John Graves Simcoe
John Graves Simcoe
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Jan. 8, 2025 |
“My 8th-Great-Grandfather” — Presentation by Carl Stymiest UE Wednesday, January 8, at 7:30pm – on Zoom; Register here < https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkdu-rqz4rHtG0rYX2k7-PxXRCtYvm6hul >
Carl will delve into the intriguing life of his ancestor, Anthony van Salee, known as "The Turk." Van Salee was an early settler of New Amsterdam (modern-day Manhattan) and is believed to be the first Muslim in New York. His story is a cornerstone of Stymiest's broader family narrative, detailed in the 2001 publication, Down by the Old Mill Stream: A Stymiest Chronicle. The presentation highlights van Salee's complex legacy as a prominent yet controversial figure in the fledgling Dutch colony, marked by his landholdings, legal disputes, and eventual banishment from the city. Despite his challenges, van Salee became one of the largest landowners on Long Island and left a lasting impact on the region. His descendants include notable American families such as the Vanderbilts, Whitneys, and Roosevelts. Carl also shares his personal journey of discovering this lineage through DNA testing, leading to a meaningful reunion with a distant cousin in Morocco. This connection not only enriches his understanding of his heritage but also underscores the diverse and global roots of his family history. The presentation concludes with a genealogical chart tracing the Stymiest family's descent from van Salee, emphasizing the enduring significance of this ancestor in shaping their identity. Carl Stymiest, UE, a distinguished educator and genealogist, has made significant contributions throughout his career. Born in Miramichi, New Brunswick, he pursued a passion for history, leading to a teaching career in British Columbia, where he excelled as a Master Teacher and curriculum writer. His work on the Pacific Rim Social Studies Program remains a notable achievement. After a 32-year teaching career, Carl transitioned to university instruction before retiring in 2016. In retirement, his focus shifted to genealogy, completing a 42-year research project that traced his family's lineage to seventeen United Empire Loyalists. This passion earned him certifications as a Professional Genealogist CG(C) and led to the publication of his family history, "Down By the Old Mill Stream: A Stymiest Chronicle." His extensive family genealogical research took a fresh turn when he decided to have his autosomal DNA, followed by his mitochondrial and Big-Y-700 DNA testing. A new world opened to him in genealogy that led to this family genealogy story presentation today. Carl has been deeply involved with the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC) since 1999, holding numerous leadership roles with the Vancouver branch, and serves as the UELAC Archivist since 2015. Since 2023, he is UELAC President. Carl received the UELAC Dorchester Award in 2015. His dedication also extends to local volunteerism in Vancouver, particularly in hospice/palliative care, and acting as the Vancouver Bereavement Walking Group Co-ordinator. Another volunteer position Carl participates is the Vancouver West End Seniors' Network where he teaches Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Genealogy and, on Fridays, gives of his time at their local Thrift Shop, a not-for-profit society helping lower income seniors. Throughout his life, Carl has remained committed to education, community service, and the preservation of history through genealogy and volunteerism. |
Feb. 1, 2025 |
Potluck, Auction & Speaker Saturday, Feb. 1st, 11:30am - 3:30pm Details
Program
The potlucks are special occasions and lots of fun. Do join us if you can. |
Mar. 5, 2025 |
“TBA” — Presentation by TBA Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30pm – on Zoom
Details will be posted when they are available. |
Dec. 4, 2024 |
“The Royal Family and the Loyalist Legacy” — Presentation by Garry Toffoli Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30pm – on Zoom The presentation will consider the Royal Family and the Loyalist Legacy of the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and its aftermath. Garry will treat the three as parts of one overarching struggle for Canada's monarchical / loyalist identity in North America. Garry Toffoli is Vice-Chairman & Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He is also the Toronto-Hamilton Chairman of the English Speaking Union of Canada and a member of several royalty-related groups, including the Monarchist League of Canada and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, 1900-2002 and Royal Tours 1786-2010: Home To Canada. His first novel, Ruritania on the Rideau, was published in 2015. |
Nov. 6, 2024 |
“Loyalists In My Family Tree” — Presentation by Janet Hodgkins, UE Wednesday, November 6, at 7:30pm – on Zoom Zachariah Hainer, John Brown, Robert Cook, Jacob Ott, Casper Ramey, Joseph Doan, and of course the notorious outlaw Aaron Doan are the seven proven Loyalist ancestors nesting in the family tree of Janet Hodgkins, UE. She didn't always know they were there. In her presentation Janet will explain how she discovered them, who they were and what happened to them. Janet belongs to the Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch where she is Programme Chair and a Director. She is the long-time president of the Wainfleet Historical Society. Janet grew up in Wainfleet where she and her husband, David Fowler, raised their two sons and where they still live on part of her grandparents' farm, close to the land grants of all seven of her Loyalist ancestors. |
Oct. 2, 2024 |
“A Loyalist Roblin Descendant Makes Legal History” — Presentation by Drew von Hasselbach Wednesday, October 2, at 7:30pm – on Zoom The Loyalist Roblin family descends from Philip Roblin (1746-1788), who settled near what is now Napanee in Eastern Ontario. If the family name rings a bell, it's probably because two of his descendants went on to become premiers of Manitoba, including Duff Roblin. But there is another, more obscure descendant who holds a unique place in legal history, in one of the most remarkable and overlooked cases in Ontario law. Lawyer and journalist Drew von Hasselbach brings us the story of Jehiel Roblin (1833-1870), a humble customs inspector who, in 1861, vouched for his friend's bona fides on a marriage licence application. "Vouching" meant Jehiel promised to pay the Crown 200 pounds if it later turned out his friend's marriage wasn't legally proper. And as you might expect in this story of loyalists, lovers, licences, lawyers and legal liabilities, that's exactly what happened. Not long after the marriage, a legal problem emerged, and Jehiel found himself in court in the case of R. v. Roblin. Drew von Hasselbach is a lawyer and journalist who has been conducting genealogical research for more than 30 years. He received a Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies in October 2022. He has experience researching records in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Germany, and Eastern Europe, and he reads English, French, German, and Latin. Since 2017, Drew has been with Global News, where he is currently head of the copy desk, supervising a team of editors who review stories before publication on the web and training reporters on news writing techniques. Outside of work, you might find him playing guitar with other journalists in the band Conrad Black Sabbath. |
Sept. 4, 2024 |
“Richard Lippincott UEL and the Denisons” — Presentation by James Arnett Wednesday, September 4, at 7:30pm – on Zoom
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Monday, August 5, 2024 |
Celebrate Simcoe Day at Fort York Gov. Simcoe Branch returns to Fort York after the Covid epidemic. The Fort like other Toronto Museums went through a program restructuring as a result of the epidemic but is not moving back towards its historical purpose. Our Branch had an exhibit to celebrate Simcoe Day and Emancipation Day and Emancipation Month. |
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 |
Celebrate Ontario's Loyalist Day with Gov. Simcoe and Toronto Branches Tuesday, June 18 – at Queen's Park (in-person only) Loyalist Day is June 19th. This in-person Ontario Loyalist Day event will take place at Queen's Park (the facility is not available on June 19th). Join members and guests at the Guest Flag Pole, in front of Queen's Park, for a flag-raising ceremony in celebration of Loyalist Day in Ontario. This outdoor event will last roughly 45-60 minutes. The program will be followed by a reception within Queen's Park. People attending the reception will probably need to register in advance. More details to come. |
May 29, 2024 |
“The Northern Brigade Later in the Revolution” — Presentation by Gavin Watt Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30pm – on Zoom The Northern Brigade would be supported by a few British Regular regiments and the 84th's first battalion. The brigade included these loyalist regiments - Royal Yorkers, Butler's Rangers, Jessup's Loyal Rangers and Roger's 2nd Bn, King's Rangers. Sir John Johnson was the brigadier general of those loyalists as well as the Superintendent General of Northern Indians with the Six Nations' and Seven Nations of Canada's departments and their large numbers of rangers. Johnson had a very heavy responsibility. Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area, has been retired from his working career for more than ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, and until 2017 continued his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authored or co-authored several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey — 13 August 1777 — The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley — The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of "best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as a former Honorary Vice-President of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it. |
May 1, 2024 |
“The Young George Washington” — Presentation by Sam Davis Wednesday, May 1, at 7:30pm – on Zoom
ChatGPT (AI) describes the Younger George Washington: “Before 1770, George Washington was a surveyor, farmer, and landowner in Virginia. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, advocating for colonial rights. As a militia colonel during the French and Indian War, his leadership and bravery gained recognition. These experiences laid the groundwork for his future leadership roles.” There was more to Washington's youth than being a militia colonel. One might wonder:
Samuel Davis grew up in Trenton NJ and graduated from Trenton High School, where he later taught science for 36 years and was the strength coach for 30 years. A member of the Sons of the American Revolution, he is, like George Washington, a Freemason. He frequently portrays George Washington for groups and events. |
Apr. 6, 2024 |
Potluck and Auction Saturday, April 6, 11:30am - 3:30pm Details
Program
The potlucks are special occasions and lots of fun. Do join us if you can. |
Mar. 6, 2024 |
Gov Simcoe Branch AGM plus “The Life of a Loyalist in Vermont” — Presentation by Paul Warner Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30pm – St. David's Church & on Zoom Did you know that Vermont was a self-declared independent republic from 1777 to 1791, that it was not part of the so-called United States of America? Did you know that there were negotiations that, had they been successful, would have made Vermont our eleventh province? The life of a Loyalist in Vermont was unlike that of a Loyalist anywhere else in the colonies. We're going to hear the story of Colonel Samuel Wells and his family, as a starting point for understanding what it was like to be a Loyalist in the Vermont Republic. Paul Warner: In an earlier life, Paul was a mining company executive and consultant whose career took him to live in seven countries and to work in many more. Now, in retirement, much of his work is as a family historian, and he's been blessed with some interesting history to work with. His paternal ancestors played a central role in building what is now the Beaches. His maternal ancestors include both Loyalists and so-called "Patriots," and he's related by marriage to the famous feuding Hatfields and McCoys. |
Feb. 7, 2024 |
“Scandal, Slavery and Survival” — Presentation by Carol Ufford and Dawn Kelly Wednesday, February 7, at 7:30pm – on Zoom Carol Ufford and Dawn Kelly return with more fascinating stories from New France -- unusual deaths, illegitimate children, and of course a little witchcraft and murder. As they tell the stories, Carol and Dawn will show some of the resources they used to trace their family histories. Dawn Kelly has been a radio newscaster for 39 years, and has spent the past 25 of them writing and reading national newscasts at The Canadian Press. While researching her Irish roots Dawn discovered she is French-Canadian. She has written about many of her ancestors on a blog she started as a pandemic project. Dawn is currently Vice-Chair of the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society. Carol Ufford is a retired librarian and has been researching her family history off and on for over 30 years. Since retiring in 2016, she has been able to devote more time to her hobby and has made great progress on her family history story. Her family has deep roots in Ontario, but she is jealous of her husband's deep French-Canadian roots on his father's side, which include 35 Filles à Marier and 34 Filles du Roi. Carol is currently Chair of the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society. In 2021 Carol and Dawn won the Members' Choice Award from the Toronto Branch of Ontario Ancestors for their presentations on New France. |
Jan. 3, 2024 |
“The Winter of Discontent” — Presentation by Jean Rae Baxter Wednesday, January 3, at 7:30pm – on Zoom Jean Rae Baxter's new historical novel, Battle on the Ice, focuses on the invasion of Pelee Island in 1838 by an illegal American army. This was a time when Upper Canada stood on the brink of civil war. Attachment to Britain ran deep in the hearts of those whose Loyalist grandparents had fled or been driven from their homes in the Thirteen Colonies. In the 1830s, very few in Upper Canada had any interest in Upper Canada becoming a republic like the United State. But many deplored the system that had developed, in which an entrenched group of privileged families—the Family Compact—enjoyed for themselves all the province's wealth and power. This was the political climate of that time. South of the border, William Lyon Mackenzie, in exile after the failure of his attempt at revolution, convinced American sympathizers that most Canadians would welcome an invasion that would set them free. In late February, 1838, an American armed force crossed the ice from Sandusky, Ohio, and invaded defenceless Pelee Island. Although the political situation in Upper Canada had not reached the state of brother against brother, it was getting close. Loyalty ran deep, but it was like the ice on Lake Erie that winter, fifteen inches thick, except in those places where currents had hollowed it out from underneath. In those spots, those trusting it were on very thin ice. Jean Rae Baxter is the descendant of settlers who arrived in New France in the 17th century, Loyalists who came here in the 1780s, and immigrants from Germany in the 19th century. There were many family stories to awaken her interest in Canada's history. Baxter's historical fiction has won wide recognition. In 2022 she was nominated for the Governor General's History Award for Popular Media: the Pierre Berton Award. She has received the Hamilton Arts Council Award for Young Adult Literature as well as a City of Hamilton Heritage Award for her writing. Her books have been shortlisted for the Ontario Library Association's Red Maple Award and British Columbia's Stellar Award. She has received an Honourable Mention at Boston's New England Book Festival. |
Wed., Dec. 6, 2023 |
Christmas Meeting: “Monarchy in Movies” plus Christmas Anecdotes, by Garry Tofffoli Wednesday, December 6, at 7:30pm – St. David's Church & on Zoom For over a century, since the earliest silent films, monarchy has been a subject exlpored in cinema. Both sympathetic and hostile portrayals of royalty have been presented. The films have included dramas, comedies and musicals, with adventure, romance, politics, intrigue and humour among the elements in the stories. From King David to Queen Elizabeth II, from fantasy rulers to famous monarchs, the realm of the screen has embraced them all. This presentation will look at that long history in English language film productions, and how the theme of kingship has been addressed from cultural, historical and political perspectives. For a Christmas touch, Garry will talk briefly about some personal Christmas anecdotes, mostly humorous. Garry Toffoli is Vice-Chairman & Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He is also the Toronto-Hamilton Chairman of the English Speaking Union of Canada and a member of several royalty-related groups, including the Monarchist League of Canada and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, 1900-2002 and Royal Tours 1786-2010: Home To Canada. His first novel, Ruritania on the Rideau, was published in 2015. |
Wed., Nov. 1, 2023 |
“Prelude to Brandywine: Loyalists, Hessians, the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, and a Fateful Council of War” — Presentation by Joshua Loper Wednesday, November 1, at 7:30pm The Battle of Brandywine, fought just outside of Philadelphia on September 11, 1777, resulted in an overarching British victory and the conquest of the rebel seat of government. More troops fought at Brandywine than at any other battle of the American Revolution. It was also the second longest single-day battle of the war, after the Battle of Monmouth, with continuous fighting for 11 hours. However, this presentation is not about Brandywine, but some of the events leading up to it. Joshua made a great presentation in May, mixing historical facts, debunking myths, adding some humour. This presentation will undoubtedly be in the same vein. Our branch's namesake, John Graves Simcoe, participated in this battle. Joshua Peter Loper, DPS, W1812S, SF&IW, SAR, DMWV, SUV, SSAWV, SFWW, SSWW, BS, CJ(cert), UE, MBP(e), MBP(s), CCHS, ALK, is a historian, published author, and educator of many years. He is currently the Director of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation/the Delaware Military Museum. He is also the Executive Director of the George Washington Witness Tree of Delaware Museum. He has a lifelong love of history, especially the American Revolution. |
