaga River and to take up the Nancy as high as possible, place her in a judicious position and hastily run up a log house (such as were made when the boats were built, but larger) with loopholes and embrasures for your two six pounders which will enable you to defend her should you be attacked, which is not unlikely.
AN EPISODE OP THE WAR OF 1812. 101
The mode of obtaining her cargo which is of such value to us will depend upon the result of the attack which we daily expect, and of the duration of the blockade. I see no other way of obtaining the provi- sions, but by bringing them protected by carronades in the bows of two of them. You will probably receive instructions from Kingston as to your conduct.
(From Niles' Register, Volume VII, page 132. Captured by Cap- tain Sinclair, at Nottawasaga. )
From Captain Sinclair to the Secretary of the Navy.
UNITED STATES SLOOP NIAGARA,
OFF THUNDER BAY, August 9, 1814.
SIR, — I arrived off Miehilimackinac, on the 26th July, but owing to a tedious spell of bad weather, which prevented our reconnoitering or being able to take a prisoner who could give us information of the enemy's Indian force which from several little skirmishes we had on an adjacent island, appeared to be very great, we did not attempt a land- ing until the 4th instant, and it was then made more with a view to ascertain the enemy's strength than with any possible hope of success. Knowing at the same time that I could effectually cover their landing and retreat to the ships from the position I had taken within 300 yards of the beach. Colonel Croghan would never have landed, even with this protection being positive that the Indian force alone on the island with the advantages they had, were superior to him, could he have justified himself to his government without having stronger proof than appear- ances that he could not effect the object in view.
Mackinac is by nature a perfect Gibralter, being a high, inaccessible rock on every side except from the west, from which to the heights you have near two miles to pass through a wood so thick that our men were shot in every direction, and within a few yards of them, without being able to see the Indians who did it, and a height was scarcely gained before there was another within fifty or one hundred yards, command- ing it where breastworks were erected and cannon opened on them. Several of these were charged and the enemy driven from them, but it was soon found the further our troops advanced the stronger the enemy became, and the weaker and more bewildered our force were; several of the commanding officers were picked out and killed or wounded with- out seeing any of them. The men were getting lost and falling into confusion, natural under such circumstances, which demanded an imme-
102 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
diate retreat or a total defeat, and massacre must have ensued. This was conducted in a masterly manner by Colonel Croghan who had lost the aid of that valuable and ever to be lamented officer, Major Holmes, who with Captain Van Home, was killed by the Indians. The enemy were driven from many of their strongholds, but such was the impene- trable thickness of the woods that no advantage gained could be pro- fited by. Our attack would have been made immediately under the lower fort so that the enemy might not have been able to use his Indian allies to such advantage as in the woods, having discovered by drawing a fire from him in several instances that I had greatly the superiority of metal of him, but its site being about 130 feet above the water, I could not, when near enough to do him an injury, elevate sufficiently to bat- ter it. Above this, nearly as high again, he has another stronghold com- manding every point on the island and almost perpendicular on all sides. Colonel Croghan not deeming it prudent to make a second attempt upon this place and having ascertained to a certainty that the only naval force the enemy have upon the lake consists of a schooner of four guns, I have determined to despatch the Lawrence and Caledonia to Lake Erie immediately, believing that their service in transporting our armies there will be wanting, and it being important that the sick and wounded amounting to about one hundred, and that part of the detachment not necessary to further our future operations here should reach Detroit without delay. By an intelligent prisoner captured in the Mink, I ascertained this and that the mechanics and others sent across from York during the winter were for the purpose of building a flotilla to transport reinforcements and supplies to Mackinac. An at- tempt was made to transport them by way of Machedash, but it was found impracticable from all the portages being a morass; that they then resorted to a small river called Nottawasaga, situated to the south of Machedash, from which there is a portage of three leagues over a good road to Lake Simcoe. This place was never known until pointed out to them by an Indian. This river is very narrow and has six or eight feet of water in it, and is then a muddy rapid shallow for forty- five miles to the portage where their armada was built and their store- houses are now situated. The navigation is dangerous and difficult, and so obscured by rocks and bushes that no stranger could ever find it. I have, however, availed myself of this means of discovering it. I shall also blockade the mouth of French River until the fall, and those two being the only two channels of communication by which Mackinac can possibly be supplied, and their provisions at this time being extremely short, I think they will be starved into a surrender. This will also cut
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 103
off all supplies to the Northwest Company who are now nearly starving, and their furs on hand can only find transportation by way of Hudson 's Bay. At this place, I calculate on falling in with their schooner which it is said is gone there for a load of provisions and a message sent to her not to venture up while we are on the lake.
From Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan to the Secretary of War.
UNITED STATES SLOOP NIAGARA,
OFF THUNDER BAY, August 9th, 1814.
SIR,— We left Fort Gratiot (head of the straits of St. Clair) on the 12th ultimo, and imagined we should arrive in a few days at Mache- dash Bay. At the end of a week, however, the Commodore from want of pilots acquainted with the unfrequented part of the lake, despaired of being able to find a passage through the islands into the bay, and made for St. Joseph's where he anchored on the 20th day of July. After setting fire to the Fort of St. Joseph's, which seemed not to have been recently occupied, a detachment of infantry and artillery, under Major Holmes, was ordered to Sault St. Mary's for the purpose of breaking up the enemy's establishment at that place. For particulars relative to the execution of this order, I beg leave to refer you to Major Holmes' report herewith enclosed. Finding on my arrival at Michili- mackinac, on the 26th ultimo, the enemy had strongly fortified the height overlooking the old fort of Mackinac, I at once despaired of being able with my small force to carry the place by storm and determined (as the only course remaining) on landing and establishing myself in some favorable position whence I should be enabled by gradual and slo wapproaches under cover of my artillery in which I should have the superiority in point of metal. I was urged to adopt this step by another reason not a little cogent; could a position be taken and forti- fied on the island, I was well aware it would either induce the enemy to attack me in my stronghold or force his Indians and Canadians (his most efficient and only disposable force) off the island, as they would be very unwilling to remain in my neighborhood after a permanent footing had been taken. On inquiry I learned from individuals who had lived on the island, that a position as desirable as I might wish, could be found on the west end and therefore immediately made arrangements for dis- embarking. A landing was effected on the 4th instant under cover of the guns of the shipping, and the line being quickly formed, had advanced to the edge of the field spoken of, when intelligence was con-
104 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
veyed to me that the enemy was ahead, and a few seconds more brought us a fire from his battery of four pieces firing shot and shell. After reconnoitering his position which was well selected, his line reached along the edge of the woods at the further extremity of the field and was covered by a temporary breastwork. I determined on changing my position (which was now two lines, the militia forming the front) by advancing Major Holmes' battalion of regulars on the right of the militia, thus to outflank him, and by a vigorous effort to gain his rear. The movement was immediately ordered, but before it could be executed, a fire was opened by some Indians posted in a thick wood near our right which proved fatal to Major Holmes and severely wounded Captain Desha (the next officer in rank). This unlucky fire by depriving us of the services of our most valuable officers, threw that part of the line into confusion, which the best exertions of the officers were not able to recover. Finding it impossible to gain the enemy's left owing to the impenetrable thickness of the woods, a charge was ordered to be made by the regulars immediately in front. This charge, although made in some confusion, seemed to drive the enemy back into the woods from whence an annoying fire was kept up by the Indians.
Lieutenant Morgan was ordered up with a light piece to assist the left now particularly galled; the excellent practice of this brought the enemy to fire at a longer distance. Discovering that this position from whence the enemy had just been driven (and which had been repre- sented to me as so high and »commanding), was by no means tenable from being interspersed with thickets and intersected in every way by ravines. I determined no longer to expose my force to the fire of an enemy, deriving every advantage from numbers and a knowledge of the position, and therefore ordered an immediate retreat towards the ship- ping.
This affair which cost us many valuable lives, leaves us to lament the fall of that gallant officer, Major Holmes, whose character is so well known to War Department. Captain Van Horne of the 19th Infantry and Lieutenant Jackson of the 24th Infantry, both brave and intrepid young men, fell mortally wounded at the head of their respective com- mands. Captain Desha of the 24th Infantry, although severely wounded, continued with his command until forced to retire from faint- ness through loss of blood. Captains Saunders, Hawkins, and Sturgis, with every subaltern of that battalion, acted in the most exemplary man- ner. Ensign Bryan, 2nd Rifle Regiment, acting adjutant of the bat- talion, actively forwarded the wishes of the commanding officer. Lieutenants Hickman, 28th Infantry, and Hyde, of the United States
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 105
Marines, who commanded the reserve, claim my particular thanks for keeping that command in readiness to meet any exigency. I have before mentioned Lieutenant Morgan's activity; his two assistants, Lieutenant Pickett and Mr. Peters, conductor of artillery, also merit the name of good officers.
The militia were wanting in no part of their duty; Colonel Cot- greave, his officers and soldiers deserve the warmest approbation. My acting adjutant-general, Captain N. H. Moore, 28th Infantry, with Volunteer Adjutant McComb, were prompt in delivering my orders. Captain Gratiot, of the Engineers, who volunteered his services as adjutant on the occasion, gave me valuable assistance.
On the morning of the 5th, I sent a flag to inquire into the state of the wounded (two in number), who were left on the field, and to request permission to bring away the body of Major Holmes which was also left, owing to the unpardonable neglect of the soldiers in whose hands he was placed. I am happy in assuring you that the body of Major Holmes is secured and will be buried at Detroit with becoming honors.
I shall discharge the militia to-morrow and will send them down with two regular companies to Detroit. With the remaining three com- panies I shall attempt to destroy the enemy's establishment in the head of Naw-taw-wa-sa-ga River, and if it is thought best erect a post at the mouth of that river.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing of a detachment com- manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan, in the affair of the 4th August.
llth August, 1814.
Artillery — Wounded — Three privates.
Infantry — 17 Regiment. Killed — Five privates; wounded — two sergeants, two corporals, fifteen privates, two privates since dead; two privates missing.
19th Regiment. Wounded — One captain, nineteen privates. Cap- tain J. Van Home, and one private since dead.
24th Regiment. Killed — Five privates; wounded, one captain, one lieutenant, three sergeants, one musician, five privates. Captain Desha, severely. Lieutenant H. Jackson, and one sergeant since dead.
32nd Regiment. Killed — Major A. H. Holmes.
United States Marines. Wounded — One sergeant.
Ohio Militia. Killed — Two privates; wounded, five privates. One private since dead.
106 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Extract from a letter to W. D. Thomas, M.D., surgeon of the 104th Regiment at York or Kingston.
NOTTAWASAGA, 6th August, 1814.
It is now nearly a month since I left York in company with Lieutenant Worsley of the Navy on my way to the land of promise, but things have turned out rather unfortunately, for you still behold me a sojourner in the wilderness. We had waited about a week on the banks of this river before the Nancy arrived during which time we suffered every misery you can imagine from bad weather and mosquitoes, etc., etc. The land here is the most barren I have seen. It seems to have been formed from time to time by the washing of Lake Huron, it being for upwards of two miles composed entirely of banks of sand on which nothing grows but small brushwood. We found a number of Indians encamped on the lake shore who were extremely troublesome until the vessel arrived. It was not possible to keep them out of our wigwams. You may then imagine what a pleasant sight the Nancy was for us. We found her a very fine schooner with an admirable cabin. Her cargo was not completed before Sunday last and she got under way on Monday with every prospect of reaching Mackinac in a short time, which is only 220 miles from hence. We had been out but a few hours when we met an express from Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to say that the American squadron from Lake Erie of large force was blockading the island and we could not possibly reach it. We, therefore, had the mortification to put back into this wretched place where we are busily employed in erecting a block-house to contain and defend the stores and schooner in case of an attack which is an event I have no doubt of, but I hope from the strength of the ground Worsley has chosen and the goodness of his crew that we shall be able to beat off a very strong force. The river is too narrow to sail up, we shall, therefore, only have gunboats to con- tend with. I hope Mackinac has provisions for three months, and the enemy, it is said, cannot keep out so long on account of the climate, so that the Nancy can make a run late in the season with the stores, if we succeed in defending them. I expect the man who brought the express the other day, who has gone on to York, and intends going back to Mackinac in a canoe. I shall trust my person with him as he thinks he can again give Jonathan the slip.
(From Niles' Register, Volume VII, page 132-3. Taken by Sinclair at Nottawasaga.)
AN EPISODE OP THE WAR OP 1812. 107
From Lieutenant-General Drummond to Sir George Prevost. CAMP NEAR FORT ERIE, August 11, 1814.
(Extract.)
Instantly on the receipt of these letters, I directed a communication to be made to the officer commanding at York, covering extracts of the most important parts of them, with instructions that the commissariat should be called upon to carry into effect the request of Lieutenant- Colonel McDouall as far as relates to that department in the transport of provisions, etc., and that a detachment of militia and Indians should be sent to Nottawasaga for the protection of the Nancy schooner.
(Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 73.)
From Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to Sir George Prevost.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 14th August, 1814.
SIR, — I have reported to Lieutenant-General Drummond the parti- culars of the attack made by the enemy on this post on the 4th instant. My situation was embarrassing. I knew that they could land upwards of a thousand men, and after manning the guns at the forts, I had only a disposable force of one hundred and forty to meet them, which I determined to do in order as much as possible to encourage the Indians, and having the fullest confidence in the little detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The position I took up was excellent, but at an unavoidable and too great a distance from the forts, in each of which I was only able to leave twenty-five militia-men. There were likewise roads upon my flanks, every inch of which were known to the enemy by means of people formerly residents of this island, which were with them. I could not afford to detach a man to guard them, and it is one of the misfortunes of having to do with Indians and depending upon them, that they will do as they like, and in action it is impossible to form any previous judgment whether they will behave well or ill or are disposed to fight or not.
My position was rather too extensive for such a handful of men. The ground was commanding, and in front clear as I could wish it, on both flanks and rear a thick wood. My utmost wish was that the Indians would only prevent the enemy from gaining the woods upon our flanks which would have forced them upon the open ground in my front. A natural breastwork protected my men from every shot, and I told them
108 / ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
that on the close approach of the enemy they were to pour in a volley and immediately charge. Numerous as they were, all were fully con- fident of the result.
On the advance of the enemy my six-pounder and three-pounder opened a heavy fire upon them, but not with the effect they would have had, not being well manned, and for want of an artillery officer which would have been invaluable to us as they moved slowly and cautiously, declining to meet me on the open ground, but gradaully gaining my left flank, which the Indians permitted even in the woods without firing a shot. I was even obliged to weaken my small front by detaching the Michigan Fencibles to oppose a party of the enemy which were advanc- ing to the woods on my right. I now received accounts from Major Crawford of the militia that the enemy's two large ships had anchored in the rear of my left and that troops were moving by a road in that direction towards the forts. I therefore moved to place myself between them and the enemy, and took up a position effectually covering them from whence collecting the greater part of the Indians who had retired and taking with me Major Crawford and about 50 militia. I again advanced to support a party of the Fallsovine Indians who, with their gallant chief, Thomas, had commenced a spirited attack upon the enemy who, in a short time lost their second in command and several other officers, seventeen of which we counted dead upon the field besides what they carried off and a considerable number wounded. The enemy retired in the utmost haste and confusion, followed by the troops, till they found shelter under the very broadside of their ships within a few yards of the shore. They re-embarked that evening and the vessels immediately hauled off.
Though the enemy, formidable as they were in numbers, have made
*
so poor a business of their attack, yet I must still ever regret their being not more effectually punished which would not assuredly have been the case had not the Indians gradually disappeared, leaving both flanks uncovered. The gallant Fallsovines with a few Winnebagoes, Chip- pewas, and Ottawas certainly retrieved their character.
I am now fully convinced of the great danger of depending upon these people for the defence of this island, they are as fickle as the wind, and though the American Commodore avowed to Major Craw- ford his intention of renewing his attack, the instant he received some re-inforcements (by the end of this month), yet all my endeavors have not been able to prevent a great many from going away, according to their custom after an action. Should they be as good as their word (and they say the island must be retaken, cost what it will), I shall have to
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 109
encounter them with a force considerably diminished while theirs will have been proportionately increased.
I have, therefore to assure Your Excellency that the present gar- rison is entirely inadequate to the defence of the island which has now assumed a degree of importance which it never had before, and which would be productive of most serious consequences were its safety and due security to be neglected. Indeed, it is of such consequence that this frontier should be kept in a respectable state of defence that when all the re-inforcements have arrived it would be worth while to employ a regiment between this place and the Mississippi. We here require at least one hundred picked men and an officer and twenty artillery and a company (and a small detachment of artillery) are absolutely neces- sary to defend Colonel McKay's new conquest. The fort is repre- sented to me as being strongly situated and being capable of making an excellent defence.
The enemy's designs upon that fine country have been long formed and they had not a doubt of the whole of it as well as this island being by this time in their possession by which means our connection with all the Indians of the Mississippi would have been completely cut off. Nothing could have opposed them on that river, and they could with impunity have carried their schemes of conquest even to Hudson's Bay.
It will give me uncommon satisfaction should Your Excellency be convinced of the importance of securing the Mississippi and the bene- ficial consequences which must result therefrom, for I should then con- sider it practicable that a company under an active intelligent officer might still garrison Fort McKay previous to the winter. They might embark at Nottawasaga in the Nancy and have ample time to reach that place, whereas if omitted till next next year it will be the middle of June before they can reach it, which I much fear will enable the en^my previously to attack it.
Mr. Kolette tells me there are ample supplies to maintain the gar- rison. The Indians cannot be relied on for its defence, but a company of regular troops would rally round them and firmly retain in our inter- est all the tribes on the Mississippi. A number of them, particularly those in the neighborhood of St. Louis, being without support from us, and in the power of the enemy, have accordingly temporized and kept back. A similar instance of this lately occurred. Governor Clark on his return route made peace with the Sauks and Renards, but the instant they heard of the capture of the fort and the arrival of the British then they immediately obeyed Colonel McKay's summons, was supplied by him with ammunition and attacking Major Campbell's flotilla, effected
110 / ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
the destruction of his whole detachment. This signal and justly deserved punishment together with the capture of Fort McKay and the general union of the Indians will cause great terror in St. Louis, and fully deter them from making any attempts on the reconquered coun- try till the ensuing spring.
(Canadian Archives, Series Q, Volume 128-1, page 229.)
From Captain A. Sinclair to Lieutenant Daniel Turner.
NOTTAWASAGA RlVER, August 15, 1814.
SIR, — Having accomplished the object for which the squadron came into this quarter in the destruction of the enemy's whole naval force on this lake. I am on the eve of returning to Lake Erie, but as it is all important to cut the enemy's line of communication from Michilimackinac to York which is through the Nottawasaga River, Lake Simcoe, etc., and on which his very existence depends, you will remain here and keep up a blockade until you shall be driven from the lake by the inclemency of the season, suffering not a boat or canoe to pass in or out of this river. I shall leave the Tigress with you. In case accident should happen to either one of the vessels, the other may afford her necessary assistance. Should you deem it proper to send the Tigress up to cruise a week or two about St. Joseph's in order to intercept the enemy's fur canoes between Ste. Marie's and French River, you can do so, as one vessel is sufficient to blockade this river.
I should recommend your immediately finding out an anchorage to cover you from the northwest gales, as that is the only wind which can affect you in this bay. I see from the Nancy's log book that the small island on the southwest of this bay is such a place as you could wish, directions for which, I herewith give you. The island north of us may also give you good anchorage, but always be sure of some good bottom before anchoring, as the loss of an anchor might prove of serious con- sequence to you. Should you find anchorage on both sides, I should recommend your changing frequently, and in a way not to be observed by the enemy who might not only avail himself of your position to move out his boats on the opposite side, but he might attempt surprising you by throwing a number of men on board. Against attacks of this kind which he might be driven to by his desperate situation as this blockade must starve him into a surrender by spring, I must particularly cau- tion you. When the Tigress is here it would be well to be on the opposite shore and sometimes to run out of sight, taking care to scour
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812 111
both shores as you return. I shall endeavor to annoy the navigation of the river by felling trees at its mouth in order that a portage must be performed there which must be seen by you.
