Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2009 Archive

In this issue:
- The Loyalist Christmas Carols
- A Loyalist's Letter -- © Stephen Davidson
- Christmas Season and New Year: A Native Loyalist's View
- FDYP Fundraising Campaign Progresses - over 44%
- Vancouver Branch Finds Twoonies for FDYP
- Uncle Cy's War - The First World War Letters of Major Cyrus F. Inches
- Silas Raymond (1748 - 1824) - Fifth Generation in America: Part XVI - © 2009 George McNeillie
- The Revolution Divided, Reunited and Again Divided - the Shelp Family - a Curious Story
- Her Majesty's Christmas Message
- Changes to Fort York Visitor Centre Proposed
- Global Genealogy Reprints 1812 Resources
- An "Evening of Eminence" in Vancouver
- British Columbia Steller Award Nominee - The Way Lies North
- Powder Horn from Castine Maine, 1741
- Last Post: Sherrill Anne Dorling, UE (nee MacMicking)
- Merry Christmas
- Queries
      + People with Loyalist and British Home Child Ancestors

The Loyalist Christmas Carols

Wonder what your loyalist ancestors were singing around this time of year? Those who came from larger towns and cities might know the music of Handel's "Messiah." Those in Anglican, Baptist, Congregational or Methodist churches would be singing such familiar carols as "Joy to the World" by Isaac Watts or "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" and "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley. It's interesting to consider the "comfort and joy" that these carols brought to displaced loyalists over 225 years ago as we enjoy our own Christmas in 2009.

A Loyalist's Letter -- © Stephen Davidson

Nothing gives us an eye-level view of the loyalist experience so clearly as the letters of the American refugees. Written in the midst of dangerous times, loyalist correspondence reveals not only the events that whirled around the king's patriots, but also the emotions the writers experienced in the midst of harrowing times. A wonderful example of loyalist correspondence is a letter written by David Colden in the fall of 1783.

Colden, who had an estate in Flushing, New York, was once the surveyor-general of the colony. His loyalty to the crown forced him to seek sanctuary in New York City during the Revolution. During the conflict, rebels seized the Colden's land and that of his extended family. At the war's conclusion, Colden still had reason to hope that either his land would be returned to him or he would receive financial compensation for it.

Henrietta Maria Colden, the widow of David Colden's nephew, was also concerned about the family's fortunes. She and her two sons had found sanctuary in Scotland during the revolution. David Colden wrote his letter in reply to Henrietta's inquiries into the fate of her late husband's land. His reply is full of news of family and mutual friends, but it also reveals the turmoil of the times.

In reading over this portion of Colden's letter, note his attitude toward the new republican government, the treatment of loyalists, and the evacuation to Nova Scotia. Here, in part, is what a New York loyalist wrote to his niece on September 15, 1783.

"...We have pass'd a twelve month, in the most perplexing state of uncertainty that ever a people did. Long waiting for the portionary articles, expecting they would certainly provide some security for the unfortunate loyalists, they have only increased our distress and cause of anxiety, and to this hour we do not know that they will have the smallest effect in our favour.

No measures have yet been taken by Congress, except the release of prisoners, or by any of the states, that we know of, in consequence of the treaty. Even the recommendation of Congress, to which the English Ministry have devoted the lives and fortunes of thousands, whose virtuous attachment to Government shall render their characters immortal, while that of the ministers shall be execrated, I say, even this recommendation has not yet come forth.

The spirit of persecution and violence against the unhappy loyalists does not appear to abate in any degree, since the cessation of hostilities. They are not suffered to go into the country even to take a last farewell of their relations. Committees are formd throughout the country, who publish the most violent resolves against the loyalists, and give instructions to the legislative bodies, directly repugnant to the treaty. We are told that these committees have allarmd the people in power, who wish to suppress them, but know not how.