Wed., Oct. 4, 2023 |
“The United Empire Loyalists: Early Settlers in Ontario” — Presentation by Jo Ann Tuskin Wednesday, October 4th, at 7:30pm – St. David's Church & on Zoom The presentation on “The United Empire Loyalists: Early Settlers in Ontario” will cover who and where and why, migration and settlement, and Jo Ann's family's journey. Jo Ann Tuskin, U.E., B.A., B.Ed., OCT, became interested in her Scottish heritage while doing her family tree at Toronto Teachers' College in the early 1960s. In 2008 she submitted the documentary proof to the UELAC and received a UE certificate to Catharine Reid Munro Leech, one of the few women who are Loyalist in their own right. In 2020, she put together a Genealogical Proof Argument and received a certificate for a second ancestor, Jesse Purdy. Jo Ann is currently the Secretary for two Scottish groups. She earned her B.A. and B.Ed. from York University in Toronto while teaching full-time. After retirement, she taught Kindergarten in Turkey at a Private International School for four years, and currently is an Occasional Teacher for the Toronto Catholic District School Board – a teaching career that spans 60 years! Jo Ann also does classroom presentations about the Loyalists and wears her historic costume at every opportunity. She is secretary for both Gov. Simcoe Branch and for UELAC, and manages Membership for the branch as well. |
Wed., Sept. 6, 2023 |
General Discussion Wednesday, September 6, at 7:30pm – on Zoom (virtual-only) Our scheduled speaker was unable to participate at the last minute (his presentation has been rescheduled for November 1st). Under the leadership of Jo-Ann Leake and Jo Ann Tuskin, a general discussion ensued, covering a number of topics including the branch, UELAC, genealogy etc. |
June 19, 2023 |
Celebrate Ontario's Loyalist Day with Gov. Simcoe and Toronto Branches Monday, June 19, at 7:30pm – on Zoom In the fall of 1997 Loyalist Day in Ontario was proclaimed and the first celebration held on 19 June 1998. The preamble reads:
Join with us - all are welcome - as we honour our Loyalist ancestors. The program will include:
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May 3, 2023 |
“The Battle for Western Jersey: The Battles of Quinton's Bridge and the Hancock House” — Presentation by Joshua Loper Wednesday, May 3, at 7:30pm – on Zoom These two battles are both almost comical on one hand and heartbreaking on the other. A thunderstorm of epic proportions, charging a bridge, a midnight attack, a pregnant woman, and gunshot-terrified cavalry horses...These events lead to the culmination of our story. Artifacts of the campaign will be included. Joshua Peter Loper, DPS, W1812S, SF&IW, SAR, DMWV, SUV, SSAWV, SFWW, SSWW, BS, CJ(cert), UE, MBP(e), MBP(s), CCHS, ALK Historian Joshua Loper grew up in Salem and Cumberland County, New Jersey. He specializes in Early America history - the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The Loper family are direct Mayflower, Half Moon, and Kalmar Nyckel descendants Joshua joined Gov. Simcoe Branch in 2021 and was subsequently appointed to our Board of Directors. He has both Loyalist and Patriot (Rebel) ancestors. He and his family live in Wilmington, Delaware. |
Apr. 1, 2023 |
Potluck and Auction Saturday, April 1, at 11:30AM (potluck at 12:15PM) Our spring potluck and auction has been a fun activity each year for forty years, perhaps more. Traditionally held at Montgomery Inn, the annual ritual was broken in 2020 when the Covid pandemic was in early days of lock-down. This year, 2023, the potluck has returned but in a new location – our usual meeting place at St. David's Hall – and as a luncheon. For several years until the pandemic we have done a February potluck luncheon at St. David's, so this is not entirely new. This will be our first in-person-only event (with no virtual meeting) in three years. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home a raffle prize. Or buy that little item on the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. Share a Loyalist-related anecdote, a research challenge as we do a round-table. |
Mar. 1, 2023 |
“Murder & Mayhem, Settlers & Sinners, Colonists & Criminals: More Thrilling Stories from New France” — Presentation by Carol Ufford and Dawn Kelly Wednesday, March 1, at 7:30pm – on Zoom Carol Ufford and Dawn Kelly return with more fascinating stories from New France -- unusual deaths, illegitimate children, and of course a little witchcraft and murder. As they tell the stories, Carol and Dawn will show some of the resources they used to trace their family histories. Dawn Kelly is a veteran radio newscaster. In 1998, after 13-years moving town-to-town, up-and-down the dial in private radio, she signed on as a national newscaster at The Canadian Press. Dawn has won multiple national awards for her broadcasts as well as a Finalist Award from the New York Festival for Outstanding Achievement. She started searching for her Irish ancestors many years ago only to discover she has deep French-Canadian and Acadian roots. Carol Ufford is a retired librarian and has been researching her family history off and on for over 30 years. Since retiring in 2016, she has been able to devote more time to her hobby and has made great progress on her family history story. Her family has deep roots in Ontario, but she is jealous of her husband's deep French-Canadian roots on his father's side, which include 35 Filles à Marier and 34 Filles du Roi. Carol is currently Chair of the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society. In 2021 Carol and Dawn won the Members' Choice Award from the Toronto Branch of Ontario Ancestors for their presentations on New France. |
Feb. 1, 2023 |
“Three Loyalist Heroes: Robert Land, Isaac Ferriss & John Cornwall” — Presentation by Ruth Nicholson Wednesday, February 1, at 7:30pm These three heroes share their lives and stories in common terms with many of our early people. They are stories of war, espionage, escape and love. All these stories connect to early life in Upper Canada. Through their acts and lives we are now a country called Canada and though we share many common elements with our neighbours to the South, we are a separate identity, formed through steadfast will and might, keeping our line drawn at the 49th parallel. Ruth will share her research with you into the lives of just three of these stories. Robert Land is well known in the Hamilton area and books have been written about his service to the Crown and his troubled and eventful life. Issac Ferris was only 17 years old when he took on an act of bravery for General Brock and Chief Tecumseh. John Cornwall was a learned man and helped develop law and order in this new land. You will leave with a feeling of pride and happiness as you reflect on how their lives have influenced our lives today. Ruth Nicholson, UE has agricultural roots: born & raised in Essex County, Ontario. All four of her proven Loyalist ancestors are from The New Settlement, the NW side of Lake Erie. They are: Jacob Arner, John Cornwall, Joseph Ferriss & Henry Wright. Ruth is past president of the Hamilton Branch UELAC and has been Chair of the Dominion Conference Committee since 2013. She has been asked to speak across the province from Kingsville to Kingston and has given numerous educational presentations. Ruth taught elementary school for 44 years with The Halton Board of Education. She has been recognized both provincially and at the Board level with awards for innovation and creativity in education. Ruth enjoys her vegetable garden, turning the harvest into pickles & preserves, baking & painting with her 11 year old granddaughter & golfing with her husband. |
Jan. 11, 2023 |
“Fort Frontenac: The Rise and Fall of New France's Key to the West” — Presentation by Jean Rae Baxter Wednesday, January 11, at 7:30pm – on Zoom It all began with the beaver. The City of Kingston owes its existence to the beaver. If it were not for the beaver, Fort Frontenac would never have been built. And if Fort Frontenac had not been built, there would have been no settlement at Cataraqui. But in every European country, wealthy gentlemen and military officers wore hats made from beaver felt. All Europe ran "mad as a hatter" for the beaver. It was competition for the fur trade that led to the construction of Fort Frontenac. Because the English paid more, in trade goods, than the French, both hunters and middlemen started taking the furs to the English, not to the French. To block competition from the English, France needed to establish forts that would serve as trading posts in locations much closer at hand than English trading posts such as Albany to the south and Hudson Bay to the north. This is where the famous explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier de LaSalle enters the story. It was LaSalle who chose the site where Fort Frontenac would be built. By choosing this site, he was choosing the spot where Kingston stands today. Count Frontenac, Governor of New France, approved the site and built the first wooden fort. But it was LaSalle who in 1675 rebuilt the little wooden fort into a real fortress, which for the rest of his life he used as home base for his expeditions of discovery. This presentation follows the fortunes of Fort Frontenac over the centuries. How it was knocked down, rebuilt, abandoned, rebuilt, blown up, rebuilt again, destroyed by the British in the last days of New France, and finally became the site for the Loyalist settlement at Cataraqui following the American Revolution. Today, disrupted by digging in the construction of utilities and buried under streets and buildings, there is little of the historic old fort to be seen. In my presentation, I dig up three hundred years of history. Jean Rae Baxter is the descendant of settlers who arrived in New France in the 17th century, Loyalists who came here in the 1780s, and immigrants from Germany in the 19th century. There were many family stories to awaken her interest in Canada's history. Baxter's historical fiction has won wide recognition. In 2022 she was nominated for the Governor General's History Award for Popular Media: the Pierre Berton Award. She has received the Hamilton Arts Council Award for Young Adult Literature as well as a City of Hamilton Heritage Award for her writing. Her books have been shortlisted for the Ontario Library Association's Red Maple Award and British Columbia's Stellar Award. She has received an Honourable Mention at Boston's New England Book Festival. Three of her six novels based on Loyalist History have received the Moonbeam Awards for Young Adult Historical Fiction: In 2011 Freedom Bound was awarded the Bronze Medal. In 2012 Broken Trail won the Gold Medal, and just a few months ago, in October 2022, her latest book, The Knotted Rope, won the Silver. Jean is especially proud of these three medals—Gold, Silver and Bronze—because the Moonbeam Awards are American, and she writes Loyalist history from an unswervingly Canadian point of view. |
Dec. 7, 2022 |
“A Biography of Charles William Jefferys” — Presentation by Richard Fiennes-Clinton Wednesday, December 7, at 7:30pm – In-person and on Zoom Charles William Jefferys was an illustrator who is best remembered for his drawings, sketches and paintings of Canadian history. In the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, he published several books of meticulously researched historical imagery. This work included information about the United Empire Loyalists. Later critics have objected that Jefferys' work is "too old fashioned", or not culturally sensitive enough. In this biography, we will examine this part of his legacy too, and explore the lasting value of Jeffery's work. Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for many years. He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called Muddy York: A History of Toronto Until 1834. Richard has made a number of presentations to Gov. Simcoe Branch on a variety of topics related to the history of Toronto. The well-researched content is presented on numerous slides; his rapid presentation style allows him to cover a lot of material. |
Nov. 2, 2022 |
“The English Language Goes To War” — Presentation by Garry Toffoli Wednesday, November 2, at 7:30pm – In-person and on Zoom This presentation will discuss how monarchs, government ministers, the armed forces and the media have used the English language throughout the history of war to initiate, communicate, celebrate and commemorate conflicts, both positively and negatively, in praise and in sorrow, and how wars have in turn left a legacy on the idioms and usages of the language itself. Garry Toffoli is Vice-Chairman & Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He is also the Toronto-Hamilton Chairman of the English Speaking Union of Canada and a member of several royalty-related groups, including the Monarchist League of Canada and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Royal Tours 1786 - 2010: Home To Canada". His first novel, "Ruritania on the Rideau, was published in 2015. |
Oct. 5, 2022 |
“The Price Of Loyalty” — Presentation by Gail Copeland Wednesday, October 5, at 7:30pm – on Zoom "I am pleased to be able to share my writing journey with you. My fourth great-grandfather was a United Empire Loyalist who left New Jersey at the age of fifteen, along with his older brother, to find land in what is now Thorold, Ontario. I'd like to tell you about the real-life people whose story inspired me to delve deeper. I am an avid genealogist and when I couldn't find enough facts about what happened to these two boys, I set out to write about what might have been. I spent a couple of years researching and when I could finally visualize everything in my mind, I was ready. Please join me in learning about how it started, who my characters are in real life, why they had to leave the only home they'd ever known, the hardships many of our ancestors would have endured just getting to the British Colonies and the difficulties they found once they arrived. I'll also talk about my self-publishing journey and how it ultimately got me to this point. Finally, I'll let you know about the sequel I'm working on which continues during the War of 1812. I'd highly recommend reading the Price of Loyalty before the presentation so I won't be giving anything away should you decide to read it later! The eBook and soft cover books are available through Amazon.ca." Gail Copeland was born and raised in Ontario. She graduated from Ryerson University with an English Major. While not a huge fan of history in school. As an adult she found a passion for uncovering her family roots. Her 4th great-grandfather was a United Empire Loyalist. He left New Jersey, at the age of fifteen, to tramp through the wilderness in search of A new home is what is n ow known as Thorold, Ontario. This could be his story and will appeal to anyone wanting to know more about life in the late 1700's. Having two sons of her own, Gail found it hard to imagine any mother being forced to send her teenage boys into the forest alone and not see them for two years. |
Sept. 7, 2022 |
“Fascinating Facts from Loyalist History” — Presentation by Stephen Davidson Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 7:30pm – on Zoom Whether you are new to the story of the Loyalists or it is a treasured part of your family's heritage, there is always something new to learn about Canada's refugee founders. Historian and author Stephen Davidson has compiled 25 facts from Loyalist history that may have escaped the notice of your Canadian history teachers — facts that prove to be far more fascinating than many of the myths that have clung to these "friends of the king" over the centuries. Stephen Davidson UE – One set of Stephen's Loyalist ancestors were aboard the Union, the flag ship of the spring fleet that arrived at the mouth of the St. John River in 1783. His 1975 bachelor's thesis on an aspect of Black Loyalist history became the basis for his contribution to Volume VII of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. In addition to submissions to The Loyalist Gazette and more than 795 articles for Loyalist Trails, Stephen's research has appeared in multiple genealogy periodicals, a national children's magazine, The Beaver, and a number of Maritime newspapers. He served as a consultant for two websites created by the University of New Brunswick (Black Loyalists in New Brunswick and Loyalist Women in New Brunswick), spoke at two national historical conferences, served as Peter C. Newman's consultant and researcher, and authored two books on Black Loyalists. Stephen and his wife live in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, where they raised two daughters and now enjoy the proximity of their two grandsons. |
June 19, 2022 |
Loyalist Day — Celebration with Toronto Branch Sunday, June 19, 10am – on Zoom June 19th is the official day formally established by the Ontario Government to commemorate and celebrate our Loyalist heritage. Traditionally Gov. Simcoe and Toronto Branches have celebrated Loyalist Day together with a ceremony, flag-raising and reception at Queen's Park. Last year the virtual ceremony looked at the fortifications in what is now Ontario during the time of the American Revolution. This year our theme is early Loyalist Settlement in 1783 and beyond in what then was part of Quebec, but a few years later in 1791 became Upper Canada and eventually Ontario. Those settlements include Grand River, Cornwall, Brockville/Prescott, Kingston, Tyendinaga, Adolphustown, Prince Edward County, Niagara, Hamilton, Long Point and Windsor/Detroit. The presentation will look at a number of those settlements and when possible will include a short vignette about a Loyalist's experience during those first few years. We are eager to hear from you with suggestions and contributions of such an experience, incident or story (send to Doug Grant at loyalist.trails@uelac.org). We will recognize our First Nations Loyalist allies, National Aboriginal Day (June 21) and National Indigenous History Month (June), as well as Father's Day (also June 19th this year). Read about the significance of June 19 Loyalist Day. |
June 1, 2022 |
“Rebels on the River: The American Revolution and New Brunswick” — Presentation by Major (Ret'd) Gary Campbell, PhD Wednesday, June 1, at 7:30pm, on Zoom The presentation will be about the American Revolution and Sunbury County, Nova Scotia (present day New Brunswick). This is the only area that rebelled against British rule and where the rebellion was successfully suppressed. It will discuss the two rebel invasions that occurred and will examine the interactions between the Indigenous people, the New England Planters, the New Englanders of the District of Maine and the British forces. This is an interesting period of history and one that is not generally known. Gary Campbell is a retired CAF officer who is interested in the military history of New Brunswick. He became interested in the story of the American Revolution in New Brunswick when he was researching his first book "The Road to Canada", a military history of the St. John River. |