I wish you to take an accurate survey of this bay and its islands, and if possible, of the one on the north of it called Machedash, observ- ing all its islands, bays, shoals, anchorages, courses, distances, and soundings, particularly attending to the kind of bottom.
Should anything occur to make it necessary, you can send the Tigress express to me. If we can keep their boats from passing until October, I think the weather will effectually cut off all communication by anything they have on float, and in the spring an early blockade will possess us of Mackinac.
You will be particularly careful in having communication with the shore, and when you send a party for wood, let it be on an island and under protection of your guns and a guard from both vessels. Wishing you a pleasant cruise, I am your, etc.
From George Crookshank to Peter Turquand, Deputy Commissary General.
YORK, 21st August, 1814.
SIR, — I have the honor to report that I have just returned from Nottawasaga. On my arrival there I learned from Lieutenant Worsley, Royal Navy, that the enemy's fleet had appeared off the mouth of the Nottawasaga on the 13th, and on the 14th that they landed a large party of men, in consequence of which I regret to say he had to destroy the Nancy with all the cargo to prevent the same from falling into the enemy's hands, a copy of the invoice and receipts for the same, I here- with enclose. There was also 50 bags of flour, private property, on board which I had directed Mr. Livingston to load a canoe with and proceed and I would replace the same, but the enemy had appeared before Mr. Livingston had reached that place. One of the largest size gunboats which had been brought down from Mackinac for the pur- pose of loading the vessel fell into the hands of the enemy. I have also enclosed a return of the quantity of provisions remaining in the store- house at Nottawasaga, part of which Lieutenant Worsley takes on with him in two boats and a large canoe with Mr. Livingston. As Mr. Worsley had hands for manning another boat, I directed one to be sent across from Lake Simcoe to him, and think it probable they have left Nottawasaga to-day in case the boat sent across the carrying place should not have got injured in the transport. In that case Lieutenant
112 / ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
i
Worsley would proceed with the two boats and the canoe, as it is doubt- ful whether Mr. La Mothe, who has charge of the government canoes, will return for provisions. I will immediately send out three bateaux and endeavor to get hands for manning the same they they may make two trips with flour to the place pointed out by Colonel McDouall, and shall send out sufficient to make up the 600 barrels required for that post.
All the public letters that were forwarded in charge of Lieutenant Worsley for Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall, I learn were burnt in the vessel, of which I have to request you will inform Colonel Foster as some of the packets that were delivered to Lieutenant Worsley were from General Drummond.
P.S. The enemy's fleet left Nottawasaga River on the 15th instant and stood up the lake.
(Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 145.)
From Lieutenant-Colonel George Croghan to Brigadier-General Duncan McArthur.
DETROIT, August 23rd, 1814.
DEAR SIR, — I communicated in my report of the llth instant my intention of continuing on Lake Huron with three companies for the purpose of breaking up any depots the enemy might have on the east side of the lake.
We were fortunate in learning that the only line of communication from York to Mackinac, etc., was by way of Lake Simcoe and Nottawa- saga River which runs into Lake Huron about 100 miles southeast of Cabot's Head. To that river, therefore, our course was directed in the hope of finding the enemy's schooner, Nancy, which was thought to be in that quarter. On the 13th instant the fleet anchored off the mouth of the river and my troops disembarked on the peninsula formed between the river and lake for the purpose of fixing a camp.
On reconnoitering the position thus taken, it was discovered that the schooner, Nancy, was drawn up in the river a few hundred yards above us under cover of a block-house erected on a commanding situa- tion on the opposite shore.
Having landed with nothing larger than four pounders, and it being now too late in the evening to establish a battery of heavy guns, I determined on remaining silent until I could open with effect.
On the following morning a fire for a few minutes was kept up by the shipping upon the block-house, but with little effect as the direction
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 113
to it only could be given, a thin wood intervening to obscure the view. About 12 o'clock, two howitzers (an eight and a half and a five and a half inch) being placed within a few hundred yards of the block-house, commenced a fire which lasted but a few minutes when the house blew up and at the same time communicated the fire to the Nancy which was quickly so enveloped in flames as to render any attempt which might have been made to save her unavailing. My first impression on seeing the explosion was that the enemy after having spiked his guns had set fire to the magazine himself, but on examination it was found to have been occasioned by the bursting of one of our shells which firing some combustible matter near the magazine gave the enemy but barely time to escape before the explosion took place. The Commodore secured and brought off the guns which were mounted within the block-house (two twenty-four pounder carronades and one long six pounder) together with some round shot, grape, and canister. The enemy will feel severely the loss of the Nancy, her cargo consisting (at the time of her being set on fire) of several hundred barrels of provisions intended as a six months' supply for the garrison at Mackinac.
Having executed (so far as my force could effect) the orders of the 2nd of June, from the Secretary of War. I left Nottawasaga on the 15th and arrived on the 21st at the mouth of the Kiver St. Clair with my whole force, except a few soldiers of the 17th Infantry, who were left as marines on board the two small vessels which still continue to cruise on that lake.
From Captain Sinclair to the Secretary of the Navy.
ON BOARD THE UNITED STATES SLOOP NIAGARA, ERIE, September 3, 1814.
SIR, — Immediately after the attack on Michilimackinac I despatched the Lawrence and Caledonia with orders to Lieutenant-Commandant Dexter to make all possible despatch to Lake Erie and there co-operate with our army, etc., while I shaped my course in pursuit of the enemy's force supposed to be about Nottawasaga, and I cannot but express my surprise at having passed those vessels and arrived at Erie before them. By that opportunity I informed you of my movements up to the 9th ultimo, since which time I have been fortunate enough to find His Bri- tannic Majesty's schooner laden with provisions, clothing, etc., for the troops at Mackinac.
She was two miles up the Nottawasaga River under a block-house strongly situated on the southeast side of the river, which running
114 / ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
nearly parallel with the bay for that distance, forms a narrow peninsula. This and the wind being off shore afforded me a good opportunity of anchoring opposite to her within good battering distance, but finding the sand hills and trees frequently interrupting my shot, I borrowed one of the howitzers from Colonel Croghan, mounted it on one of my carriages and sent it on the peninsula under command of Lieutenant Holdup. A situation was chosen by Captain Gratiot, of the Engineers, from which it did great execution. The enemy defended himself very handsomely until one of our shells burst in his block-house and in a few minutes blew up his magazine. This set fire to a train which had been laid for the destruction of the vessel and in an instant she was in flames. I had made the necessary preparation with boats for getting on board of her, but frequent and heavy explosions below made the risk of life too great to attempt saving her. She was, therefore, with her valu- able cargo, entirely consumed. I cannot say whether those who defended her were blown up in the block-house or whether they retreated in rear of their work which they might have done unseen by us as it afforded a descent into a thick Vood. I hope the latter. A number of articles were picked up at a considerable distance off. Among them was the commander's desk containing copies of letters, etc., several of which I enclose herein for your information. They seem to show the vessel to have been commanded by Lieutenant Worsley of the Royal Navy; of what infinite importance her cargo was to the garrison at Mackinac, and that they have nothing now afloat on this lake. The Nancy appeared to be a very fine vessel between the size of the Queen Charlotte and Lady Prevost. There were three guns on the block-house, two twenty- four pounders and one six pounder. I cannot say what was on the vessel as all her ports were closed. I also got a new boat called a gun- boat, but unworthy the name, being calculated only to mount a 24 pound carronade.
The Nottawasaga is too narrow and overhung with trees for a vessel to get up except by warping which prevented my sending boats in or Colonel Croghan from attempting to turn his rear as we saw a number of Indians skulking and occasionally firing across from the banks. It was in this way the only man we had touched was wounded.
You will see by the enclosed letters the short state they are in for provisions at Michilimackinac, and I am assured from the best author- ity that this is the only line of communication by which they can be supplied, that of the Grand River being rendered impassable for any- thing heavier than a man can carry qp his back by sixty portages. I have therefore left the Scorpion and Tigress to blockade it closely until
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 115
the season becomes too boisterous for boat transportation. Colonel Croghan thought it not advisable to fortify and garrison Nottawasaga as the enemy's communication from York is so short and convenient that any force he could leave there would be cut off in the winter.
I was unfortunate in getting embayed in a gale of wind on a rocky iron bound shore which occasioned the loss of all the boats I had in tow which was the captured gunboat and my launch. I felt fortunate in saving my vessel, lumbered as she was, with 450 souls on board and shipping such immense quantities of water as to give me very serious alarm for some hours. I was compelled to strike some of my guns below, and nothing saved her at last but a sudden shift of wind, as there is nothing like an anchorage in Lake Huron except in the mouths of the rivers, the whole coast being a steep perpendicular rock. I have several times been in great danger of total loss in the extremely dan- gerous navigation entirely unknown to our pilots except directly to Mackinac, by falling suddenly from no soundings to three fathoms and twice in a quarter less twain all a craggy rock. These dangers might be avoided from the transparency of the water, but for the continued fogs which prevail almost as constantly as on the Grand Bank.
By the arrival of the mail a few hours after I anchored at Detroit I learned the critical state of our army on the peninsula and that the Somers and Ohio had been captured. The craft from the flats with part of my guns had not yet arrived, but being certain that my presence would be necessary at the earliest possible moment, I availed myself of a fair wind and sailed for this place when I am happy to learn that our army feel secure where they are. I have, however, sent the Law- rence, Lady Prevost, and Porcupine to Buffalo, there to render any assistance which may be required and shall follow myself in the course of twenty-four hours. There is such an imminent risk of the loss of the fleet at this season of the year lying to an anchor near Buffalo where the bottom is composed entirely of sharp rock, a strong current setting down and exposed to the open lake from which the heaviest gales are experienced, that I shall not, unless positively ordered to do so from the Department, continue there a moment longer than I can ascertain the commanding general 's views, and in what way I can co-operate with him. Daily and dearly bought experience teaches us that we ought not to risk our fleet in a situation where they are so liable to be lost. Lieutenant Kennedy has no doubt informed you of the total loss of the Ariel after being on float and ready to remove from there.
N.B. A company of riflemen from Sandusky has just arrived here and been forwarded on to Fort Erie without delay.
116 . ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Lieutenant-General Drummond to Noah Freer.
CAMP BEFORE FORT ERIE, August 24th, 1814.
SIR, — Herewith I have the honor to transmit for the information of the Commander of the Forces, a distressing account of the only remaining vessel of any burden in our possession on Lake Huron having been destroyed with her cargo of provisions and stores for Miehilimac- kinac at Nottawasaga.
It would appear that Lieutenant Worsley, of the Royal Navy, who was on his way to relieve Lieutenant Poyntz, and who took charge of the Nancy schooner, was under the necessity of so doing to prevent her falling into the enemy's hands, they having shown themselves with a force at the mouth of that river; Lieutenant Worsley had one seaman killed and one severely wounded, but further particulars I have not been as yet made acquainted with.
P.S. Since writing the foregoing, a letter of which the enclosed is a copy, has been handed to me by Department Commissary General Turquand, from Department Assistant Commissary General Crookshank to him under date of the 21st instant. I presume the senior officer of the Commissariat Department in this Province has duly appreciated the conduct of Mr. Crookshank, and has not failed to report the same in the most favorable point of view to the Commander of the Forces, parti- cularly for his indefatigable and unremitting exertions in procuring and forwarding to the post of Michilimackinac every article of the var- ious stores and provisions required of him, and through a communica- tion, which by his personal observation and perseverance, was completed when scarcely imagined to have been commenced upon.
I feel much pleasure, therefore, in drawing to the notice of His Excellency, the name of an officer so highly deserving of commendation.
(Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 138.)
From Lieutenant-General Drummond to Sir George Prevost. CAMP BEFORE FORT ERIE, September 5th, 1814. (Extract.)
I take this opportunity of acquainting you that Deputy Assistant Commissary General Crookshank still continues unremitting in his exer- tions to forward supplies to Michilimackinac. Three only of eleven canoes from Montreal have proceeded to the post, and the crews of the three (the others having altogether refused to proceed) he found it
AN EPISODE OP THE WAR OF 1812. 117
necessary to bribe largely for that purpose. Mr. La Mothe has returned to Montreal to procure fresh canoes. But I have directed Colonel Glaus to send steady Indians without delay in charge of the remaining canoes to Michilimackinac, and as the loss of the Nancy schooner has been a very serious one indeed, I have directed as many bateaux as are necessary to be taken from York to Nottawasaga for the purpose of transport adross Lake Huron.
(Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 168.)
From Lieutenant A. H. Bulger to Lieutenant- Colonel McDouall. MICHILIMACKINAC, 7th September, 1814.
SIR, — I have the honor to report to you the particulars of the cap- ture of the United States schooners Scorpion and Tigress by a detach- ment from this garrison under the command of Lieutenant Worsley of the Royal Navy and myself.
In obedience to your orders we left Michilimackinac on the even- ing of the 1st instant in four boats, one of which was manned by sea- men under Lieutenant Worsley, the others by a detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment under myself, Lieutenants Armstrong .\nd Radenhurst. "We arrived near the Detour about sunset on the follow- ing day, but nothing was attempted that night as the enemy's position had not been correctly ascertained. The troops remained the whole day concealed among the rocks, and about six o'clock in the evening embarked and began to move towards the enemy. We had to row about six miles during which the most perfect jandcr and silence reigned. The Indians which accompanied us from Mackinac remained about three miles in our rear. About 9 o 'clock at night we discovered the enemy and had approached to within one hundred yards of them before they hailed us. On receiving no answer they opened a smart fire upon us, both of musketry and from the 24-pounder. All opposition, however, was in vain for in the course of five minutes the enemy's vessel was boarded and carried by Lieutenant Worsley and Lieutenant Armstrong on the star- boardside, and my boat and Lieutenant Radenhurst on the larboard. She proved to be the Tigress commanded by Sailing Master Champlin, mounting one long 24 pounder with a complement of 30 men. The defence of this vessel did credit to her officers who were all severely wounded. She had three men wounded and three missing, supposed to have been killed and thrown immediately overboard. Our loss is two seamen killed and seven soldiers and seamen slightly wounded.
118 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
On the morning of the 4th instant the prisoners were sent in a boat to Mackinac under guard, and we prepared to attack the other schooner which we understood was anchored 15 miles further down. The posi- tion of the Tigress was not altered, and the better to carry on the decep- tion the American pendant was kept flying. On the 5th instant we discovered the enemy 's schooner beating up to us. The soldiers I directed to keep below or to lie down on the deck to avoid being seen. Everything succeeded to our wish, the enemy came to anchor about two miles from us in the night, and as the day dawned on the 6th instant we slipped our cable, ran down under our jib 'and foresail. Everything was so well managed by Lieutenant Worsley that we were within 10 yards of the enemy before they discovered us. It was then too late, for in the course of five minutes her deck was covered with our men and the British colors hoisted over the American. She proved to be the Scor- pion, commanded by . Lieutenant Turner of the United States Navy, carrying one long 24-pounder and one long 12-pounder in her hold with a complement of 32 men. She had two men killed and two wounded.
I enclose a return of our killed and wounded and am happy to say that the latter are but slight.
To the admirable good conduct and management of Lieutenant Worsley, of the Royal Navy, the success is in a great measure to be attributed, but I must assure you that every officer and man did his duty.
(Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 172.)
Return of the killed and wounded of the troops employed in the capture of the United States schooners, the Scporion and Tigress, on the 3rd and 6th September, 1814.
Royal Artillery. One rank and file wounded.
Royal Newfoundland Regiment. One lieutenant and six rank and file wounded.
Officer wounded. Lieutenant Bulger, Royal Newfoundland Regi- ment, slightly.
A. H. BULGER,
Lieutenant Royal Newfoundland Regiment. N.B. — Three seamen killed. (Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 175.)
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OP 1812. 119
From Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall to Lieutenant-General Drum-, mond.
MICHILIMACKINAC, 9th September, 1814.
SIR, — I have the honor to inform you that some Indians on their way to the falls of St. Mary's returned to me with the intelligence that part of the enemy's squadron had, on the 25th ultimo, again made their appearance in the neighborhood of St. Joseph's, likewise occupying the passage of the Detour, their intention evidently being to cut off supplies and prevent all communication with this garrison.
On the 31st I was joined by Lieutenant "Worsley, of the Royal Navy, with seventeen seamen, who had passed in a canoe sufficiently near the enemy to ascertain them to be two schooner-rigged gunboats of the larger class. On stating to me his opinion that they might be attacked with every prospect of success, particularly as they were at anchor nearly five leagues asunder, I immediately determined to fur- nish him with the requisite assistance.
In the course of the next day, four boats were accordingly equip- ped, two of them with field pieces in their bows. One of them was manned by the seamen of the navy, the remaining three by a detach- ment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment under Lieutenants Bulger, Armstrong, and Radenhurst, consisting of fifty men. The whole sailed the same evening under the command of Lieutenant Worsley.
I have now the satisfaction of reporting to you the complete success of the expedition, Lieutenant Worsley having returned to this place on the 7th instant with his two prizes, consisting of the United States schooners, Scorpion and Tigress, the former carrying a long 24 and a long 12-pounder, and the latter a long 24. They were commanded by Lieutenant Turner, of the American Navy, and are very fine vessels. For the particulars of their capture I beg to refer you to the enclosed statement of Lieutenant Bulger, whose conduct in aiding the execution of this enterprise (in which he was slightly wounded) reflects upon him great credit, and I beg leave to recommend him as a meritorious officer of long standing, who has been in many of the actions of this war. Lieutenants Armstrong and Radenhurst possess similar claims, and with the detachment of the brave Newfoundland Regiment^ who were * familiar with this kind of service, merit my entire approbation. Neither should I omit noticing the zeal displayed by Mr. Dickson and Lieutenant Livingston, of the Indian Department, who volunteered their services on this occasion.
In calling your attention to the conspicuous merit of the officer who so judiciously planned and carried into effect this well concerted
120 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
enterprise, I am conscious that I only do Lieutenant Worsley a strict justice in acknowledging the eminent services which he has rendered this garrison. You are already acquainted with the unequal conflict which he sustained at the mouth t)f the River Nottawasaga, and the almost unprecedented defence he made of the Nancy schooner with only twenty-one seamen and a few Indians against the American squadron, and upwards of three hundred troops. Since that period he, with his gallant little band of seamen, has traversed this extensive lake in two boats laden with provisions for this garrison, and having at this extrem- ity of it, discovered two of his former opponents his active and inde- fatigable mind never rested till he had relieved us from such trouble- some neighbors and conducted the blockading force in triumph into our port.
Such, Sir, have been the services of Lieutenant Worsley, during the short time that he has been stationed on Lake Huron. I have to beg that you will strongly recommend him to the protection of Com- modore Sir Jas. Yeo> and also to the patronage of His Excellency the Governor-General in order that my Lords Commissioners of the Admir- alty may be enabled to appreciate them as they merit.
(Canadian Archives, Series C, Volume 685, page 176.)
From Lieutenant Worsley to Sir James L. Yeo.
MICHILIMACKINAC, September 15th, 1814.
SIR, — In my last despatch from the Nottawasaga River, I informed of my intention to proceed in boats to Michilimackinac. I have now the honor to report to you that I left that place, on the 18th of August, with two bateaux laden with flour for the garrison of Michilimackinac and had the good fortune to arrive on the sixth day, within 8 miles of the island of St. Joseph's, without any accident. On the 24th of August I discovered two of the enemy's schooners under sail between the islands opposite St. Joseph's, and seeing no probability of my being able to pass them in my bateaux, owing to the narrowness of the chan- nel, I determined on concealing them in a secure place, in the choice of which I was greatly assisted by Lieutenant Livingstone, of the Indian Department, who had accompanied me in his canoe from the Nottawa- saga River, and whose zeal and activity for the service I beg to acknow- ledge. As soon as the bateaux were hauled up and concealed, I embarked with my men in a canoe and proceeded in the night for the island of Michilimackinac with the intention of applying to Lieutenant-Colonel
AN EPISODE OP THE WAR OF 1812. 121
McDouall for assistance in men to attempt cutting out the enemy's ves- sels. I had the good fortune to pass them unobserved on the night of the 29th of August, and of satisfactorily observing their position and force. I reached the island of Michilimackinac at sunset on the follow- ing day, and made known my intentions and wishes to Lieutenant- Colonel McDouall, who immediately granted all the assistance I asked for. A detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, under Lieutenant Bulger, was nominated to accompany me on that service with which, and my own seamen, I manned four bateaux. In one of which I placed a six-pounder, and in the second a three-pounder, which boat I gave the command of to Lieutenant Bulger. On the 1st of September, I left Michilimackinac and arrived near the Detour, distant from thence 36 miles, on the following evening.