The people have been taught a dangerous truth, that all power is derived from them. Nothing can now render the country tolerably happy but the strength and firmness of the Governors: the Legislative Bodies; those in whom the Constitution have placed the Power of Governing. The most dreadful anarchy must ensue, should the new Government prove unequal to the Task. An event most devoutly to be deprecated by every good Man!

The Legislature of the State of New York have not been convened since the preliminary Treaty came. It is said, that by the Constitution, Peace having taken place, they cannot meet till representatives are elected for Long Island and that part of the state that has been within the British Lines. The election cannot be made while the British Army is here. General Charlton has informed Congress by letter of the 17th of last month, that he has received the Kings orders for the final evacuation of New York, but that the infractions of the Treaty, and violences committed in the country upon the loyalists, has driven such multitudes of them to apply to him to be removed to some place of security, that he cannot say when he shall be able to leave the place being determind not to leave any loyalist behind, who choses to go away.

Above 30,000 men women and children, have already been transported to Nova Scotia etc. and a very large number are still waiting for ships to carry them. Many substantial farmers of Long Island, and inhabitants of New York are gone and going, frightened away by inditements, and menaces, the fear of taxes, and an abhorrence of a republican government.

What I have now written will be sufficient to convince you that this country is by no means yet in such a situation, that private affairs can be looked into and settled..."

It is obvious that David Colden held out little hope that his family would receive justice at the hands of the new patriot government. In 1784, just months after he penned this letter, the state of New York permanently confiscated his property and declared that he was a criminal.

Not finding justice in the land of his birth, Colden went to England to seek redress from the British government for his losses. However, he was never able to escape -- in his words-- "the most perplexing state of uncertainty". Colden died before he was able to petition the crown for compensation, leaving his widow and children to make their own way in the new United States of America.

Christmas Season and New Year: A Native Loyalist's View

As with many non-Native households, the holiday season on Six Nations is a time of gathering of families and friends and there's generally an abundance of food. The Christmas trees which were carefully selected from the bush are adorned and one would be hard pressed to find an artificial tree in the typical Six Nations' home.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Six Nations is almost a spiritual experience. Set amid Canada's largest Native community, many of the wooded areas are much as they have been for centuries, looming tall and dense in a scene which is rapidly disappearing from the landscape of Southern Ontario due to mass development. This gives Six Nations a touch of the mysterious and the omnipresence of spirits of ancestors who have passed before us.

On a cold Christmas night, one can almost talk with these spiritual beings as their presence is never far away. Ghosts of Christmas Past, indeed.

On Six Nations, there's a tradition known as No:ia ("noi-yah") which is the Haudenosaunee equivalent of New Year's Day. Bags of homemade donuts are prepared and handed out as community residents pay visits and exchange greetings and best wishes for the new year. Often, these bags are simply left unattended on the kitchen table for visitors to help themselves should the revelry of the previous night find the homeowners enjoying a well-deserved sleep in. The sense of community and common bonds are also traits disappearing in many impersonal and anonymous non-Native suburban enclaves across residential developments.

The Four Directions Native Youth Project might offer a generation of young Canadians the opportunity to examine a Native culture where values and perspectives may seem dramatically different than their own, but upon closer examination, are merely an ethic which has been diluted by the distractions and temptations of a modern commercialised society.

Self-respect and self-esteem, so crucial to an impressionable mind, can be fostered by reminding one that beyond the status seeking imperative to gain favour and acceptance lies the fundamental truth that we all are simply another species among thousands of other life forms occupying the same planet. In that regard, we each have more commonalities than differences.

As the old year fades into history and the new year offers both promising rewards and daunting challenges, an initiative such as the Four Directions Youth Project will serve as an unique venue offering a fresh approach based on timeless teachings. The UELAC membership has already expressed its desire to be a part of this innovative endeavour and is well on its way towards meeting the challenge it has set for itself.

