Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2009 Archive

In this issue:
- That Indelicate Custom -- © Stephen Davidson
- "End of Seasons" and Christmas: A Native Loyalist's View
- FDYP Fundraising Campaign Progresses - over 44%
- Silas Raymond (1748 - 1824) - Fifth Generation in America: Part XV - © 2009 George McNeillie
- Uncle Cy's War - The First World War Letters of Major Cyrus F. Inches
- More on the Antill Family
- Mass. Moments: The Loyalists and Jonathan Sewall
- Olympian 2 - Douglas E. Kertland UE
- The Champlain Society: An Overlooked Source of Research Materials
- Old Hay Bay Church, National Historic Site of Canada, Commemorative Integrity Statement
- Atlas Of Early American History: The Revolutionary Era 1760-1790
- Last Post: Margaret Jean Amm (Nee Macdonald) UE
- Last Post: Mary van Ryswyk
- Queries
      + Response re Descendants of Jasper Leslie, Loyalist
      + Canadian Refugees from Charles Towne South Carolina at end of the American Revolution
      + Pictures and Images for Gov. Simcoe Branch Display

That Indelicate Custom -- © Stephen Davidson

Do you blush easily?

A truth as old as mankind is that the younger generation is easily embarrassed by the behaviour of the generation that gave it birth. It can be as simple as the clothes parents choose to wear or the jokes they love to repeat. So it will come as no surprise that the loyalist generation can also be a source of embarrassment to its descendants -- at least when the discussion turns to the "indelicate custom" of bundling.

Bundling was a universal practise in the American colonies between 1750 and 1780 -- and had been there from the very beginning of European settlement. The Germans in Pennsylvania bundled --as did the Dutch pioneers in New York. The Puritans of New England, especially those in Connecticut, bundled. The custom's origins go back to early times in Europe where it gained popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries. Writing of the custom in 1872, Henry R. Stiles maintained that bundling began in rural Wales and parts of Scotland, although its roots may go back to ancient Rome. Stiles' book on the history of bundling was considered so scandalous that it was banned in Boston.

While marching with the British army from New York to Boston in October of 1777, Ensign Thomas Anburey wrote a letter that described his first encounter with bundling. Poor travelling conditions forced the young officer to seek overnight accommodation in a log cabin in rural Massachusetts. The family of three that offered Anburey lodging for the night had only two beds. When Anburey asked where he was to sleep, the woman of the house replied "Our Jonathan and I will sleep in this, and our Jemima and you shall sleep in that."

Shocked that the couple would let him share a bed with their 17 year-old daughter, Anburey said he would sit up all night. The girl's father said that the officer would not be the first man with whom his Jemima had "bundled". Jemima concurred, but added that Anburey would be her first "Britainer". The officer could not bring himself to share the girl's bed. He concluded his letter by saying that bundling was clearly a great test of virtue -- unless the American colonists were by nature men without passion. He was amazed that "this unaccountable custom is in hospitable repute and perpetual practice".

While bundling was sometimes a way to keep warm in bed, it was primarily a part of colonial courtship. Mind you, it wasn't how a couple spent their first date, but it was considered appropriate for those seriously considering marriage.

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines the verb "bundle" as "to occupy the same bed without undressing; said of a man and woman, especially during courtship." It is very difficult for modern eyes to look back at the colonists in the Revolutionary era -- whether they be patriots or loyalists--without thinking the worse of this "indelicate custom". However, there were those who defended the courting ritual --even citing the Bible in their arguments. Bundling was defended as innocent and completely honourable -- no more prone to abuse than any other courting custom.

In rural settings, a young man might have to walk a great distance to visit his beloved. Once he arrived at her house, the limited heating options (and lack of couches) made it practical for the two lovers to visit one another while sharing a bed. The young ladies' parents would be in the same room, of course. It hardly seemed fair to send the suitor out into the night, so he would be invited to stay -- sharing the same bed as his beloved -- and the same room as her parents.

In some cases, the young lady wore a sack that had a drawstring at the waist or a slip knot at the feet. Some beds of the colonial era were actually constructed to allow a "bundling board" to be fitted so that the couple slept on the same mattress, but were separated by a wooden divider. With such a board in place, rural homes could also rent out half a bed for a night to a weary traveller.

The only known account of bundling written by a young loyalist couple is found in the journal of Stephen Jarvis, a native of Danbury, Connecticut. Jarvis and his young lady, Amelia Glover, eventually married and settled in New Brunswick. They ended their days in York, Upper Canada.