In consequence of it having been reported that the enemy had sev- eral canoes of Indians with them as a precautionary measure, I acceded to Lieutenant-Colonel McDouall's wishes that a select body of Indian warriors should accompany the expedition, and I feel under great obligation to Mr. Dickson, the head of the Indian Department (who volunteered his services to head them), for the good order and regular- ity they observed the whole time. On the 3rd instant I went in a canoe for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy's position, being fearful they might have shifted it during my absence, leaving the boats concealed in a small bay. Being only able to see one of the enemy's schooners which was anchored about 6 miles from us and in mid-chan- nel of the Detour, I conceived it prudent to wait for the cover of night. At 6 p.m. I embarked in my boats and proceeded towards the Detour. The night being favorable, we had approached within ten yards of the enemy's schooner before they hailed us, but before we had time to get alongside, they fired their gun, which providentially missed us, and at the same time opened a smart fire with their small arms with very little effect. We soon got alongside and gained the deck where the contest was short, the enemy being driven below from whence, however, they fired several muskets, which unfortunately killed one of my seamen. She proved to be the United States schooner, Tigress, mounting one long 24-pounder with a complement of 31 men and officers, commanded by Sailing Master Champlin, who, with the rest of his officers, was severely wounded. Their loss was four wounded, one killed and three missing, reported to have been killed and thrown overboard. Our loss in this affair was trifling, having had two seamen killed, Lieutenant Bulger and seven soldiers wounded. Early in the morning of the 4th instant I despatched the prisoners under guard to Michilimackinac and*
122 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
prepared to attack the enemy's other vessel, whcih I understood was anchored some distance from me among the islands. I despatched Lieutenant Livingston in his canoe to look out, who, in two hours, returned and informed me that the enemy's schooner was beating up to me. As I knew from the distance she must have been off that they could not have heard the firing, and consequently must have been ignorant of her consort's having been captured. I determined not to alter the position of the Tigress, but to keep the American pendant still flying. This I did, being aware that if she once had a suspicion of my being an enemy she would escape from her superior sailing. Everything succeeded to my wishes. Unsuspicious of what had taken place, she anchored within two miles of me in the course of the night of the 5th instant I slipped my cable and ran down under my jib and foresail, keeping ten or twelve men on deck, the rest being in the hold or cabin, excepting a few soldiers whom I had covered up with great coats, etc., to prevent anything that could excite suspicion. So little were they apprehensive of our design that they were employed in washing decks, when within about twelve yards of her I fired my long 24-pounder, which was the signal for the soldiers in the hold to board. I immedi- ately ran on board of her when the soldiers fired a volley, and boarded with the whole of my crew. She was immediately carried and the Bri- tish flag hoisted over the American. She proved to be the United States schooner, Scorpion, commanded by Lieutenant Turner, mounting one long 24-pounder and one long 12-pounder in her hold, and a com- plement of five officers and 31 seamen. The loss of the enemy on this occasion was two killed and two wounded, that of ours, one wounded. These vessels had been detached from the American squadron pur- posely to cut off all communication with Michilimackinac, and to destroy the Uorthwest trade. Several articles of private property plundered from the inhabitants of St. Mary's and St. Joseph's were found on board. They are both fine vessels, well equipped and nearly new, and in my opinion, perfectly calculated for His Majesty's service. It is a pleasing duty to me to point out to you the gallant and steady conduct of all engaged in the affair. To Lieutenants Bulger, Armstrong and Radenhurst, and the gallant detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, I am highly indebted for their cool and determined conduct which was such as has ever marked the character of that meritorious corps. The two former officers are of long standing in the service. I beg leave to recommend them to you for the information of the Com- mander of the Forces, for their meritorious conduct on this occasion. •I herewith enclose you a list of the killed and wounded, also the dimen-
AN EPISODE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 123
sions of both schooners, which, until your pleasure is known, I have called one the Surprise and the other Confiance. I shall sail from this island for the Nottawasaga River directly. I have had the schooners surveyed and valued for the purpose of bringing up stores and provi- sions to this island.
(Canadian Archives, Series M, Volume 6, page 202.)
From Captain Sinclair to the Secretary of the Navy.
UNITED STATES SLOOP NIAGARA,
OFF ERIE, October 28th, 1814.
SIR, — I am under the mortifying necessity of stating to you that the report mentioned in my last letter of the vessels left in the upper lake, having been surprised and captured by the enemy, has turned out to be correct. The boatswain and four men from the Scorpion made their escape on their way to Kingston, and crossed Lake Ontario from the Bay of Quinte to the Genesee River, and from thence to this place. The man's story is a most unfavorable one, and such as I am loath to believe, true from the well known character of Lieutenant Turner. He says the blockade of Nottawasaga River was raised a short time after my departure, that the lieutenant who commanded the Nancy (and who escaped in the woods when she was destroyed), had passed up to Mackinac in boats, and it was by him and his crew they were captured. The Tigress had been separated from them five days among the islands, during which time she had been captured. They came in sight of her laying at anchor in the evening; the wind being light they anchored some distance from her without passing signals. In the morning there was only four or five men and no officer on deck. The Tigress got under way, ran down, fired into them and was on board without any report being made to Mr. Turner, nor was there an officer of any grade on deck when she was captured. The wind was light, the Scorpion had the advantage of a long 12-pounder over the other, and could have recaptured her with much ease. The Tigress had made great resistance, but was overpowered by an overwhelming force. Her commander, Sailing Master Champlin, and all her officers were wounded, as were many of her men, and some killed. I had given Lieutenant Turner a picked crew from this vessel with my sailing master, and had added to both their crews, 25 chosen men, borrowed from Colonel Croghan to act as marines, I had also left him a boarding netting, indeed, there was no precaution I did not take in anticipation of every effort. I knew
124 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
the enemy would make to regain their line of communication on which their very existence depended.
I herewith enclose you my instructions to Lieutenant Turner, After which I cannot express to you, Sir, my chagrin at the little regard which appears to have been paid to them, and the evil consequences growing out of such neglect, consequences, but too well known to you and to the government. You must first believe the infinite interest I had taken in the expedition from the moment I had been entrusted with the conducting it, and the sanguine hope I had formed of its complete success, and the benefits resulting from it to my country to enable you to form an adequate idea of the mortification I now experience.
From Niles' Register, Volume VII, page 173.
ERIE, November llth, 1814.
Arrived on Sunday last the cartel schooner Union, R. Martin, master, 16 days from Mackinaw, and 3 days from Detroit, with furs and peltry, the property of J. J. Astor. Besides several other passengers, came Sailing Master Champlin, Commander of the Tigress, who, we are happy to learn, is now in a fair way of recovering from the wounds he received in gallantly defending his vessel. Lieutenant Turner and most of the officers and men of the captured schooners have been sent to Quebec. Lieutenant Worsley was at the head of the expedition sent against the Scorpion and Tigress. After the block-house and Nancy were blown up at Nottawasaga, he coasted round from that place in boats and canoes with 22 men, and arrived safe at Mackinaw. He immediately applied to Lieutenant-Colonel McDowell for 100 of the Newfoundland Regiment (mostly fishermen), and said he would bring the two American schooners. Unfortunately he succeeded.
The Union was detained at Mackinaw 38 days until the schooners made a trip to Nottawasaga and returned with provisions. During this time her crew were closely watched. The commanding officer placed sentinels over the vessel, who were permitted to plunder with impunity. When Mr. Champlin and the seamen, all paroled prisoners, were put on board the Union, Lieutenant-Colonel McDowell refused to order on board any provisions, saying he supposed Mr. Astor had a sufficiency.
The passengers from Mackinaw speak in high terms of the humane and gentlemanly conduct of Mr. Robert Dickson ; at the same time they depict the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel McDowell as illiberal, ras- cally and contemptible. The principal agent of Mr. Astor says that
AN EPISODE OP THE WAR OF 1812. 125
Lieutenant-Colonel McDowell is unquestionably the greatest savage he saw on the island.
Result of proceedings, and the opinion of a Court of Inquiry, held on board the United States ship Independence, in Boston harbor, by order of the Secretary of the Navy, to investigate the loss, by capture, of the United States schooners Scorpion and Tigress, while under the command of Lieutenant Daniel Turner, of the United States Navy, on Lake Huron, in the month of September, 1814.
All the evidence being thus closed, the Court proceeded to deliber- ate on the testimony adduced, and having fully considered the same, came to the following result :
That the Scorpion, under the command of Lieutenant Turner, and the Tigress, under the command of Sailing Master (now Lieutenant) XJhamplin were left on the 16th of August last, in Gloucester Bay, by Commodore Sinclair, to blockade Nottawasaga River; that the Scorpion had thirty men, including her officers and mounted one 24-pounder, and although there was a 12-pounder on board, its carriage had been so much disabled as to render it useless, and Lieutenant Turner had not the means of repairing it. It is in evidence, and fully proved, that the Scorpion had no boarding netting, and that she was deficient in spare cordage; that she had no signals, and that her crew was composed of men of the most ordinary class.
The Court find that the Tigress had twenty-eight men, officers included, and mounted one 24-pounder, that she had neither boarding nettings nor signals, and was deficient in cordage. It does not, how- ever, appear that the armament of these schooners was deficient except in pistols.
The Court are of the opinion that inasmuch as no anchorage was found in Gloucester Bay, and it having become dangerous to remain there any longer from the severity of the gales which were increasing, Lieutenant Turner was perfectly justified in raising the blockade of Nottawasaga River and proceeding to St. Joseph's, that the positions taken by him while at St. Joseph's, and in the neighborhood of French River, were well calculated to annoy the enemy in his line of com- munication with Mackinac.
The Court find that after Lieutenant Turner had proceeded to cruise off French River on the night of the 3rd of September last, the Tigress was attacked by the enemy in five large boats (one of them
126 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
mounting a 6-pounder and another a 3-pounder), and by about nine- teen canoes, carrying about 300 sailors, soldiers, and Indians, under the command of an English naval officer; that owing to the extreme dark- ness of the night the enemy were not perceived until they were close on board, nor wrere they then discovered except by the sound of their oars.
After they were discovered every exertion was made by Lieutenant Champlin, his officers and men to defend his schooner that bravery and skill could suggest, and not until all the officers were cut dowrn, did the overwhelming numbers of the enemy prevail. The enemy having thus captured the Tigress and having mounted on her their 6 and 3-pounders, and having placed on board a complement of between seventy and one hundred men, remained at St. Joseph's until the 5th of September. On the evening of that day the Court find that the Scorpion returned from cruising off French River, and came to an anchor within five miles of the Tigress without any information having been received or suspicion entertained by Lieutenant Turner of her capture. At the dawn of the next day, -it appears that the gunner having charge of the watch, passed word to the sailing master that the Tigress was bearing down under American colors. In a few minutes after she ran alongside the Scorpion, fired, boarded, and carried her.
It appears to the Court that the loss of the Scorpion is in a great measure to be attributed to the want of signals, and owing to this deficiency no suspicions were excited as to the character of the Tigress, and from some of the English officers and men on board her being dressed in the clothing of her former officers and men, and the remainder of her crew being concealed, a surprise was effected which precluded the possibility of defence.
The Court are therefore of opinion from the whole testimony that the conduct of Lieutenant Turner was that of a discreet and vigilant officer.
WM. C. AYLWIN, JOHN SHAW,
Judge Advocate. President.
Approved,
B. W. CROWNINSHEELD.
(From Niles' Register, Volume VIII, pages 403-4.)
VJII.
REGISTER OF BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS, AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING WITH THE ESTABLISH- MENT OF THE MISSION IN JULY, 1824.
THIS REGISTER is PRESENTED TO THE MISSION OF ST. THOMAS BY THE REVEREND A. MACKINTOSH, ITS FIRST MISSIONARY.
REGISTER OF ST. THOMAS, 1824.
ALEXANDER MACKINTOSH,
Rector and Missionary. Baptism.
St. Thomas, 25th July, 1824 — Mary Ann, infant daughter of James Hepburn and Margaret, his wife, Southwold, was baptized by me, this day, by public baptism. Ann Mitchell, Margaret Hepburn, Thomas Ryal, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 25th July, 1824 — Benjamin Petit and Lydia Johnson, both of Southwold, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Thomas Talbot, John Warren, Josiah C. Goodhul, Bela Shaw.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 31st July, 1824 — Maria Moorehouse, a native of , aged 3 years, was interred by me, this day.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 1st August, 1824 — Thomas, infant son of Phinehas Drake, and Emily, his wife, Yarmouth, was baptised by me, this day, by public baptism. Richard C. Drake, Richard D. Drake, Mary Spades, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 2nd August, 1824 — Samuel Horton, of Southwold, and Catharine Gozorte, of London, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — John Rolph, Bryant Wade, Abraham Youngs.
127
128 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptism. i i
St. Thomas, 8th August, 1824 — Mary Lawrence, daughter of Daniel Rapelje, and Elizabeth, his wife, Yarmouth, was baptised by me, this day, by public baptism. George Lawrence, Mary Lawrence, Elizabeth Eapelje, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
St. Thomas, 8th August, 1824 — Robert, Walter and Mary Ann, children of Benjamin Wilson, and Sarah, his wife, were baptised by me, this day, by public baptism. Daniel Rapelje, George - Lawrence, Mary Lawrence, Sponsors.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 20th August, 1824— Alexander Mackintosh, of Malla- hide, aged , was interred by me, this day.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 4th September, 1824 — James McNaims and Charlotte Schram, both of Western, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Mary Dingman, Henry Haigler, Leonard Loomis.
Baptisms.
St. Thomas, 4th September, 1824 — Henry B. and Frances Eliza, children of John Bostwick, Esq., and Polly, his wife, Yarmouth, were baptised by me at Vittoria, on 29th August, by public baptism. Joseph Ryerson, Hetty Ryerson, George Ryerson, Hetty Williams, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 4th September, 1824 — Frances Mary, infant daughter of George J. Ryerson, and Sarah, his wife, was baptised by me, at Vittoria, on 29th August, by public baptism. George C. Salmon, Mrs. Rolph, Mrs. Salmon, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 4th September, 1824 — Henry James, infant son of John IB. Askin and Elizabeth, his wife, was baptised by me, at Wobdhouse, on 31st August, by public baptism. James Hamilton, John B. Muirhead, Cynthia Van Allen, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 129
Baptists*.
St. Thomas, 22nd August, 1824 — Sarah Jane, infant daughter of James Mitchell and Jane, his wife, Southwold, was baptised, this day, by me, by public baptism. John Mitchell, Ann Mitchell, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 5th September, 1824 — Finlay Grant, of Yarmouth, and Hannah Cheyna, of Westminister, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — James Hamilton, Bela Shaw, Henry Warren.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 6th September, 1824 — John Evans and Sidney Wil- loughby, both of London, U.C., were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Ezekiel Evans, James Little, Michael Murphy.
Baptism.
September '8th, 1824 — Sarah Ann, infant daughter of Stephen Backus, and Ann, his wife, Dunwich, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Wm. Pearce, Frances Pearce, Catherine Pearce, Sponsors.
Baptism.
8th September, 1824 — Mary Ann, infant daughter of John Miles Farland, and Martha, his wife, Dunwich, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Lesslie Patterson, Lydia Patterson, Maria Dobbyn, Sponsors.
Baptism.
9th September, 1824 — Philip, infant son of George Henry, and Mary, his wife, Dunwich, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Walter Story, Joseph Patterson, Mary Story, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
9th September, 1824— William, Mary Ann, Robert, David, Henry, children of Thomas Ford and Altha, his wife, Aldborough, were bap- tised this day, by me, by public baptism. Thomas Ford, Altha Ford, Sponsors.
130 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptisms.
9th September, 1824 — Archibald, Duncan, Malcolm, children of Duncan Stewart, and Mary, his wife, Aldboro', were baptised this day, by me, by public baptism. Duncan Stewart, Mary Stewart, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
10th September, 1824 — John, Sarah, Sussanah, children of Matthew Stewart ,and Anna, his wife, Orford, W.D., were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Lesslie Patterson, Lydia Patterson, Sarah Stewart, Sponsors.
Baptism.
10th September, 1824 — Alexander, infant son of Robert Stewart, and Marjory, his wife, Orford, W.D., was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Robert Stewart, Marjory Stewart, Sponsors.
Baptisms. '
10th September, 1824 — John, Martha, Levi, Richard, children of Freeman Green, and Elizabeth, his wife, Howard, "W.D., were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Freeman Green, Elizabeth Green, Sponsors.
Baptism.
10th September, 1824 — Lovel Harrison, an adult, Howard, W.D., was this day baptised by me, by public baptism.
Baptisms.
10th September, 1824 — John, Sophia, George, Jane, children of John Parker, and Sarah, his wife, Howard, W.D., were this day bap- tised by me, by public baptism. Thomas Gardiner, Harriet Parker, Jno. Parker, Sponsors.
Baptism.
12th September, 1824 — Clara, infant daughter of William Smith, and Ann, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, at Chatham, W.D. Phillis Eberts, Ann Smith, George Kerby, Sponsors.
Baptism.
12th September, 1824 , infant son of Peter Traxler, and
Rebecca, his wife, Chatham, W.D., was this day baptised by me, by public
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 131
baptism. Peter Traxler, Jno. Pepte Courtney, Margaret Traxler, Sponsors.
Baptism.
13th September, 1824 — Michael, son of John Courtnay, and Chris tian, his wife, Chatham, W.D., was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Peter Traxler, Michael Traxler, Madeline Traxler, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
14th September, 1824 — Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy, adults, daughters of Joshua Cornwall, Camden, W.D., the first two by Mary, his first wife, and the third by Catherine, his present wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 20th September, 1824 — Walter Chase and Ann Secord, both of Yarmouth, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Michael McCormiek, Stephen Secord, Hannah Merril, David Secord.
Marraiage.
St. Thomas, 22nd September, 1824 — Stephen Landan, of Burford, and Anna Sutton, of Westminster, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Thomas Evans, Charity Patterson, William Sutton.
Burial.
24th September, 1824 — Isaac Copeland, a native of Ireland, was this day interred by me.
«
Baptism.
26th September, 1824 — Thomas, infant son of Charles Golden, and Ann, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in Lon- don. Joseph Sifton, Catherine Sifton, Helen Shoebottom, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
26th September, 1824 — Mary Ann and Margaret, Children of John *«" Gray, and Mary, his wife, London, were this day baptised by me, by J public baptism. William Geary, Eliza Geary, Mary Geary, Sponsors.
132 • ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptisms.
26th September, 1824 — Henry and Rebecca, children of Stephen Powell, and Esther, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Stephen Powell, Leonard and John Ardiel Rebecca and Sarah Ardiel, Sponsors.
Baptism. '
26th September, 1824 — William Nelson, infant son of William Has- kett, and Mary, his wife, London, was this day baptised by me, by pub- lic baptism. Robert Harden, Mary Haskett, William Geary, Sponsors.
Baptism.
26th September, 1824 — Charles, infant son of Charles Sifton, and Esther, his wife, London, was this day baptised by me, by public bap-
tism. James Golden, Eliza Talbot, C. Sifton, Sponsors.
Cp^dUVa ?
o Baptism.
26th September, 1824 — John, infant son of John Ardiel, and Lary, his wife, London, was baptised by me, this day, by public baptism. William Fitzgerald, John Ardiel, Mary Ardiel, Sponsors.
Baptism.
26th September, 1824 — Robert, infant son of John Turner, and Margaret, his wife, Londony Pwas this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Wm. Guess, John Turner, Ellen Guess, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
26th September, 1824 — The following children were baptised by me, this day, by public baptism, in London, as underneath, viz : —
James, infant son of Jacob Fralick, of London, and Anne, his wife. Charles Sifton, Esther Sifton, Jacob Fralick, Sponsors.