May 4, 2022 |
“The Bachelorette New France (Les Filles a Marier and Les Filles du Roi) : Stories of Bigamy, Incest, Witchcraft and Murder” — Presentation by Dawn Kelly & Carol Ufford Wednesday, May 4, at 7:30pm, on Zoom In 1630 New France was populated mainly by men. With threats to its economy from the British in the south, plans were made to encourage young women to immigrate, marry and populate the young colony. Between 1634 and 1663 the Company of 100 Associates sponsored 260 young women who are now known as Les Filles à Marier or The Marriageable Girls. In 1663 the French king took over governing the colony. Louis XIV established a program to bring young female immigrants to New France. These 768 women are now known as Les Filles du Roi or The King's Daughters. Contrary to popular belief, these women were not prostitutes. Many were orphans or from poor families. These young women were able to choose their husbands, and because men far outnumbered them, they had plenty of choice. They led fascinating lives in the wilderness of New France and left behind stories of bigamy, incest, witchcraft and murder! Dawn Kelly is a veteran radio newscaster. In 1998, after 13-years moving town-to-town, up-and-down the dial in private radio, she signed on as a national newscaster at The Canadian Press. Dawn has won multiple national awards for her broadcasts as well as a Finalist Award from the New York Festival for Outstanding Achievement. She started searching for her Irish ancestors many years ago only to discover she has deep French-Canadian and Acadian roots. Carol Ufford is a retired librarian, and has been researching her family history off and on for over 30 years. Since retiring in 2016, she has been able to devote more time to her hobby and has made great progress on her family history story. Her family has deep roots in Ontario, but she is jealous of her husband's deep French Canadian roots on his father's side, which include 35 Filles à Marier and 34 Filles du Roi. Carol is currently Chair of the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society. In 2021 Carol and Dawn won the Members' Choice Award from the Toronto Branch of Ontario Ancestors for their presentations on New France. |
Apr. 6, 2022 |
“My Notorious Ancestors: The Doan Gang” — Presentation by Janet Hodgkins Wednesday, April 6, at 7:30pm, on Zoom A band of brothers, known as the Doan Gang, became notorious in Pennsylvania during the American Revolution. They robbed wealthy Patriots, scouted for the British forces, rescued prisoners of war from their jail cells, stole horses to equip the British cavalry, spied, and generally created mayhem throughout the state and beyond. By the end of the war, they were wanted dead or alive. Four of the six did die while two escaped to Upper Canada where they lived in peace until old age. One of the gang, Aaron Doan, was my 4th great-grandfather and my first Loyalist ancestor. Janet Hodgkins, UE, is proud to be descended from seven United Empire Loyalists. She belongs to the Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch where she is a Director and the Programme Chair. She is also the long-time president of the Wainfleet Historical Society. Janet grew up in Wainfleet Township where she and her husband, David Fowler, raised their two sons and where they still reside on part of her grandparents' farm. |
Mar. 2, 2022 |
“Lives of Loyalist Women” — Presentation by Jo-Ann Leake Wednesday, March 2, at 7:30pm, on Zoom Loyalist women stood alongside their men in the years up to and including the time of the Revolution, and in the formative years of the post war settlement in Canada. Jo-Ann will share stories from her research into their lives. Her presentation will examine some social, cultural, political, economic and spiritual aspects of Loyalism. She is developing an ongoing series in memory of her Loyalist grandmothers - Sarah Leake (John); Elizabeth Keith (Daniel); Jerusha Alward (Oswell) and Mary Polly Parlee (Isaac). |
Feb. 2, 2022 |
“Back Country Cunninghams in the American Revolution” — Presentation by Wayne Lynch Wednesday, February 2, at 7:30pm, on Zoom Without a doubt the Cunningham family were the most influential Loyalist family of South Carolina before the revolution. When William Henry Drayton brought his passionate brand of Patriotism to the back country in 1775 the Cunningham brothers (Robert and Patrick) stood with the Crown. The Snow Campaign went badly leaving the Loyalists to endure four years of constant abuse from the Whigs. Even so, the Cunninghams remained Loyal and respected in the community, even challenging for public office. As Lord Cornwallis arrived in the back country, it seemed only natural they should be trusted to take on leading roles in the newly installed government. This presentation will dig into the lives and stories of four primary family members. First, Robert and Patrick are discussed before their influence becomes overwhelmed by the reputation of their cousin, 'Bloody Bill' Cunningham. The last family member with a substantial impact on the revolution wasn't even born at the time. Her name was Anne Cunningham." Wayne Lynch is a semi-retired CPA & Tax Attorney who has been researching the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution for about 20 years. Wayne has published over 40 articles and research papers, most of which detail the life and contributions of various Patriots or Loyalists from the southern back country. He lives in Houston, Texas. |
Jan. 5, 2022 |
“Eureka Moments” — hosted by Doug Grant Wednesday, January 5, at 7:30pm, on Zoom In a meeting format where we can see each other, we will share our "eureka" moments. The focus is on Loyalist era history or research in your family line. Those without Loyalist ancestry are welcome to contribute something from their history. Your item could be:
Guidelines: Submissions to Doug Grant at loyalist.trails@uelac.org by January 1st. Submit your item - a short two sentence description. Submit any images can enhance your material. Please plan on speaking for up to three minutes during the meeting, with any discussion following right after you speak |
Dec. 1, 2021 |
“Loyalists of Digby” — Presentation by Brian McConnell Wednesday, December 1, at 7:30pm, on Zoom Although Digby, Nova Scotia received the second largest number of refugees from the American Revolution in the province the experiences of the United Empire Loyalists has not received much attention. In Feb 2021, Brian published, "The Loyalists of Digby" the first book to consider the settlement of the County of Digby. The presentation draws from the book and additional primary sources such as the Brudenell Letterbook, 1785 – 1787, written by Edward Brudenell, the first clerk of the Town. Shelburne, Nova Scotia received an estimated 17,000 United Empire Loyalists by 1784 making it the fourth largest settlement in North America. Shelburne's population quickly diminished; within a few years more than 80% had departed. More than half of Digby's settlers remained to founder the Town of Digby and other communities throughout the County, such as Weymouth, Sandy Cove, and Tiverton. The Town was named after Admiral Digby, commander of the British naval station at New York. However, he neither left New York nor visited Digby. How did this happen? Such questions about the history of the area are answered in this presentation which will be illustrated with maps, charts, and photographs. The presentation addresses three topics: 1) Why was the location of Digby chosen; 2) How was the experience; 3) What was the result. It begins before the arrival of the Loyalists when the area was originally settled by the French, followed by other Europeans and then the Ulster Scots and Planters. Indigenous people too during some seasons, based on their custom of travelling to the Annapolis Basin to fish at certain times. The community of Brinley Town was the first settlement of free Black Loyalists who were deeded their own lands in Nova Scotia. They were formerly soldiers in the Black Pioneers, a Loyalist regiment created by the British during the American Revolution. Other Black Loyalists who accompanied the United Empire Loyalists will be discussed. Brian McConnell, UE, B.A. (Hons.), LL.B. studied History at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and Law at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He was born in Ottawa, Ontario and is the fifth great grandson of a Private who served with Jessup's Loyal Rangers during the American Revolution and afterwards settled near Prescott, Ontario. Brian is now retired, lives in the Annapolis Valley and is President of the Nova Scotia Branch, UELAC. He has participated in two Loyalist re – enactment groups, the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants) and the King's Orange Rangers. As a historian he has published four books about United Empire Loyalists including "The Loyalists of Digby". He has authored over 30 articles and stories about UE Loyalists that have been published. The books are available at the Admiral Digby Museum in Digby and from Amazon, signed copies from Brian at brianm564@gmail.com. |
Nov. 3, 2021 |
“First People: Exploring Toronto's Indigenous History ” — Presentation by Richard Fiennes-Clinton Wednesday, November 3, at 7:30pm, on Zoom This presentation of about 45 minutes explores the history of the First People in the Toronto and Southern Ontario area. We'll discuss how they interacted with one another, both before and after the first European settlers arrived. The presentation also includes four short videos that relate the perspectives of Indigenous people. This presentation is a good primer for gaining more insight into Toronto's official land acknowledgement, which is woven throughout the talk. Speaker: Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for many years. He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called Muddy York: A History of Toronto Until 1834. Richard has made a number of presentations to Gov. Simcoe Branch on a variety of topics related to the history of Toronto. The well-researched content is well represented on slides; his rapid presentation style allows him to cover a lot of material. |
Oct. 6, 2021 |
“Some Loyalist History of Eastern Ontario” — Presentation by Stuart Manson Wednesday, October 6, at 7:30pm, on Zoom Eastern Ontario has deep Loyalist roots. Historian Stuart Manson lives and promotes its history. He will address two main items in in his presentation Firstly, Stuart's new book Sacred Ground, Loyalist Cemeteries of Eastern Ontario, Volume One was recently published. It describes six notable loyalist cemeteries situated in the Eastern Ontario counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. They are: Trinity Anglican (Cornwall); St. Andrew's Roman Catholic (St. Andrew's West); Iroquois Point (Iroquois); Knox-St. Andrew's United (Bainsville); Maple Grove (Cornwall), and the Pioneer Memorial (South Dundas). It complements other publications that list burials or transcribe tombstone inscriptions. This book supplements that basic data with greater historical context and additional research into the lives and experiences of these men, women and children who laid the foundations of modern Ontario. Secondly, Stuart has introduced The King's Colour: A Broadside of Early Upper Canada, a micro-periodical that explores historical aspects of the colony that later became the Province of Ontario. Military, settlement, and the early development of the region are its main themes. Each monthly issue contains a single article, embellished with period illustrations, that addresses a narrow topic. Supported by primary and secondary sources, the articles delve deeply into the subject matter. The article in the first issue is titled "Beehives and Honeycombs: The Canadian Secret Weapons of 1813." |
Sept. 8, 2021 |
“The Loyalists of New York Province” — Presentation by Todd Braisted September 8, at 7:30pm, on Zoom At the time of the American Revolution, New York was one of the most heavily populated colonies in America. Then, as now, it had a diverse population, ethnically, racially and politically. It also provided more soldiers for the British Army than any other province, making New York's battles a true civil war. Join us as we examine the roles of New York's Loyalists in their attempts to subdue their rebellious countrymen and their fate at the end of the war. Todd Braisted is an author and researcher of Loyalist military studies. His primary focus is on Loyalist military personnel, infrastructure and campaigns throughout North America. Since 1979, Braisted has amassed and transcribed over 40,000 pages of Loyalist and related material from archives and private collections around the world. He has authored numerous journal articles and books, as well as appearing as a guest historian on episodes of Who Do You Think You Are? (CBC) and History Detectives (PBS). He is the creator of royalprovincial.com, the largest website dedicated to Loyalist military studies. Braisted is a Fellow in the Company of Military Historians and a past-president of the Bergen County Historical Society. |
June 19, 2021 |
“Loyalist Day Celebration” — Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches June 19, at 1:00pm, on Zoom Indigenous peoples were the first inhabitants of what we now call Ontario. A few Europeans settled or were stationed here in the 17th and 18th century. The Loyalists started to arrive in numbers in 1784. As a colony, the nature of Ontario was first defined by Great Britain. But as the stature of Ontario formed and evolved, the Loyalist influence was important. Finally in 1997, the Province of Ontario established Loyalist Day, to fall on 19 June each year. Join members and guests in this recognition and celebration of the Loyalists and their descendants who arrived here. The program will include:
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June 2, 2021 |
“Remembering Dieppe, Timothy Munro UE and Rebellion Boxes” — Presentations by Joyce Crook and Jo Ann Tuskin, UE June 2, at 7:30pm, on Zoom • Joyce Crook, a long-time member and nonagenarian will recall a certain aspect of her youth when growing up in what is now part of Toronto. She will describe a link to the Dieppe Raid of August 19, 1942, a trip and a commemoration in her local community. • Jo Ann Tuskin, UE will speak about Timothy Munro UE, son and grandson of Loyalist refugees, his involvement with the Mackenzie Rebellion of 1837 and the wooden boxes he created while in prison. Jo Ann M. Tuskin, our branch secretary and membership administrator, has been a teacher for over 50 years. She became interested in her Scottish heritage in the early 1960s In 2008 she provided the documentary proof to the UELAC and received a UE certificate to Catharine Reid Munro Leech, one of the few women who are Loyalist in their own right. In 2020, she put together a Genealogical Proof Argument and received a certificate for a second ancestor, Jesse Purdy. Jo Ann also does classroom presentations about the Loyalists and wears her historic costume at every opportunity. |
May 5, 2021 |
“Andrew Denike: my Loyalist's family in Europe and North America” — Presentation by Nancy Conn, UE May 5, at 7:30pm, on Zoom A former high school teacher, Nancy Conn, U.E. began working on her family history over four decades ago. She joined the UEL Association and received her certificate in 1979. In those days showing descent from names in William Reid's book, Loyalists in Ontario, was sufficient proof. Her father's family is of Irish and English origin, while her mother's is much more varied. It includes Scottish and Huguenot forebears as well as New England and New Netherland ancestors. In 2017 Nancy successfully proved her descent from two of the Mayflower Pilgrims, John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of Plymouth Colony. Nancy's Loyalist ancestor is Andrew Denike of the New Jersey Volunteers, who settled in Kingston, Ontario. In May she will speak about his family in both Europe and North America. From a poor emigrant, his great-great-grandfather Conradt Ten Eyck became one of the wealthiest citizens of New Amsterdam. She will continue with three generations of his descendants down to her great-grandmother. Nancy has made many trips to Salt Lake City, researched at archives and museums in Britain, Europe, New York and New England, and visited locations where her ancestors lived. Currently many sources are also available through the internet. She set out to publish a book on the ancestry of each of her eight great-grandparents. In 2018 she produced the volume on Andrew Denike's line, both antecedents and descendants. Research uncovered a myriad of facts as well as conundrums and perennial further questions. Presently she is working on the last book, trying to do justice to over fifty families! Explore the life, times and family of Andrew Denike, U.E. |
Apr. 7, 2021 |
“WHEREAS it is Unjust . . .” — Presentation by Jean Rae Baxter April 7, at 7:30pm, on Zoom As the title of this presentation I have used the opening words of the Preamble to “An Act to prevent the further introduction of SLAVES and to limit the Term of Contracts for SERVITUDE within the Province.” The focus of my talk is this legislation, introduced on the initiative of Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe to the Upper Canada House of Assembly on May 31, 1793. I look at the conditions leading up to it and to its lasting consequences. This involves a critical look at a time when individuals from almost all levels of society in Upper Canada owned slaves. Finally, it points ahead to the role which the people of Canada would play during the last decades of slavery in the United States. Jean Rae Baxter is the descendant of settlers who arrived in New France in the 17th century, Loyalists who came here in the 1780s, and immigrants from Germany in the 19th century. There were many family stories to awaken her interest in Canada’s history. During her career as a Secondary School English teacher, she was appalled by the dearth of historical fiction to tell the story of the Loyalists from a Canadian point of view. Determined to fill the need, she wrote her first historical novel, The Way Lies North (2007) telling the story of a Loyalist family driven from their home by the violence of the American Revolution. This book was followed by others focusing on the issues facing the native people at this time and on the plight of the enslaved Black population. The Knotted Rope, the sixth and final book in what has become known as the “Forging a Nation” series, is set in 1793 during the last days of slavery in Upper Canada. It returns to the subject of her third historical novel, Freedom Bound (2012) in which she told the story of the Black Loyalists. In this final book Baxter unravels yet another strand of the complicated history of the fight to end slavery. The Knotted Rope will be published in the Fall, 2021. Jean Rae Baxter’s historical fiction has won recognition in both Canada and the United States. |