...David Kanowakeron Hill Morrison UE

FDYP Fundraising Campaign Progresses - over 44%

The Four Directions Youth Program fundraising campaign continues to attract supporters. With generous support from several individuals and branches, we moved from 44% of our goal to $3,163, more than 63% of our goal. A list of most donors whose donation has been received and processed is shown here.

Personal donations, small or large, will help ensure UELAC meets the target of $5000 by the year's end - it's not too late yet, we will keep the books open at least through the end of January for those donations caught 'twixt and 'tween. 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.

Vancouver Branch Finds Twoonies for FDYP

When the 4DYP was announced, Vancouver Branch talked about ways to support it. Two things we knew for sure: a UELAC target of $5,000 and a membership about 2,600 people Dominion-wide. The math was simple, $2 per member would easily raise the funds targeted by the UELAC. Based on membership, the goal for Vancouver Branch would be just under $200.

In September, our branch made a commitment to raise funds plus match that sum (up to $100) from branch funds.

In three months, we achieved our goal by asking for a twoonie from each of our members (okay, we auctioned off a scrumptious chocolate-chip banana bread for $15 at one of our meetings too!). We are pleased to say that a cheque for $309 has been sent to Dominion for 4DYP.

While there are many places to put too few dollars, we ask all members to find more reasons why they also should give or send a twoonie to their branch President so that 4DYP can realize a contribution from each of our 26 branches Dominion-wide.

...Happy Holidays 4DYP from Vancouver Branch.

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

Part 2 of 3. See cover of Uncle Cy's War.

Several years ago, Valerie Teed, newsletter editor for the New Brunswick Branch UELAC acquired the contents of a dining room drawer. In it were 192 letters as they had been put in the file boxes 90 years before - tied in bundles by year, with string or crumbling elastic bands. She has agreed to share the description of the Christmas season as experienced nearly a century ago.

Crissus Eve 1914

Dear Chacker (His sister)

It is getting towards two o'clock in the morning and I am still writing letters. I rode over to the Copse Farm today to invite Lawrence Kelly to dinner with me tomorrow, but found he had gone to Salisbury. Just like the heavy Battery, his Brigade has settled around a deserted farm building. It is really in good repair and quite capacious, and they are living in much luxury with many rooms for Messing, sociality and offices - together with two pianos.

I hear a sonourous noise in the next tent which is either Santa Claus operating or old man Reed snoring away in his sleep. As it may be S. Claus, to bed for me, or he won't leave me anything. Love to Patsy & Jan. Merriness to you and Harry.

With Love Chacker

1915

One of the little treasures found in a letter dated 20 December, 1915 was a hand drawn Christmas card to the 1st Canadian Heavy Battery from "the bosses we worked for most of the summer."

1916

... While the guns were being overhauled in the shops, the gunners as well as the drivers worked hard getting the equipment in order. The battery on December 26th took up position for the winter at Bully Grenay in front of the Fme. de Sauvage.

23 December 1916. Dear Ma

It is a quarter past one in the morning. Since ten o'clock I have been busy writing a lot of letters to friends who have sent cards and remembrances of sorts. I was thinking of getting some cards of thanks printed - an original idea, don't you think? On reflection I decided it would not be in good taste.

I told you about our church service last Sunday. The senior chaplain of one of our divisions got wind of the thing somehow and called this morning and insisted that in future the men, if they elect to attend service, must not be subjected to an extra hour later in the day. The result is that we are having a compulsory C of E church parade tomorrow. The complications will follow. The Methodists and Baptists will probably put in their customary plea that it is against their religious principals to attend a Church of England service & so on. As a matter of fact, the service for all denominations of protestant is one. The Catholics, of course, go to their own. CFI

25 December Midnight. Dear Ma

Twenty-four hours have elapsed since I last wrote to you and our Xmas celebration is a thing of the past. I spent the day mostly in the mess writing letters. The dinner was a good one - oysters, soup, salmon, turkey, oyster scallop, potato, carrots, plum pudding, anchovies, asparagus, pie, nuts, apples, raisins, oranges, celery, coffee & wines for those that wanted them. The turkey was the best in that line that I have had since 179 Germain [Street- Saint John, NB] and was deliciously cooked.