Benjamin, infant son of Francis, Lewis, of London, and Sarah, his wife. Stephen Powell, Francis Lewis, Esther Powell, Sponsors.
Thomas, infant son of Samuel Howard, and Ann, his wife, of Lon- don. Frederick Fitzgerald, S. Howard, Ann Howard, Sponsors.
Richard and William, children of John Hayes, of London, and Mary, his wife. Charles Golden, Margaret Shoebottom, Ann Golden, John Shoebottom, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 133
John, infant son of Robert Rolph, of London, and Elizabeth, his wife. John Geary, R. Rolph, Sarah Geary, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
26th September, 1824 — The following children were baptised by me, this day, by public baptism, in London, as underneath : —
James, infant son of James Shoebottom, of London, and Ellen, his wife. James Hayes, Francis Lewis, Mary Hayes, Sponsors.
Thomas, infant son of Thomas Harrison, of London, and Catherine, his wife. John Fralick, James Golden, Caroline Fralick, Sponsors.
Rebecca, infant daughter of Joseph O'Brien, of London, and Charlotte, his wife. John Ardiel, Jos. 0 'Brien, Mary Ardiel, Sponsors.
Phila, daughter of Isaiah Carter, and Desire, his wife, of London. Ann Geary, Desire Carter, George Geary, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
The following by public baptism, viz. — Lucy Ann, Ira Palmer, Lan- caster, Amelia, William, George Peter, children of Ira Schoffield, Esq., of London, and Ruth, his wife. Ira Schoffield, Richard Talbot, William Gearry, Lydia Talbot, Martha Maria Schoffield, Sponsors.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 13th October, 1824— Mr. William Hambley, a native of England, aged 78, was interred by me, this day.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 18th October, 1824— Thomas Dickison, and Elizabeth Sells, both of Southwold, , were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — John Dougherty, Sarah Sells, Abraham Youngs.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 19th October, 1824 — David Brooks, and Charlotte Chase, both of Mallahide, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses— Daniel Brooks, Hiram Corless, Nancy Brooks.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 20th October 1824 — William Robb, and Hannah Zaviz, both of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Joseph Smith, Thomas Zavitz, Robert Nelson.
134 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptisms.
9th November, 1824 — The following children were baptised by me this day, by public baptism, in London, as underneath: —
Ezekiel Evans, infant son of James Tennant, and Elizabeth, his wif e, William Hodgson, Elizabeth Tennant, Sponsors.
, infant child of Joseph Hughes, and Alice, his wife.
Sponsors.
, infant child of Henry O'Niel, and Mahaly, his wife.
Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 15th November, 1824 — John Rhodes and Abigail Se- cord, both of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Wit- nesses— Stephen Secord, Peter Secord, Michael McCormick.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 16th November, 1824 — John Ransom Herman, and Elsa Hull, both of Westminster, were this day married, by me, by banns. Witnesses — Josiah C. Goodhue, Catherine Goodhue, Anna Hunt, J. Pattys.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 6th December, 1824 — Moses Warner and Amanda Rob- inson, both of Dunwich, were this day married by me, by banns. Wit- nesses— Oliver Warner, Lessin Robinson, Lydia Warner.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 7th December, 1824 — Charles Dougherty, a native of Ireland, aged 32, was this day interred by me.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 13th December, 1824 — Isaac Trerice and Effie McGil- lup, both of Port Talbot, Dunwich, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Wm. Buchannan, Jacob Hunter, Col. Talbot.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 10th January, 1825 — William Russell, and Rhode Eliza Duncombe, both of St. Thomas, Yarmouth, were this day married
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 135
by me, by banns. Witnesses — David Duncomb, Robert Nelson, Archd. Chisholm.
Marriage.
17th January, 1825 — Peter Peer, and Nancy Birch, both of South- wold, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Abraham Young, Peter Horton, Samuel Horton.
Baptisms.
llth February, 1825 — At Aldborough. The following children were baptised by me, this day, by public baptism, as underneath : —
Roger and Rebecca, children of James Dickson and Isabella, his wife. James Dickson, Isabella Dickson, Sponsors.
Elizabeth, infant daughter of James Scafe, and Eliza, his wife. James Scafe, Eliza Scafe, Sponsors.
Edmund and William, children of Edmund Mitton, and Mary, his wife. Edmund Mitton, Mary Mitton, Sponsors.
Marriage.
17th February, 1825 — John Stafford and Margaret Nicolls, both of Southwold, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Arthur Nicolls, John Hamilton, Caleb Stafford.
Baptism. i . j
20th February, 1825 — Ann Caroline, daughter of George D. Spades, and Mary, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Mary Spades, Rhoda Eliza Russell, William Russell, Sponsors.
Marriage.
2nd March, 1825 — John Hunt and Charity Patterson, both of the township of Westminster, were this day married by banns. Witnesses — T. Hunt, T. Pattys, W. Hunt.
Burial.
3rd March, 1825 — Jane Scaine (wife of Thomas Scaine, of Dun- wich, a native of England) died 1st March, aged 59, was this day interred by me.
136 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
7th March, 1825 — Matthew Peer, of London, and Dorothy House, of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Bostwick, Abraham House, Abraham [his X mark] House, Senr.
Marriage.
9th March, 1825 — James Brown and Lydia Kipp, both of the town- ship of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Enoch Moore, Lindley Moore, Jonathan Steele, W. T. Pruynn.
Baptism.
9th March, 1825 — Hannah, wife of William Robb, of Yarmouth, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. William Robb, Robt. Nelson, Witnesses.
Baptism.
9th March, 1825 — Thomas Bissland, infant son of William Robb and Hannah, his wife, of Yarmouth, was this day baptised by me, by pub- lic baptism. Robt. Nelson, William Robb, Hannah Robb, Sponsors.
Baptism.
27th March, 1825 — Charlotte Augusta, daughter of John Bostwick and Polly, his wife, of Yarmouth, was this day baptised by me, by pub- lic baptism. Joseph Smith, Hannah Smith, Hetty Williams, Sponsors.
Baptism.
27th March, 1825 — Sarah Ann, daughter of Thomas Zavitz, of Yarmouth, and Mary, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. William Robb, Hannah Robb, Mary Zavitz, Sponsors.
Baptism.
27th March, 1825 — Henry, son of Edmund Morgan of Yarmouth, and Catherine, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism. Joseph Smith, Hannah Smith, Edmund Morgan, Sponsors.
Baptism.
27th March, 1825— Allan and William, sons of Ewen Cameron, of South wold, and Ellen, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Ewen Cameron, William Chisholm, Frances Chisholm, Spon- sors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 137
Baptism.
27th March, 1825 — Mary Jane, daughter of William Parker, of Yarmouth, and Nancy, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Jarvis Thayer, Junr., Nancy Parker, Anne Parker, Sponsors.
Baptism.
27th March, 1825 — Patrick and Jesse, sons of George Parker, of Yarmouth, and Hannah, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. William Parker, Nancy Parker, Jesse Page, Betsey Page, Sponsors.
Marriage.
30th March, 1825 — Abraham Miller and Mary Walters, both of Westminster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Walter Walters, Edward [his X mark] Hunt, Anna Hunt, William Mandeville.
Marriage.
4th April, 1825 — Michael Murphy, of Yarmouth, Blacksmith, nnd Mary McNeal, of Parmouth, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Patrick Burns, Hugh McNeal, Jnd. Davis.
Marriage. *
10th April, 1825 — Erastus Westover, farmer, and Mary Ann Jewell, spinster, both of the Township of Mallahide, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Josiah C. Goodhue, Archibald Chisholm, George Caughell.
Baptism.
13th April, 1825 — Catherine, infant daughter of William Eldridge and Amy, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by private baptism. The Mother, Amy Eldridge, Sponsors.
Marriage.
18th April, 1825— Elijah Gregory, of Southwold, Farmer, and Ann Elizabeth, Slott, spinster, of Westminster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William T. VanAllan, William Decow, John Routledge.
138 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
20th April, 1825 — David Cummings and Elizabeth House, both of the Township of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Matthew House, Nancy [her X mark] House, Margaret [her X mark] House.
Baptism.
26th April, 1825 — John Cockroft, infant son of John Kirkpatrick, of Windham, and Maria, his wife, born 17th January, 1825, was this day baptised by me by public baptism. E. L. Cockroft, Alexander Kirkpatrick, per proxy, J. K., Cynthia Street, per proxy, R. E. C. Spon- sors.
Marriage.
2nd May, 1825 — Israel Doane and Sarah Mills, both of the Town- ship of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Harvy Bryant, James Canberes, Jane Sands.
Marriage.
4th May, 1825— Joseph Steinhoff and Elizabeth Van Velsor, the former of the Township of Yarmouth, and the latter of Southwold, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — William Vanvel- sor, William Decow, Sally Mclntyre.
Marriage.
9th May, 1825 — Orrin Ladd and Lucinda Young, both of the Town- ship of Dunwich, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — James Young, Jefferson Blake, Miriam Wiley.
Baptism.
15th May, 1825 — Lydia, infant daughter of Lesslie Paterson, Esq., of Dunwich, and Lydia, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by pub- lic baptism. Sarah Stewart, Catherine Pearce, Lesslie Pearce, Sponsors.
Baptism.
15th May, 1825 — Henry, infant son of Richard Dobbins, of Dun- wich, and Maria, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism. Thomas Moorhouse, Richard Dobbins, Maria Dobbins, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 139
Baptism.
15th May, 1825 — Elizabeth Ann, infant daughter of Gregory Bobier, of Dunwich, and Sarah, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Margaret Bobier, Sarah Bobier, Gregory Bobier, Sponsors.
Baptism.
loth May, 1825 — Alexander George, infant son of George Crane, of Dunwich, and Isabella, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. William Crane, George Crane, Isabella Crane, Spon- sors.
Marriage.
22nd May, 1825 — Samuel Harper, of Mallahide, farmer, and Mira Hay, of Mallahide, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Caleb Burdich, Jacob Hoffman, Cornelius Bowen.
Baptism.
24th May, 1825 — Alexander, infant son of Duncan McKenzie, of London, and Margaret, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Duncan McKenzie, Thomas Laurieson, Margaret McKenzie, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
24th May, 1825 — Robert and Elizabeth, children of George Rut- ledge, of London, and Jane, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Thomas Rutledge, William Armstrong, Elizabeth Sommers, Mary Sommers, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
24th May, 1825 — William and Deborah, children of John Turner, and Margaret, his wife, of London, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. John Turner, Margaret Turner, William Gerry, Elizabeth Gerry, Sponsors.
Baptism.
24th May, 1825 — Mary Jane, infant daughter of James Shoebot- tom, and Helen, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism, in London. Jas. Shoebottom, Helen Shoebottom, Rebecca Sifton, Sponsors.
140 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptism.
24th May, 1825 — Margaret Ann, infant daughter of Leonard Ardiel and Rebecca, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Jas. Fitzgerald, Leonard Ardiel, Rebecca Ardiel, Sponsors.
Baptism.
24th May 1825 — William Lewis, infant son of John Macleod, of London, and Elizabeth, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. John Gray, John McLeod. Eliza MqLeod, Spon- sors.
Baptism.
24th May, 1825 — Jane, infant daughter of Felix McLaughlin and Jane, his wife, of London, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism, in London, John Gerry, Sarah Gerry, Jane McLaughlin, Sponsors.
Baptism.
24th May, 1825 — Mary, infant daughter of George Carter, of Lon- don, and Desire, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism, in London. George Carter, Ann Gerry, Elizabeth Gerry, Spon- sors.
Baptism.
18th June, 1825 — Benjamin Wilson, of Yarmouth, adult, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. George Crane, Sarah Wilson, Witnesses.
Marriage.
23rd June, 1825 — Samuel Guernsey, of Southwold, widower, and Rhoda Duncombe, of St. Thomas, Avidow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — E. E. Duncombe, Archibald Chisholm, Samuel Garnsey.
Marriage.
23rd June, 1825 — Timothy Burwell, of Southwold, yeoman, and Margaret Wallace, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Wallace, Alexa Moore, John Burwell, Anna [her X mark] Burwell.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 141
On Sunday, the 19th of June, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in the Church of St. Thomas (for the first time) by the Honorable and Reverend Dr. Stewart, assisted by the Reverend A. M. . Number of communicants 12.
On Tuesday, the 21st of June, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in the House of Lesslie Patterson, Esq., of Dunwich, by the Honorable and Reverend Dr. Stewart, assisted by the Reverend A. M. . Number of communicants 39.
Baptism.
21st June, 1825 — Stephen, infant son of Stephen Backus, of Dun- wich and Anne, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism, in Dunwich. Walter Story, Lesslie Pearce, Sarah Stewart, Spon- sors.
Marriage.
3rd . July, 1825 — John Delorier, of Mallahide, Carpenter, and Lueinda Loucks, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Graves, Jacob Hoffman, N. B. Millard.
Marriage.
4th July, 1825 — Ambrose Tyrrel, of the Township of Mallahide, yeoman, and Catherine Clarke, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Benjamin Clark, Enos Call, John Nickel.
Marriage.
10th July, 1825 — Joshua Chapel and Maria Vanalstine, both of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Archi- bald Chisholme, Joseph Lyons, John Ellwood, Mercy Lyons.
Baptism.
10th July, 1825— James, infant son of John Scatcherd, of Missouri, and Ann, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in Southwold. John Scatcherd, Ann Scatcherd, Sponsors.
Baptism.
17th July, 1825 — George, infant son of Josiah C. Goodhue, of St. Thomas, and Catherine, his wife, born 2nd April last, was this day
142 ' ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
baptised by ine by public baptism. George I. Goodhue, Lucius Bigelow, Elizabeth Mitchell, per proxy, Mrs. Shaw, Sponsors.
Marriage.
20th August, 1825 — Benajah Brown, of the Township of Walsing- ham, merchant, and Elizabeth Partlo, of Mallahide, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Stephen Randal, A. H. Burwell, Ely Brown.
Marriage.
12th September, 1825— Jefferson Blake, of the Township of Dun wich, yoeman, and Miriam Willey, of the same place, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Lemuel Ladd, Orrin Ladd, Glbt. Young.
Marriage.
13th October, 1825 — Alvaro Ladd, of the Township of Westminster, merchant, and Nancy Shotwell, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me by banns. Witnesses — Jefferson Blake, Henry Scheneck, L. Ladd, Michael McLaughlan.
Marriage.
17th October, 1825— Thomas Williams, of the Township of South- wold, yeoman, and Martha White, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William White, Samuel Garnsey, George Harvey.
Marriage.
17th October, 1825 — James Peppin, of the Township of Yarmouth, shoemaker, and Hannah Strawn, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Abner Strawn, Elijah Osborn, Daniel W. Stockton.
Marriage.
6th November, 1825 — Peter Graves, of the Township of Southwold, shoemaker, and Mary Mann, of Yarmouth, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — J. Nevills, John Marlatt, Lymon Mann.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 143
Burial.
9th November, 1825 — Matthew Stewart, of Orford, aged 30, was this day buried by me, in Dunwich.
Marriage.
10th November, 1825 — Joseph At wood, of Mallahide, farmer, and Mary Smith, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Ira Whitcomb, John [his X mark] Rokes, Ira [his X mark] Atwood.
Burial.
28th October, 1825— Abigail, wife of John Rhodes, of Yarmouth, was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Baptism.
13th November, 1825 — Henry Lesslie, infant son of John Miles Far- land, of Dunwich, and Martha, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Lesslie Paterson, Wm Buchanan, Lydia Paterson, Sponsors.
Baptism.
13th. November, 1825 — Annabella, infant daughter of William Buchanan, of Dunwich, and Annabella, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John M. Farland, Catherine Pearce, Anna- bella Buchanan, Sponsors.
Marriage.
28th November, 1825 — John Elliott, of Carradoc, yeoman, and Dorothy Bateman, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Stephen Randal, William Bateman, Jane Elliott.
Marriage.
7th December, 1825 — William Decow, of Southwold, Yeoman, and Sarah Mclntyre, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Henry Hamilton, Samuel Garnsey, Wil- liam Tanelson.
144 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
15th December, 1825 — Isaac Culver and Jane Little, both of Yar- mouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William J. Collver, James Stokes, John Learn.
Burial.
12th December, 1825 — Eleanor Drake, daughter of William Drake, of Yarmouth, aged 13 years, died on llth inst., and was buried by me, this day in the Churchyard of St. Thomas. «
Burial.
13th December, 1825 — Richard Ellison, of Southwold, farmer, aged 24 years, died on llth inst., and was this day buried by me, in South- wold.
Marriage.
15th December, 1825 — Philip Kilmore, of Mallahide, farmer, and Hannah Kilmore, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Philip Kilmore, Martha [her X mark] Kilmore, John Rokes.
Burial.
18th December, 1825 — Sarah, wife of Adam Burwell, of Southwold, aged 69 years, died on 16th inst., and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas. She was mother to Colonel Burwell of Port Talbot.
Marriage.
21st December, 1825 — Harvey Kipp, of Yarmouth, farmer, and Susan Macklem, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — T. Itell, Jane Doan, Hiram Kipp.
Marriage.
21st December, 1825 — Hiram Kipp, of Yarmouth, farmer, and Sarah Harvey, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — T. Itell, Jane Doan, Harvey Kipp.
Baptism. ;
20th December. 1825 — Ann Melissa (aged 2 years and 3 1-2 months), daughter of Richard D. Drake, of Southwold, and Elizabeth, his wife,
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 145
was this day baptised by me, by private baptism. Margaret Drake, Elizabeth Drake, Richard D. Drake, Sponsors.
Marriage.
25th December, 1825 — Jarvis Thayer, of Yarmouth, farmer, and Nancy Parker, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William Parker, Nahum P. Thayer, Charles McGaw.
Marriage.
28th December, 1825 — Abraham Backhouse, of Mallahide, yeoman, and Amelia Alway, of Yarmouth, spinster, were this day married by me by banns. Witnesses — William Alway, John Backhouse, Robt. Al- way.
Marriage.
24th January, 1826 — John Campbell, of Eckfrid, farmer, and Jane Elliott, of Carradoc, spinster, were this day married by me by license. Witnesses — Malcolm Campbell, Joseph Elliott, George Elliott.
Marriage.
26th January, 1826 — George Mitchell, of Southwold, yeoman, and Margaret Mitchell, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — John Mitchell, John Elliot, Samuel Glass, Thomas Ryal, Barbara Mackintosh.
Baptisms.
26th January, 1826 — Catherine Amelia, infant daughter of James Hamilton, Esq., of Southwold, and Catherine Jane, his wife, born 15th August, 1825, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Mary Waddel as proxy for Amelia Jackson, Eliza Warren as proxy for Jane Grant, Edmund Edward Warren, Sponsors.
Baptism.
Henry, infant son of James Hamilton, Esq., of Southwold, and Catherine Jane, his wife, born 15th August, 1825, was this day baptised by me by public baptism. John Warren, John Waddel as proxy for James B. Ewart, Catherine Goodhue as proxy for Maria L. Hamilton, Sponsors.
146 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptism.
26th January, 1826 — Amelia Maria, infant daughter of John Wad- del, of Southwold, and Mary, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Catherine Jane Hamilton, Eliza Warren, as proxy for Henry B. Warren, Sponsors.
Marriage.
31st January, 1826 — Montgomery Smith, of Dunwi^eh, yeoman, and Elizabeth Watson, of Southwold, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Allen Watson, Thomas Williams, John Gibson, John Barber.
Marriage.
31st January, 1826 — Henry Hamilton, of Southwold, yeoman, and Ruth Lumley, of Dunwich, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Thomas Lumley, John Gibson, Thomas Williams, John Eokes, Lewis Freeman.
Marriage.
14th February, 1826 — Patten Atwood, of Dunwich, yeoman, and Anna Brookes, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — A. H. Burwell, 0. Warner, M. E. Smith.
Marriage.
15th February, 1826 — John W. Beemer, of Mallahide, yeoman, and Mary McKenney, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Matthew McKenney, Abram Beemer, R. W. Paddleford, Daniel Davis.
Marriage.
