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Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2011 Archive

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"Loyalist Trails" 2011-25: June 26, 2011

Articles

Small and Trifling Matters in Loyalist Research -- copyright Stephen Davidson

As I go trawling through the dark recesses of online loyalist data sources searching for material future Loyalist Trails articles, I often come across fascinating small details or mere snippets of stories. Although interesting in themselves, these fragments just weren't rich enough to develop into their own articles. So rather than letting them gather any more dust on the shelf of unused research, I'll let the "small and trifling matters" be this week's contribution to our understanding of the loyalist era.

Samuel Curwen, who kept a diary during his banishment in England, was kind enough to jot down some of the things that were part and parcel of life in the late 18th century. For example, he once mentioned having to take his pocket watch to London to have it "reformed" as it was a "useless companion in its present state of false intelligence".

On another occasion, Curwen was thrilled to learn that a friend had two canisters of snuff for him. The strange habit of inhaling perfumed and powdered tobacco into one's nostrils was clearly a pleasure of loyalists of the upper class.

Thanks to Curwen's journal we know that young men of the 1770s played cricket. Given its popularity in England, no doubt some athletic fellows in the Thirteen Colonies also got together with wickets and balls for a match from time to time. For the indoor sportsman, there was backgammon -- another game mentioned in Curwen's journal.

One would have to be very careful not to make the assumption that loyalists might have played cricket or backgammon on Sunday. Massachusetts, for example, had very strict rules about even the distances one could walk on the Sabbath. Curwen alludes to the fact that he attended the closest church to his home rather than one he might have preferred because of "my old New England prejudice of observing the fourth commandment". Another Massachusetts loyalist suffered more than simply the twinges of conscience about Sunday strolling.

John Pell was a Yale graduate who went on to practice law in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Much to his embarrassment, Pell once found himself in court as a defendant rather than as an attorney. He brought his trial to a speedy end by confessing that he had, indeed, travelled through three towns (!) on a Sunday to get back home to Sheffield. He was fined ten shillings which was then equally divided amongst the three towns and then given to their poor.

In 1778, the loyalist lawyer was once again in a Massachusetts court, this time to face charges for trying to persuade two local men to enlist in the British army. The judge sentenced Pell to two years in prison, but was he was released within a year. Pell moved to Nova Scotia after the Revolution, but may have eventually returned to New York.

Quick -- can you name the apple developed by a loyalist? Ever heard of the Eccles apple? After Lieutenant James Eccles received a loyalist grant of land on the St. John River near Fredericton, New Brunswick, he planted an apple orchard. One of the trees produced green apples that quickly became a favourite among his neighbours. These apples did not rot or wither over the winter and were ideal for a variety of cooked dishes. New Brunswickers enjoyed "Eccles' apples" for over a century, but, in time, the trees that produced them gradually died out.

Do you have any idea what "flip" was? A loyalist would know. According to Judge Thomas Jones, flip was a mixture of pumpkin beer, brown sugar and New England rum. Much as Canadians enjoy a good hot cup of tea or coffee on a chilly day, patriots and loyalists would place a red hot poker into a mug of the brew to warm themselves on a winter's night. Jones reported that every pub in Connecticut would keep pokers (or loggerheads) in their fires, ready for customers who would order flip.

Before we leave the "small and trifling matters" of everyday loyalist life, the story of Mrs. Barbara Hover's pewter plate deserves retelling. The dish in question was brought to Ontario by a loyalist and his wife in 1784. Try to imagine a round plate, sixteen inches in diameter, composed entirely of pewter and weighing about five pounds.

Made in one of the Palatinate states of western Germany, the plate was soon headed west. When the Monk family was forced out of the Palatinate, they packed up their worldly goods and fled to Ireland, eventually setting sail for New York. The pewter was later passed on to Barbara Monk -- perhaps when she married a loyalist by the name of Casper Hover.

Compelled to leave their farm in New York during the Revolution, the Hovers were among the first pioneers who settled in Adolphustown in modern day Ontario. Despite all of their property losses and the many times they would have had to pack up their meager belongings, the Hovers did not misplace their pewter plate. Laid to rest on the crude shelf of a log cabin, the loyalist family no doubt considered the plate a reminder of happier days gone by.

