London & Western Ontario Branch of the United Empire Loyalists
An organization for History Buffs and Descendants of Loyalists whose ancestors fled to Canada from 1775-1784 during and after the War of Independence when the 13 Colonies became independant from Britain. Over 3 million Canadians are Loyalist descendants.
Are you a descendant of a United Empire Loyalist?
Click here for to learn more about the United Empire Loyalists
Canada’s First Refugees
To escape persecution by the American Patriots, approxamately 40,000 Loyalists fled the 13 Colonies to British North America (Canada). Over 30,000 Loyalists settled in the Maritimes Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Cape Breton, and St. John’s Island (PEI today ). Roughly 7,500 settled in Ontario along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and Niagara, and about 2,000 in Quebec.
We are interested. Tell us what you know about your Loyalist Ancestor => click here
Meet Vanessa, our Branch Genealogist
Vanessa was raised in a family of genealogists. It is little wonder Vanessa caught the bug in her teens. This passion in her own heritage drew her to the UEL Association in 1983, when after a few months she became Branch Genealogist at the Bay of Quinte Branch. From 1986 – present, Vanessa has served as the Dominion Genealogist for all branches of UEL in Canada. Vanessa has nine Loyalist ancestors and is always happy to help others find their roots.
Proving your Loyalist Ancestry
Here are the steps involved in proving your Loyalist Ancestry => click here for more information
The Application Process
If you have a question about obtaining your certificate, then send an email to Vanessa => click here
A Practice Descendant Form
Print this blank form and enter all the names that go back to your Loyalist ancestor => click here to print a blank form A collection of some interesting genealogical sites aand on-line websites that may assist you to prove your Loyalist ancestors => c lick here for sites
An Opportunity. Consider joining London & Western Ontario Branch
- For those interested in family genealogy.
- Prove you are related to a Loyalist.
- Our Branch Genealogist can assist
- Receive your Loyalist Certificate
- Regular meetings
- For those interested American Revolution era
- Meet with like minded people => click here to Learn about Joining London & Western Otario UEL Branch
What members say: Gerry Tordiff 
I joined in 1986, and what London & Western Ontario branch of UEL offered me over the years was a friendly environment where like minded people can meet and learn. The bonus is that we are often learning historical background related to our own ancestors. “How good is that!” Ted Smith UE 
I started attending UEL meetings over 25 years ago to find out the history of my UEL ancestor’s migration to Canada. The Branch UEL Genealogist was most helpful in assisting me to research and document my ancestors’ historical facts when I applied for my three UEL certificates. Thomas Heit UE 
I am an American from Iowa USA. In 1776, my 5th Great Grandfather, Rev Jonathan Ashley, was a Loyalist living in Deerfield MA. His son Jonathan Jr. was imprisoned, because he would not swear an oath to the patriot cause. As a Loyalist descendant, I applied and received my certification from the United Empire Loyalists of Canada London Branch. I would encourage others who are descendants of UE Loyalists. It is an rewarding exercise in genealogy, worth pursuing. To know more about my family => click here to know more
London & Western Ontario Branch Certificates Since 1973 issued and still counting the number of different Loyalists ancestors: 241 Number of certificates proven by their Loyalist descendants: 421