In 1777, Jarvis was a fugitive from patriots who were bent on capturing him. The teenager sought refuge in the home of the Hawleys', Amelia's sister and brother-in-law. The Hawleys then arranged to have Amelia visit them for two weeks (!). Jarvis later wrote "the pleasure I spent in her society surely can be better imagined than described."

Finally, a rebel relative arrived to take Amelia home. Loathe to leave any earlier than she had to, Miss Glover pretended that she had more packing to do and asked the relative to wait. In Jarvis's words, she "left him and visited me in my apartment. In this manner we kept him until a late hour, when we at last took leave of each other." Note the permission and proximity of a married couple while Stephen and Amelia "bundled" --and the fact that the writer --while obviously enjoying himself-- did not feel he was describing immoral behaviour.

Champions of bundling would cite the Old Testament story of Ruth staying the night with Boaz on his threshing floor. When the preacher Jonathan Edwards reviled the practice from his pulpit, he was surprised to learn how many of his most faithful adherents actually defended the practice. But in time, whether because of ridicule from the upper classes or the pronouncements from the pulpit, bundling died out as a form of courtship by the end of the 18th century. Perhaps better heated homes reduced the rationale for courting (and staying warm) in a shared bed.

So, have your loyalist ancestors made you blush?

To secure permission to reprint this article, contact the author at {stephendavids AT gmail DOT com} how do I email him?

"End of Seasons" and Christmas: A Native Loyalist's View

Christmas is coming upon Canadians and while this holy Christian day is embraced and celebrated by the First Nations, it bears noting that it, too, was a European import. Prior to the arrival of the first Europeans, the twenty-fifth of December was pretty much just another cold day for most Aboriginal Nations.

In Haudenosaunee culture, there are thirteen ceremonies celebrated throughout each year: Midwinter (January), Maple Ceremony (spring), Thunder Dance (can be spring), Sun and Moon dance (two times), Seed Ceremony, Planting Ceremony, Strawberry Ceremony, String bean (late summer), Corn, Harvest, Thunder, End of Seasons. A culture intimately involved with the natural world surrounding them might be expected to pay homage to a climatic phenomena rather than a historic event or decree such as Christmas.

As one might imagine, the December ceremony is End of Seasons; in some pagan societies, the Summer and Winter Solstice were dutifully recognised but as for the Haudenosaunee, while these semi-annual occurrences may have been acknowledged, they weren't especially celebrated in the cultural and social focal points of the Longhouse.

The Four Directions Youth Project aims to examine the cross-cultural appeal of the Haudenosaunee teachings relating to the natural world and how it applies to every citizen and resident of Canada. These lessons hold universal messages which transcend the various socioeconomic and ethnic differences and instill a sense of worth, identity and respect for oneself and others. Taking cues from the natural world that surrounds us all, the Four Directions Youth Project will emphasize the mutual commonalities we all have as it deconstructs divisions and barriers which are confining and limiting by definition.

As we prepare for the holiday season, let us remember that as we celebrate the birth of the Son of God, we should also recall the magnificence of the Creator's works and the many lessons contained in these remarkable natural gifts. A donation to this very worthwhile UELAC undertaking will help to ensure many young Canadians will be exposed to teachings which have been largely overlooked by a society focussed on modernity, materialism and pop culture.

...David Kanowakeron Hill Morrison UE

FDYP Fundraising Campaign Progresses - over 44%

The Four Directions Youth Program fundraising campaign continues to attract supporters. By the end of this past week, we had raised over 44% of our goal. Personal donations, small or large, will help ensure UELAC meets the target of $5000 by the year's end. Show your support by choosing one of the methods suggested in UEL Charitable Trust Donations. Help UELAC meet our commitment to the youth of our country.

Silas Raymond (1748 - 1824) - Fifth Generation in America: Part XV - © 2009 George McNeillie

[Part 1, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Part XII, Part XIII, Part XIV]

That the Raymond Family took very great interest in the building of their parish church and in its subsequent welfare is not only a Kingston tradition, but is evident to any one who makes a study of the early records of the church, which are preserved and in very good order today.

Less than a year had elapsed after the arrival of the exiled Loyalists at Kingston when a meeting was held to elect a church corporation. The meeting was convened under Act of the Legislature of Nova Scotia, passed in 1757, providing for the election of a parish church corporation. This act was adapted from the Statues of Virginia and differs from the practice found in the parishes of the towns of Canada, west of New Brunswick.

The Province of New Brunswick was, at the time of the first meeting of the Kingston parishioners, still a part of Nova Scotia. The minutes of the first meeting in Kingston, kept by Israel Hoyt, the first Vestry Clerk, are brief:

"Records of Trinity Church, commencing at Kingston on the tenth day of May, Anno Domini, 1784.