16th February, 1826 — Samuel Glass, of Westminster, yeoman, and Eliza Owray, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me by banns. Witnesses — James Little, Samuel Smith, James Williams, William Orr.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 19th February, 1826 — John Dean, of Dearham, yeo- man, and Mary Ann Jones, of Bayham, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Stephen Randal, Lambert Jones, David Cascadden.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 147
Marriage.
23rd February, 1826 — John Spitler, of Southwold, yeoman, and Sarah Ann Steinhoff, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — James McAffee, Thomas Petit, John Ebenly.
Marriage.
2nd March, 1826 — Daniel Bowlby, of Southwold, yeoman, and Sarah Herrot, of Mallahide, spinster, were this day married by me, by liense. Witnesses — John Boughner, Samuel Smith, Charles Hannan.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 7th March, 1826 — Isaac Bowlby, of Southwold, yeo- man, and Hannah Boughner, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — A. H. Burwell, Garret Smith, Charles Hannan.
Marriage.
8th March, 1826 — Oliver Warner and Irene Attwood, both of the Township of Dunwich, were this day married by me, by banns. Wit- nesses— Jefferson Blake, Duncan McGregor, Patten Attwood, Trueman Waters.
Burial.
24th March, 1826 — William Hutchinson, Esq., aged 86, a half pay Revolutionary Captain, died 20th inst., and was this day interred by me in Walsinghim.
Baptism.
26th March, 1826— John, infant son of Thomas Ryal, of Yarmouth, and Rachel, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. James Mitchell, Thomas Ryall, Jane Mitchell, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 26th March, 1826 — John, infant son of James Mitchell, and Jane, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. James Mitchell, Thomas Ryall, Rachel Ryall, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
26th March, 1826 — Eliza Ann and Maria, children of James Fitz- simmons and Margaret, his wife (Roman Catholics), were this day bap-
148 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tised by me, by public baptism. William Eyall, Ann Mitchell, Margaret Fitzsimmons, Sponsors.
Baptism. i
llth April, 1826 — Isaac Newton, infant son of Thomas Dickison, of Southwold, Cooper, and Elizabeth, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Thomas Dickison, Elizabeth Dickison, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
llth April, 1826 — John Fletcher, and Mary Ann, children of Joseph Little, of Southwold, yeoman, and Jane, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John Fletcher, Joseph Little, Jane Little, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
St. Thomas, llth April, 1826 — William Augustus and Mary Ellen, children of the late William Hambly Glover, of Dundas Street, and Mary, his wife (now wife of John Fletcher, of Southwold), were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John Fletcher, Mary Fletcher, Sponsors.
Marriage.
llth April, 1826 — John Fletcher, of Southwold, yeoman, and Mary Glover, of the same place, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses— John Dougherty, Charles Fuller, Thomas Dickison.
Baptism. \
16th April, 1826 — Mary, infant daughter of James Ferguson, of Southwold, yeoman, and Sarah, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Joseph Smith, Anna Smith, Hannah Robb, Spon- sors.
Marriage.
18th April, 1826 — Samuel Crawford, of Howard, W.D., yeoman, and Sophronia Smith, of Dunwich, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Orrin Ladd, Montgomery Smith, Willis Smith.
Burial.
22nd April, 1826— Wm. Sturges (father-in-law to Wm. Lee, of Southwold), aged 69 years, llmonths, 2 days, died on 19th inst, and was this day buried by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 149
Burial.
28th April, 1826— Christian Zavitz, of Yarmouth, aged about 80, died on 27th inst, was this day burned by me, in Yarmouth, near the School House at Page 's.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826— Thomas, infant son of James Parkinson, and Sarah, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Thos. Parkinson, Jas. Parkinson, Sara,h Parkinson, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Mary Jane, infant daughter of James Golden and Jane, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in Lon- don. James Baillie, Elizabeth Baillie, Jane Golden, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Rebecca Elizabeth, infant daughter of Joseph Sif- ton and Catherine, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Mary Shoebottom, Catherine Sifton, Joseph Sif- ton, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Thomas, infant son of Anthony Hughes and Jane, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. James Orrum, Anthony Hughes, Alice Orrum, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Mary Ann, infant daughter of Joseph Hughes and Alice, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in Lon- don. James Hughes, Alice Hughes, Anthony Hughes, Sponsors.
Baptism. i
2nd May, 1826 — Maria, infant daughter of Thomas Shoebottom and Eliza, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in Lon- don. Margaret Shoebottom, Eliza Shoebottom, Thos. Shoebottom, Spon- sors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Mary Ann, infant daughter of Robert Ralph and Elizabeth, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Esther Sifton, Elizabeth Ralph, Charles Sifton, Sponsors.
150 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Mary Talbot, infant daughter of Philip Hardings and Esther, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Mary Hardy, Ann Geary, Joseph Hardy, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Henry, infant son of Richard Ferguson and Margaret, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Harry Ferguson, John Ferguson, Elizabeth Ferguson, Spon- sors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Rebecca, infant daughter of Charles Sifton and
Esther, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in
London. Eliza Talbot, Esther Talbot, John Talbot, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — George, infant son of William Guest and Ellen, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Casar McLeod, George Guest, Lucy Ann Schofield, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Maria, infant daughter of John Hayes and Mary, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Ann Shoebottom, Mary Hayes, Thos. Shoebottom, Sponsors.
Baptism.
. 2nd May, 1826 — Barnard, infant son of James Stanley and
Margaret, ms wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Thos. Shoebottom, James Stanley, Mary Shoebottom, Spon- sors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826 — Benjamin, infant son of Jacob Frelick and Nancy, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. William Geary, Jacob Frelick, Elizabeth Geary, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May^J.826 — Frances, infant daughter of John Turner and Margaret^ his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. William English, Mary Gray, Margaret Turner, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 161
Baptism. ,
2nd May, 1826 — James, infant son of John Evans and Sidney, his wife, born 5th December, 1825, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. William Geary, George Shoebottom, Sarah Geary, Sponsors.
Baptism.
2nd May, 1826— Thomas, infant son of John Gray and Mary, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. "Wil- liam Powell, John Gray, Barbara Powell, Sponsors.
Baptism.
4th May, 1826— Margaret, infant daughter of Duncan MacKenzie and Margaret, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism, in London. Duncan MacKenzie, Margaret MacKenzie, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 7th May, 1826 — Eleanor, infant daughter of George D. Spades and Mary, his wife, born 4th March, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Richard D. Drake, Mary Spades, Margaret Drake, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 7th May, 1826 — Elizabeth, daughter of the late Leon- ard Hutson, of the Township of Woodhouse, and Sarah, his wife, born 16th August, 1807, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Mary Spades, Ann Drake, Adam H. Burwell, Sponsors.
Burial.
8th May, 1826 — Catherine, wife of Joseph Marlatt, of Yarmouth, died 7th inst., aged 24 years, and was this day buried by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
10th May, 1826 — Reuben Covill, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Phil- enia Turrill, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Alonso Turrill. Elizabeth [her X mark] Tut- tle, Simon Nicolls.
152 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
18th May, 1826 — William Mandeville, of Southwold, yeoman, and Ann Ellison, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Luke Ellison, John Ellison, Henry Manda- ville.
Marriage.
24th May, 1826— Lieut. William Windham Phelan, h.p., 89th Foot, now residing in Yarmouth, and Eliza Moore, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. . Witnesses — Edward T. Phelan, Lindley Moore, Martha Phelan.
Marriage.
25th May, 1826 — Joseph Lawrason, of London, yeoman, and Leman- tha Curtis, of Westminster, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Silas E. Curtis, Lawrence Lawrason, Thomas Law- rason.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 29th May, 1826 — Crowell Wilson, of Dunwich, yeoman, and Jane Mitten, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Benjamin Willson, William Crane, Peter Parker.
Marriage.
29th May, 1826 — Hiram Coress and Ann Brookes, both of the Township of Mallahide, were this day married by me, by banns. Wit- nesses— John VanPatter, David [his X mark] Coress, Sally [her X mark] Tuttle.
Burial.
17th June, 1826— Daniel Springer, Esq., aged 63 1-2, Lt.-Col. 4th Regt., Middlesex Militia, died on 15th inst., and was this day interred by me, with Masonic honors, in Delaware.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 20th June — Cynthia Winnifred, infant daughter of John B. Askin, Esq., of Woodhouse, and Elizabeth, his wife, born 2nd February, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Eliza-
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 153
beth Askin, as proxy for Catherine Jane Hamilton, Eliza Warren, as proxy for Cynthia VanAllan, Edmund Edward Warren, Sponsors.
Baptism.
22nd June, 1826— Henry, son of John Davis, of Yarmouth, and Margaret, his wife, born 26th May, 1821, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Archibald McNeale, John Davis, Margaret Davis, Sponsors.
Baptism.
22nd June, 1826 — John, son of John Davis, of Yarmouth, and Mar- garet, his wife, born 28th February, 1824, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John McNeale, Archibald McNeale, Margaret Davis, Sponsors.
Baptism.
22nd June, 1826 — William Augustus, infant son of John Davis, of Yarmouth, and Margaret, his wife, born 8th January, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Archibald McNeale, John Davis, Abigail McNeale, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 22nd June, 1826— Phebe, daughter of Hugh McNeale, of Yarmouth, and Abigail, his wife, born 10th December, 1821, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Archibald McNeale, Hugh McNeale, Abigail McNeale, Sponsors.
Baptism.
22nd June, 1826 — Archibald, son of Hugh McNeale, of Yarmouth, and Abigail, his wife, born 29th March, 1823, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Archibald McNeale, John McNeale, Abigail McNeale, Sponsors.
Baptism.
22nd June, 1826 — Matilda Ann, daughter of Hugh McNeale, and Abigail, his wife, born 3rd December, 1825, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Hugh McNeale, Archibald McNeale, Abigail McNeale, Sponsors,
154 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptism.
22nd June,1826 — Abigail, wife of Hugh McNeale, of Yarmouth, •was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Archibald McNeale, John Davis, Margaret Davis, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
St. Thomas, 27th June, 1826 — Joseph William, born 19th November, 1822, Benjamin, born 8th March, 1824, David, born 26th December, 1825, children of William Watterworth, of Southwold, yeoman, and Ann, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Wil- liam Watterworth, Ann Watterworth, Sponsors.
Marriage.
27th June, 1826 — George Teeple, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Frances Drake, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Abram Eveland, John Littell, Edward Teeple.
Marriage.
28th June, 1826 — David Kelley, of Southwold, yeoman, and Irene Young, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Willson, Thomas Lumley, Jonas Clark.
Marriage.
llth July, 1826 — Isaac Hunt, of Westminster, yeoman, and Rachel Howie, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Edward Hunt, Jesse Bennet, Wm. Hunt.
Baptisms.
10th July, 1826 — Mary, daughter of Alexander Macpherson, of Dunwich, and Isabel, his wife, born 8th March, 1824, and Alexander, son of Alexander Macpherson, of Dunwich, born 13th April, 1825, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Alexander Macpherson, Isabel Mackay, parents, Sponsors.
Marriage.
13th July, 1826 — Israel Waters, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Elizabeth Wedge, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Lemuel Ladd, Ira Whitcomb^ Pherney Jones.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 155
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 19th July, 1826 — John C. Macpherson, of Westminster, yeoman, and Harriet Cheyna, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — D. Mcpharson, Garner Ell- wood, Thomas McPherson.
Baptism.
22nd July, 1826 — Eliza Ann, daughter of Enos Call and Ann, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by private baptism. Enos Call, Ann Call, parents, Emma Eldridge, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 19th August, 1826 — James Carsout, of the Township of London, yeoman, and Melissa Farrow, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Abraham King, Christopher Carsout, Mary King.
Baptisms.
19th August, 1826— Charles, born 12th April, 1824, and David, born 20th August, 1825, children of Abraham King, of Southwold, and Mary, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Abra- ham King, Christopher Corsaut, Mary Ward, Sponsors.
Marriage.
23rd August, 1826 — Duncan MacGregor, Esq., merchant, Chatham, Western District, and Cynthia VanAllen, of Woodhouse, London Dis- trict, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — William VanAllen, Robert Nelson, Peter Rapelje.
Baptism.
2nd October, 1826 — Lucius Lyman, son of Ira Whitcomb, of St. Thomas, and Jemima, his wife, born 3rd September, 1825, was this day baptised by me, by private baptism. Ira Whitcomb, Jemima Whit- comb, parents, Sponsors.
Baptism. i
St. Thomas, 26th September, 1826— Erasmus Aeneas, infant son cf James Mitchell, Esq., of Charlotteville (Co. Norfolk), and Elizabeth T., his wife, born 3rd June, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public
156 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
baptism. James Mitchell, Marcus E. Ryerson, Margaret Mitchell, Spon- sors.
Marriage.
4th October, 1826— Charles Fuller, of the Township of Southwold, yeoman, and Matilda Bodoin, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John [his X mark] Doherty, Hugh Howell, Ludwick Sells.
« Burial.
3rd October, 1826 — Elijah Witt, of Southwold, aged - - years, died on 2nd inst., and was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Burial.
5th October, 1826 — John Burwell, of Southwold, yeoman, aged 35 years and 10 months, died on 3rd inst., and was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Burial.
5th October, 1826 — Lucius Lyman Whitcombe, infant son of Ira Whitcomb, of St. Thomas, died 4th inst., aged 3 months, and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Burial.
5th October, 1826 — Walter Murphy, infant son of Michael Murphy, of St. Thomas, died 4th inst., aged 8^2 months, and was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Burial.
6th October, 1826 — John Elliot, of St. Thomas, Cooper, a native of Scotland, died 5th inst., aged 26 years, 5 months, and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 14th October, 1826— William, son of William Williams,
of Yarmouth, and Sarah, his wife, born , 1824, was this day
baptised by me, by public baptism. John Matthews, Rachel Hughes, Sarah Williams, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 167
On Sunday the 15th Otober, 1826, the Sarament of the Lord's Supper was administered by me to eight persons.
Marriage.
17th October, 1826 — Jeston Robinson, of Dunwieh, yeoman, and Lydia Warner, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Hiram [his X mark] Warner, Moses [his X mark] Warner, Philip [his X mark] Brookes.
On Thursday, 19th October, I administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to Benjamin Bowbeer, who lay very sick.
Marriage.
19th October, 1826 — Jesse Bennet, of Westminster, yeoman, and Margaret Lockwood, of Carradoc, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Daniel Lockwood, Edna Hunt, Wm. Mc- David.
a
Marriage.
19th October, 1826 — John Graves and Elizabeth Eveland, yeoman, and spinster, of the Township of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — O'Neal Claes, Hiland Ward, Abram Eve- land.
Marriage.
19th October, 1826 — Jeronimus Rapelje, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Jennetta Best, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Daniel Rapelje, Charles Conrade, John Rapelje.
% Burial.
St. Thomas, 30th October, 1826— Ezekiel Evans, of Westminster, yeoman, died on 29th inst., aged 41 years, and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
31st October, 1826— Abraham Huff, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Rachel Heaton, of the same township, spinster, were this
158 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Huff, Jane Willson, vBenjamin C. Doan.
Baptisms.
6th November, 1826— Ann Eliza, born 24th September, 1810, Wil- liam Henry, born 3rd January, 1813, Jane Maria, born 3rd October, 1818, Mary Lee, born 27th July, 1823, children of John W. Clark and Anne, his wife, now residing in Southwold, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Wm. H. Lee, Phebe«Lee, Win. B. Lee, Mary Lee, Sponsors.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 13th November, 1826— Ann Clark, wife of John W. Clark, of South wold, died llth inst, in the 32nd year of her age, and was this day interred by me, in the Churhyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
14th November 1826 — Isaac Hunt, of Mallahide, yeoman, and Amy Baker, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — David Hunt, John Laur, Lydia Baker.
Marriage.
29th November, 1826 — Garret Smith, of Southwold, yeoman, and Sarah Sells, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Charles Hannan, Joseph Smith, Thomas Dickeson.
Baptisms.
3rd December, 1826 — George John, born 26th October, 1823, Grace, born 15th July, 1825, children of the late John Elliot, of St. Thomas, cooper, and Ann, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism. John Mackintosh, Barbara Mackintosh, Margaret Campbell, Spon- sors.
Marriage.
5th December, 1826 — James Hamilton of Southwold, yeoman, and Anne Daer, of Mallahide, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Mary Davis, William Davis, Asahel Barnes.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 159
Baptisms.
6th December, 1826 — John, born 17th October, 1824, Robert, born 10th October, 1826, children of James Hepburne, of Southwold, and Margaret, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. James Hepburn, John Mitchell, Lucy Williams, for John James Hep- burn, Robt. Mitchell, Sarah Williams, for Robert, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, llth December, 1826 — Elijah Osborne, of Yarmouth, and Anne Scott, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — H. Scott, D. W. Stockton, Applonia [her
X mark] Osborne.
\
Burial.
13th December, 1826 — Robert, infant son of James Hepburne, of Southwold, died 12th inst., aged 2 months, and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
25th December, 1826 — John Jones, of Westminster, yeoman, and Maria Ayres, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Garner Ellwood, John Bostwick, Daniel Corson.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 25th December, 1826 — John Smith, of Westminster, yeoman, and Sarah Jones, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Bostwick, Garner Ellwood, Daniel Corson.
Sacrament.
On Sunday, 31st December, I administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in the Church of St. Thomas, — number of communi- cants, twenty-three.
88 marriages recorded this year.
160 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 4th January, 1827 — Joseph Pettys, adopted son of Daniel Pettys , of Westminster, and Lucy Williams, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — James Little,* John Corsen, David Morden Garner Ellwood.
Marriage.
4th January, 1827 — Amasa Wood, of Southwold, widower, and Mary Kelley, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Wm. Howard, Robert Burwell, John Lip- seott, Wm. Burwell.
Baptism.
7th January, 1827 — Elizabeth Ann, infant daugher of Wm. Parker, of Yarmouth, and Ann, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Jesse Page, Elizabeth Page, Ann Parker, Sponsors.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 7th January, 1827 — Nahum Pond, infant son of Jarvis
Thayer, of Yarmouth, and Ann, his wife, born , was this day
baptised by me, by bublic baptism. William Parker, Jarvis Thayer, Ann Parker, Sponsors.
Baptism.
7th January, 1827 — Margaret, infant daughter of William Robb, of London, and Hannah, his wife, born , was this day bap- tised by me, by public baptism. Thomas Hardison, Anna Smith, Eliza- beth Hardison, Sponsors.
Marriage.
8th January, 1827 — James Beattie, of Westminster, yeoman, and Sarah Schram, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Peter C. Schram, James Uptigrove, Williarr Schram.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 8th January, 1827 — Robert Guy, of Southwold, widow- er, and Ann Lodge, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Lee, Abraham King, Silas Toles.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 161
Baptisms.
8th January, 1827 — Margaret, Elizabeth Ann, and Thomas, child- ren of the late Thomas Lodge, of Southwold, and Ann, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Margaret was born 14th February, 1816 ; Elizabeth Ann, 8th July, 1819, and Thomas, 28th Feb- ruary, 1826. Robert Guy, Jane Hogle, Margaret Toles, Sponsors.
Marriage.
30th January, 1827 — John Louckes, of Malahide, farmer, and Susan Thomson, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Bostwick, Melinda Louckes, Jacob Louckes.
Marriage.
29th January, 1827 — Jacob Johnstone and Irene Bissel, both of Southwold, were this day married by me, by banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Witnesses — William Burwell, Sarah Bissel, Lydia Bissell.
Marriage.
10th February, 1827— John Stiles, of London, yeoman, and Eliza- beth Kent, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Witnesses— John Kent, Mary Kent, John Kent, Jr., Stephen Stiles.
Baptism.
10th February, 1827— Sarah Ann, daughter of John Kent, of Lon- don, and Mary, his wife, born 30th January, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by bublic baptism. Mary Kent, Elizabeth Stiles, John Stiles, Sponsors.
Sacrament.
St. Thomas.— On Sunday, llth February, 1827—1 administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in London. The number of communi- cants was twenty-eight.