Casper Hover died when a branch fell on him as he cleared his new land. This made a widow of Barbara, but her sorrow for her husband's death did not cut her off from community events. In the years that followed, the pewter plate from the Palatinate was certain to be found containing some tasty dish whether it was found on the table at barn raisings, sewing bees, or pot pie socials. The relic from days gone by was passed on through the family, and by 1869 came to be in the possession of Adolphustown's Joseph Allison who had married a descendant of the Hover family. As to whether the plate has survived to the 21st century, that is a question only the readers of Loyalist Trails might be able to answer -- surely no small or trifling matter.


To secure permission to reprint this article, email Stephen Davidson.

Samuel Hallett: Fourth Generation in America © George McNeillie

As already stated, Captain Hallett was active in the British cause during the war, from early in 1776, until the end. At the peace he came to New Brunswick and obtained several lots of land in Parr-town. One or two of these locations may have been drawn by lot: others were probably purchased by the Captain from time to time, as he had opportunity, for a small consideration. He died about the year 1800 -- the exact date I do not know, but it was nearly at the time of James Moore's death, and his widow Mrs. Moore was thus bereaved of husband and father in a very brief time. Captain Hallett's widow, who outlived him, died on the 30th September, 1804, at the age of 69 years, and in the month February following the Captain's property was advertised to be sold. It included, "A Valuable Farm about five miles above Fredericton, on the East side of the River St. John, comprising 370 acres, of which 40 acres were cleared, with comfortable two-story and a large barn." I think his son Daniel then lived there.

In St. John the Captain's estate included eight consecutive city lots on the south side of Union Street, near the Germain Street corner. On these lots there had been built a number of buildings, including a small house, a commodious two-story house, two houses of 1-1/2 stories each and a barn. The "Old Merritt house" now stands on one of these lots. It was built in 1808 and is now the oldest house standing in St. John south of Union Street.

In his statement of losses incurred in the war, so made in the inquiry at St. John in 1786, Capt. Hallett says he thinks himself a loser to the amount of 5,352 pounds N.Y. currency. It is clear, however, that he was still a man of considerable means, and a citizen of influence at St. John.

[See a photo of 'Loyalist House' (Merritt house), St. John, NB -- photo credit Mark Hemmings, New Brunswick Museum fonds.]

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

...George McNeillie

Recollections of My Childhood Home, by Clementine (Stymiest) Lacey: Part 4 -- copyright Carl Stymiest

PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND

The ship, "Prince of Wales" started early in the morning. We were quite excited as it was the first steamship we were ever on. We were all used to sail ships but this was quite different. The first stop was at a port called Shedick (Shediac), on the coast of New Brunswick, below or south of Marimachi (Miramichi). From there we sailed to Summerside, Prince Edward's Island. We were there for a week or two. One of my older sisters was married and lived there, also a number of my mother's relations.

As I remember, it was a beautiful little city on the shore of a bay. My mother's granduncle lived there and we stayed at his place most of the time we were in Summerside. He had a very fine home. There seemed to be quite a number in the family but I do not remember any of them except Mr. Hyde.

Everybody called him Mr. Hyde and I don't know what his other name was. He told us to call him "Uncle". He was tall, straight-standing, old, with long white whiskers, and he always wore a plug hat, -a black beaver. He used to drive us around the island in his carriage with a driver. He took us boatriding on the bay and he seemed to take an interest in us children and he was with us all the time. He had a cherry tree and it was loaded with red cherries. We asked him if we might have some cherries. He said, "Yes, go right ahead, but don't eat too many or you might be sick." We didn't think of that, we just dived in.

One day he took us across the bay in a boat to a little hamlet called "Sunny Side", and there was a tannery. I think he owned the tannery but I don't know for sure. The man who ran it was a Quaker. They asked us to stay to dinner there and what we kids noticed was that Quaker ate his dinner with his hat on- never took it off at all. Uncle told us Quakers always ate with their hats on.

From Summerside, we took a boat to East Port, Maine. I don't know how long it took us but all one night, as it was in the morning, just as the sun was coming up, that we got to East Port. There were dozens and dozens of fish boats going out to fish for blue fish, they said- and it was a sight to see the hundreds of white sails on the water, all going the same way. From there we took the train and went to Boston, Massachusetts. There my grandmother's brother, Uncle John Eurqhart (Urquhart) met us.

In the depot at Boston was big fat Negro wench selling fruit. It was the first Negro we had ever seen. We were scared of her and Uncle John went and brought her over to us to show us she wouldn't eat us up. She gave each of us an orange-, the first we had ever eaten. Uncle John got tight and yelled "Wars and wars and rumors of wars." It was just after the war was over and all the houses were draped in mourning for Lincoln.