"At a meeting of the said Parish for the purpose of appointing Wardens and Vestry to act as officers in the Church and propagate the Church of England in the Parish of Kingston, and to make application to Government for grants of Land for Gleabe [sic] Land, and to obtain as soon as possible a clergyman to officiate in said Church - the following persons were elected: -

- Wardens -

David Pickett, Joseph Lyon

- Vestry -

John Lyon, John Fowler, Ephraim Lane,

Silas Raymond, Seth Sealy, John Ketchum,

James More, Israel Hoyt, Elias Scribner

Andrew Patching, James Ketchum, Thomas Sumner

"Appointed a Committee to make the necessary application for grants, etc.: Frederick Hauser, Esq., John Lyon, David Pickett, Silas Raymond."

The same year, in which this meeting was held, Kingston was visited by the Rev. John Beardsley, M.A., formerly missionary at Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and during the late war chaplain of the 'Loyal American Regiment.' Mr. Beardsley was invited to fix himself at Kingston as resident clergyman, and talked of building a house there. There was, however, at this time no other minister resident in New Brunswick, except the Rev. John Sayre, who had lately settled himself in Maugerville and was now in precarious health. Mr. Beardsley therefore decided for the present to serve as an itinerant missionary to all the people on the Lower St. John River.

He occasionally officiated at Kingston, where on Thursday the 7th of October, 1784, he celebrated the first marriage, that of Walter Bates, late of Stamford, Connecticut, and Abigail Lyon, daughter of John Lyon of Reading, Connecticut.

The Rev. John Beardsley will be more fully referred to in these pages under the head of our 'Beardsley Ancestry.'

Upon the death of the Rev. John Sayre, August 5, 1784, the Rev. Mr. Beardsley succeeded him as rector at Maugerville, where he laboured from 1785 until 1802. He then retired from active duty and spent the evening of his days (I think) in the family of his daughter Hannah (Mrs. Walter Dibble) in Kingston. He died here August 23, 1809, and was buried at the east end of the parish church. A memorial tablet was placed in the church in 1916 by the Free Masons, at the suggestion of the Rev. C. Gordon Lawrence, who was then the rector of Kingston.

Excerpt from Book of Family History written by The Ven. William Odber Raymond, LL.D, FRSC. © 2009 George McNeillie - all rights reserved [published here with permission; see footnote]

...George McNeillie, {ggm3rd AT sympatico DOT ca} how do I email him?

Uncle Cy's War - The First World War Letters of Major Cyrus F. Inches

Part 1 of 3. See cover of Uncle Cy's War.

At a family auction, several years ago, I bought, among other family things, the contents of a dining room drawer. Inside the huge drawer, tucked at the back, were two long, heavy cardboard file boxes, jammed full of World War 1 letters from my husband's Great Uncle Cyrus Inches, 1st Canadian Heavy Battery, mostly to his mother, his sister "Chacker" and to his brother, Ken in Saint John, New Brunswick. There were 192 letters.

I found them as they had been put in the file boxes 90 years before - tied in bundles by year, with string or crumbling elastic bands. Many were stuck together. The 1916 letters were mottled in purple blotching from the indelible pencil used. The envelopes still had their stamps and the Censor's marks. Some contained little treasures - snapshots, postcards, theatre tickets, menus, telegrams, newspaper clippings.

They were beautifully written - almost as if for publication. The imagery was superb, with countless details describing where Cy's battery lived, how they lived, what they ate, and how they played almost 100 years ago. It was a remarkable window onto the wartime world of this soldier/lawyer whose privileged background did not appear to separate him from his wartime peers: in fact, quite the opposite. One of the letters stated that Cy's men would do anything for him.

They weren't the kind of World War I letters you might expect - that is, the grim reality of the war was there, but it was tempered by what amounted to Cy's iron resolve to put a cheerful spin on everything. Cyrus Inches was there for the four full years of the war and it appeared that he, in an effort to cope, had simply superimposed the patterns of his civilian life onto his military camp existence. The result was a more civilized level of social interaction sprinkled with humour and kindness. He was always committed to Christmas, for example, which he celebrated with a light-hearted enthusiasm, evident in the letters...

Xmas Eve 1914

Dear Ma

I have before me among a mass of letters yours of the 3rd and 7th and 11th and instead of trimming Christmas trees I am spending the evening answering letters and acknowledging cards.