Since dinner, the gramophone has been going steadily while some of us have indulged in a game of cards, of sorts - a very pleasant evening altogether. The table decorations my sisters sent were no small part of the dinner's success. The toasts were the King, Charlie Garland (now in Ottawa) and the Ladies. The civilians in the next room celebrated lustily all evening long and as I write, there is but little abatement to their joviality.

A trumpet of sorts was an ample offset to our gramophone. While we were playing cards after dinner, the young lady of the house came through the house carrying a baby, about the age of Dorothea & Janice. We loaded her up with apples, oranges & candy and it was very amusing to see her trying to make an armful of the whole lot.

With Love 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.

Silas Raymond (1748 - 1824) - Fifth Generation in America: Part XVI - © 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, Part XV]

The people of Kingston continued to hold annual parish meetings on Easter Monday for the election of Church officers and the transaction of other business. On Easter Monday, March 28, 1785, they "Appointed Mr. Joseph Scribner's house to begin to reade prayer at, and Mr. Frederick Dibblee was chosen to reade prayers." Frederick Dibblee, it may be observed in passing, was the youngest son of the Rev. Ebenezer Dibblee, D.D., Rector of Stamford. He was a graduate of King's (now Columbia) College, New York. He had intended entering the ministry earlier, but the war interfered with his plans. Six years later (in 1791), however, he took Holy Orders and became first Rector of Woodstock. Meanwhile he was a Lay Reader at Kingston until the arrival of the Rev. James Scovil from Waterbury in Connecticut. In this way the Sunday services were maintained in Kingston almost from the date of the erection of the first log houses until today.

We learn from the Vestry minutes that the Rev. James Scovil, from Waterbury, Connecticut, presided at Kingston on July 5, 1787. a meeting of the people was held immediately afterwards at the house of Elias Scribner, at which meeting "Sylas Raymond, Elias Scribner and John Loudon, did in the presence of the said meeting give each of them severally one acre of land off the adjoining corners of their respective lots to the said Church, free and clear of all incumbrance for ever and ever, as a priviledge to build a Church House thereon. And in the same meeting it was voted to build a Church on the hill, upon the said land given by the said Sylas Raymond, Elias Scribner and John Loudon. (signed) Israel Hoyt, Clerk."

After appointment of Frederick Dibblee as Lay Reader, public worship was regularly held on Sundays, and when the Rev. James Scovil came from Connecticut, with the view of removing as S.P.G. [Editor's note - Society for the Propagation of the Gospel - a missionary society of the Church of England] missionary to New Brunswick, he found at Kingston, much to his comfort, a good congregation ready to do anything that the exigencies of the case required. Walter Bates deemed the arrival of their first clergyman an event worthy of poetic effort on his part, and he has inserted some lines in his narrative, which, with slight alteration, I quote:-

"These homes for weary pilgrims made,
Like happy tents of peace they stand:
Amid the deep and silent shade
The altar cheers our forest -land.
No splendour cloathes each humble dome,
No shingled roof or painted shrine,
Yet faith and hope find here a home -
The Christian feels the place divine.
Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house,
And the swallow a nest where she may lay her young:
Even they Altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God."

The Kingston people were poor in purse, but they decided to "proceed on their own means," and not to await the bounty of Government, and so on the 5th of December, 1788, when Grandfather Charles Raymond was an infant in his cradle, a subscription list was opened for the proposed church. The list was returned the same month with seventy-two subscribers, nearly all of them heads of families. The largest individual subscribers were Silas Raymond, and John Loudon, 10 pounds each, Israel Hoyt, five pounds, 12 shillings, David Pickett, John Marvin, Azor Betts. M.D., and Nicholas Bickel five pounds each, Elias Scribner, John Underwood, Thomas Fairweather, Ruloff Ruloffson, four pounds each. The total amount subscribed was 134 pounds, 15 shillings.