Baptism.
llth February, 1827— Elizabeth, daughter of George Nealan, of London, and Margaret, his wife, born 27th November, 1826, was this day
162 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
baptised by me by public baptism. Bridget Orme, Margaret Nealan, Thomas Orme, Sponsors.*'
Baptism.
llth February, 1827— Ely Talbot, son of William Fitzgerald, of London, and Sarah, his wife, born 2nd July, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Joseph Sifton, William Fitzgerald, Cather- ine Sifton, Sponsors.
Baptism.
llth February, 1827 — Frances, daughter of William Haskett, of London, and Mary, his wife, born 20th July, 1826, was this day bap- tised by me, by public baptism. Alicia Gray, Mary Haskett, James Shoebottom, Sponsors.
Baptism. ,
St. Thomas, 18th February, 1827— William Campbell, infant son of Henry Buskirk, of Yarmouth, and Ruth, his wife, born 7th, May, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Henry Buskirk, Jesse Page, Ruth Buskirk, Sponsors.
Marriage.
21st February, 1827 — Stephen Raymond, of Southwold, Farmer and Francis Smith, of the same township, spinster, were this day mar- ried by me, by banns. Witnesses — William Vanwicken, Abraham Grif- fin, John Holmes, John Steinhoff.
Marriage.
1st March, 1827 — Anson Simons, of Westminster, cloth manufac- turer, and Lavinia McMillen, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Archibald McMillen, Caleb Reynolds, Solomon Monroe, John Fitch.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, March 7th, 1827— George Harvey, of Southwold, yeo- man, and Mary White, of the same township, spinster, were this day mar- ried by me, by banns. Witnesses — William White, George R. Williams, Sarah West.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C , COMMENCING 1824. 163
Marriage.
8th March, 1827 — William Burwell, of Southwold, yeoman, and Sarah Bissel, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Jacob Johnstone, Timothy Culver, Adam Burwell.
Marriage. '
15th March, 1827 — Robert Johnson, of Malahide, yeoman, and Frances Evans, alias Robinson, of Southwold, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — James Little, James Hepburne, Edward Johnson.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 18th March, 1827— Colin, son of George Henry, of Dun- wich, and Mary, his wife, born 18th March, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Margaret Mclntyre, George Henry, Walter Patterson, Sponsors.
Marriage.
25th March, 1827— William Searles, of the Township of Townsend, yeoman, and Lorenzo Ross, of the Township of Southwold, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Wm. W. Ross, Francis A. Ross, William Ross, Jun.
Baptisms.
26th March, 1827— William, born 5th June, 1821, John, born 8th June, 1823, Jane, born 7th January, 1826, children of William Partridge, of Southwold, and Anne, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John Partridge, Anne Partridge, Hannah Burwell, Samuel Burwell, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 29th Farch, 1827— John Routledge, of the Township of Westminster, yeoman, and Nancy Morden, of the same township, spin- ster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — David Mor- den, James Parkinson, George Routledge, James Beattie, Thomas Park- inson.
104 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
2nd April, 1827 — Amos McNames, of Oxford, yeoman, and Sarah Ann Thomson, of Westminster, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. "Witnesses — Peter Schram, Enoch Bundick, Abram McNames.
Marriage.
9th April, 1827 — Asa B. Lewis, of Malahide, yeoman, and Alma Hopkins, of Southwold, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William B. Lee, Archibald Chisholm, Samuel Elli- son, John Lee.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 16th April, 1827 — John, infant son of Benjamin Will- son, of Yarmouth, and Sarah, his wife born 5th March, 1827, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. William Pearce, Lesslie Pearce, Catherine Pearce, Sponsors.
Marriage.
19th April, 1827— John B. Graves, of Ekfrid, yeoman, and Cather- ine Hardy, of Mosa, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Elijah Mann, Peter Graves, Mary Graves.
On Sunday, 15th April, 1827, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was adminisered by me, in the Church of St. Thomas, to twenty-two per- sons (Easter Sunday).
Burial.
27th April, 1827 — Ann, daughter of widow Ann Mitchell, of South- wold, died on 25th inst., aged 9 years and 5 months, and was this day interred by me, in St. Thomas.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 30th April, 1827— Charles Whitsell, of Malahide, yeo- man, and Sarah Bentley, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Gilbert Mitten, Daniel Dread- well, Elisha R. Smith.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 165
Marriage.
1st May, 1827 — John Kilmer, of Malahide, farmer, and Deborah Barss, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by . banns. Witnesses — Stephen Holland, Peter Laur, Asa Learn.
Baptism.
19th May, 1827— William, infant son of Lovell Harrison, of How- ard, Margaret, his wife, born 22nd October, ] 826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. William Riddle, Lovell Harrison, Margaret Harrison, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 2nd May, 1827— George R. Williams, of Southwold, Farmer, and Ann Nicholls, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Holmes, John Nicolls, Thomas Williams.
Marriage.
19th May, 1827 — David Palmer, of Howard, Westminster District, widower, and Sarah Watson, of Southwold, widow, were this day married by me by banns. Witnesses — Allen Watson, James Watson, George Ironside, James Richardson.
Marriage.
21st May, 1827 — Lawrence Lawrason, of London, merchant, and Abigail Lee, of Southwold, spinster, were this day married by me by license. Witnesses — Archibald Chisholm, Wm. B. Lee, John Lee.
Marriage.
22nd May, 1827 — John Mackintosh, of Southwold, yeoman, and Margaret Campbell, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Campbell, Dugald Camp- bell, Alexander Campbell.
Baptisms.
8th June, 1827— David, born April, 1823, and Rachel, born 17th October, 1825, children of David Morgan, of London, and Sarah, his wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John Matthews,
166 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
David Morgan, Rachel Hughes, Sarah Morgan, Catherine Hughes, Sponsors.
On Sunday, 10th June, being Trinity Sunday, I administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to twenty-four persons, in London.
Baptism.
10th June, 1827 — Mary, daughter of William English, of London, and Ann, his wife, born 15th January, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Samuel Dickson, Mary Wilson, Ann English, Sponsors.
Baptism.
10th June, 1827 — Rebecca, daughter of Francis Lewis, of London, and Sarah, his wife, born 19th June, 1826, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Francis Lewis, Catherine Ardiel, Sarah Lewis, Sponsors.
Baptism.
10th June, 1827— Elizabeth, infant daughter of Charles Sifton, of London, and Esther, his wife, born 27th March, 1827, was this day bap- tised by me, by public baptism. John Talbot, Elizabeth Talbot, Esther Sifton, Sponsors.
Baptism.
10th June, 1827 — Sarah, infant daughter of John Hayes, of London, and Mary, his wife, born 26th March, 1827, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Thomas Shoebottom, Mary Shoebottom, Mary Hayes, Sponsors.
Baptism.
10th -June, 1827 — Mary, infant daughter of John Harding, of Lon- don, and Jane, his wife, born 1st February, 1827, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Robt. Harding, Elizabeth Hardy, Ann Talbot, Sponsors.
Baptism*
10th June, 1827 — Maria, daughter of Thomas W. Howard, of Lon- don, and Mary, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public bap- tism. Thomas W. Howard, Mary Howard, Mary Howard, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 167
Marriage.
27th June, 1827 — Henry McAllister, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Elizabeth Schaffe, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — John Van Sickle, David Burgess, Josiah Moorehouse.
Baptism.
28th June, 1827 — Isabella Pherney Jones, daughter of Giles Jones, of Stanstead, L.C., and Jemima, his wife, born 27th May, 1807, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Catherine Goodhue, Stephen Randal, Witnesses.
Baptism.
30th June, 1827 — David Freeman, son of Prince Freeman and Elizabeth, his wife, of Detroit, Mich., United States, born 12th April. 1809, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Stephen Radal. James Nevills, Gilbert Dumont, Anne Elliott, Witnesses.
Marriage.
18th July, 1827 — John Carey, of Munsey Town, Methodist, school- master, and Lydia Woodhull, of Lobo, spinster, were this day married by me by banns. Witnesses — William Hough, John Matthews, Josiah Woodhull.
Baptism.
19th July, 1827— Richard Talbot, born 19th September, 1826, son of Philip Harding, of London, and Esther, his wife, was this day bap- tised by me, by public baptism. John Harding, Joseph Hardy, Eliza Geary, Sponsors.
Baptism.
19th July, 1827— William Henry, born llth August, 1826, son of Jacob Fraelick, of London, and Anne, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Joseph Sifton, Catherine Sifton, Anne Fraelick, Sponsors.
Baptism.
19th July, 1827— Mary Ann, born 28th May, 1827, infant daughter of Felix McLaughlin, of London, and Jane, his wife, was this day bap-
168 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tised by me, by public baptism. Thomas T. Howard, Caroline Fraelick, Jane McLaughlin, Sponsors.
Baptism.
19th July, 1827— Esther, born 19th September, 1807, daughter of Richard Talbot, of London, and ,Lydia, his wife, (and wife of Philip Harding) was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Margaret Talbot, Jane Harding, Philip Harding, William Geary, Sponsors.
Marriage. .
25th July, 1827 — Nelson Perkins, of London, yeoman, and Melinda Lord, alias Caryl, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me by license, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Witnesses — James Givins, Silas E. Cunks, Maria Curtis.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 29th July,t 1827— Alpheus Burch, of Mallahide, yeo- man, and Elizabeth White, of Bayham, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Witnesses— Jacob Huffman, Isaac White, J. Nevills, James Givins, Stephen Randal.
Marriage.
30th July, 1827— Robert McKenney, of the Township of Mallahide, yeoman, and Catharine Nickerson, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Matthew McKenney, James McKenney, Levi Nickerson, Thomas Hodgkinson.
On Thursday, 2nd August, 1827, the Lord Bishop of Quebec, held a confirmation in London, when the following thirty persons were con- firmed : John Harding, Jane Harding, Philip Harding, Esther Harding, Sarah Geary, Anne Geary, Lucy Ann Schofield, William Gray, Margaret Talbot, Maria Sifton, Jane Wilkins, Elizabeth Orme, Catharine Sifton, Alicia Gray, Stephen Powell, Ambrose Powell, Margaret Shoebottom, Thomas Shoebottom, Jeremiah Robson, Isabella Robson, John Kent, Jr., Elizabeth Stiles, William Robert Talbot, Eliza Talbot, Esther Sifton, William Baillie, Mary Gray, Margaret Robson, Jane Robson, John Stiles.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 169
N.B. — The following marriage and baptisms are from the list of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Stewart, while visiting missionary in the years 1820- 1822— Marked thus X.
Marriage.
X. William Ostrander, of Majorage, bachelor, and Sarah Ryckman, minor, spinster, both of the Township of Yarmouth, were this day married by the Honorable and Reverend C. Stewart, D.D., by banns, at Port Talbot, in the presence of the Honorable Thomas Talbot, Messrs. Lesslie Patterson and John Conrad.
Baptisms.
At Port Talbot, by Dr. Stewart, 16th April, 1820.
X. Olivia, daughter of Lesslie Patterson and Lydia, his wife, born 3rd January, 1818. Stephen Backus, Elizabeth Stewart, Sarah Stewart, Sponsors.
X. John, son of John Pearce and Frances, his wife, born 14th November, 1818. Lesslie Patterson, Stephen Backus, Susan Stewart, Sponsors.
X. Thomas, born September 28th, 1816, and Mary, born June 28th, 1818, children of Stephen Backus- and Anne, his wife. Lesslie Patter- son, John Pearce, Elizabeth and Sarah Stewart, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
By the Honorable and Reverend Dr. Stewart, visiting missionary, at Port Talbot, 16th April, 1820.
X. John, son of Andrew Weldon and Jane, his wife, deceased, born 19th November, 1816. John Pearce, Lesslie and Lydia Patterson, Spon- sors.
John, son of Richard and Maria Dobbyn, born 8th November, 1819. Henry Dobbyn and Martha Bobier, Sponsors.
At Port Talbot, 17th April, 1820.
X. Samuel Burwell (adult), born in February, 1793. Thomas Talbot (Honorable), Mahlon Burwell, Hannah Burwell, Sponsors.
170 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
X. Charlotte, born 4th April, 1819, daughter of Samuel Burwell and Hannah, his wife. Thomas Talbot (Honorable), and Maria Dobbyn, Sponsors.
At De Fields House (Otter Creek), in the Township of Bayham, 19th April, 1827.
X. John Martin, son of Anson Treadwell and Nancy, his wife (deceased), born 7th June, 1815. Joseph De Fields, Elizabeth De Fields, Henry Metcalf, Sponsors.
Baptisms.
St. Thomas, 19th April, 1820.
By the Honorable and Reverend Dr. Stewart, visiting missionary, continued, at Otter Creek, in Bayham, 19th April, 1820.
X. Mary Jane, born 5th October, 1816, daughter of James Howe (deceased), and Catharine, his wife. Elijah McKenney and Mary Bris- tol, Sponsors.
X. Harriet Augusta, born 28th November, 1816, daughter of Richard and Mary Bristol. Elijah McKenney and Catharine Howe, Sponsors.
In Dunwich, 26th June, 1822.
X. Catherine, born 2 3rd August, 1820, Hugh, born 4th December,
1821, children of James and Margaret Trainer. Lesslie and Lydia Pat- terson, Thomas and Barbara Matthews, Sponsors.
X. Elizabeth, born 1st May, 1821, daughter of Richard and Maria Dobbyn. John and Martha Farland and Mary Story, Sponsors.
X. Lesslie, born May llth, 1820, Frances, born June 7th, 1822, children of Lesslie and Lydia Patterson. Stephen Backus, John M. Farland, Elizabeth and Sarah Stewart, Sponsors.
X. William, born 2nd October, 1819, Elizabeth, born 14th June,
1822, children of Benoni and Susannah Hill. George Henry and Cath- arine McCallum, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 171
X. Anne, born April 19th, 1822, daughter of Henry and Anne Coyne. Parents and Mary Coyiie, Sponsors.
X. Olivia, daughter of Stephen and Anne Backus, born May 22nd, 1821. Walter Story, Mary Story and Elizabeth Stewart, Sponsors.
X. William, born 20th December, 1807, Hannah, 10th May, 1818, Susan, born 25th February, 1820, Jane, born 4th January, 1822, child- ren of George and Isabella Crane. Parents, John M. Farland and Lydia Patterson, Sponsors.
X. Caroline, born 20th September, 1819, Jane, born 9th October, 1820, James, 1st May, 1822, children of Henry and Eliza Dobbyn. Alexander Weldon, John M. Farland and Martha Bowbeer, Sponsors.
X. Sally, born 9th January, 1820, daughter of Alexander and Cath- arine McCallum. Archibald Mclntyre, Susannah Hill, Sponsors.
X. Anne Backus, born 17th April, 1817, daughter of John and Euphemia Parker. Stephen and Anne Backus, Sponsors.
X. Isaac, son of Henry and Anne Coyne, born 27th June, 1818. Walter Story, George Gibb and Mary Story, Sponsors.
X. Mary, daughter of Duncan and Flora McLellan, born 19th November, 1820. George and Mary Gibb, Margaret Gray, Sponsors.
In Southwold, 23rd June, 1822.
Adam Hood, adult son of Adam and Sarah Burwell, born 4th June, 1790. James Hamilton and John Warren, Sponsors.
X. Sally, born 9th January, 1820, daughter of Alexander and Cath- arine McCallum. Archibald Mclntyre, Susannah Hill, Sponsors.
X. Anne Backus, born 17th April, 1817, daughter of John and Euphemia Parker. Stephen and Anne Backus, Sponsors.
X. Isaac, son of Henry and Anne Coyne, born 27th June, 1818. Walter Story, George Gibb and Mary Story, Sponsors.
172 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
X. Mary, daughter of Duncan and Flora McLellan, born 19th November, 1820. George and Mary Gibb and Margaret Gray, Sponsors.
In Southwold, 23rd June, 1822.
Adam Hood, adult son of Adam and Sarah Burwell, born 4th June, 1790. James Hamilton and .John Warren, Sponsors.
24th June, 1822 — Alma, adult daughter of William Hopkins, de- ceased, and Sarah Freeman, born llth March, 1806. Francis Siddal and Mercy N. Martin, Sponsors.
X. Amelia, daughter of James and Margaret Hepburne, born 27th May, 1820. James Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Sarah Siddal, Sponsors.
X. John, born 17th January, 1818, Rhoda Emma, born 30th March, 1819, Anne, born 23rd November, 1821, children of Francis and Sarah Siddal. James Hamilton, James Mitchell, Diana Mandeville and Mar- garet Hepburne, Sponsors.
In London, 28th July, 1822.
X. Catherine, daughter of Thomas and Mary Howard, born 3rd July, 1822. Parents and Catharine Harrison, Sponsors.
X. Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Catharine Harrison, born 22nd January, 1821. Thomas and Mary Howard, Sponsors.
X. Mary, born 31st August, 1819, Esther, born 19th September, 1821, children of Charles and Anne Goulding. William and Elizabeth Geary, Anne Geary and James Goulding, Sponsors.
X. John, son of Joseph and Catharine Sifton, born 16th January,
1821. Charles Sifton, Elizabeth Woomack, Sponsors.
X. John Wright, son of Charles and Esther Sifton, born 20th April,
1822. John Talbot, James Goulding, Catharine Sifton, Elizabeth Geary, Sponsors.
X. William, son of Thomas and Anne Bailey, born 10th October, 1821. John Scatcherd, James Farley, Anne Farley, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 173
X. James, son of James and Sarah McFadden, born 25th April, 1821. Thomas and Anne Bailey and John Scatcherd, Sponsors.
X. Hiram, born llth March, 1798, Martha Maria, born 23rd May, 1803, adults, children of Ira and Ruth Schofield. Simeon Bullen and Margaret Talbot, Sponsors.
*
X. Thomas, son of Thomas T. and Esther Howard, born 10th May, 1820. Parents and Thomas Shoebottom, Sponsors.
X. Charles, son of John and Elizabeth Freligh, born 22nd June, 3 822. Charles and Anne Goulding, Sponsors.
X. John George, son of Duncan and Margaret Mackenzie, born 29th April, 1822. Thomas Routledge, John Donaldson, Elizabeth Keys, Spon-
sors.
X. Edward, son of Samuel and Anne Howard, born 19th October, 1821. George Fitzgerald, Mary Howard, Sponsors.
X. Anne Jane, born 4th June, 1820, Thomas Valentine, born April 6th, 1822, children of Thomas and Elizabeth Guest. Leonard and Re- becca Ardiel, Sponsors.
X. Samuel, son of John and Anne Neill, born 5th July, 1819. Thomas Harrison, Catharine Harrison, Felix McLaughlin, Sponsors.
X. John, son of Jacob and Nancy Freligh, born 15th July, 1821. John and Elizabeth Freligh and Jeremiah Schram, Sponsors.
X. James, son of Robert and Elizabeth Ralph, born 29th December, 1821. John Ardiel and Mary Green, Sponsors.
X. John, son of Felix and Jane McLaughlin, born 1st January, 1821. Parents and Thomas Shoebottom, Sponsors.
X. Michael, born 12th July, 1818, John, born 25th April, 1820, children of William and Bridget Colbart. Thomas and Elizabeth Guest, Duncan Mackenzie, Sponsors.
174 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
X. Nancy, wife of Jacob Freligh, parents deceased, born 28th November, 1798. Felix McLaughlin, Mary Getty, Catharine Harrison, Sponsors.
Here end the baptisms by the Honorable and Reverend Dr. Stewart.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 20th August, 1827— Timothy Burwell, of Southwold, yeoman, aged 26 years, died on 19th inst., and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Baptism.
21st August, 1827 — William Sewell, born January, 1827, infant son of Josiah C. Goodhue and Catharine, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Isabella P. Jones, Josiah C. Goodhue, per A. M.f Alexander Mackintosh, Sponsors.
Baptism.
21st August, 1827 — Alma, born December, 1812, daughter of James Nevills of Yarmouth, and Elizabeth, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. James Nevills, Margaret Rapelje, Elizabeth Rapelje, Sponsors.
Baptism.
23rd August, 1827 — Gilman Willson, of Dunwich, an adult, born
17th , was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. John
Bostwick, Benjamin Willson, Hannah Willson, Sponsors.