Mar. 3, 2021 |
AGM and Members' Night (7:30 - 9:00pm) A virtual meeting. AGM. Please be there to vote. This portion of the meeting is usually quite short, about 15 minutes. Members' Night History is so interesting. Hear a few stories: • Nancy Conn will speak about the early life of her Loyalist grandmother. Born in Rawdon Township, Hastings County in 1894, she graduated from College a century ago. • Beth Adams from Toronto Branch will talk about her 4 times great grandfather. Hear about his epic journey from his birth in New Jersey in 1777 to his death in Port Burwell, Ontario in 1853. He survived 2 wars and built up a successful business as captain of a schooner out of Digby, Nova Scotia, before walking away to follow his daughter and her family to the wilds of Upper Canada to start all over again. Be sure to wear some historical or Loyalist item to show off at the meeting. |
Feb. 3, 2021 |
"How Canada Has Grown, and Provincial Government Houses" — Presentation by Doug Grant While it may be assumed that each Canadian province came into Confederation in the same manner, that was not in fact the case. This illustrated presentation describes the geographical growth of Canada and explains the various criteria and procedures followed in the addition of provinces as a result. It concludes with a look at the viceregal residences and offices in each province and describes the new procedure for any future provinces. Registration instructions available after Feb 15 from Doug Grant loyalist.trails@uelac.org. |
Nov. 4, 2020 |
“Creating Toronto” — Presentation by Richard Fiennes-Clinton Where did the name Toronto come from? This presentation will take us back in time over thousands of years to learn about the First People to migrate to Southern Ontario. We'll take a look at how these early people developed into separate nations, with their own culture, traditions and importantly, their own languages. We'll learn about the great Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Empire, and the displacement of the Wendat (Huron) people from Southern Ontario. We'll investigate the Carrying Place trail and the first mentions of the name "Toronto". What did the name really mean? This in-depth exploration of about 45 minutes will cover a lot of information on how the name Toronto came to represent Canada's largest city. Speaker: Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for many years. He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called Muddy York: A History of Toronto Until 1834. Richard has made a number of presentations to Gov. Simcoe Branch on a variety of topics related to the history of Toronto. The well-researched content is well represented on slides; his rapid presentation style allows him to cover a lot of material. |
NOTICE on |
Potluck on April 1 – Cancelled; may be Rescheduled Meeting on May 6 May be Cancelled Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Montgomery Inn and other City of Toronto Museums have been closed, until at least 5 April. The Potluck scheduled for 1 April is therefore cancelled. It may be rescheduled. |
CANCELLED |
Potluck and Auction - CANCELLED Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item on the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. Reach out to Robert Heath - see contact us - for tickets and arrangements. |
Sat., Apr. 18, 2020 |
Regional Seminar The Central West Regional Spring Meeting will be held at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre in Brantford, Ontario. Mark your calendar now. These meetings are good, with a speaker and an opportunity to meet people from other branches. This facility provides a great lunch buffet for $14.99. All members are welcome to attend. One of UELAC's Scholarship recipients Tim Compeau, will be the Guest Speaker. This gathering is being organized by the Region. NOTE: A number of people from our branch usually attend. We will organize a carpool. |
MAY BE CANCELLED |
MAY BE CANCELLED The scope of this topic will answer 3 questions:
George Brown UE, a member of our Gov. Simcoe Branch, organized an event to celebrate the visit of the Duke of Richmond to what is now Richmond Hill in 1819. 2019 marked the bicentenary of the visit of Charles Lennox to Richmond Hill. Charles Lennox was both the Duke of Richmond and the Governor General of British North America. The Governor General visited here in 1819; he died one month later. His memorable visit and His selfless service to our country made an indelible mark on our hearts. The city of Richmond Hill and the lodge are so named to remember his good deeds. |
Wed., Mar 4, 2020 |
Annual General Meeting (a short meeting). "Heraldry, Its history Myths and use today in Canada" by Captain Jason Charles Burgoin, CD, FSA Scot, President, Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, Toronto Branch A coat of arms is a form of personal or corporate identification of which the central element is a shield. Its roots are in the Middle Ages and its design and symbolism follow traditional channels, but its use can be as modern as this website. While it can be considered as a sort of personal trademark or logo, it differs from either a trademark or logo. The evidence strongly suggests that heraldry as we now recognize it began in the early 12th century, largely because of the development at that time of helmets that covered and concealed the face of the wearer. To prevent the inevitable duplication resulting from individual selection, the design and regulation of arms soon came under the jurisdiction of the heralds. One of the commonest questions asked about heraldry is, "How do I find my family's coat of arms?" Captain Jason Burgoin is a herald of arms by inclination, and currently holds of the office of National First Vice President of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, and President of its Toronto Branch. He was honoured with the Society's Meritorious Service Award (MSA) in 2019, has been a long-standing editor of Hogtown Heraldry, the quarterly newsletter of the Toronto Branch. His thirst for research in the art and science of heraldry spans far beyond the borders of Canada, with special interest in European Heraldry as it relates to Great Britain and France, as well as sigillography and the collection of bookplates. Captain Burgoin has been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces since 2001, and is currently posted at Canadian Forces Base Borden at the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central) as the J5 Plan Officer (CTC). He is involved in a number of societies and organization, most notably: The Heraldry Society (United Kingdom), The Order and Medals Research Society, The Canadian Society of Military Medals and Insignia, St. John Ambulance, and Past Worshipful Master of Dufferin Lodge No. 291, of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Canada. He is been awarded the Sovereigns Volunteer Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration, Governor General of Canada Commendation, Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation, and is Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and a Freeman of the City of London (UK). |
Sat., Feb 1, 2020 |
Luncheon Potluck at 12:30. Although the Canadian Black History may well predate the American Revolution, it certainly grows strong when many Blacks, as recorded in The Book of Negroes, came to mostly Nova Scotia but also to what was then Quebec and eventually on to what is now Ontario. In the early nineteenth century many escaped the injustice of slavery by following the Underground Railroad. At least one of our speaker's paternal ancestors was one of those who came to the Chatham area in southwester Ontario. Spider will address a bit of the Black Canadian history, his own roots and then his own story as a Canadian Boxer and host of a radio show where he had the honour of interviewing numerous notable people. Charles "Spider" Jones (born April 20, 1946) is a Canadian journalist, author, and former amateur boxer. He is a former three-time Golden Glove Champion and was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996. Jones was once voted "Boxing Commentator and M.C. of the Year" by the Board of Governors of the World Boxing Federation. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Jones spent much of his early teen years living across the border in Detroit. Jones formerly hosted a talk radio show on CFRB 1010 in Toronto. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Black History Society. |
Wed., Dec 4, 2019 |
"Victoria and Her Canadians" by Arthur Bousfield Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 - 22 January 1901) became Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 20 June 1837. Known as the Victorian era, her reign of 63 years and seven months was longer than that of any of her predecessors. It was a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire. Arthur Bousfield edited and published the periodical Monarchy Canada for many years. He is the author and editor of many books, articles, and reviews on the Crown, and lives in Toronto. | |
Wed., Nov 6, 2019 |
"The Great Fortresses of Eastern Canada" by Garry Toffoli Canadians have either read about or visited some of the great castles of Britain and Europe, such as Windsor, Edinburgh or Carnaervon. Many are less familiar with the edifices of Canada that have performed a similar role in North America, namely the great fortresses of Eastern Canada - including Louisbourg, the Citadels of Halifax and Quebec City, and Fort Henry in Kingston. This illustrated presentation will discuss the important royal and military roles played by these structures in Canadian history. Garry Toffoli is Vice-Chairman & Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He is also the Toronto-Hamilton Chairman of the English Speaking Union of Canada and a member of several royalty-related groups, including the Monarchist League of Canada and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Royal Tours 1786 - 2010: Home To Canada". His first novel, "Ruritania on the Rideau, was published in 2015. Garry will be remembered by a number of members as the Founder and Organizer of the Queen's Birthday Parade 1984 to 2003, in which the Gov. Simcoe Branch participated for many years. |
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Wed., Oct 2, 2019 |
"A Spectacular Raid into the Mohawk Valley" by Gavin Watt It is unknown when Sir John Johnson first contemplated a major raid into his homeland of Tryon County's Mohawk District. After evading capture in May 1776, he had anticipated a very short exile in Quebec and a triumphant return to the family seat of Johnson Hall, but that was not to be. When Johnson escaped overland through the Adirondacks, he arrived in Quebec accompanied by hundreds friends and tenants. He immediately recruited natives from Akwesasne and marched downriver to assist in driving the rebel forces from the province. At Chambly, he met with Governor Carleton and was given a beating order to raise a regiment. As so many had come with him from Johnstown, he was off to a good start and, after two years of campaigning, his regiment had grown to almost full battalion strength. In the spring of 1780, word had arrived from Johnstown of persistent rebel persecution of the loyalists, and Sir John requested permission to mount an expedition to bring off all who would be willing to come north. This was granted and Johnson assembled ninety British Regulars, a twenty-man detachment of German riflemen, and some 180 of his King's Royal Regiment of New York. Added to these were the Fort Hunter Mohawks, perhaps 60-strong, and 170 Canada Indians for a grand total of over 500 participants. This raid was entirely successful. The Mohawk contingent conducted a retaliatory raid of their own, killing and capturing several particularly noxious rebels. The Royal Yorkers and Regulars marched through Johnstown and collected 143 male loyalists. Several women and a handful of blacks came away at the same time. Despite sizeable rebel forces being raised to cut off Johnson's retreat, the raiders arrived successfully in Quebec after an exhausting overland trek. The arrival of so many refugees allowed Sir John to complete his first battalion and begin a second. While I was musing on this tale, I suddenly recognized that some bright spark might suggest that Sir John's expedition was intentionally allowed to escape unscathed so as to rid upstate New York of a large number of virulent Tories; however, such clever rebel ploys were usually gleefully referred to in headquarters papers, or the memoirs of senior officers, but none such has been found. On the contrary, in reaction to Johnson's bold exploit, senior officers and bodies of troops were gathered from several quarters in attempts to prevent the raiders' escape with their human plunder. Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area has been retired from his working career for more than ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, and until 2017 continued his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authored or co-authored several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey — 13 August 1777 — The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley — The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of "best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as a former Honorary Vice-President of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it. |
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Mon., August 5, 2018 |
Simcoe Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Simcoe Day at Fort York where period military activities focused on the War of 1812 complement our Loyalist period of history. Fort York on Simcoe Day, the birthplace of urban Toronto, will celebrate Simcoe Day with a day-long (10:00 - 5:00) celebration packed with family-friendly activities, demonstrations, tours, and performances. In addition to flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies, the Fort York Summer Guard, dressed as members of the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry (circa 1815), will perform demonstrations of musketry, artillery, and fife and drum music. Other highlights include:
Hope to see you there. |
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Monday July 1 |
Canada Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Canada Day at Fort York where period military activities complement our Loyalist period of history. Fort York on Canada Day, the birthplace of urban Toronto, will celebrate Canada Day with a day-long (10:00 - 5:00) celebration packed with family-friendly activities, demonstrations, tours, and performances. In addition to flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies, the Fort York Summer Guard, dressed as members of the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry (circa 1815), will perform demonstrations of musketry, artillery, and fife and drum music. Other highlights include:
Hope to see you there. |
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Wed. June 19, 2019 |
“Loyalist Day Ceremonies” by Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches Join us on this special day. The program will be followed by a reception within Queen's Park. As people attending the reception have to be pre-registered, please contact Diane Reid dhreid65@gmail.com | |
Wed., May 1, 2019 |
"1812 and the Age of Sail" by Cheryl Cooper This lively and interactive discussion will look at the naval aspects of the War of 1812; the conditions and hardships faced by the men who fought for their country on the Atlantic Ocean; the naval origins of words and expressions which have found their way into our everyday language; and the inspiration behind writing novels of historical fiction. Cheryl's talk will be accompanied by a slideshow depicting images of life and war on the high seas. Cheryl Cooper was born in Toronto, grew up in Thornhill, and has been living in Bracebridge for 29 years now with her husband, two sons and two cats.She holds degrees in English and Education from Queen's University. She is a former teacher of the Hearing Impaired, having worked at the Metro Toronto School for the Deaf, and was the Acquisitions Editor for both Blue Butterfly Books and Muskoka Books until she became a full-time author in 2010. Cheryl has written dozens of articles and stories for various publications and magazines, but made her book-publishing debut with her novel, Come Looking For Me, a work of historical fiction, set on the high seas during the War of 1812. Her sequels, Second Summer of War and Run Red with Blood, were published by Dundurn Press respectively in 2014 and 2018. |
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Sat., Apr. 27, 2019 |
Regional Seminar The Central West Regional Spring Meeting will be held at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre in Brantford, Ontario. Mark your calendar now. These meetings are good, with a speaker and an opportunity to meet people from other branches. This facility provides a great lunch buffet for $14.99. All members are welcome to attend. UELAC's first (2018) Honorary Fellow, Nathan Tidridge, will be the Guest Speaker. Nathan, high school teacher in Waterdown, is the recipient of numerous awards. He has authored several books: The Queen at the Council Fire, Prince Edwards, Duke of Kent, Canada's Constitutional Monarchy, etc. Nathan was the featured speaker at UELAC Conference in 2013 hosted by Hamilton Branch. An excellent speaker, you will enjoy he presentation. This gathering is being organized by Richard C. Nowell U.E., U.E.L.A.C. Central West Regional Vice President. NOTE: A number of people from our branch usually attend. We will organize a carpool. |
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Wed., Apr. 3, 2019 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item on the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. Reach out to Robert Heath - see contact us - for tickets and arrangements. |