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?

The Revolution Divided, Reunited and Again Divided - the Shelp Family - a Curious Story

On 07 Aug 1781, my fourth great grandfather, Johann Christiaan Shelp, Jr. enlisted as a private in the 2nd Bn., King's Royal Regiment of New York, probably in Montreal. He enlisted a year to the day after his older brother; Jurgen Hendrick Shelp enlisted in the same Loyalist unit. The boys anglicized their given names to "Henry" and "Christian." Shelp is spelled in a variety of ways: Schelp, Shellop, and Shell are common.

"Christian" served about two years and was given a land grant in Ontario. (The unit was gradually demobilized in 1782/3.) In 1784 he married an Elizabeth Gallinger in Montréal. I presume she died soon after because he returned to upstate New York and remarried, this time to my fourth great grandmother, Jane "Jennie" Freeman (In January 1786 in Warrenbush, Montgomery Co., New York)

Both Henry and Christian returned to the states to fight to keep their father's family farm from being confiscated by the new government. They eventually prevailed in court. For the balance of his life Henry remained on the family homestead in Glen, Montgomery County New York and is buried there in the Shelp Family Cemetery. As Loyalists had a great difficulty being accepted in areas where their original sympathies were known, Christian moved south, first to Milford, New York, and eventually to "Dutch Hill" in Jessup, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

Henry and Christian had two younger brothers, who may have been twins, John Frederick Shelp and Joseph Shelp, both possibly born in 1758. Both were patriot soldiers, so in a sense, the Revolution can be called the first American Civil War, both in a political and familial sense. Joseph was a private in the fourth Regiment of the New York Line, Col. J. Holmes, commanding. (He may have been a casualty; so far I have found nothing further about him.) John served in the Third Regiment, Tryon Co., New York militia, under Col. Frederick Fisher. These were definitely Rebel (Patriot) units.

Curiously, it is John who founded the Canadian branch of the Shelp family. Many patriot soldiers became disenchanted with their treatment as veterans after winning the war. Gov. Simcoe of Ontario, desperately in need of manpower to develop Ontario, offered 200 acres of land in Ontario for any old soldiers willing to relocate. John moved his family to Osnabruck, Stormont Co., Ontario in the early 1790s. He is buried in Russell Hill, Russell Co., Ontario.

...Dan Stone

Her Majesty's Christmas Message

This will be broadcast on CBC Television Main Network on Christmas Day at 12:00 noon and 11:00 pm and on CBC News Network (formerly Newsworld) at 12:00 noon.

...Bill Smy

Changes to Fort York Visitor Centre Proposed

This week the City of Toronto announced the winning conceptual design for Fort York's visitor centre yesterday - a joint project by two architectural firms from Vancouver and Toronto. This proposal is just a part of a much greater project to turn Fort York into a "museum-site worthy of its historical significance" in time for the War of 1812 Anniversary Observations. Details can be found in the Dec 19 issue of the Globe and Mail.

...FHH

Global Genealogy Reprints 1812 Resources

The Global Genealogy eNewsletter 09 December 2009 promoted a couple of books that are sure to interest members whose Loyalist ancestors settled the Niagara Peninsula. -FHH

Lincoln at Bay, A Sketch of 1814, by Ernest Green [1923] New Index by Brenda Young [2009]
Originally published by Tribune-Telegraph Press, Welland, 1923.
This facsimile reprint by Global Heritage Press, Milton, 2009
Much has been written concerning the services and sacrifices of the people of Upper Canada (Ontario) during the War of 1812-1814. The author presents an intimate view by relating the experiences of individual participants in one of the most tragic acts of the drama of those years - The Battle of Chippawa. The author explains in the Preface that he relied on oral tradition that was handed down through the families since 1814, but that "the old traditions have been carefully justified by official and other contemporary records and in all particulars wherein such collaboration was possible. Any distortion of historical facts has been carefully avoided". The old families mentioned were from the Townships of Stamford, Thorold, and Pelham.
ISBN 978-1-926797-0-3 (Hardcover). More information