We took the train and went to Gloucester, Mass. We stayed about ten days as grandmother was visiting her relatives. Uncle John was a soldier. He had a son-in-law who had lost an arm in the war. He was there at Gloucester. There was where grandmother took us and had our hair cut short. Did we ever raise a row- all of us, and mine has been short ever since. Aunt Marnie tried to fight the barber and he cut a nip in her ear. I didn't fight but I told grandmother I'd never have my hair long again. She said, "We'll see about that, young lady." And I saw about it. Everytime it would begin to get long, I'd take the scissors and cut chunks out so they would have to cut it. Many are the lickings I got for that.

I saw my first tomato in Gloucester. My cousin, Priscilla, took me around town and I saw a big, round, red tomato in the window of a store. I asked Priscilla what it was and she said a tomato. When I asked what it was for she said to eat. So I wanted it and we went in to ask the grocer. I wanted the one in the window. He charged a penny for it and I got my tomato. He wrapped a piece of paper around it and we went out. I wanted to eat it right then but Priscilla said, "That's not mannerly to eat anything on the street." So we went down into an alley way, I guess, anyway, it was off the street, and I took a bite of my tomato, and there was never anything in the world that tasted nastier or smelt nastier than that tomato. I threw the thing away and didn't eat another tomato until after I went to Colorado seven or eight years later.

After I got my hair cut, had my tomato and grandmother got through visiting with her relatives, we took the train and went to Albany, NY. We saw Niagara Falls.

...Carl Stymiest UE, President, UELAC Vancouver Branch

Source: "Down by the Old Mill Stream: a Stymiest Chronicle." Copyright 2001 Carl Stymiest, UE. All rights reserved. Permission granted to UELAC to reprint.

United Empire Loyalist Day - 2011

Reports of the observation of United Empire Loyalist Day across Canada have been shared by many Branches.

The members of Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch, in Loyalist attire, attracted a large crowd of fascinated tourists when we gathered at the Clock Tower Cenotaph in Niagara-on-the-Lake on June 18th to raise the Loyalist flag and lay a memorial wreath in honour of our Loyalist ancestors. We were honoured to have the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps participate. President Shirley Lockhart welcomed members and guests and led the Memorial Service. Lord Mayor David Eke brought greetings from the town and read the proclamation declaring the week of June 19th to 25th Loyalist Week in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Jim Lockhart and Eugene Oatley assisted the Lord Mayor with the raising of the flag and Beverly Craig placed the Branch wreath on the cenotaph. After an all too brief shopping spree, everyone gathered at the Olde Angel Inn for a delicious lunch. Lunch was followed by an interesting tour of Willowbank, the Greek Revival mansion, former home of Hannah & Alexander Hamilton and now the School of Restoration Arts.

On Monday June 20th, Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch members gathered at City Hall in St. Catharines to celebrate United Empire Loyalist Day in St. Catharines. We were joined by Mayor Brian McMullan, who welcomed everyone. The ceremony was conducted by President Shirley Lockhart. Mayor McMullan raised the Loyalist flag assisted by Vice President Paul Preece.

Next year we will also have a flag raising ceremony in Niagara Falls. BC/CJBNBr

Grand River Branch held its regular meeting on June 19th at the First Baptist Church in Woodstock with speaker Glenn Stott making a presentation on Oxford County and the War of 1812.

On June 17th, 2011 about 20 of the Kawartha Branch members attired in period costumes gathered to raise our Loyalist Flag. We had a drummer and a piper to lead us to the Flag Pole at Peterborough City Hall. Dignitaries greeted the crowd of observers, some of whom were public school children. The children led the Royal Anthem, some of them "signing " for those who might not be hearing the lovely little voices. Our member Major The Rev. J.D. L. Howson UE delivered a prayer. A few words to let the public know the significance of the event was capably done by our Genealogist Joan Lucas UE. Dominion President Robert McBride UE greeted the people and assisted Branch President Doreen M. Thompson UE in raising the Loyalist Flag. The children then sang O Canada. Refreshments were served to the children and members. The gardens surrounding the Flag Pole were glowing with the Loyalist Geraniums. DT/KBr