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Wed., Mar 6, 2019 |
"The Forgotten Squadron - The Royal Navy's presence on Lake Ontario, during the War of 1812" by Ryan Moore and Gurth Pretty Sailing on the lake, out-of-sight from land and witnesses, the Royal Navy was essential to the British defense of Upper Canada against the American invaders. Come and learn of the seamen, officers, ships and actions that aided in our country to become what it is today! Mr. Ryan Moore is an avid historian and sailor, and a re-enactor since 2013. Ryan has been sailing on tall ships and a variety of smaller boats since he was young. Recently he crewed an 18th century Cornish lugger from England to France, delivering a cargo of ale. Ryan is often the skipper/coxswain of the longboat and portrays the rank of an able seaman at re-enactments. When he's not immersed in nauticalia, Ryan is busy as an urban planner working for a development company. Mr. Gurth M. Pretty is an amateur culinary and navy historian. He has been re-enacting for 20+ years, with different War of 1812 groups, both British army and Royal Navy. His interest in the Royal Navy began upon volunteering aboard HMS Bee (Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene) as a landsman. Aboard the longboat, Gurth is the gun captain and occasional helmsman. At re-enactment events, he is the ship's cook, preparing period meals over the camp fire. He received his warrant from the Victualing Board, certifying him as a warrant officer. Gurth is the corporate cheese expert for a national grocery retailer. Ryan and Gurth are the Directors of the HMS Psyche Canadian Maritime Heritage Society. They may bring along some interesting items that were used in that era, including possibly a cutlass, boarding axe, a miniature canon used on long boats, and various sail making items, etc. | |
Sat., Feb 2, 2019 |
Luncheon Potluck at 12:30. This meeting will be a combination presentation and workshop. They will draw upon vast experience to describe the process of researching and applying for a certificate, offer hints and tips for your journey and answer questions. Angela and Peter Johnson have been very involved with the Loyalist Association for many years. Both are descendants and have numerous Loyalist ancestors and certificates. During their "working" careers they were members of Toronto Branch, but then moved back to family territory near the Bay of Quinte. Peter is currently President of the Bay of Quinte Branch, UELAC. Both have been very active in Loyalist genealogy at the branches level, and are now serving for a second time as Dominion Genealogists for UELAC. As such they do the final review of every Loyalist Certificate application. Peter is also a reenactor, principally as a Royal Yorker. |
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Wed., Dec 5, 2018 |
The Life and Work of John Howard by Richard Fiennes-Clinton John George Howard, (July 27, 1803 - February 3, 1890) born John Corby, was the City of Toronto's official surveyor and civil engineer. He was also the first professional architect in Toronto, architect of numerous public, commercial and residential buildings in Toronto in the 19th century and the principal donor of High Park to the people of Toronto, Ontario. Richard will review through narrative and pictures the contributions of John Howard to Toronto. Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for many years. He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called "Muddy York - A History of Toronto Until 1834". This presentation will draw on a lot of Richard's research into his published work. |
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Wed., Nov 7, 2018 |
"Witchcraft and the British Monarchy" by Derwin Mak Witchcraft has fascinated the English, Scottish, and British monarchies since medieval times. Some monarchs feared witches and passed laws against witchcraft. Other monarchs accused their political enemies of witchcraft. And still other members of royalty were accused of practicing witchcraft. British monarchs have blamed witches for various sins, ranging from spoiling a royal wedding to treason against the Crown. Derwin will show how British law and society changed over the centuries due to the monarchy's relationship witchcraft. Derwin Mak is an accountant, science fiction writer, and member of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, the Monarchist League of Canada, and the Royal Commonwealth Society. He has won two Aurora Awards, Canada's national award for science fiction writing. Where the Stars Rise, a science fiction anthology that he co-edited with Lucas Law, recently won the Alberta Book Publishers Award. |
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Wed., Oct 3, 2018 |
"From Sun Up To Sun Down a Women's Work is Never Done" By Diane Reid Diane has a collection of clothing which ranges from the Loyalist era to present day. In many of her presentations of the Loyalist times, she has worn a costume representing a lady, although she does describe clothing of both genders. For a change in routine, Diane has now adopted and wears the clothing of a working woman. What was the experience of a camp follower, what was her duty and what was her life like? Over the generations, this life has been eliminated from the history books. It was a harsh and in some cases a short life, but there are exceptions. In this session, Diane will speak about - and in some cases demonstrate - fashion, cooking, spinning, sewing, etc. of the Loyalist times. Diane has presented to the branch on former occasions to great acclaim; this one not to be missed. Diane Reid is a member of the Toronto Branch of the UEL where she has been on the executive for many years. Among other things, she plans the Loyalist Day celebrations at Queen's Park and the Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Pioneer Village, both of which she and Toronto Branch kindly invite members of Gov. Simcoe Branch to join.Diane is a co-owner of Fashion History Productions, which began in 1996. They had a collection of women's clothing that they were eager to show on live models, to dynamically demonstrate women's clothing in the past. In subsequent years they undertook to expand their collections of costumes to demonstrate clothing fashions throughout more historical periods to include accessories and undergarments, footwear, wigs and millinery and to include children's and men's wear. |
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Mon., August 6, 2018 |
Simcoe Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Simcoe Day at Fort York where period military activities focused on the War of 1812 complement our Loyalist period of history. Fort York on Simcoe Day, the birthplace of urban Toronto, will celebrate Simcoe Day with a day-long (10:00 - 5:00) celebration packed with family-friendly activities, demonstrations, tours, and performances. In addition to flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies, the Fort York Summer Guard, dressed as members of the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry (circa 1815), will perform demonstrations of musketry, artillery, and fife and drum music. Other highlights include:
Hope to see you there. |
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Sunday July 1 |
Canada Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Canada Day at Fort York where period military activities complement our Loyalist period of history. Fort York on Canada Day, the birthplace of urban Toronto, will celebrate Canada Day with a day-long (10:00 - 5:00) celebration packed with family-friendly activities, demonstrations, tours, and performances. In addition to flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies, the Fort York Summer Guard, dressed as members of the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry (circa 1815), will perform demonstrations of musketry, artillery, and fife and drum music. Other highlights include:
Hope to see you there. |
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Tues June 19, 2018 |
“Loyalist Day Ceremonies” by Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches Join us on this special day. The program will be followed by a reception within Queen's Park. As people attending the reception have to be pre-registered, please contact Diane Reid dhreid65@gmail.com | |
Wed., May 2, 2018 |
Momentos from the Rev John Stuart Family,
by Allan Day An Ontario Historical Plaque in Kingston ON honouring Rev. John Stuart reads: Born in Pennsylvania, Stuart was ordained in 1770 and sent to Fort Hunter, N.Y., as a missionary to the Mohawks. An ardent Loyalist, he came to Canada in 1781 where he was appointed chaplain to the 2nd Battalion King's Royal Regiment of New York. In 1785, having settled at Cataraqui (Kingston), he became the first resident Anglican clergyman in what is now Ontario. Stuart ministered to the white and Indian settlers of this area and visited as far west as Niagara and the Grand River. He was the first chaplain of the legislative council of Upper Canada and was responsible for the building of Kingston's earliest church, St. George's, in 1792.Allan Day, husband to a descendant through the Quebec line, will show some artifacts from Rev. John or family members and add to our understanding of the family. |
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Wed., Apr. 4, 2018 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item on the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. Reach out to Colin Heath - see contact us - for tickets and arrangements. |
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Wed., Mar 7, 2018 |
History of the World's Royal & National Anthems by Garry Toffoli. The use of royal and national anthems in the modern world began with our own royal anthem "God Save The King/Queen" in the mid-18th century. The British practice spread from the Empire to European countries and, eventually, around the world. Countries adopted anthems both to emulate and to counter the original British sentiments. This presentation will look at the histories of several of the most famous of these anthems. Garry Toffoli is Vice-Chairman & Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He is also the Toronto-Hamilton Chairman of the English Speaking Union of Canada and a member of several royalty-related groups, including the Monarchist League of Canada and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Royal Tours 1786 - 2010: Home To Canada". His first novel, "Ruritania on the Rideau, was published in 2015. Garry will be remembered by a number of members as the Founder and Organizer of the Queen's Birthday Parade 1984 to 2003, in which the Gov. Simcoe Branch participated for many years. |
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Sat., Feb 3, 2018 |
Luncheon Potluck at 12:30. Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Scotland's most famous cemeteries, with connections to the House of Stuart, the Covenanters, the dog Greyfrars Bobbie, and Harry Potter. Come for an illustrated presentation on this historic place. Greyfriars Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. It is located at the southern edge of the Old Town, adjacent to George Heriot's School. Burials have been taking place since the late 16th century, and a number of notable Edinburgh residents are interred at Greyfriars. The Kirkyard is operated by City of Edinburgh Council in liaison with a charitable trust, which is linked to but separate from the church. The Kirkyard and its monuments are protected as a category A listed building. Derwin Mak is an accountant, science fiction writer, and member of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, the Monarchist League of Canada, and the Royal Commonwealth Society. |
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Wed., Dec. 6, 2017 |
"Jessup's Loyal Rangers" by Gavin Watt, who will discuss his latest book. There's the mystery, and the topic of his talk. Why is the battalion of Loyal Rangers so obscure? Was the regiment composed only of men who escaped from the rebelling colonies late in the war? Had none of them ever seen any form of military service or seen any action? Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area has been retired from his working career for more than ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, a unit with which he continues his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authored or co-authored several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey — 13 August 1777 — The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley — The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of "best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as a former Honorary Vice-President of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it. |
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Wed., Nov. 1, 2017 |
"John Graves Simcoe: Jane Austen's model for Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy" by Corinne Brown, Corinne Brown is a Toronto-based historian. She has a master's degree in history from the University of Windsor. She is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America - Toronto Branch, the York Pioneer and Historical Society, Heritage Toronto, and the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (Governor Simcoe Branch) and the Canadian Society for Eighteenth Century Studies. Brown is currently writing a book about the backstory of Jane Austen's development of Pride and Prejudice. |
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Wed., Oct. 4, 2017 |
"Prince Rupert Of The Rhine" by Noel McFerran, Noel McFerran is a frequent lecturer and writer on royal history, especially concerning the Royal House of Stuart. He maintains the Jacobite Heritage website and is the Rare Books Librarian at the Kelly Library of the University of St Michael's College. |
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Mon., August 7, 2017 |
Simcoe Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Simcoe Day at Fort York where period military activities focused on the War of 1812 complement our Loyalist period of history. |
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Saturday July 1 |
Canada Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Canada Day at Fort York where period military activities complement our Loyalist period of history. |
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Mon June 19, 2017 |
“Loyalist Day Ceremonies” by Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches More events are being planned to make this Canada 150's Loyalist Day celebration a sensation! Mark your calendar now; join us on this special day. The program will be followed by a reception within Queen's Park. As people attending the reception have to be pre-registered, please contact Doug Grant loyalist.trails@uelac.org | |
Wed. May. 3, 2017 |
"Toronto Statue to Queen Elizabeth II" by Garry Toffoli The Canadian Royal Heritage Trust (CRHT) is the chief organization spearheading and sponsoring The Queen Elizabeth II Blue Sapphire Statue Project, a national initiative to install a distinguished statue of Her Majesty at Queen's Park, the grounds of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto, Canada. The go-ahead plan is to unveil the statue in 2017 to commemorate 150 years of Confederation, which coincides with the Queen's 65th year on the throne -- the "blue sapphire" anniversary of Her Majesty's remarkable reign. As Elizabeth II has been our Sovereign for almost half of Canada's entire history since Confederation in 1867, the CRHT Statue Committee believes it makes eminent sense to celebrate these two momentous milestones with a bronze portrait of Her Majesty. Garry will describe and explain the history behind some of the other statues of royalty in Canada, especially those of the Queen, to put the new statue into historical context, and then discuss this current project. Garry Toffoli is Vice-Chairman & Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He is also the Toronto-Hamilton Chairman of the English Speaking Union of Canada and a member of several royalty-related groups, including the Monarchist League of Canada and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Royal Tours 1786 - 2010: Home To Canada". His first novel, "Ruritania on the Rideau, was published in 2015. Garry will be remembered by a number of members as the Founder and Organizer of the Queen's Birthday Parade 1984 to 2003, in which the Gov. Simcoe Branch participated for many years. |
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Wed., Apr. 5, 2017 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
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Wed., Mar. 1, 2017 |
"Loyalists of Toronto" by Richard Fiennes-Clinton Although the first significant settlement of York (now Toronto) by Europeans began in 1793 with the move of the capital of Upper Canada from Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake), Loyalists played a role. Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for many years. He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called "Muddy York - A History of Toronto Until 1834". This presentation will draw on a lot of Richard's research into his published work. | |
Sat., Feb 11, 2017 |
"Women's Fashion and the Great War" by Diane Reid UE and Sarah Walker With the 100th Anniversary of the Votes for Women and the Great War, take this World War I fashion and historical journey. The Great War changed forever the ideas and fashion for women. Highlights of fashion from the Gilded age to the Great War will be presented. See what the clothing looked like not just in photos or on a table, but on models. Displays will add context and additional details. Another sensory dimension - a musical touch - will bring things to life - maybe have you dancing in the aisles! Diane and Sarah have presented to the branch on former occasions to great acclaim; this one not to be missed. Diane Reid (member of the Toronto Branch of the UEL) and Sarah Walker, owners of Fashion History Productions, began an association in February 1996. Both of them had a collection of a small number of historical costumes that they were eager to show on live models, to dynamically demonstrate women's clothing in the past. In subsequent years they undertook to expand their collections of costumes to demonstrate clothing fashions throughout more historical periods to include accessories and undergarments, footwear, wigs and millinery and to include children's and men's wear. Sarah is a costume maker and Diane does the research and history of the appropriate period. Their collaboration has produced themes that will specifically fit with a theme chosen by the organization's programme. Like the one this afternoon. |