I experienced in full measure the difference in traveling here between a through train and one which makes intermediate stops. The old accommodation train to Westfield [New Brunswick] is an Express compared with a slow train here. My mission in Devizes (a very old, historic town, near Salisbury Plain) was first to buy suits of civilian clothes for the useless men in the battery who are being sent back to Canada, and then to bring more hardware for putting up the mess. I thought I had sufficient materials but our cook, an ex steward on a steamer and our waiter at Harrods, suggested additions which we don't need - however, they say a good cook must be humoured.

After shopping I had a grilled steak at the Haunch of Venison - 600 years old - I mean the Venison, not the steak, though unfortunately, it seemed like it. I then hired a small motor car, collected my purchases at the different stores and hied away back to camp, arriving there about ten o'clock.

If the cook keeps sober I think we will have a good dinner on the morrow. This afternoon I rode over to Shrewton and brought back the turkey and the ham which I had cooked at a local provisioners. Mrs. Ryan is to provide the plum pudding, mince pie and various other delicacies. I arranged for the cooking of the meat before the cook came or rather, before he had been tested out. He is to warm them up. The cook did not arrive until the middle of the first morning, so Dick Leach and I got the breakfast ready. I cooked the porridge which everyone declared much superior to Harrods, while he poached the eggs.

Two days ago a parcel came containing chocolate bars and small boxes of sweets and a jar of apricot jam with a card of best wishes from Christine & Bertha Maclaren, who I take it are the Dr's sisters - am I right? I got a card from Dr. & Mrs. PR Inches which is a model of good taste.

I had my photo taken while in London and expected to make presentations to the family in that form, but the photographer has disappointed me and if they do not turn up soon, I will sue him because he demanded my money in advance. It is now half past twelve and I have to go the round of the horse picquet and guard before turning in.

Mr. & Mrs. Ryan were in for a while tonight and I told Mrs. Ryan that I was going to hang up my sock tonight over the oil stove to test the Santa Claus theory, thoroughly, as this is the first time I have ever been given an opportunity to solve the mystery. Though if there is nothing there I'll venture to say that you will claim he does not approve of oil stoves.

With much love and good wishes,       Cyrus

Uncle Cy's War (ISBN 978-0-86492-542-8), edited by Valerie Teed is available in Canada at Chapters, Indigo and Coles book stores. It is also available at Barnes & Noble in the United States... and online.

More on the Antill Family

As an addendum to the article last week "Connecting the Dots with One Loyalist Family"

Edward Antill was indeed a rebel, but one whose loyalties were suspected by at least some of his fellow Continental officers. As lieutenant colonel of Congress' Own Regiment, he took part in Sullivan's Raid on Staten Island, 22 August 1777, where he was taken prisoner. Accounts reach Major General Sullivan that led to some suspicion, which he communicated to George Washington:

"Hanover 24th Augt. 1777

Dear General

I have to Inform you that Colo. Antill gave us the Slip Day before Yesterday & went over to the Enemy. His Brother officers Say, they have long Suspected his Intentions, from the whole Tenor of his Conduct..."

Source: Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 4, General Correspondence, 23 July 1777 – 3 September 1777.

His brother Major John Antill commanded a small detachment of the 2nd Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers on Staten Island, and was engaged in battle against his brother that day. I do not believe John had anything to do with getting Edward any better accommodations as a prisoner, as all the officers taken were immediately paroled to houses on Long Island. Continental Army officers were not put on prison ships. Edward Antill remained at his house at Flatbush, Long Island, for about three years, until exchanged. Whatever cloud of his loyalty to the rebel cause had been removed, and he resumed his station in his regiment.

Lewis Antill was not a rebel, he was a Loyalist, who served alongside John Antill. The 2nd Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers, was attached to the Royal Artillery from April 1777 till November 1779. When the expedition to Philadelphia took place, the bulk of the battalion went with it, including Captain Antill. He died during the campaign, as recorded in The New-York Gazette and the Weekly Mercury of 4 December 1777:

"Extract of a letter from Philadelphia

...Several valuable Officers were dead. Amongst the Rest Lieutenant Colonels Walcot of the 5th and William Murray of the 27th, Capt. Trevor of the 55th, Capt. Charlton of the 5th, Capt. Lewis Antill, of Morris's Corps...several of these with their Wounds."

The 2nd Battalion New Jersey Volunteers was commanded by Lt. Col. John Morris.