Despite the rain, members and guests of the Saskatchewan Branch, gathered at the Cairn next to the shore of Wascana Lake to celebrate the 11th annual UEL Day in Saskatchewan. Proclamations from the Government of Saskatchewan and City of Regina recognizing UEL Day in Saskatchewan and Regina were included in the program. The Loyalist Flag was flying proudly from the Premier's Balcony of the Legislative Building. Once again our period clothing caught the attention of many. With water lapping precariously close, we had a short program with the Anthems, greetings from Saskatchewan President Ken Mackenzie UE, greetings on behalf of Dominion Council, by Gerald Adair UE, Prairie Region VP, plus poems read by Logan Bjarnason UE and Lois Griffin UE, and a reading by member Lloyd Redick UE about the tradition of the Loyalist flag. Programs designed by the Bjarnasons were distributed to passers and onlookers. Twenty-five people, then retired to a restaurant (to get out of the rain) and have supper together. Prior to the arrival of our meals, the Adair's presented a slide show of "Catch the Spirit 2011" in Brockville plus the CD created by the Bay of Quinte Branch at the 2009 Conference re-enactment. GA/SBr

Bay of Quinte Branch held its annual UEL Day Flag Raising on Sunday June 19th, 2011 at the 1884 UEL Monument and Cemetery located on the grounds of the UEL Heritage Centre. Light refreshments were served at the museum.

Toronto Branch and Gov. Simcoe Branch joined forces to celebrate Loyalist Day. Joint member Donald Booth arranged for the Loyalist Flag to be flown on the Guest Flag Pole at Queen's Park. Other members from both branches staffed an exhibit and table at Black Creek Pioneer Village. On Father's Day weekend, coincident with Loyalist Day this year, a number of re-enactors including the Royal Yorkers, gather there to relive once again the Battle of Black Creek, a fictitious but Rev War period battle.

At the display we have a number of children's period games which tends to draw the younger, and young at heart, crowd. Others like to discover what we are about and still others, who already know, like to dig deeper. This year Karen Windover was persuaded to participate in one of the reenacted scenes, as one of the ladies who was being evicted by the Rebel Committee of Safety from a Tory house. While loyalists in the crowd, including a strong-voiced David Moore UE, chastised the rebels, Karen ably beat one of the rebels about the head with a broom. Don't mess with Karen! DG/GSBr

The Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch held their 44th AGM at the Philipsburg Legion Hall on the eighteenth with Raymond Ostiguy speaking on the "History of the Development at Mount Johnson, Particularly the History of the Evolution of the Johnson Family Vault Property."

This year the London and Western Ontario Branch celebrated Loyalist Day in Ontario on Saturday, June 11th at Eldon House, the home of Amelia Ryerse Harris whose father was Loyalist Samuel Ryerse. With some members of the London Chapter, Monarchist League, we viewed the DVD, "Loyalist Settlement in Canada", and then June Klassen UE gave a talk about the amazing life of Prince Philip whose 90th birthday was the day before. We enjoyed birthday cake and lemonade during the warm afternoon. JK/LWOBr

Once again Mayor Stephen Mandell declared the nineteenth to be United Empire Loyalist Day in Edmonton. However, due to inclement weather, the usual Edmonton Branch ceremony at the UEL Plaque on the Legislature Grounds was rained out. RR/EBr

Continuing tradition, Hamilton Branch held their 14th Ceremony of Remembrance to honour Loyalist ancestors on Saturday June 18 at Prince's Square, site of the impressive Loyalist monument. Blessed with beautiful weather, over 80 people assembled in the Square to view the ceremony which included the raising of the Loyalist flag. Over 25 costumed members laid wreaths emblazoned with the name of their Loyalist, as President Ray Cummins UE eloquently described the place of origin, occupation and area of settlement of each. Concluding this description of "Who Were the Loyalists?" , Dominion Past President, Fred Hayward UE gave a well-expressed synopsis of "What is a Loyalist?" with words of thanks to those who continue to give service and commitment to the Association, naming in particular John Chard, Elizabeth Hancocks, Doug Grant, Todd Braisted, Irene MacCrimmon and David Faux.

This year, the Loyalist Flag was flown at the Dundas municipal office as well as in Burlington, Oakville, and Halton Regional Offices. GO/HBr

Click here for pictures of the events at Black Creek and the Hamilton United Empire Loyalist monument; see also Loyalist Week Celebrations in New Brunswick (Loyalist Trails 2011-20).