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Sat., Dec. 17, 2016 |
Christmas Lunch. Continuing a tradition of several years, Toronto Branch has organized a Christmas Dinner for both branches at Black Creek Pioneer Village, in the Halfway House at 12:30. Parking and admission to the Village are included in the price of the meal. Ticket information will be available here in November. |
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Wed. Dec 7, 2016 |
A presentation about “Strong Roots in Crowland and Norfolk, Ontario” by Sandy McNamara. Sandy's family has been in Canada since the 1790's. Her direct family name has been acknowledged to be have been in Ontario in the 1770's. An ancestor who she can prove back to is also listed in the same 10 families to have settled in the 1770's in the Welland area. Through these family names, Brookfield, Buchner, Culver, Platt, Woolley and Gilbert to name a few, she can proudly say that her roots are strong indeed. A presentation will show how these families merged, interacted and married. Sandy McNamara UE is a member of Toronto Branch, UELAC. She graduated from York University, had a working career as a geophysicist and has spent the last 23 years as a stay-at-home mom. Her Grandmother noted "I come from a strong Loyalist stock." Sandy has followed those generations to discover ancestors who moved from Rhode Island as early settlers of New Jersey, then to New York and on to become founding families along the shores of Lake Erie and of Norfolk County. Sandra proved to Loyalist Daniel Woolley in 2012 and subsequently to Isaac Gilbert in the same year. An active user of Ancestry, a keen researcher in Facebook, involved in various groups and associations, Sandra likes to help people discover their past. Her latest endeavour is researching "The Declaration of Dependence". |
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Wed. Nov 2, 2016 |
A presentation about “Edward Marion Chadwick (1840-1921)” by Jonathan S. Lofft. Edward Marion Chadwick (1840-1921), the greatest Canadian of whom you've likely never heard, held the unusual distinction of being an honorary Loyalist. Described as an 'inventor' of the Loyalists, though not himself of Loyalist descent, as commonly understood, Chadwick's involvement indeed dates to beginning of the organised movement late in the nineteenth century, as legal advisor, genealogist, heraldic designer, and adopted Mohawk chief. We shall explore Chadwick's mostly invisible role and his biography with a view to understanding the historical context of the founding of the UELAC. Jonathan S. Lofft, ThD-candidate is a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College in the University of Toronto, and an adjunct instructor in the affiliated Toronto School of Theology where he teaches the history of Anglicanism. Jonathan's research informs a dissertation now in preparation entitled A Blessed Word: the Mixed Life of Edward Marion Chadwick ( 1840-1921). Jonathan volunteers as president of the Toronto Branch of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, as well as Secretary of the Canadian Church Historical Society. |
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Wed., Oct. 5, 2016 |
"The Governor and his Lady", by Jean Rae Baxter All five of Jean Rae Baxter's historical novels have been written in response to the need to tell the story of the Loyalists from the Canadian point of view. It was during her research for the fifth novel, Hope's Journey, set in 1791, that she reread Elizabeth Simcoe's Mrs. Simcoe's Diary. Fascinated by this vivid account of the observations and experiences of Upper Canada's first Lieutenant Governor's wife, Baxter delved more deeply into the remarkable partnership between John Graves Simcoe and Mrs. SImcoe. She was a true child of the Enlightenment, and he a visionary whose reach sometimes exceeded his grasp. Jean Rae Baxter UE was born in Toronto, but grew up in Hamilton. She holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.Ed degree from Queen's. Jean taught Secondary School English in Lennox & Addington County, Loyalist country west of Kingston. Ms. Baxter wrote The Way Lies North (2007) in response to the need for responsible historical fiction to tell the story of the Loyalists from a Canadian point of view. The first novel focuses on the plight of ordinary white Loyalists driven from their homes by the violence of the American Revolution. This book was followed by Broken Trail (2011), which tells of the native people's struggle. The third novel, Freedom Bound (2012), deals with the so-called Black Loyalists. However, three novels proved not enough to tell the entire story. In The White Oneida (2014) Baxter examines the issues facing the native people following the American War of Independence as they strove to form a confederacy of their own. The most recent -- Hope's Journey -- is set in 1791 (see the description above). |
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Mon., August 1, 2016 |
Simcoe Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Simcoe Day at Fort York where period military activities focused on the War of 1812 complement our Loyalist period of history. |
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Friday July 1 |
Canada Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Canada Day at Fort York where period military activities complement our Loyalist period of history. |
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Sun June 19, 2016 |
“Loyalist Day Ceremonies” by Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches The program will be followed by a reception within Queen's Park. As people attending the reception have to be pre-registered, please contact Doug Grant loyalist.trails@uelac.org | |
Wed. May 4, 2016 |
“Let the Silence Speak” by Doug Massey, Keith Clark and Lee Claus
will take the form of a dramatic reading This is a story of how a disagreement of principle between two men broadens to envelope a third. It’s the time of the American Revolution. Patriot Edward, and Loyalist Benjamin are at each others throats much to the sadness of Little Abraham, an Onkwehonwe, man of the land, original person. When violence rules, those caught in the middle, those who are true neutrals, are just as much the victims of violence as those who use violence for their own ends. The character Edward is based on research done by Keith Clark on his ancestor, Patriot Edward Lawrence although Keith is also a descendant of Cyphrenus Casselman, a Loyalist. Benjamin is based on research Doug Massey has done on the Loyalists in his family, Benjamin Becraft and his father-in-law Anthony Westbrook. Lee Claus has indigenous roots, and as the historic character, Little Abraham, brings an eloquent, grounding wisdom to the presentation. So among the three readers, the three major groups of the American Revolution are covered! |
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Wed., Apr. 6, 2016 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
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Wed. Mar. 2, 2016 |
"My Loyalist Ancestors; UELAC Update" by Barb Andrew, UE, President UELAC
UELAC Update Barbara J. Andrew UE Polished for Success~Etiquette Coaching , offering etiquette seminars and workshops to children, students and business clients, is the business Barb founded ten years ago, prior to retiring from a career as an office administrator. Currently serving in the capacity of President of the UELAC, Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Brandon General Museum & Archives, Treasurer of the Westman Scottish Association and Second VP & Membership Chair of Brandon Branch #003 Royal Canadian Legion, life can sometimes get a bit hectic. A past president of the Manitoba Branch UELAC and a life long volunteer she has served the community in numerous not for profit organizations. |
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Sat. Feb. 13, 2016 |
“The Queen's Beasts” by David Rumball Captain David Rumball CD, MA, UE, LRHSC, FRHSC(Hon), OLJ resides in Peterborough. David served in the military 1982-2000 Canadian Forces Primary Reserves. He is a graduate of Trent University (1984, Honours Bachelor of Arts) and of the American Military University in Virginia (2000, Masters of Arts in History). From 2009 through 2014, he was an Aide-de-Camp to His Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and in 2009 was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, of which he is now the immediate past president. A man of many interests, David will share one of those, The Queen's Beasts, with us. |
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Wed. Dec. 2, 2015 |
"Canadian Historical Moments in the Christmas Season" by Garry Toffoli The list of special moments and events in Canada's history is long and have collectively contributed to weave our Canadian fabric. Now that the Christmas and year-end / year-beginning season is upon us, Garry will review some of the special moments which have occurred during this special time of the year. Garry Toffoli is a life member of the Monarchist League of Canada and a recipient of their Gold Badge of Service, also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. He is a member of several royalty-related groups, and is Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Lives of the Princesses of Wales". Garry will be remembered by a number of members as the Founder and Organizer of the Queen's Birthday Parade 1984 to 2003, in which the Gov. Simcoe Branch participated for many years. |
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Wed. Nov. 4, 2015 |
"An Author's Journey: How My Writing Journey Helped Me Discover My Own Genealogy" by Elaine Cougler. By the time Elaine has the Loyalist trilogy finished, she'll have been working it and her personal history for almost 10 years. (Fall, 2016) This talk will show how her own background eventually enriched her historical fiction as she discovered more and more personal links. Of course the novels are NOT her story. An awakening of interest in our history on the part of many Canadians has been sparked by the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812; taking part in various events and discovering her heritage along with her friends and neighbours was thrilling. She is delighted to bring that excitement to her audience at the UEL group named for the illustrious Lieutenant Governor Simcoe. Elaine Cougler: Born and raised in the heart of Southwestern Ontario's dairy country, Elaine is a graduate of Western University and a former high school teacher. She taught French, English and Computer Studies at various schools across the province. Writing is Elaine's pleasure and her obsession. She has written two books of family memories, a cookbook, a children's book, and her two historical novels: The Loyalist's Wife, which was published in June of 2013, and the sequel, The Loyalist's Luck, launched in October, 2014. She is currently working on the third in the Loyalist trilogy, The Loyalist Legacy. The Loyalist's Wife was a finalist in the Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair's Self-Publishing Awards and Elaine is a recipient of the Writers Community of Durham Region Pay-It-Forward Award. A lover of people and especially writers, Elaine delights in speaking to groups large and small. Her teaching skills make her a natural at leading workshops on writing. On Becoming a Wordsmith is Elaine's writing blog where she writes about the journey to publication and beyond. |
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Wed., Oct 7, 2015 |
"Tory Vengeance?: Honour, Propaganda, and the Loyalist 'Black Legend' in the American Revolution" by Tim Compeau. The patriot press described the loyalists of the American Revolution as fiendish, bloodthirsty monsters, who were transformed by their desire for revenge from fellow Americans into the very worst enemies of liberty. This reputation clung to the loyalists in popular American histories, novels, and films ever since. How much truth is there in the propaganda? What did the loyalists and the British commanders say about the allegations? What was the line between "retributive justice" and bloody revenge against the patriots? In this presentation, Tim Compeau will explore how loyalists dealt with the conflicting demands of honour, Christian duty, and revenge, and how the patriot media was so successful in creating a consistent and lasting image of Tory cruelty. Tim Compeau received his Honours BA from Queen's University in 2004. In 2006 he graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an MA in Public History. In 2010 Tim received his PhD at the University of Western Ontario, and and has been the recipient of the United Empire Loyalist Scholarship. Entitled “Dishonoured Americans: Loyalist Manhood and Political Death in Revolutionary North America,” my dissertation explores the careers of loyalists who either considered themselves, or were considered by others, to be "gentlemen." The final section of the dissertation explores the importance of honour in the loyalists' self-perception, their official claims on the British government for compensation, and their political rebirth in Canada as they attempted to restore their privileged status with Britain's help. Loyalist honour has been described by American historians as being submissive and deferential, but I argue that it was in fact as assertive and demanding as the patriot concepts of manhood formed in the American Revolution. |
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Sat., July 18, 2015 |
Annual bus trip - to Northumberland County and Quinte See the flyer for details on the itinerary, sites to visit, and costs. To register, or with any questions, contact Doug Grant at loyalist.trails@uelac.org. |
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Mon., August 3, 2015 |
Simcoe Day at Fort York Join us as we celebrate Simcoe Day at Fort York where period military activities focused on the War of 1812 Bicentennial complement our Loyalist period of history. |
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Fri June 19, 2015 |
“Loyalist Day Ceremonies” by Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches | |
Wed., May. 6, 2015 |
“Historical Wallace House in Woodbridge” by Ken Maynard Captain Wallace was a prominent business man in Woodbridge and so were his sons. One son went into politics and was a cabinet minister under four Prime Ministers. (More details to come.) |
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Wed., Apr. 1, 2015 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
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Wed., Mar. 4, 2015 |
“Memories in the GTA” by Dave Cook He will talk about the Last Grand Duchess of Russia, the Lancaster Bomber, AVRO Arrow and Flying Saucer. I will describe Franklin Roosevelt's top secret train trip with his war cabinet through Niagara, Hamilton, Mississauga, Etobicoke and on to Manitoulin Island and then what took place there that resulted in a military tribunal. Other topics include how Gordon Sinclair's radio broadcast caught the attention of President Reagan; the establishment of the first Workmen's Compensation Hospital; William Pearce Howland, the only U.S. born Father of Canadian Federation; Laura Secord's father Thomas Ingersoll and the 1805 land treaty in Toronto Township; and Canada's first Four Leaf Clover traffic interchange. There will be time for question and answers. For many of us, this will be like the golden oldies, things we heard about or even lived through. Dave Cook and His family lived near the Junction area of Toronto in the 1940s before they moved to establish a farm on the 6th Line, south of the Village of Malton. As a youngster attended Elmbank Public School and Malton Public School. In 1957, his family homestead was expropriated by the Federal Government as part of the Toronto Airport expansion The family then moved to Applewood Acres in south Mississauga. In 1966 he was hired by CHIC Radio in Brampton and later accepted a job in the lucrative Toronto market at CHIN Radio. He was employed as an on-air news announcer. He left radio in 1974 to work as a newspaper reporter with the Mississauga News and later, its sister publication, the Etobicoke Gazette. In 1980 he was elected Councillor, City of Mississauga and Regional Municipality of Peel. He served three terms and retired in 1988. After retiring from Council, Dave's lifelong hobby in motorsports led him into a new career as he accepted a job as general manager of Mosport International Speedway. When the race track was sold to a U.S. promoter he retired from motorsport and turned his attention to writing and publishing books on community history. Dave was presented with the Heritage Mississauga Foundation Award in 2009 and two years later was named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. |
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Sat., Sat Feb 14, 2015 |
“A Sense of Their Own Capacity: Colonel Tye and the Black Loyalists of New Jersey” by Brian Carver Brian will note the deeds and adventures of the notorious partisan Titus Cornelius, AKA "Colonel Tye", who wreaked havoc on the Patriots of New Jersey between 1778-1780. He will discuss the origins of the Black Loyalists beginning with Lord Dunmore's Proclamation in 1775 and continuing through to the evacuation of New York. Loyalist William Franklin attempted to organize Colonel Tye's Black guerrillas and other New Jersey Loyalists into an irregular force to "distress the enemy in any quarter". Why did the Royal government resist these efforts and what could have happened if they had embraced Franklin's plans? Don't miss this exciting presentation on a little known facet of the American Revolution. |
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Sat., Jan. 17, 2015 |