Major John Antill's career in the New Jersey Volunteers was none too glorious. During the time the battalion was attached to the Royal Artillery, the men were dispersed in small detachments all around the New York and Philadelphia area; the detachments were not of a size sufficient to be commanded by a subaltern officer, let alone a field officer such as a major, meaning that for the bulk of two and a half years, Antill did little more than paperwork. That paperwork however came into question, as it appeared he intended to obtain profit illegally, leading to his arrest on 18 May 1780 for making false returns. (Source: University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers.)

His trial took place in New York City within a week of his arrest, where he was found guilty and sentenced to be cashiered. The court however recommended him for mercy. (Source: Great Britain, The National Archives, War Office, Class 71, Volume 91, Pages 436-444.)

Major Antill was removed from the corps, but solicited the commander in chief to prosecute the Quartermaster of the corps, Thomas Morrison, as being the true culprit. Morrison was therefore tried by general court martial at the end of September 1780, which court acquitted him. (Source: Great Britain, The National Archives, War Office, Class 71, Volume 92, Pages 357-371.)

Even though acquitted, and nothing in the trial appearing to favor Antill, Sir Henry Clinton reinstated him on 22 December 1780 to his rank of major in the battalion, "on Account of the respectable Solicitations that have been made in his favor, and the situation of his Family..." (Source: University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 134, item 29.)

However, Major Antill appears to have spent the remainder of his active duty idle in New York City, while the battalion was serving some distance away at Lloyd's Neck, Long Island, under the immediate command of Captain Donald Campbell, none of the field officers being present. The battalion left Lloyd's Neck the end of June 1781, marching to Staten Island, where it was drafted into the 1st & 4th Battalions of the New Jersey Volunteers. While some of the officers continued on in these other battalions, Major Antill was retired on half-pay for the remainder of the war.

...Todd Braisted, HVP UELAC, {ivbnnjv AT aol DOT com}, www.royalprovincial.com

Mass. Moments: The Loyalists and Jonathan Sewall

...in 1781, Loyalist lawyer Ward Chipman of Boston wrote despairingly to his friend Jonathan Sewall who had gone into exile in London. Chipman confessed, "the mortification of seeing our Enemies . . . triumphant in such a cause is too much for my Spirits." Chipman, Sewall, and many others in Massachusetts did not support the war for independence. Some abandoned estates and fortunes and "quit America" when war broke out, seeking to escape, as Sewall said, "bombs, great guns, . . . battles, sieges, murder, plague, . . . famine, rebellion, and the Devil." They expected to return when the British troops had suppressed the rebellion. The Sewalls spent 12 years in England before moving to Canada in 1787.

Background

Not everyone in revolutionary Massachusetts wanted to break with the Mother Country. At the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, the American colonists celebrated their place in the triumphant British empire. But dissatisfaction grew when Parliament began to pass unpopular laws, such as the Revenue Acts. Colonists took to debating the system that gave the crown power over colonial trade and government. The citizenry was divided into those who supported the status quo, those who favored independence, and the moderate majority who sought compromise. Initially, there was more contention in urban areas than in the countryside, wherefarming took precedence over politics.

For more background and details about Jonathan Sewall, see here (The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities launched the Mass Moments project–an electronic almanac of Massachusetts history–on January 1, 2005.)

[submitted by Chuck Ross]

Olympian 2 - Douglas E. Kertland UE

My great,great-uncle, Doug Kertland may not have been aware that he was a descendant of the same Loyalist that I am. His father, McLean Kertland, was my great grandfather.

Douglas Edwin Kertland was born in 1887 in Toronto. His father and his brother were also members of the Argonaut Rowing Club. It was as a member of this club that Douglas went to London on the eight-man rowing team that won a bronze medal for Canada in 1908. He remained a competitive rower until he joined the army during the First World War and went overseas with the 126th Battalion. After the war he became an architect, still remembered for designing many Rosedale houses as well as the Automotive Building at the CNE, several banks and hospital buildings. He was president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Douglas Kertland died in 1982 at the age of 94.

Our United Empire Loyalist ancester, Neil McLean (1759-1832) born at Mingary on the Island of Mull, Scotland, served as a young ensign with the Royal Highland Emigrants, later the 84th Regiment of Foot in the British Army. They were at Quebec City with Carleton when Arnold and Montgomery attacked on December 31st 1775.

After the war, Neil married Isabella Macdonell, daughter of John Macdonell of Leek. They were married by Rev. John Bethune, former Chaplin of the 84th, in 1784 and granted land by the Raison River at Saint Andrew's near Cornwall. Neil was a founding elder of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Cornwall. Neil continued to serve in the militia as a captain in the Royal Canadian Volunteers. He was appointed a magistrate and was a member of the Canada West Legislative Council, earning the designation, "Honourable". In 1812, he was Colonel of the Stormont Militia and was at the Battle of Crysler's Farm on November 11th, 1813. Neil died in September 1832, the last surviving officer of the Royal Highland Emigrants Regiment that was disbanded on Carleton Island at the end of the revolution. Isabella died in 1847 having lived sixty years on their property at St. Andrew's.