Confirmation by the Lord Bishop of Quebec, on Tuesday, the 21st of August, the following persons were confirmed in Dunwich : — William Pearce, Richard Pearce, Lesslie Pearee, Catherine Pearce, Mary Anne Pearce, Stephen Backus, Anne Backus, Andrew Backus, Anne More- house, Lydia Patterson, Walter Patterson, Mary Patterson, Hannah Patterson, Joseph Patterson, Charles Crane, Benjamin Siddall, Martha Farland — 17 in number.
At St. Thomas, on Thursday, the 23rd of August, the following per- sons were confirmed: — Jeronymus Rapelje, Senr., Jeronymus Rapelje, Jr., Daniel P. Rapelje, Elizabeth Rapelje, Elizabeth Ann Rapelje, Ben-
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 175
jamin Willson, Sarah Willson, Mary Hughes, David, Hughes, Richard Hughes, Isabella P. Jones, Sarah Smith, Eliza Smith, Hetty Bostwick, Joseph Bostwick, Maria Williams, George Williams, Alma Nevills, David Freeman, Hercules Burwell, Isaac Brock Burwell, Sarah Burwell, Han- nah H. Haun, Lucinda Spades, George D. Spades, Catharine Hamilton, Anne Chisholme, Margaret Hepburne, Anne Srake, Margaret Srake, Christina Baillie, James Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Gilman Willson, Han- nah Willson, John Bostwick, William Parker, Anne Parker, George
Parker, Jesse Page, Benjamin Page, Elizabeth Page, Mande-
ville — 44 in number.
Marriage.
27th August, 1827 — Harden Ellsworth, of Mallahide, widower, and Margaret Hickey, of Bayham, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Isaac Hunt, John Van Patter, Elisha R. Smith.
Marriage.
27th August, 1827— Elisha R. Smith, of Mallahide, yeoman, and Christina Hutcheson, of the same township, spinster, were this day mar- ried by me, by banns. Witnesses — Elias B. Smith, Isaac Hunt, John Van Patter, Harden Ellsworth.
Baptism.
21st August, 1827 — Robert, son of Stephen Backus and Anne, his wife, born 15th June, 1827, was this day baptised by the Reverend Cros- bie Morgell, Chaplain to the Bishop of Quebec. , Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 28th August, 1827— William H. Savis, of Mallahide, yeoman, and Hannah Crane, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Jehiel Mann, Jacob M. Crane, Rhoda Mann, Eliza Davis.
30th August, 1827— Ira Whitcomb, an adult, born 28th September, 1793, Jemima Whitcomb, an adult, his wife, born 16th October, 1796, were this day baptised by me by public baptism. James Givins, Cathar- ine Goodhue, Isabella P. Jones, Witnesses.
176 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptisms.
30th August, 1827— Catharine Malvina, born 30th October, 1815, Nathan Wesson, born 25th January, 1821, Jason Wright, born 12th June, 1823, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. James Givins, Ira Whitcomb, Isabella P. Jones, Catharine Goodhue, Sponsors.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 1st September, 1827 — Margaret, daughter of John Book, of Southwold, died 31st August, aged 5y2 years, and was this day buried by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage. ,
2nd September, 1827— Magnus Crawford, of Howard, W.D., yeo- man, and Margaret Kelley, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses— Samuel Craford, Thomas Craford, Cynthia Crawford.
Marriage.
4th September, 1827 — Jehiel Mann, of Yarmouth, widower, and Hannah Decow, of Souhwold, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Abraham Griffin, Moses Willey, Alfred Hamilton.
Marriage.
4th September, 1827 — Joseph Marlatt, of Yarmouth, widower, and Elizabeth Coughel, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — David S. Coughel, John Marlatt, John Coughel, Jas. Givens.
Marriage.
4th September, 1827 — James Reynolds, of Westminster, yeoman, and Almira WTells, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Timothy Kilbourn, Riley Wells, Horace Kilbourn, Jas. Givins.
Burial.
September, 1827 — Michael McCormack, of St. Thomas, wheel- Wright, a native of Ireland, died on the inst., and was this day
interred in the Churhyard of St. Thomas.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 177
Burial.
St. Thomas, 8th October, 1827 — John, son of John Eslick and his wife, died 6th inst., aged 4 years and 11 months, was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
10th October, 1827 — Peter Schram, of Westminster, yeoman, and Margaret Beattie, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Witnesses — James Beattie, Sarah Beattie, Simon Nicholls.
Burial.
21st October, 1827 — Sarah Ann, daughter of Samuel N. York, of Yarmouth, and Lucy, his wife, died, 19th inst., aged 11 months, and was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
On Sunday, the 28th of October, I performed Divine Service in Dunwich, to continue regularly every 6th Sunday till their church is finished, then the first Sunday of each month.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 30th October, 1827 — Matthias B. Millard, of the Town- ship of Malahide, yeoman, and Dorothy Schoffe, of the same township, spinster, were his day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Cornelius Bowen, Philo Burch, John Dougharty.
Marriage.
30th October, 1827 — Cornelius Bowen, of the Township of Malahide, yeoman, and Belinda Brooks, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — M. B. Millard, John Doughar- ty, Philo Burtch.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 1st November, 1827— Peter Caughell, of the Town- ship of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Mary Culver, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Caughell, Joseph Marlatt, David Caughell.
178 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage. .
6th November, 1827 — Lyman Mann, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Betsy Ann Vroman, of the same township, spinster, were this day mar- ried by me, by banns. Witnesses — Rhoda Mann, Daniel Mann, Elizabeth Mann.
Marriage.
12th November, 1827— John O'Reilly, of the Township of Yarmouh, farmer, and Diana With, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — R. C. Drake, Abel Bigsley, Ben- jamin C. Doan.
St. Thomas, 15th November, 1827 — John Fitch, of the Township of Westminster, Tanner, and Getty Carrol, of the Township of London, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Silas E. Curtis, Eli Trowbridge, Abraham Carrol, John Ewart.
Marriage.
22nd November, 1827 — Archibald McNeal, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Anne Rowland, alias Beman, of the Township of Southwold, widow, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Lemuel Ladd, Garret Smith, William Broderick.
Marriage. ,
28th November, 1827— Thomas Pettit, of the Township of South- wold, yeoman, and Huldah Gilbert, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Alfred Hamilton, Z. Gillies, I. Stafford.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 21st December, 1827— Gilbert Demont, of the Township of Yarmouth, cooper, and Amelia Murray, of the same place, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — John Robert Mur- ray, Anne Elliott, Margaret Mackintosh.
Marriage. .
24th December, 1827 — Clarke Gardiner, of the Township of Yar- mouth, yeoman, and Anne House, of the same township, spinser, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Matthew House, Joseph Allway, Abram House.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 179
Sacrament.
On Tuesday, 25th December, 1827, being Christmas day, the Sacra- ment of the Lord's Supper was administered by me, in the Church of St. Thomas to 21 communicants.
Marriage. .
St. Thomas, 26th December, 1827— William Pace, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Paulina Chapel, of the same township, spinster, were his day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Noah Brookfield, John Van Sickle, Josiah Morehouse, John Pace.
Marriage.
27th December, 1827 — Joseph Hodgson, of the Township of London, widower, and Charity Patterson, of the Township of Westminster, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Sutton, John Hunt, Thomas P. Cheyna.
Sacrament.
On Sunday, 30th December, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by me, in Dunwich, to 24 communicants.
Marriage. ,
St. Thomas, 1st January, 1828 — Robert Nelson, of the Township of Howard, Western District, merchant, and Frances Dragon, of the Town- ship of Raleigh, W.D., spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — E. E. Warren, William McCrae, Duncan McGregor, Thomas Williams.
Marriage.
8th January, 1828 — David Cascadden, of the Township of Malahide, yeoman, and Ann Gustin, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Francis Moore, William Cas- cadden, Alexander Moore.
Burial.
9th January, 1828 — Christian Long, of the Township of Southwold, yeoman, died 7th January inst., aged 69 years, and was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
180 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 9th January, 1828 — Samuel Stephenson, of Malahide, yeoman, and Sarah Ann Sibley, of Bayham, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William Davis, David Sibley, Frances McGaffee.
Marriage.
24th January, 1828 — John Welter, of Southwold, yeoman, and Christina Bastedo, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — David Welter, Levi Fowler, Thomas Fowler.
Burial.
24th January, 1828 — John, son of John Davis, of Yarmouth, and Margaret, his wife, died 23rd January, aged 3 years, 11 months, and was this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage. ,
St. Thomas, 24th January, 1828 — Daniel Brookes, of the Township of Dorchester, yeoman, and Mary Chase, of the Township of Malahide, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — William Mclntosh, James Henderson, Archibald McLachlin.
i Marriage.
27th January, 1828 — John Hess, of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Per- mit Maria Batchelor, of the same township, spinster, were this day mar- ried by me, by banns, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Witnesses — Richard Nicolls, William Drake, Abraham Smith, Hosia Baker.
Burial.
28th February, 1828 — This day a child of John Welter, of South- wold, who died unbaptised, aged about 2 weeks, was interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 28th January, 1828— Walter Ward, of the Township of Malahide, yeoman, and Sarah Leek, of the same township, widow,
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 181
were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Daniel McKenney, Hyland Ward, Chancey Burgess, Warren Davis.
Marriage.
28th January, 1828 — Harvey Bryant, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Jane Doane, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Chancey Burgess, Jonathan Steel, Maria Kipp.
Burial.
29th February, 1828 — This day a male child, aged twelve days, son of John Mackintosh, of Southwold, who died unbaptised, was this day interred in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 28th January, 1828 — Abraham House, of the Township of Yarmouth, widower, and Anne Gardiner, of the same township, spin- ster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Henry House, Garret Oakes, David Cummings.
Marriage.
28th January, 1828 — Harvey Bryant, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Amy Simons, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Daniel W. Stockton, Elijah Os- born, Eliza [her X mark] Leper.
Marriage.
21st February, 1828 — Christopher Minor, of the Township of Yar- mouth, yeoman, and Elizabeth Van Sickle, of the same township, spin- ster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Asa Fordyyce, Silas Gavitz, James Van Sickle.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 5th March, 1828 — Benjamin Davis, of the Township of Westminster, yeoman, and Eliza Wilson, of the same township, spin- ster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — D. MacPher- son, Amos Davis, Thomas Macpherson.
182 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
•
On Thursday, the 6th March, I performed Divine Service in Lon- don, and baptised the following children : —
6th March, 1828 — Jane, daughter of James and Sarah Parkinson, of London, born 4th October, 1827, was this day baptised by me, by pub- lic baptism. Parents and Mary Brown, Sponsors.
Mary Jane, daughter of Richard and Margaret Ferguson, of Lon- don, born 5th September, 1827, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Richard Ferguson, Elizabeth Ferguson, Margaret Ferguson, Sponsors.
Baptisms in London, 6th March, continued.
Hannah Rosanna, daughter of John Talbot, of London, and Eliza- beth, his wife, born 22nd December, 1817. Joseph Sifton, Esther Sifton, Anne Geary, Sponsors.
John, son of Thomas and Eliza Shoebottom, of London, born 18th October, 1827. John Shoebottom, James Shoebottom, Mary Shoebottom, Sponsors.
Helen, born 4th November, 1827, daughter of Thomas and Mary Hodgeons, of London. Anne Shoebottom, George Shoebottom, Mary Hodgeons, Sponsors.
George, born 29th August, 1827, son of James and Helen Shoe- bottom, of London. Thomas Shoebottom, Foliot Gray, Eliza Shoe- bottom, Sponsors.
Francis Henry, born 1st August, 1827, son of John and Elizabeth Ferguson, of London. John Ferguson, Elizabeth Ferguson, parents, Francis Walden.
Mary, daughter of Stephen and Mary Powell, of London, born 15th June, 1826. Stephen Powell (father), Mary Hardinge, Sarah Gearry, Sponsors.
Jane, daughter of John and Mary Gray, of London, born 20th October, 1827. John Gray, Mary Gray, parents, Eliza Talbot, Sponsors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 183
Robert, son of Robert and Elizabeth Ralph, of London, born 15th June, 1827. John Talbot, Elizabeth Talbot, Elizabeth Ralph (mother), Sponsors.
St. Thomas, 1828.
Baptisms in London on 6th March, continued.
Eleanor, born 29th November, 1827, daughter of William and Eleanor Guest, of London. George Guest, Mary Jones, Judith Ardiel, Sponsors.
Marriage.
17th March, 1828 — Nicholas Westbrooke, of Westminster, yeoman, and Hannah Patrick, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Timothy Kilbourn, D. H. Cutten, Stephen Malatt.
Marriage.
Gilbert Miller, of the Township of Mallahide, yeoman, and Wilmot Van Patten, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — M. B. Millard, Dorothy Millard, Mary Spades.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 14th March, 1828— , child of Thomas Hardi-
son, of Yarmouth, and , his wife, died on the 12th inst., aged 13
months, and was this day interred by me, in Yarmouth.
Baptism.
23rd March, 1828 — John Henry, infant son of Samuel Mason, of Yarmouth, and Alice, his wife, born 23rd January, 1828, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Joseph Smith, John Mason and Anna Smith, Sponsors.
Baptism. >
24th March, 1828 — Charles Augustus, infant son of Ira Whitcomb, of Yarmouth, and Jemima, his wife, born 1st January, 1828, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. James Givins, Ira Whitcombe, Isa- bella P. Jones, proxy of the mother, Sponsors.
184 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 27th March, 1828 — Levi Harris, of Bayham, yeoman, and Margaret Willis, of Malahide, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Henry Willis, Samuel H. Anderson, Septi- mus Davis.
Marriage.
30th March, 1828— Abel Bigsby, of St. Thomas, carpenter, and Harriet Sampson, of the Township of Yarmouth, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Barzillai Sampson, Enos Call, John Farnham.
Marriage.
1st April, 1828 — Richard Hayes, of the Township of London, yeo- man, and Rebecca Wallace, of the same township, widow, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Joseph Sifton, Maria Sifton, William Fassett.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 2nd April, 1828— Jonathan Steel, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Maria Kipp, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — James Brown, Harvey Kipp, Benjamin Doan, Jr.
Sacrament.
6th April, 1828 — Easter Sunday — On this day the Sacremant of the Lord's Supper was administered by me, to eighteen persons.
Sacrament.
13th April, 1828 — On this day the Sacremant of the Lord's Supper was administered by me, in Dunwich, to 22 persons.
Baptism.
13th April, 1828 — Margaret, daughter of John Miles Farland. of Dunwich, and Martha, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Walter Patterson, Mary Patterson, Margaret Bobier, Spon- sors.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 185
Baptism. .
14th April, 1828 — Donald, son of William Macpherson of Dunwich,
and • — , his wife, born , was this day baptised by
me, by public baptism. The Parents, Sponsors.
Baptism..
14th April, 1828 — James, son of Alexander Macpherson, of Dun-
wich, and Isabel, his wife, born , was this day baptised by
me, by public baptism. The Parents, Sponsors.
% Marriage.
17th April, 1828— Thomas Drake, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Vashti Wood, of the Township of Southwold, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Phineas Drake, James McQueen, Amos M. Barnes, George D. Spades.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 13th May, 1828— Daniel Stockton, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Eliza Leper, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Huff, Jacob P. Scott, Mahlon Stockton.
Baptism^ '.
14th October, 1828 — Charles Henry, son of Dr. Charles Duncomb, of St. Thomas, and Nancy, his wife, born 21st May, 1822, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. George D. Spades and Parents, Sponsors.
Baptism. '
St. Thomas, 21st October, 1828— Anne, born 18th August, 1802, wife of Mr. Hiram D. Lee, of Westminster, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. George J. Goodhue, Catherine Goodhue, Abigail Lawreson, Witnesses.
Baptisms.
Westminster, 21st October, 1828— Elvira, born 12th February, 1820, William Edward, born 3rd November, 1822, John Rolph, born 10th October, 1824, and Hiram Chisholm, born 14th September, 1826, children of Mr. Hiram D. Lee, of the Township of Westminster, and Anne, his
186 , ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
wife, were this day baptised by me, by public baptism. The Parents, Lawrence Lawrason, Abigail Lawrason, Sponsors.
N.B. — The Visiting Missionary (Mr. Archibald), visited this place on the 29th October. I accompanied him to London, where he preached twice on Sunday, the 2nd November.
Burial.
St. Thomas, 21st October, 1828 — Maria, wife of George J. Goodhue, of London, merchant, died 20th inst., aged 28 years and six months, and was this day interred by me, in the' burying ground in the Town of London.
Baptism.
21st October, 1828 — Maria Fullerton Norton, infant child of George J. Goodhue, of London, and Maria, his wife, born 4th July, 1828, was ithis day baptised by me by public baptism. Catherine Goodhue, Hiram D. Lee, as proxy for Wm. Henry, Anne Lee, as proxy for Catherine Fullerton, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 3rd November, 1828 — Thomas Pennington, of the Township of Malahide, yeoman, and Laura Dewey, of the same town- ship, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Caray, William Drake, Morris Sovereign, George D. Spades.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, llth November, 1828 — Hammond Oakes, of the Town- ship of Charlotteville, yeoman, and Isabella Phillips, of the Township of Southwold, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Wit- nesses— C. Youmans, Lad. Sells, A. W. Steres.
Marriage.
23rd November, 1828 — Edmund Smith, of Southwold, yeoman, and Almiro Thayer, of the Township of Yarmouth, spinster, were his day married by me, by banns. William Parker, Jarvis Thayer, William Smith, John Thayer, Witnesses.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 187
Marriage.
24th November, 1828 — Daniel Lockwood, of the Township of Carra- doc, yeoman, and Hester Bateman, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Jesse Bennett, Andrew Nevills, Andrew Fortner.
Marriage.
24th November, 1828— William Bryant, of the Township of West- minster, widower, and Lavinia Maeaulay, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Andrew Beattie, Richard Tunks, Calvin Burtch, William Walters.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 24th November, 1828 — Jane Thomson, born 23rd April, 1828, infant daughter of Peter Schram, of Westminster, and Margaret, his wife, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. The Parents, Margaret Schram, the older, Sponsors.
Baptism.
24th November, 1828— Susan Gilbert, born 16th June, 1823, daughter of James McNames, of Westminster, and Charlotte, his wife, was baptised by me, this day, by public baptism. Andrew Beattie, Char- lotte McNames, Margaret Schram, the older, Sponsors.
Burial.
3rd December, 1828 — Adam Burwell, of South wold, yeoman, (the
father of Col. Burwell), died on the 1st inst, aged years, and was
this day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 22nd January, 1828— Thomas Culver, of the Township of South wold, yeoman, and Hannah Pettit, of the same township, spin- ster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Joseph Spit- ler, Adam Burwell, Clark Collven.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 15th February, 1829— Timothy Kilburn, of the Town- ship of Delaware, yeoman, and Delight Wells, of the Township of West-
188 / ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
minster, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Riley Wells, Gilbert Strong, Cyrus McMillen, Peter Schram.
Burial.
16th February, 1829 — John Robert Dumont, child of Gilbert Du- mont, and Amelia, his wife, born 21st September, 1828, died 15th inst, was this day buried by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
17th February, 1829 — John Burgess, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Hannah Ryckman, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Alexander Bryce, J. B. Hawkin, Wm. Ostrander, Minor Barnes.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 18th February, 1829— William Hartwell, Esq., of Pitts- ford, Monroe Co., N.Y., United States, and Martha Maria Sehofield, daughter of Ira Sehofield, Esq., of London, U.C., were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — M. Burwell, James Givins, Geo. J. Good- hue, Edward E. Warren.
Marriage.
25th February, 1829 — Abraham Griffin, of Southwold, yeoman, and Eliza Young, of Dunwich, spinster, were his day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Elliott Young, Russel Young, Ezekiel Mclntire.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 1st March, 1829 — John Sutton, of the Township of Southwold, yeoman, and Cynthia Phillips, of the same township, spin- ster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Amariah Sut- ton, Jackson Stafford, Isaac Phillips.
2nd March, 1829— Daniel Treadwell, of the Township of Malahide, yeoman, and Sarah Willis, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Edward Griffin, J. Davis, S. Davis.
Marriage.