Life and Times of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, K. B., by D. B. Read
Originally published by William Briggs, Toronto, 1894
This facsimile reprint by Global Heritage Press, Milton, 2009
This book presents a compact history of the life of Sir Isaac Brock, "The Hero of Upper Canada", written in an interesting and readable form. When Canada was invaded by the United States in 1812 it was Brock who was given the responsibility of defending Ontario from its southern aggressor. Along with providing a biography, the author discusses the genius of Brock's defence plan, and the eventual success in turning back the larger and better equipped American forces. Sir Isaac Brock fell while leading his troops in the first campaign of the war, but his spirit inspired the men who were fighting for their hearths and homes to the end of the war. A must-read for those with an interest in the War of 1812.
ISBN 978-1-926797-07-6 (Hardcover). More information

An "Evening of Eminence" in Vancouver

Members of our Branch were invited to an "Evening of Eminence" Thursday, December 3rd at the Museum of Vancouver. This annual event is sponsored by MAC (Multi-Age Cluster) classes of Grade 4 to 7 students from different elementary schools in the Greater Vancouver area.

Working with history teachers, students study the contribution made by a historical figure, assume their manner, dress and personality and hold interviews open to teachers, event sponsors, family and friends.

Vancouver Branch member, Mary Anne Bethune attended the event in Loyalist period attire as Veronique Wadden, wife of Loyalist, Reverend John Bethune. The three students posing as Doctor Norman Bethune were delighted (if not flabbergasted) to meet their great-great-grandmother and surprised to learn that Angus Bethune had been a fur trader in China before his grandson, Dr. Norman Bethune, found his way to China as a surgeon.

Warren Bell, who will be Vancouver Branch President for 2010, was keen to interview Pierre Elliot Trudeau about his Charter of Rights and impress upon him the work left to be done on the "Charter of Responsibilities" seeing that with 'rights' comes 'responsibilities' and the Charter of Responsibilities is a piece of work left undone. He left Pierre in a very thought-provoking ponder and a willingness to start negotiations.

Veronique Bethune was accosted by none other than Oprah Winfrey who invited her to be on her show! Veronique was quite befuddled by the concept of television while Oprah patiently explained to her the concepts of electricity and moving pictures - much like "flip cards" only faster.

We three Loyalists approached Sir William "Intrepid" Stephenson with our secret password "friend or foe" in hopes of picking up a few new spy tricks and techniques. While very friendly and helpful, we walked away wondering if he had given us 'the straight goods'.

We sent scouts ahead to search for Loyalists but they were being elusive. We only saw glimpses of them but we have faith that they will be available for interview in "Evening of Eminence, 2010".

...Submitted by Wendy Cosby, UE (President); Mary Anne Bethune (Pacific Regional Councillor) and Warren Bell (Vice President) ... all members of Vancouver Branch.

British Columbia Steller Award Nominee - The Way Lies North

Jean Rae Baxter, author of The Way Lies North, reports that her young adult novel is now a nominee for British Columbia's 2009-2010 "Stellar Award" for teen fiction (ages 13 - 19). Earlier it was also a nominee for the 2009 Ontario Library Association "Red Maple" award in the Forest of Reading program. As the Stellar Award nomination means that most high schools and public libraries in British Columbia will obtain at least one copy, the Hamilton Branch member is proud to say "we are spreading the word!"