Neil McLean very wisely sent his three sons to Rev. John Strachan's famous Cornwall school which did no harm at all to their future careers. All three sons were officers in the 1812 war. They all held public office after the war; Archibald, as Chief Justice of Ontario, and John, my ancestor, as Sheriff of Frontenac County.

[Submitted by Gary Aitken, resident of Westmount and author of "Good People: The Kertlands of Canada", 2008. In the year previous, 2007, Gary received his Certificate of Loyalist Lineage from Col. The Hon. Neil Mclean of Stormont County as a member of the Heritage Branch.]

The Champlain Society: An Overlooked Source of Research Materials

My 4th Great Grandfather, Capt. Aeneas Shaw of the Queen's Rangers settled in New Brunswick after wars end. While researching him, I sought a book titled Travels in the interior inhabited parts of North America in the years 1791 and 1792, by Patrick Campbell. I found the book after many internet searches on a site I had never visited - The Champlain Society of Toronto. They have a vast library of books dealing with exploration and discovery over three centuries in Canada.

I have extracted here a first person narrative of author Patrick Campbell meeting my Great Grandparents in 1792. For anyone with Loyalist ancestors who settled in New Brunswick, you will find Mr Campbell's book very descriptive, a great window on our past.

"After gratifying my curiosity,and viewing everything that was to be seen in this place (mouth of the Nashwaak River), the gentleman very politely asked me to dine with him; for want of time, I declined; and having thanked him for his civility and politeness, I parted with him and walked up a new road through a wilderness of eleven miles extent to see the Highlands Settlement on the river Nashwaak, and came to the house of a Captain Shaw a native of old Scotland, and county of Inverness, where I slept that night.

September 6. Captain Shaw, at whose house I was entertained very hospitably, is married to a Yanky young lady, by whom he has four boys and two girls. The mother is bare headed, and so blooming and well looking, that I supposed her to be a maiden, until I heard the children call her Mama. I fell into the like mistake often; as all the married women here go bare headed, except when dressed.

The captain, who is an intelligent gentleman, being the preceding day employed with his men, clearing and burning wood off his lands, came home in the evening as black as a collier. This, I find is the general practice and employment of all the industrious gentleman farmers in this part of the country; and indeed the state of their lands, and the produce thereof fully evince their laudable attention.

After breakfast, and Captain Shaw's showing me how he carried on his improvements, I was conducted by him to another gentleman's house, two miles from thence up the river, a captain Lymon's where we were told several gentlemen were to dine that day, and among the rest, my relation Dugald Campbell. As we were going along, we shot a couple of pheasants, beautiful birds, larger than a moor-fowl, and nearly about the size of a Heath Hen.

When we arrived at captain Lymon's, a New England loyalist, we found my relation there, who recollected me at first sight.

Being very desirous to see his farm, which was but five miles farther up river, with every other settlement I could on the Nashwaak, Capain Lymon said he would give me a horse on condition of coming back by four o'clock to dine at his house; to which we agreed. Accordingly we set out, and on our way, called at a captain Archibald M'Lean's, originally from Mull, a captain French's to whose daughter Mr M'Lean was married, and a Dr Drummond's, brother-in-law to the engineer my relation."

...Richard Shaw

Old Hay Bay Church, National Historic Site of Canada, Commemorative Integrity Statement

Last February I had the honour of representing the UELAC at a meeting in Napanee, where the participants worked towards the goal of a completed Commemorative Integrity Statement defined as, a document which identifies what is meant by commemorative integrity at a particular national historic site. It provides a baseline for planning, managing, operating, reporting and taking remedial action.

Other participants represented the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation, the Lennox & Addington Historical Society, Parks Canada, Bay of Quinte Conference (United Church of Canada), and Trustees of Old Hay Bay Church.. A key figure in this project was Rev. Bill Lamb, whom a number of you heard speak at the UELAC Conference last June.

I am happy to report that the finished document was released recently.

...Peter W. Johnson UE, Past President, UELAC

Atlas Of Early American History: The Revolutionary Era 1760-1790

I became interested in the history of the Dutch, while researching my potential UE background, and, through my Catherine Hogeboom Carnes ancestor's purported father - John Hogeboom born circa 1769, from Claverack, Columbia County, on the Hudson River, and I have been getting materials on the parents from the LDS in Salt Lake.