12th March, 1829 — John Bobier, of the Township of Dunwich, yeo- man, and Jane Wellwood, of the Township of Southwold, spinster, were
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 189
this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Daniel Wellwood, Joshua Bobier, Richard Milligan, William Crane.
Baptism.
St. Thomas, 1st March, 1829 , infant child of James
Ferguson, of Southwold, and Sarah, his wife, born , 1828,
was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Meek and
the Parents, Sponsors.
Burial.
5th March, 1829— Eliza, daughter of Calvin Witt, of Southwold, and
, his wife, died on the 3rd inst., aged years, and was this
day interred by me, in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
12th March, 1829— William Crane, of the Township of Dunwich, yeoman, and Margaret Bobier, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — John Bobier, Joshua Bobier, Daniel Wellwood, Richard Milligan.
Burial.
22nd March, 1829 — Eleanor Spades, daughter of Geo. D. Spades pnd Mary, his wife, died 21st inst., aged 3 years, was this day interred jn the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 17th March, 1829 — Amos Barnes, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Elizabeth Spittler, of the Township of South- wold, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Joseph Spittler, Jonas Barnes, Levi Fowler, David Conrad.
Marriage.
24th March, 1829— John Dougherty, of the Township of Southwold, yeoman, and Susannah Ellis, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — James Jackson, Hugh Shar- on, Jacob Bodoin, James Little, Clark.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 24th March, 1829— Alexander Ironside, Esq., of St. Thomas, medical practitioner, and Margaret Rapelje, of the Township
190 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
of Yarmouth, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Wit- nesses— James Givins, James Nevills, Jeronimus Rapelje, Jr.
Marriage.
26th March, 1829— Jacob Preffer, Jun., of the Township of Yar- mouth, yeoman, and Agn^s Best, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Jacob Preffer, Sen., James Brown, James Givins, Robert Nelson.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 31st March, 1829— Nathaniel Bryant, of the Township cf Yarmouth, yeoman, and Jane Wilson, of the same township, spinster, wxre this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Benjamin Doans, Thomas Sprague, Matilda Willson.
Burial.
1st April, 1829— William Lee, Sen., of Southwold, died 30th March, ult., aged 69 years, and was this day interred by me in the Churchyard of St. Thomas.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 27th April, 1829— Joseph Smith, of the Township of Southwold, bachelor, and Sarah Williams, of the Township of West- minster, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Ganer Ell wood, Samuel Smith, Garet Smith.
Marriage.
4th May, 1829 — John Coughel, of the Township of Yarmouth, bachelor, and Abigail Hughes, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Charles Conrad, Joseph Marlatt, David Caughel.
Marriaqe.
St. Thomas, 4th May, 1829— Henry Welter, of the Township of Southwold, Bachelor, and Christina Bawtinham, of the same township, spinster, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Thomas Fowler, Christopher Long, David Welter.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 191
Marriaqe.
St. Thomas, 17th August, 1829— Jacob Hull, of the Township of
"Westminster, in the London District, and Province of Upper Canada,
was married after publication of banns, to Euphemia Lochler, of the
same place, on this day, by me. Witnesses — John R. Harman, Jonathan
[his X mark] Smith. Given away by Isaac Hunt.
Marriage.
17th August, 1829 — Frederick Lown, of the Township of Westmin- ster, in the London District, and Province of Upper Canada, was married after publication of banns, to Polly Dingman, of the same place, on this day, by me. Witnesses — Thomas Pool, and Benjamin Schram. Given away by Thomas Pool.
Burial.
28th August, 1829 — Silas Zavitz, commonly called Savage, youngest
son of Christie Zavitz and , his wife, was buried on this day by
me.
Baptism.
20th August, 1829 — Andrew, son of Frederick Lown and Polly, his first wife, of the Township of Westminster, born 17th July, 1827, was this day baptised, by public baptism, by me. John Dingman, Thos. Pool, Catherine Pool, Sponsors.
Marriaqe.
4th September, 1829— Thomas Thomas, of the Township of South- wold, in the district of London, in the Province of Upper Canada, was married by license to Elizabeth Maccormick, of the same place, widow, on this day, by me. Witness — Ann Thomas. Given away by John Holden.
Burial.
September 7th, 1829 — James Wilson, from Banbridge, County of Down, in Ireland, died on Sunday, the 6th ult., at Port Stanley, and was buried on Mr. Jos. Smith's farm on this day, by me.
192 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Burial.
September 7th, 1829 — Jemima Whitcomb, wife of Whit- comb, age 31 years, 10 mos., and 21 days, died yesterday, Sunday, the 6th, and was buried at St. Thomas, on this day, by me.
Baptism.
October 4th, 1829 — Maria, daughter of John Miles Farland, of Dunwich, and Martha, his wife, born on the 20th July, 1829, was pub- licly baptised on this day, by me. Jane Bobier, Lydia Patterson, John Bobier, Sponsors.
Marriaqe.
St. Thomas, Oct. 5th, 1829— William Millard, of the Township of Malahide, was married, by banns, to Pamela Martin, of the same place, spinster, on this day, by me. Given away by James Summers. Wit- nesses— James Burdick, George Gillet.
Marriaqe.
October, 26th, 1829— Thomas Williams, of the Township of South- wold, widower, was married, by banns, to Mary Nash, of the Township of Dunwich, on this day, by me. Given away by Sylvester [his X mark] Nash. Witnesses — John Robert Murray, Henry S. Lawson, Robert Clark.
Marriage.
October 26th, 1829— Nathan Brown, of the Township of Yarmouth, was married, by banns, to Catherine Gawse, on this day, by me. They are both colored persons. Witnesses — Archibald [his X mark] Lewis, Richard [his X mark] Woods.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, November 8th, 1829— Samuel McDowell, of the Township of Yarmouth, was married, by license, to Aner Me Call, of the same place, widow, on this day, by me. Given away by John [his X mark] Storms. Witnesses — Daniel [his X mark] Hendershot, Henry .[his X mark] Storms.
Marriage.
November 8th, 1829 — James Vansickle, of the Township of Yar- mouth, was married, by license, to Susan Minor, of the same place,
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 193
on this day, by me. Given away by Christian Minor. Witnesses — Joseph M. Moore, Isaac Minor.
i Marriage.
November 30th, 1829 — Matthias Sutton, of Niagara, was married by license, to Hannah Patterson, of the Township of Westminster, on this day, by me. Given away by Andrew Fortner. Witnesses — Garner Ell- wood, Joseph Hodgson.
St. Thomas, December 8th, 1829— William Kelley, of the Township of Southwold, was married, by banns, to Margaret Burwell, of the same place, widow, on this day, by me. Given away by David Kelly. Witnesses — John D. Lawson, Elliot Young.
Marriage.
December 15th, 1829 — William C. Mcpherson, of the Township of Westminster, was married, by banns, to Abigail Bruce, of the same place, spinster, on this day, by me. Given away by D. Mcpherson. Witnesses — Garner Ellwood, John Corson.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, December 22nd, 1829 — Duncan McLarty, yeoman, and Sarah Mclntire, spinster, both of the Township of Southwold, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Leitch, Colin Leitch, John Munro.
Marriage.
December 24th, 1829 — Phineas Drake, yeoman, and Catharine Hughes, spinster, both of the Township of Southwold, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Wm. Drake, Margaret Drake.
Marriage.
December 29th, 1829 — Jacob Pace, cooper, and Margaret McLean, spinster, both of the Township of Yarmouth, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Pace, Wm. Parker, Henry Petty.
Burial.
St. Thomas, December, 31st, 1829 — James Hepburne, of Southwold,
died, 29th December, aged years, and was this day interred by me
in the Churchvard of St. Thomas.
194 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Marriage.
31st December, 1829— Joseph King, of the Township of Yarmouth, and Dorothy Ferguson, of the Township of Malahide, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Thomas Matthews, Peter Mat- thews, John Ferguson.
Marriage.
January 12th, 1830— Thomas Meek, of the Township of Southwold, yeoman, and Mary S. Owrey, of the Township of Westminster, were married by me, this day, by license. Witnesses — Richard Nicolls, Archi- bald Owrey, Wm. Owrey.
Baptism.
18th January, 1829 — John, son of Francis and Sarah Johnston, born January, 1830, was this day baptised by me, by public baptism. Wm. Pearce, Joseph Patterson, Catharine Pearce, Mary Patterson, Sponsors.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, January 19th, 1830 — Stephen Wilcox, yeoman, and Margaret Wismer, spinster, both of the Township of Yarmouth, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — David Caughill, Jacob Wismer, John Wismer.
Marriage.
19th January, 1830 — George Brown, of the Township of Yarmouth, yeoman, and Sade Thurstin, of the Township of Malahide, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Joel Davis, Robert McKeney, Alexander Bryce.
Marriage.
19th January, 1830 — Wm. Smith, of the Township of Walsingham, yeoman, and Mary Bowen, of the Township of Bertie, spinster, were married by me, this day, by license. Witnesses — Samuel Smith, Daniel Davis, Jacob Davis.
Marriage.
St. Thomas, 19th January, 1830 — Reuben Lamb, yeoman, and Ann Huffman, spinster, both of the Township of Malahide, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — Winslow Hayward, Jacob Huff- man, Charles McArthy.
VITAL STATISTICS AT ST. THOMAS, U.C., COMMENCING 1824. 195
Marriage.
20th January, 1830 — John Hunt, yeoman, and Hannali Marr, spin- ster, both of the Township of Southvvold, were this day married by me, by license. Witnesses — Charles Hannan, Thomas Marr, Daniel Smith.
Baptism.
21st January, 1830 — Mary, infant daughter of David J. and Jane Bowman, born November 23rd, 1829, was this day baptised by me. Margaret Warren, Archange WTarren, Robert Warren, Sponsors.
Marriage.
January 25th, 1830 — James Doying, yeoman, and Maria Sampson, spinster, both of the Township of Yarmouth, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — James Nevills, Henry W. Woods, Peter Secords.
Marriage.
January 28th, 1830 — Francis Crane, carpenter, and Esther Phil- pots, widow, both of the Township of Southwold, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses — Elliot Young, Alfred Hamilton, Rufus Lumley.
Marriage.
February, 22nd, 1830 — Wm. Stuart, yeoman, and Sophia Long, spinster, both of the Township of Southwold, were married by me, this day, by banns. Witnesses .
Marriage.
February 22nd, 1830 — Thomas Lumley, yeoman, and Christiana Willey, spinster, both of the Township of Dunwich, were this day mar- ried by me, by banns. Witnesses '—.
Marriaqe.
February 25th, 1830 — Aaron Van Pater, yeoman, and Elizabeth Harvey, spinster, both of the Township of Malahide, were this day married by me, by banns. Witnesses — John Harvey, Andrew McCaus- land, Simon Van Pater.
196 ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Baptisms.
1st March, 1830 — This day were baptised by me, by public baptism, Wm. King, born January 2nd, 1816, Gilman Wilson King, born July 26th, 1818, John King, born April 28th, 1821, Elias Edwy. King, born September 9th, 1829. Alexander Hamilton, Hooper King, Elizabeth Hamilton, Sponsors.
Eliza King, born October 26th, 1823, and Rosanna King, April 28th, 1826. Elizabeth Hamilton, Elizabeth King, Alexander Hamilton, Spon- sors.
The above named are the children of Hooper King and Elizabeth, his wife. •
Baptism. •
7th March, 1830 — Egerton LeRoy Mason, infant son of Samuel Mason, and Alice, his wife, born 24th November, 1829, was this day "baptised by me, by public baptism. George R. Williams, Joseph R. Bostwick, Maria L. Williams.
Publications of the Ontario Historical Society.
Vol. I. — pp. 140. Royal 8vo. (Out of print.)
Rev. John Langhorn — Personal Note.
Marriage Record of Rev. John Langhorn, No. 1.
Rev. G. O'Kill Stuart's Register at St. John's Church, Bath.
Marriage Register of St. John's Church, Ernest Town, No. 2.
Langhorn's Book No. 3.
In the Parish Register of St. George, Kingston.
A Register of Baptisms for the Township of Fredericksburgh.
Rev. John Langhorn's Records, 1787-1813 — Burials.
Rev. John Langhorn's Register of St. Paul's Church, Fredericksburgh.
Rev. Robert McDowall — Personal Note.
McDowall Marriage Register.
A Register of Baptisms by the Rev. Robert McDowall.
Marriage Register of Stephen Conger, J. P., Hallowell.
Some Descendants of Joseph Brant.
Remarks on the Maps from St. Regis to Sault Ste. Marie.
Sketch of Peter Teeple, Loyalist and Pioneer, 1762-1847.
The Cameron Rolls, 1812.
The Talbot Settlement and Buffalo in 1816.
Vol. II.— pp. 128. Royal 8vo. $1.00. The United Empire Loyalist Settlement at Long Point, Lake Erie.
Vol. IIL-pp. 199. Royal 8vo. $1.00.
Early Records of St. Mark's and St. Andrew's Churches, Niagara. By Janet Carnochan.
Baptisms in Niagara by Rev. Robert Addison.
Weddings at Niagara, 1792.
Burials, Niagara, 1792.
Register of Baptisms, commencing 29th June, 1817, Township
of Grimsby. Register of Marriages, Township of Grimsby, U.C., commencing
August, 1817.
Register of Burials in the Township of Grimsby. Register of Christenings in the Presbyterian Congregation,
Township of Newark, Upper Canada.
Register of Births and Baptisms, St. Andrew's Church, Niagara. Marriages celebrated by Rev. Robert McGill.
[197]
198 PUBLICATIONS OF THE ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Vol. III. — Continued.
German-Canadian Folk Lore. By W. J. Wintemberg. The Settlers of March Township. By Mrs. M. H. Ahearn.- The Settlement of the County of Greaville. By Mrs Burritt. Recollections of Mary Warren Breckenridge, of Clark Township. By
Catherine F. Lefroy A Relic of Thayendanegea (Capt. Joseph Brant). By Mrs. M. E. Rose
Holden.
Some Presbyterian U. E. Loyalists. By D. W. Clendennan. The Migration of Voyaqeurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene
in 1828. By A. C. Osborne. List of the Drummond Island Voyageurs. Portrait of Father Marquette. A Brief History of David Barker, a United Empire Loyalist. By J. S.
Barker.
The Old " B) agh " or Hand Mill. By Sheriff McKellar. The Ethnographical Elements of Ontario. By A. F Hunter, M.A.
Vol. IV.— pp. 115. Royal 8vo, $1.00.
Exploration of the Great Lakes, 1669-1670. By Dollier de Casson and
de Brehant de Galin^e. Galinee's Narrative and Map, with an English Version, including all the
Map Legends. Translator and Editor, James H. Coyne.
Vol. V.— pp. 236. Royal 8vo. $1.00.
•
I. Discovery and Exploration of the Bay of Quinte. James H.
Coyne, B.A. II. The Origin of our Maple Leaf Emblem. The Editor
III. The Count de Puisaye. A Forgotten Page of Canadian History.
Miss Janet Carnochan.
IV. Historical Notes on Yonge Street. Miss L. Teefy.
V. Presqu'isle. I. M. Wellington, with Notes by C. C. James. VI. Genealogical List of the Bull Family. Dr. A. C. Bowerman. VII. A Record of Marriages and Baptisms in the Gore and London District, by the Rev. Ralph Leeming, from 1816-1827. With Introduction by H. H. Robertson, Barrister, Hamilton. Ont. VIII. Ancaster Parish Records, 1830-1838, from the Register of the
Rev. John Miller, M.A. IX. Sketch of the Rev. William Smart, Presbyterian Minister of
Elizabethtown. Holly S. Seaman.
X. Record of Marriages and Baptisms from the Registers of the Rev. William Smart, Elizabethtown, 1812-1842.
PUBLICATIONS OF THE ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 199
Vol. VI.— pp. 170. Royal 8vo. $1.00.
I. The Coming of the Mississagas. J. Hampden Burnham. II. The First Indian Land Grant in Maiden. C. W. Martin.
III. Journal of a Journey from Sandwich to York in 1806, Charles
Aikens.
IV. The John Richardson Letters. Col. E. Cruikshank.
V. Ontario Onomatology and British Biography. H. F. Gardiner. VI. The Origin of " Napanee." C. C. James.
VII. Napanee's First Mills and their Building. Thomas W. Casey. VIII. Local Historic Places in Essex County. Miss Margaret Claire
Kilroy. IX. Notes on the early History of the County of Essex. Francis
Cleary.
X. Battle of Queenston Heights. Editor. XI. Battle of Windsor. John McCrae.
XII. The Western District Literary and Agricultural Association. Rev. Thomas Nattress.
XIII. Battle of Goose Creek. John S. Barker.
XIV. McCollom Memoirs. W. A. McCollom.
XV. Breif Sketch of a Canadian Pioneer. (Reprint.) XVI. The Switzers of the Bay of Quint e. E. E. Switzer. XVII. The State Historian of New York and the Clinton Papers — A
Criticism. H. H. Robertson.
XVIII. Anderson Record from 1699 to 1896. Mrs. S. Rowe. XIX. Lutheran Church Record, 1793-1832. XX. Assessment of the Township of Hallowell for 1808.
Vol. VII.— pp. 236. Royal 8vo. $1.00.
The First Chapter of Upper Canadian History. By Avern Pardoe.
In the Footsteps of the Habitant on the South shore of the Detroit
River. By Margaretr Claire Kilroy. Births, Marriages and Deaths recorded in the Parish Registers of
Assumption, Sandwich, By Francis Cleary. The Pennsylvania Germans of Waterloo County, Ontario. By Rev.
A. B. Sherk. Black List.
An Old Family Account Book. By Michael G. Sherk. The Origin of the Maple Leaf as the Emblem of Canada, By Miss
Janet Carnochan. Testimonial of Mr. Roger Bates, of the Township of Hamilton, District
of Newcastle, now living on his farm near Coburg. Reminiscences of Mrs. White, of White's Mills, near Cobourg, Upper
Canada, formerly Miss Catherine Chrysler, of Sydney, near Belle- ville, aged 79.
Memoirs of Colonel John Clark, of Port Dalhousie, C.W. The Origin of the Names of the Post Offices in Simcoe County. By
David Williams, B.A.
200 PUBLICATIONS OF THE ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Vol. VIII.— pp. 228. Royal 8vo. $1.00.
I. The Insurrection in the Short Hills in 1838. Lt.-Col. E. Cruik-
shank.
II. The Hamiltons of Queenston, Kingston and Hamilton. H. F. Gardiner.
III. The Petuns. Lt.-Col.. G. W. Bruce.
IV. The Nottawasaga River Route. G. K. Mills, B.A.
V. The First Commission of the Peace for the District of Mecklenburg
R V. Rogers, LL.D.
VI. Some Events in the History of Kingston. W. S. Ellis, B.A. VII. Early History of the Anglican Church in Kingston. Rev. Arch- deacon McMorine, D.D. VIII. Some Epochs in the Story of Old Kingston. Miss Agnes Maule
Machar (" Fidelis ")
IX. The Navies on Lake Ontario in the War of 1812. Notes from the Papers of a Naval Officer then serving on His Majesty's Ships. Barlow Cumberland, M.A. X. Cataraqui. Charles MacKenzie. XI. Captain William Gilkinson. Notes from a Paper prepared by Miss
Augusta Isabella Grant Gilkison.
XII. Early Churches in the Niagara Peninsula, Stamford and Chippewa, with Marriage Records of Thomas and James Cummings, J.P., and Extracts from the Cummings Papers. Miss Janet Carnochan.
Vol. IX.— PP. 200. Royal 8vo. $1.00.
I. Fort Maiden or Amherstburg. By Francis Cleary. II. Thamesville and the Battle of the Thames. By Katherine B.
Coutts.
III. The Highland Pioneers of the County of Middlesex. IV Centenary of the Death of Brant. By Herbert F. Gardiner, M.A. V. The Pioneers of Middlesex.
VI. The Beginning of London. By Col. T. Campbell, M.D. VII. An Episode of the War of 1812. The Story of the Schooner
" Nancy." ^S
VIII. Register of Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths, at St. Thomas, U.G., Commencing with the Establishment of the Mission in July, 1824.
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