She is presently putting the final touches to her second Loyalist novel, Broken Trail, (see Works in Progress) which will be released by Ronsdale Press in the fall of 2010. The story of two brothers centres around the Battle Of Kings Mountain (South Carolina) in 1780. Jean has also begun work on a third Loyalist novel, which returns to Charlotte and Nick, the chief characters in The Way Lies North. It will centre on the plight of Loyalists in South Carolina and will deal with the slavery issue. So far she has completed one chapter of the first draft and is planning to go to Charleston in May to be sure she has the details right.

...FHH

Powder Horn from Castine Maine, 1741

We were at an antique store in Holly, MI yesterday. I saw a powder horn dated 1741 from Castine, Maine. It said it was French. Only one letter - H - was carved on the horn but the entire construction was so good that both ends were still quite tight. The pouring end in particular showed magnificent workmanship...not just bare-bones workmanship like many I have seen.

The reason I mention it is Castine was British at that time...Loyalist during the war...my knowledge of the area is vague but Bob and I were told the British took their houses apart and moved them by water to New Brunswick.

We visited the area abut 5 or 6 years ago. On the outskirts of Castine, if I remember correctly, there are ancient bulwarks of 2 or three vintages. Perhaps the owner of the French powder horn fought at one of them? I was amazed that there were 3 or 4 different fort-sites pointed out to us (built over) on the historic walking tour which we took. Only one British (brick) house remains (or was it a French house) from that time period? That walking tour was the highlight of our Maine trip.

If anyone is interested in the powder horn, I could go back to the shop and get more information. Maybe someone has ancestors from the Castine area.

...Susan Henry {slimhenry AT gmail DOT com} how do I email her?

Last Post: Sherrill Anne Dorling, UE (nee MacMicking)

Sherrill Anne DORLING, U E (nee MacMicking) - Passed away on Friday, December 4, 2009 in her 71st year. Beloved life partner of Barney Leach. Much loved mother of Pam Foote (Dean) and Jeannie Combden (Casey). Survived by her brother John MacMicking (Phyllis). Predeceased by her parents Helen and Jack MacMicking. Sherry was a proud descendant of United Empire Loyalist Thomas McMicking/MacMicking and she was a former Secretary of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada. Memorial gathering details will be found (when determined) and online tributes may be made at www.mem.com.

...Bev & Rod Craig and Lynne Cook

Merry Christmas

Colder weather arrived recently and even without snow on the ground here, the Christmas spirit grows. Many of our "Christmas" gatherings are already past, but we look forward to our two sons being home and a Christmas dinner with family. We think of Christmas now and Christmas past when it was much less commercial and times were tougher, of those who have been pushed from their homes and homeland and made do with so little but hope, of those today who are in much less fortunate circumstances than we are. Think of them all, and do have a Merry Christmas!

...Doug

People with Loyalist and British Home Child Ancestors

It is with pride I bring to your attention "2010, The Year of the British Home Child" proclaimed by the Canadian government this December of 2009.

My grandmother and her sister were brought to Canada in the late 1800's as indentured servants. My grandmother survived and went on have Loyalist descendants, my aunt did not, dying of TB at Hamilton. My grandmother married a direct descendant of Peter Secord U.E.L.

I am as proud of my grandmother as I am of my Loyalist ancestors. Both were brave with the aid of their belief in God, traits which have continued to the present day in their children and children's children and on up to now.

In the past, I have communicated with a few BHC descendants. who also bear the initials UE after their names.

How many other UEL descendants are also the descendants of these BHC children who endured and became good citizens of Canada? I would love to hear from you. I'd like to share information about the history and sources that are available. I've been involved in this interest area for about ten years and have learned so much, both about the movement and in particular how my grandmother was removed from her home and sent to Canada as an indentured servant at the age of ten. For me, this interest started with what my uncle, Ray Perry UE, knew and extended to other Canadians including a third cousin, Jim Rumbarger UE, and then to strangers in Bolton, Lancs who decided to help, via online Rootsweb lists.

...Joyce Stevens UE {joycestevens AT twmi DOT rr DOT com} how do I email her?