Through interlibrary loan, I acquired the "Atlas Of Early American History: The Revolutionary Era 1760-1790". Institute Of Early American History & Culture (Princeton University Press, 1976).

The Atlas illustrates the Revolutionary War areas, including outposts and forts, and "Loyalist Activities and Settlements". It has been a big help to me.

The Atlas I mentioned is also available on-line, with a great interactive Movie. Source access: Google "Atlas Of Early American History"

...Arthur Pegg

Last Post: Margaret Jean Amm (Nee Macdonald) UE

Jean passed away on May 26, 2009, at the age of 75. Predeceased by parents Ada (nee Thomas) and Norman Charles Macdonald of Charlton, Brother William Macdonald and Douglas Macdonald both of Charlton. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Killens (Bessie Macdonald) of Bolton, Ontario and her four children, Bruce Amm, David (Kedith Wickware) Amm of California, Tracy (John) Smith of Nepean and Cynthia (Jeff) Bird of Kinburn, and her grandchildren, Randall Cameron, Gordon Cameron, Andrew Amm, Matthew Amm, Alexander Amm, Hazel Smith, Sydney Smith, Doyle Smith, Preston Smith, Sarah Bird and Kevin Bird. While a member of the branch, she has served on the telephone committee. She showed an interest in the library collection. She attended our socials whenever she was able to get a ride.

...Sylvia Powers

Last Post: Mary van Ryswyk

Mary died December 5th, 2009 at the Cornwall Community Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Survived by her Husband Bill, her Daughter Kerstine and two Sons Harold and Robert, her five Grand-daughters Nicolette, Kaitlin, Helen, Margret and Sonya, and one Great-Grandson Johnathan. Also survived by her Brothers George and William Anderson. Pre-deceased by Sister Dorothy and Brother John and her Parents Milton Anderson and Dorothy Gogo. In keeping with Mary's wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

Mary will be missed immensely by the branch, her years of support as treasurer are greatly appreciated. The Branch was much better for having her through the years. She started and put in place many things which the branch still benefits from i.e. a provincial government grant. One of her greatest accomplishments for the branch was the 2001 UELAC Dominion Conference. Her role as well as her brother George Anderson made it such a success. Mary is also a recipient of the Queen Golden Jubilee medal.

I wish her family well and extend my condolences as well as those of the St. Lawrence Branch membership. (Standard Freeholder Obituaries Monday 7 Dec 09)

...Michael Eamer,CD,UE, St Lawrence Branch

Response re Descendants of Jasper Leslie, Loyalist

Jasper Leslie enlisted in Captain Ogden's Troop of Emmerick's Chasseurs, commanded by Lt. Col. Andreas Emmerick. According to the muster rolls, the date of his enlistment was 15 June 1778. However, we have an extremely rare document that gives the date as a few weeks earlier, as well as providing a wealth of information rarely found for Provincials. It is transcribed below in full:

I Jasper Lesley of the County City of Philadelphia in Pensylvania aged Seventeen Years by Trade a Husbandman declare that I am a True & Loyal Subject to His Majesty King George the Third and that I have no Rupture, nor ever was troubled with Fits; that I am not disabled by Lameness or otherwise, and that I have voluntarily inlisted myself to serve his Majesty King GEORGE the Third, as a Private Dragoon during the present Rebellion or Disturbance in America in & do hereby make over all my estate both Real & personal for my good Behaviour in a Corps of Chasseurs whereof Andreas Emmerick is Lieut. Colonel Commandt. and that I have received the Inlisting Money which I agreed for.

Witness my Hand, this Twenty Eighth Day of May 1778.

              his

              Jasper X Lusly

              mark

THIS is to certify that the above-named Jasper Lesley came before me, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of West Chester declared that he had voluntarily inlisted himself to serve his Majesty King GEORGE the Third, in the above-mentioned Battalion of Chasseurs and doth acknowledge to have heard read unto him the second and sixth Sections of the Articles of War, against Mutiny and Desertion, and took the Oath of Fidelity mentioned in the Articles of War.

Sworn before me, this first Day of August 1778.

      David Oakley/ Justice

(Source:k State Library, Miscellaneous Manuscripts, No. 3616.)

I have only run across about 50 such documents of this type, all for Emmerick's Chasseurs, 1778-1779. Captain Christian Huck of the Chasseurs was from Philadelphia and recruited there in 1778, before the British evacuation in June of that year. It is possible Leslie was one of those recruits.