“How the Loyalist Decade (1783-1793) kickstarted an English Canadian identity” – a presentation by artist Charles Pachter. This is the story of a calamitous period in North American history which gave birth to a diverse society of people known collectively today as English Canadians. And while some of what I am about to relate may be vaguely recollected by some of you, for the most part the symbolic and national importance of this story has been neglected by our educators and thus unappreciated by newer generations of Canadians, especially school children, for whom it could well be the most inspirational and thought-provoking subject. Ten years ago while browsing in a used book store, I purchased a set of volumes of the letters of John Graves Simcoe and a copy of Elizabeth Simcoe's diary. Whenever daily contemporary situations seemed trivial or uninspiring, I turned to these letters and diaries of 200 years ago and immersed myself in the events which took place here that gave birth to the city-state we call Toronto. The more I read, the more I was fascinated by the political power struggles and population shifts which resulted in the birth of English Canada and, in no small part, determined its future character. Mr Pachter's presentation will build from this base. ONE of Canada's leading contemporary artists, Charles Pachter is a painter, printmaker, sculptor, designer, historian, and lecturer. He spearheaded Toronto's Queen Street West revival in the 1970s and 80s by restoring 20 old buildings into facilities for arts usage. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Chevalier of France's Order of Arts and Letters, holds honorary doctorates from Brock University, OCAD University, and the University of Toronto where he is a Senior Fellow at Massey College. He is a recipient of the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. His images of the queen, moose, and maple leaf flag are icons of Canadian contemporary art. McClelland & Stewart publications include an illustrated book on his life and work, and The Journals of Susanna Moodie, his celebrated collaboration with poet Margaret Atwood. His murals of Hockey Knights in Canada can be seen in Toronto's College Subway Station. Mr. Pachter lives and works in downtown Toronto in an award-winning studio designed by Canadian architect Stephen Teeple. His work is on permanent display in his adjoining Moose Factory Gallery. His paintings are in the Portrait Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Embassy in Washington, Canada House in London, the Parliament Buildings, the Prime Minister's residence, and the Embassy of France in Ottawa. Pachter's steel and granite moose sculptures have been installed across Canada. His best selling children's books, M is for Moose, and Canada Counts, are published by Cormorant Books, Toronto. |
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Sat., Dec. 13, 2014 |
Christmas Lunch. Continuing a tradition of several years, Toronto Branch has organized a Christmas Dinner for both branches at Black Creek Pioneer Village, in the Halfway House at 12:30. Parking and admission to the Village are included in the price of the meal. To request and pay for a ticket please complete this form and mail to Toronto Branch. |
Wed., Dec. 3, 2014 |
"1812: The Land Between Flowing Waters", a book by author Ken Leland. The novel is set on the Niagara and Detroit River frontiers during the War of 1812. In Upper Canada the Benjamins found freedom from slavery. With their white neighbours and friends, the Lockwoods, both families must defend a new homeland from impending American invasion. These families are Loyalists, living near Niagara Falls. The Babcocks are pacifist Quakers, yet they too are threatened by the coming onslaught. For Kshiwe, Kmonokwe and their children, 1812 is just another season of fear among First Nations. This Neshnabek family lives many days travel to the west, in a place settlers call Indiana. In the shadows of Brock and Tecumseh, all join in the struggle to endure. The author thinks of Upper Canada in the early 19th century as a shelter for people who were radically oppressed; as a sanctuary for Loyalists, a refuge for enslaved Blacks, a safe haven from genocide for First Nation families. The history of the Society of Friends indicates that Quakers also came north at this time, first because they were welcomed, but more importantly, because many Quakers were fleeing spectres of intolerance, slavery and genocide, not for themselves of course, but for others in the society in which they lived. Research for his debut novel, 1812, led to another most surprising conclusion. The further Leland delved, the more similarities he found in Quaker and First Nations societies, particularly in terms of gender equality in social roles and spirituality, in a person's relationship with the Master of Life. Although details varied, the cores seemed essentially the same. In 1812, Leland tried to show some of those similarities in his Quaker and First Nation family narratives, but there is, of course, one tremendous and obvious difference, Friends did not face government sponsored, systematic extermination. The author has retired from careers in academic publishing and teaching, only to find himself in a third career as a full time novelist. At the present time, he is in final stages of writing a second novel based on the lives of the same families found in 1812. |
Wed., Nov. 5, 2014 |
"The Education of a Leader: Joseph Brant and the School that Became Dartmouth College", by Jean Rae Baxter Why did Sir William choose this school for his young protégée? Why did he remove him from it and make other arrangements for his education? And how did the Moor School evolve over just two decades to become Dartmouth College, to which, in 1780, Joseph Brant sent his own teen-age sons, Joseph Jr. and Jacob? Jean Rae Baxter UE was born in Toronto, but grew up in Hamilton. She holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.Ed degree from Queen's. She taught Secondary School English in Lennox & Addington County, Loyalist country west of Kingston. She wrote The Way Lies North (2007) in response to the need for responsible historical fiction to tell the story of the Loyalists from a Canadian point of view. The first novel in the trilogy focuses on the plight of ordinary white Loyalists driven from their homes by the violence of the American Revolution. This book was followed by Broken Trail (2011), which tells of the native people's struggle. The third novel, Freedom Bound (2012), deals with the so-called Black Loyalists. However, three novels proved not enough to tell the entire story. In The White Oneida (2014) Baxter examines the issues facing the native people following the American War of Independence as they strove to form a confederacy of their own. |
Sun., Oct. 26, 2014 |
"History, Heroes, and Hope", by Bonnie Schepers Gather before or stay after the meeting to make use of the library, enjoy tea and cookies, or both. Bonnie is the current President of UELAC, and has managed visits to most if not all branches across the country since taking the position in June 2013. This year, 2014, the Association celebrates its centenary. Bonnie will be taking us back to 1914 to ask the questions - How have we (UELAC) changed? How have we stayed the same? The topic speaks specifically to our 100 year anniversary and to the future of UELAC and why what we do matters.
Bonnie's introduction to the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada came in 1998 when she began the research necessary to apply for a UELAC Certificate of Loyalist lineage. In 2000, she was the first to receive a UE certificate as a descendant of Loyalist Abraham Pastorius. Further exploration into her genealogy led to contacts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the North American roots of the Pastorius family are found. Bonnie is a graduate of the University of Windsor with a B.A. degree in Social Science. Her active involvement with UELAC began when she was recruited as branch Secretary at her first Bicentennial Branch meeting in 1999. She is currently President of UELAC. Bonnie lives in Windsor, Ontario with her husband Albert, a consulting engineer. They have two children, a son who is an ESL Instructor in Tenerife, Canary Islands and a married daughter, employed as Communications Director at POLIS Water Sustainability Project at the University of Victoria, B.C. |
Wed., Oct. 1, 2014 |
"Loyalist Refugees - Non-Military Refugees in Quebec 1776-1784" by Gavin Watt, who will discuss his latest book. This book identifies and lists details for more than 2,000 non-military loyalist refugees who sheltered in lower Quebec during the American Revolution—pointing researchers to crucial primary and secondary sources in Canada, the USA, and the UK. Many if not most of these refugees migrated to places across British North America and beyond, after their period of sanctuary in Quebec. Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area has been retired from his working career for nearly ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, a unit with which he continues his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authored or co-authored several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey — 13 August 1777 — The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley — The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of "best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as Honorary Vice-President of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it. |
Wed., Sept. 17, 2014 |
Gather after 7:00 when you make use of the library or enjoy tea and cookies, or both. The featured guest speaker is Jennifer DeBruin, a member of St. Lawrence Branch and a recent recipient of her first Loyalist Certificate. She will talk about her experiences around her second and recent book, Shadows In The Tree, published January 2013: Engulfed in the American Revolution, the United Empire Loyalists are compelled to abandon their homes and flee to the king's lands in Quebec. Stepping from the shadows of her husband's life, Maria Catrina Eamer, alone in safeguarding her children on their exodus through the wild, untamed Adirondack Mountains reveals the true price paid for loyalty. In this 100th Anniversary year of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC), Shadows in the Tree by Jennifer DeBruin UE (176 pp., $20.00), recently released by General Store Publishing House, Renfrew, ON, immerses the reader in the experience of the Eamer family, living amidst the unrivalled beauty and abundance of the Mohawk Valley, now engulfed in the fight for liberty. In choosing loyalty to the king, Peter Eamer is marked a traitor forcing him to flee his impending arrest. The impossible choice, once made, compelled them to abandon the land they loved and the hope they would find peace amongst their once-loved neighbours, friends and...family. Peter's wife Maria Catrina and their young children are left upon the homestead to await rescue by unknown guides who will lead them to the safety of Quebec. Their exodus reveals the darkness of men's hearts and the lengths to which a mother will go to safeguard her precious ones. Exploring the human story within the exodus of the United Empire Loyalists from the colonies during the American Revolution to their settlement along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and beyond, DeBruin engages the reader in a time deemed by some as the "first civil war." This fact-based/historical fiction makes the connection between the North American conflict that precipitated this mass exodus, estimated at about 70,000 colonists1, to the re-settlement of those refugees in Canada's eastern regions (including: the Maritimes and Quebec/Lower Canada) but particularly in Ontario/Upper Canada. A personal and heartwrenching account, this novel has garnered early interest from readers across Canada and the US. |
Wed., May. 7, 2014 |
KRRNY and The Royal Yorkers, by Gavin Watt, Brian Carver and Chris Armstrong Chris Armstrong is a musketman in the recreated Royal Yorkers. A graphic designer by trade, he is responsible for the regimental newsletter The Yorker Courant and has assisted Gavin Watt with the visuals for his books. Chris is the descendant of two Nova Scotia loyalist families. He has a deep interest in military history and has done amateur research into Loyalist military units, focusing on Adam's Rangers. Brian Carver has been a proud Royal Yorker since 2008, and recently joined our branch. He is the Executive Director of Octavia Films: A Nonprofit for Women, and moved to Toronto from San Francisco, California in 2008. He has been an avid Revolutionary War buff since childhood and was happy to finally arrive in Canada, even if it was 230 years later than his fellow King's men and women! Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area has been retired from his working career for nearly ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, a unit with which he continues his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authoured or co-authoured several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey — 13 August 1777 — The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley — The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of "best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as Honorary Vice-President of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it. |
Wed., Apr. 2, 2014 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed., Mar. 5, 2014 |
Loyalist Search and Rescue - It's What We Do, by Bonnie Schepers In presenting the story of her search for the forgotten son, Bonnie hopes that others will feel the same desire to bring to light the struggles and accomplishments woven into their own family history. The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada is an organization that supports and encourages the preservation and telling of stories just like this one. Bonnie Schepers' introduction to the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada came in 1998 when she began the research necessary to apply for a UELAC Certificate of Loyalist lineage. In 2000, she was the first to receive a UE certificate as a descendant of Loyalist Abraham Pastorius. Further exploration into her genealogy led to contacts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the North American roots of the Pastorius family are found. Bonnie hopes one day to write the remarkable story of her Germantown ancestry. Bonnie is a graduate of the University of Windsor with a B.A. degree in Social Science. Her active involvement with UELAC began almost immediately when she was recruited as branch Secretary at her first-ever Bicentennial Branch meeting. She is currently President of UELAC. Bonnie lives in Windsor with her husband Albert, a consulting engineer. They have two children, a son who is a software engineer currently in India, and a married daughter, employed as Communications Director at POLIS Water Sustainability Project at the University of Victoria, B.C. |
Sat., Feb 8, 2014 |
"What the Well-dressed Women wore during the War years 1812-1814" by Diane Reid UE and Sarah Walker Fashion styles that were worn depended on what side of the war you were on and accessories that all women would have possessed to enhance there style. The fashions will cover the time period leading up to the war, and the changes that occurred in fashion because of and during the war. There will be demonstration of spinning and hand needle crafts, embroidery, and knitting. Diane Reid (member of the Toronto Branch of the UEL) and Sarah Walker, owners of Fashion History Productions, began an association in February 1996. Both of them had a collection of a small number of historical costumes that they were eager to show on live models, to dynamically demonstrate women's clothing in the past. In subsequent years they undertook to expand their collections of costumes to demonstrate clothing fashions throughout more historical periods to include accessories and undergarments, footwear, wigs and millinery and to include children's and men's wear. Sarah is a costume maker and Diane does the research and history of the appropriate period. Their collaboration has produced themes that will specifically fit with a theme chosen by the organization's programme. Like the one this afternoon. |
Wed., Dec. 4, 2013 |
"Jane Austen, Without The Zombies", by Paul Federico Paul Federico – military historian, writer, researcher. Paul has lectured extensively on the early conflicts in North America, advised on film and television projects, acted as a consultant to many school boards on curriculum development on Canadian history, designed and mounted exhibits for a number of museums and historic sites and generally made a nuisance of himself internationally. He is currently the Executive Director of the Toronto Military History Foundation, President of the Toronto Historical Association and Chair of the Costume Society of Ontario. |
Wed., Nov. 6, 2013 |
"Freedom Bound", by Jean Rae Baxter Although abolitionists were active at the time of the American Revolution, slavery was widely accepted as an institution. The slave trade was stopped in 1807, but it was not until 1833 that slavery itself was abolished throughout the British Empire (It had been ended earlier in Upper Canada.) It was basically as a stratagem for upsetting the economy of the rebelling Southern Colonies that Britain offered slaves a chance at freedom, introducing it without sufficient forethought to its implications. Thousands of runaway slaves flocked behind British lines. Few knew which side their owner was on. All they heard was "Freedom." The problem was, only slaves owned by rebels qualified for a General Birch Certificate. If the owner was a Loyalist, his slaves were sent right back to him. To introduce a further complication, during the British occupation of Charleston (1780-1782) General Sir Henry Clinton, the British Commander in Chief, issued a proclamation offering full restoration of property and civil rights to all rebels who would swear allegiance to King George. In Charleston alone, more than two thousand accepted the offer. "Now that we've returned to our allegiance," they said, "kindly give us back our slaves." But that was not possible; the genie was out of the bottle. This situation forms part of the background for Jean's presentation, which focuses upon the institution of slavery during the period of the American Revolution. Jean Rae Baxter UE was born in Toronto, but grew up in Hamilton. She holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.Ed degree from Queen's. She taught Secondary School English in Lennox & Addington County, Loyalist country west of Kingston. She wrote The Way Lies North (2007), the first novel in her Young Adult Loyalist trilogy, in response to the need for responsible historical fiction to tell the story of the Loyalists from a Canadian point of view. Its focus was the plight of ordinary white Loyalists driven from their homes by the violence of the American Revolution. This book was followed by Broken Trail (2011), which told of the native people's struggle. The trilogy concludes with Freedom Bound (2012), the story of the so-called Black Loyalists. |
Wed., Oct. 2, 2013 |
"Ancestors & Applications" and "Loyalist Lady" by Jo Ann Tuskin
Jo Ann Tuskin is the secretary of the Gov. Simcoe Branch, and also of the UELAC. She has undertaken a number of projects for both groups. Jo Ann, a retired teacher, does numerous presentations about The Loyalists to school classes and others.