Ontario's First Parliament Interpretive Centre Announced

Sheltered from the rain in the old Porsche dealership on Front Street at Berkeley, the Ontario Government announced on Thursday the next step in the ongoing efforts to honour the site of the first parliament buildings of Ontario, then Upper Canada.

In light of the rapidly approaching bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the burning of the first parliament buildings by invading American forces during following their attack on York in April of 1813, the purpose of this gathering was to announce plans to reuse the former Porsche dealership to house an interim First Parliament Interpretive Centre.

A large wrap covering the upper glass facade will identify the new centre, while exhibits will be installed where luxury sports cars were once showcased. The centre will open for Heritage Week next February when the Province begins its commemoration of the War of 1812.

For more details and some pictures, see this news article.

The Book of Negroes Controversy

Controversy continues to surround Lawrence Hill's 2007 novel, The Book of Negroes, the epic story of Aminata Diallo. With its reference to the 1783 ledger initiated by Sir Guy Carleton (Lord Dorchester), the award-winning book dramatizes the life of a girl from a West African village who is sold into slavery in South Carolina before finding freedom in New York and eventually among the Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia. This week Victoria's Times Colonist reports that the Dutch group Foundation to Honour and Restore Victims of Slavery in Suriname, led by Roy Groenberg, only burned the cover and not the entire novel as threatened on June 20 (see National Post). Readers may also be interested in a response from the author as printed in the Toronto Star on the 25th.

...FHH

2012 Jarvis Family Reunion

Descendants of Capt. Samuel Jarvis [1698-1779] of Huntington, N.Y. and CT will meet in Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario on the weekend of May 12-13, 2012. Events will include tours of battlegrounds Fort York, Queenston Heights, Fort George and dinner at St James Cathedral. For more information, please contact Bob.

...Bob Jarvis

Finding Ontario Ancestors: Workshop, Sat 6 Aug 2011

The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library are co-sponsoring "Finding Ontario Ancestors", a one-day summer workshop exploring the richness of Ontario records. Find out how to get the most from familiar records or discover a new source to expand your understanding of your Ontario ancestors. You'll enjoy this relaxed, information-packed day with speakers who revel in the intricacies and richness of records -- and love to share their knowledge. The workshop will be held in the Auditorium of the North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, at the North York Centre subway station.

View the flyer here. Early registration rates are available until 15 July 2011. Discounts are available for OGS members. For program, cost and registration details, go here. To check availability, call 416-733-2608 (voice mail) or e-mail info@torontofamilyhistory.org.

The Tech Side: Saving Information from Virus-Infected Optical and Flash Media – by Wayne Scott, UE

I have stressed quite often the merits of backing up your genealogy files. Many of us have cd's and dvd's full of records. We may have portable devices such as flash drives and external hard drives that we use to backup files or share amongst friends and relatives. This is an excellent thing to do and do often -- however there is a caveat.

The media we use for backing up our precious information must be checked often for viruses and other malware. If there is a Trojan Horse (Malware that lies dormant until triggered into action) on the computer that you are using, when external media is initiated on this computer, the malware will propagate to the new media. This can happen when showing friends or relatives your information. Libraries and public computers are particularly notorious for spreading viruses in this manner. When you insert infected media into your computer, the malware spreads to its new home.

Let's assume that you have a current antivirus software program that runs automatically on your computer. When you insert an infected device your antivirus software should detect the virus and prevent the media from loading. But there are files on there that you need. What can you do?

You could try to clean the virus off the media. This might work with a flash drive, however there is no guarantee that all the information on that drive will survive the cleansing process. Most often the data on your flash drive will survive. When it comes to the cd's and dvd's that many people use to back up their data, they usually find that when the writing process was finished on the media, the media was closed. You cannot write on these storage devices, therefore, you cannot get rid of the malware.

There is an easy solution and a process that is more time consuming. For the easy solution, hopefully you have an Apple computer or know someone who does. Since most viruses tend to by system specific, the virus will not spread to the Apple computer. You would need to have the software on the Mac (Apple) that the information was written in to access and save it on a clean media disc. If a Mac is not in your possession, and you don't know someone who can help, let's go to plan B.