The Chasseurs were drafted on 31 August 1779. From them Leslie went with a troop of light dragoons commanded by Captain Christian Huck into the British Legion, commanded by Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton. Huck being killed at Brattonsville, South Carolina in July 1780, the troop was taken over by Captain David Ogilvie. Leslie had not served much longer before the spectacular British victory at Camden, South Carolina on 16 August 1780. Leslie, unfortunately for him, was one of the few casualties of the British Legion, being taken prisoner, probably during the initial skirmish in the road in the middle of the night, between the advance guard cavalry of each side. He would remain a prisoner for the remainder of the war, until exchanged in May/June 1783. Records show him as a prisoner in Philadelphia in February 1782, where he had probably been since shortly after his capture.

...Todd Braisted, HVP UELAC, {ivbnnjv AT aol DOT com}, www.royalprovincial.com

Canadian Refugees from Charles Towne South Carolina at end of the American Revolution

New Years of 1764-65 saw a large number of German Palatinate immigrants arriving in Charles Towne South Carolina, at that time a colony of King George III. Their purpose was to settle in the upper regions of the colony and commence agricultural functions for the benefit of the King; namely hemp for rope. However, the more salient purpose seems to act as a buffer between the hostile Cherokee Indians and the aristocrats in Charles Towne.

Upon their settling, in what would become the 96th District, later into Edgefield District, they began a process of establishing many prominent citizens for their new homeland.

Shortly after their arrival, in 1776 the Revolutionary War commenced, and many of the group, having received a generous 'dowry' from the King's representatives, decided to 'not bite the hand that fed them' by remaining loyal to the Empire. Others of the group however saw the need to resist the British control, and began to support the Patriot cause; which ultimately resulted in the defeat of the British, and the establishment of the United States of America.

Many families became split on the political issues. At the end of the conflict, those that were on the 'losing' British side, were offered refuge in Nova Scotia, Canada. There are no known records that reflect the homeland (Germany) villages of these immigrants; thusly present day family researchers may or may not be able to trace their heritage back further than 1764-65.

However, one source of reference was prepared from records of that time. In 1939, a booklet, commonly referred to as 'The Revill Lists', was written by Janie Revill. Based on this information, another descendant, Gordon Rampy, has generated a fairly accurate listing of the members of the group, parents with children, and connected to the land grants.

In an effort to track down one of the immigrants, Carrol Timmerman (ZIMMERMAN) in Nevada, has taken the list, and using the IGI of the LDS (Mormon) film records of period church books, has tracked several of the immigrant families directly to specific German ... and English ... villages.

She is seeking information from any Canadian descendants who might have information to assist her regarding their refugee family. She knows not exactly who among the original lists left America, and also if there is further information available within the Canadian group. For example the family of Heinrich ADOLPH is one of the ones being researched, but there are others as well.

If you believe your ancestors may have been in this group, feel free to view the analysis done by, Gordon Rampy (RAMPI) , at ... http://www.upamerica.org/roots/roots.html to see if you recognize the family. If you have questions or information, please contact me.

...Carrol Timmerman {cmaeklier AT yahoo DOT com} how do I email her?.

Pictures and Images for Gov. Simcoe Branch Display

Having recently acquired a new display system to use at events, the branch is now designing the content to be presented on an initial presentation. The intent is to divide the content into four segments: causes and leading up to the Rev. War; the war; migration and finally settlement. The display is about the Loyalists, but given that our audience for this will mostly be people in central Ontario, there will be an emphasis on what is now the Ontario area. That said, a high percentage of the Loyalists who eventually settled in now-Ontario spent time during or immediately after the war in now-Quebec and more came to Ontario via the Atlantic provinces.

As this is primarily a visual display, the project team is seeking pictures and photos that represent the times, and what took place. Any suggestions would be helpful; here are a few of the types of things being sought: settlement such as encampment, tent, lean-to, shanty, first log cabin, second-generation house, clearing the forest, hunting, fishing, early crops, and if anyone has dual pictures of the house left behind and the house for the same family in the new land. Scenes of the First Nations Allies, and also the Black Loyalists. Representations of the pre-war and war-time tensions and actions - "cartoons" for example depicting the anti-loyalists actions (avoid the so-called Boston tea party). Action scenes typically draw more attention, specially for the younger audience, than a portrait.

Ideally a scanned copy or a digital photo of suggestions would be appreciated with the source. We would like to have a higher quality copy of the image for the actual presentation, along with a short description to be mounted below the image.

The objective is to have this first iteration ready for a mid-February meeting, so things relatively at hand would be good. Any help, suggestions would be appreciated.

...Doug Grant