In preparation, disable AutoPlay. For instructions specific to your computer, do a Google search, i.e. "disable AutoPlay for Windows XP". Some experts suggest that the AutoPlay function should be disabled all the time. Quite likely your search will lead you to the program TweakUI. This is a free Microsoft power toy. Once installed, run the program. Navigate the left pane to My Computer then find AutoPlay and drives. Uncheck "enable autoplay for removable drives". When you are finished with the cleansing process, you can follow the same procedure to check the "enable autoplay" feature if you want this process to run automatically. Some heavy duty help will be needed with the virus. Download programs such as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. When you run them, make sure to update the malware files.

Now it is time to insert the infected disc into the drive. With AutoPlay off, the drive will not download the virus to your computer. Run the anti-virus programs you just downloaded. When you find that the threat is no longer there, you can download the files you want.

Once you have removed and safely saved the files you want, you need to completely erase the virus from the optical media or flash drive. With a flash drive a good program that will completely wipe your drive clean. Eraser is an open source software designed for windows. The company maintains that it will erase files from a flash drive that cannot be resurrected.

When it comes to the cd's and dvd's, it is suggested that you take the time to abrade the surface with sandpaper or cut the media into small pieces. This last solution can be dangerous as shards of hard plastic can injure you as they fly around. A virus is a gift that keeps on giving. Don't be the one to keep spreading it.

One final thought, when all else fails, get your grandchild to give you a hand with getting rid of this problem.

You can email Wayne Scott to get in touch with questions or comments.

Loyalist Directory Challenge III, Until May 31, 2012

Once again our benefactors, who are keen to see us present more of our Loyalist heritage, and thus help promote and preserve it, have instigated a challenge for the Loyalist Directory, and have contributed some funds with that intent.

A raffle will be held at the "Conference at the Confluence" UELAC 2012 conference, June 7-10 in Winnipeg hosted by Manitoba Branch. Tickets to the raffle can be earned by "contributing" information to the Loyalist Directory.

The basis of the challenge:

1. A ticket will be placed into the draw for anyone who organizes and submits a loyalist certificate application, or an equivalent amount of data, into the Loyalist Directory. The certificates could be new ones, or with the cooperation of the Branch genealogist, could be old ones from the branch which would entail getting permission.

2. Two tickets for each set of data: 1 for gathering including permission, and 1 for preparing the data for loading to the directory.

3. The winners can direct their prize to their choice of a branch or UELAC project (scholarship fund, etc.).

4. Five Prizes of $100 each - each winner is limited to one prize.

5. Time Period: Information submitted or posted since 1 June 2011 and before May 31, 2012.

6. The draw to take place at Conference 2012 in Winnipeg.

...Doug Grant, Chair, Loyalist Information Committee

Additions to the Loyalist Directory

As time permits, we add information to the Loyalist Directory. The latest additions and updates are as follows:
- Hart, Josiah - from Elizabeth Maize
- Morris, Richard - from Elizabeth Maize
- Tague, Jacob - from David Clark

Queries

Seeking Proofs for William as Son of Jonathon Silverthorpe

I am a descendant of Thomas Silverthorne, Sr. His son Jonathon, b 18 Feb 1773, & wife Mary Magdale had a son William, b July 31 1811, as noted on pg 1223 of the"History of the Silverthorne Family" by Frank Fremont Reed & the source is noted as FB (family bible). Also in this history, on pg 1143, it notes the bible was handed down in the family to Mahlon, Aaron, John Clayton & Harold. Am searching for confirmation of this birth, & wonder if anyone has access to the family bible?

William d 15 Dec 1885, but have been unable to locate a death record that might list parents. William married Catherine Buchner d/o Lewis Buchner & Mary Lemon 9 Aug 1831 in Crowland Twp., Welland Co. Their 4th child, Lewis b 19 Nov 1839 married Margaret Ritchie Crombie in 1869 in Windham Twp., Norfolk Co. Their son William Leslie, b 7 Oct 1870 was my grandfather. Any leads greatly appreciated.

...Gloria Stennett, UE

United Empire Loyalist Trail

Submitted by Fran Harrop, a series of eight recreational opportunities within easy driving distance of Stewart, British Columbia and Hyder, Alaska are described. Scroll down this page to the fifth item to see the "United Empire Loyalist Trail". The description reads: "A steep trail that follows along the Bear River then climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the Bear River Valley and Stewart (1km). Beyond the viewpoint an un-maintained, rough and difficult route continues climbing to the site of the old United Empire Loyalist mine at 4.3 km and then onto the Bear River ridge and alpine at 7.3 km."

Does anyone have any further information about this mine (and why it is called the "United Empire Loyalist mine")?

...Editor