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Wed., May. 1, 2013 |
"Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst: Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst explores the web of human relationships that developed in Upper Canada following the American Revolution, in the years leading up to the War of 1812, and during the conflict that raged for two years between the young United States and Britain, its former master. The book focuses on the families, homes, gardens, farms, roads, villages, towns, shops, and fabric of everyday life in this frontier society. Upper Canada was a land in transition as First Nations, fur traders, Loyalists, entrepreneurs, merchants, farmers, and newcomers from every walk of life formed alliances and partnerships based on friendship, marriage, respect, religion, proximity, and the desire to survive and prosper. With the declaration of war in June 1812, Upper Canadians realized that not only their lives but their future peace and prosperity were threatened. They responded with perseverance, loyalty, and unexpected acts of bravery. Dorothy Duncan: has addressed our branch on several occasions and often provided us with advice as well. She has always been involved with history in the form of museums, restorations and especially interpretation of the past. She has been curator of Black Creek Pioneer Village, and latterly Executive Director of OHS. Retired since Jan. of 2002, she is involved with Cuisine Canada and the Jane Austen Society. Dorothy has received the Order of Ontario, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Waterloo. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Museum Association, and was named Woman of the Year by the Toronto Women's Culinary Network for 2004. |
Wed., Apr. 3, 2013 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed., Mar. 6, 2013 |
"The Astonishing and Curious History of Social Dance in Loyalist Times" by Karen Millyard In a lively, illustrated talk, dance historian Karen Millyard will share with us the surprising facts and fascinating details about the pervasiveness of dance in social life (both civilian and military) during the Loyalist period. Using period newspapers, diaries, letters, drawings and other sources, she will introduce us to the significance of dancing in the lives and world of the Loyalist settlers. She will also teach a very simple dance or two (no experience required whatsoever; no lead or follow) and will gladly answer any and all questions. Karen Millyard, a dance historian and an MA student in Dance Studies at York University in Toronto, specializes in the social dance of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Millyard co-created the conference English Country Dancing: Rooted in the Past, Dancing into the Future. A teacher and consultant, she works in museums, heritage sites, schools and the community as well as leading workshops and balls to bring the dances of the past to the general public of today. |
Sat. Feb. 9, 2013 |
"Those Left Behind: Widows and Orphans of the War of 1812" by Janice Nickerson. When Upper Canada Militia men died in the War of 1812, what happened to their wives and children? Professional genealogist and published author, Janice Nickerson will discuss the fallout of this conflict from the perspective of the families left behind. Case studies will draw on her book York's Sacrifice: Militia Casualties and the War of 1812. Janice Nickerson: Family history research has been my passion for over 25 years. In my spare time I pored through books in libraries, squinted at microfilm in archives and wrote letters to ever increasing numbers of relatives. In university, my research projects invariably focused on some aspect of my family's history! After studying anthropology in graduate school, I decided to make genealogy my life's work, specializing in Upper Canada to help others researching in this difficult period and location. Since that time, I've developed additional speciaties in fur trade and Aboriginal research, criminal justice records, and turning bare bones genealogies into full-fledged family histories. Recent projects have included providing "behind-the-scenes" genealogical research for the CBC TV program "Who Do You Think You Are?" (aired October 2007 to February 2008) and working with the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples as a genealogical consultant for Métis genealogy. |
Wed., Dec. 5, 2012 |
"A Christmas Review of the Queen's Jubilee, by Garry Toffoli" There have been many celebrations of the Queen's Jubilee in 2012. Review those and related and ancillary events, with a bit of a taste of Christmas Royal to highlight the season. With the early-Dec. announcement of an expected Royal birth, interesting points about the succession to the throne were presented. Garry Toffoli is a life member of the Monarchist League of Canada and a recipient of their Gold Badge of Service, also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. He is a member of several royalty-related groups, and is Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Lives of the Princesses of Wales". Garry will be remembered by a number of members as the Founder and Organizer of the Queen's Birthday Parade 1984 to 2003, in which the Gov. Simcoe Branch participated for many years. |
Wed., Nov. 7, 2012 |
"Lest We Forget - Some Families of York County in the War of 1812", by John Warburton Share with the people of York, through their own words, feelings about some of the battles. John Dale Warburton U.E. Born in Paignton, Devon, England (not far from the final resting place of John Graves Simcoe), John came to Canada in 1953, where he was raised and educated in Toronto and Scarborough. He has had many roles in the education and historical fields: - Former school teacher in Scarborough John has been a contributor to books on Loyalist history in Toronto, an executive member since 1990 of Toronto Branch UELAC where he is currently President, a Central West Region VP, UELAC, and is a recipient of the Ontario Heritage Trust Certificate of Achievement. |
Wed., Oct 3, 2012 |
"The "Loyalist Tiles of St. Alban's", by Diane Berlet
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Wed., May 2, 2012 |
"Retracing Simcoe's Trip up the Humber", by Iain Craig This presentation is about the Re-enactment of Gov. Simcoe's trip from York to Beausoleil Island in 1793. We did this trip using 4 North Canoes (similar to the canoes that Simcoe and his Queen's Rangers would have used) on three consecutive weekends in Sept of 1996 - the 200th Anniversary of the opening of Yonge St.
Iain Craig is a retired High School Math Teacher, who lives in Kleinburg. He is an active marathon canoe racer and National Team dragonboater. Hi sits on the board of Canoe Kayak Ontario and is an organizer of the annual Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race in Bradford. Presently he chairs the TRCA's Humber Alliance and is active on several TRCA sub-watershed committees. He is actively involved in stopping a road that would have passed through Boyd Park. |
Wed., Apr. 4, 2012 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed. Mar. 7, 2012 |
"Toronto's Plans and Activities for the War of 1812 Bicentennial" by Sandra Shaul, City of Toronto, & With the activities to celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 now under way, Sandra will give an overview of the Bicentennial in Toronto -- our legacy projects, key signature event periods and the event highlights and where people can find out more. Dave will talk about plans for the Fort York National Historic Site, our largest legacy project. Gov. Simcoe Branch has had a long-time association with Fort York and seeing the plans which have been developing for a long while come to fruition at this time is rewarding. Sandra Shaul is the project manager for the City of Toronto Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812. Trained as an art historian, with many years of museum experience, she also brings to her role considerable experience as an editor and writer in both print and web media. Sandra enjoys a good story and believes that the War is exceptionally rich in thought-provoking material. For more than 13 years, she was Head of Publications at the Royal Ontario Museum, where she also edited Rotunda Magazine. Later, her work as a web project manager and information architect involved assignments in Canada and the US. Sandra is very involved in the Toronto heritage community, leading the Annex heritage conservation district study as a member of the Annex Residents' Association. Before joining the City, she was vice-chair of the Toronto and East York Community Preservation Panel with some involvement on the City's Preservation Board. David O'Hara is Museum Administrator for Fort York National Historic Site, which is owned and operated as a museum by the City of Toronto. A landscape architect and registered professional planner, David worked for more than twelve years as a park planner with the City of Toronto prior to his appointment to the fort in January 2005. David played a large role in creating the Public Space Framework Plan as part of efforts to revitalize Toronto's waterfront and, as project lead for the development of the Harbourfront parks and open space system, coordinated the design competition for HTO Park. In his role at Fort York, David is coordinating the development of the full 43-acre site, which includes the completion of various landscape-related projects and the construction of a new Visitor Centre. The development will also take into account the massive amount of urban growth occurring around the fort. |
Sat. Feb. 11, 2012 |
"Captain Jonathan and Marie Williams, and son Col. Titus Williams" by Sue Hines. Spies and family intrigue have always held an interest for me, but to find that my own family might have been a part of this very thing has been quite exciting. As with many early immigrant families mine is filled with those who fought on the side of the rebels and those who remained loyal to the King. My proven UE ancestor, Captain Jonathan Williams and his wife Marie (Mary) Titus were from opposite sides of the political fence of the late 1700's. How this happened, how they met and eventually married and what real part Jonathan played has in part at least been left up to family historians to spin. I have been fortunate to find a good deal about him and his family, as well as Mary's family, and the roles they played not only at that time, but in the settlement of early New York. I look forward to sharing a little about this couple and their son Col. Titus Williams, my 3rd great grandfather and a rather interesting character from the War of 1812. Sue Hines: I am, by profession a child protection worker, having been in the field for 39 years. Recently given a new Provincial project, I expect to be involved for another 4 or 5 years. My interest in history came at a very early age, the result of a mother and maternal grandfather who lived and breathed history. As a young teen, historical fiction was my passion and the characters from the text books whose own lives and stories were often presented in such a dry manner, actually came to life for me. This passion really has never changed. Family history took on an entirely new meaning when a cousin from Michigan wrote the story of my mother's family, traced to the Island of Nantucket in 1640. This began a 40 year journey of my own, one I keep promising myself will end soon, with the printing of our family history. |
Wed. Dec. 7, 2011 |
"Captain John DeCou, son of Jacob DeCou III UE" by Robert McBride UE. "UELAC Update" by Robert McBride UE. Jacob DeCou III UE served in Colonel Barton's First Battalion of the New Jersey Volunteers and his oldest son, my third great grandfather, Captain John DeCou, created a series of mills at DeCew Falls near present-day St. Catharines, Ontario, served in the War of 1812, was captured and escaped to return from Philadelphia to renew the fight here in Upper Canada, was one of the original founders of the Welland Canal, and later founded Decewsville, in Haldimand County, Upper Canada, where he, his wife, and many of their children are buried. During the American Revolution, Laura Secord ended her famous trek at the home of Captain John DeCou, where she warned Lieutenant FitzGibbon about the advancing American troops. Grietje and Bob will co-present the story of Captain John DeCou. As Canada and the USA, especially Ontario where many of the battles were fought, begin the bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812, this subject is particularly timely. Bob was elected President of UELAC at the recent June AGM of UELAC in Brockville Ontario. Before his election, he held the position of Sr. VP for two years and since June has visited a number of branches. Bob will give us an update on the Association's progress and position with respect to its primary objective: to preserve and promote the Loyalist Heritage. Grietje and Bob McBride are retired elementary public school teachers, living on a hundred-acre farm, just east of Peterborough, in a stone farm house built in 1854. They have on-going committee responsibilities in Keene United Church. They are the parents of three married daughters and have four grandchildren. Bob is a Freemason and was the Peterborough District Deputy Grand Master for 2007 – 2008. He also served on two Grand Lodge committees, as the Editor of The Ontario Mason Magazine and as the Team Leader and Editor of the quarterly academic journal, Reflections. In May 1993, Bob joined Kawartha Branch as the direct descendant of seven known Loyalists, Jacob DeCou III being one of them. Grietje McBride is a direct descendant of Sgt. Gabriel Purdy UE who settled in Nova Scotia after the war. Grietje and Bob are both members of Kawartha Branch of UELAC, each of them having served as Branch President and they co-chaired the committee that organized the UELAC Conference & AGM in 2004 in Peterborough. Bob is the Editor of The Loyalist Gazette and Grietje is the Book Review Editor. |
Wed. Nov. 2, 2011 |
"Feasting and Fasting: Canada's Heritage Celebrations" by Dorothy Duncan Long before the arrival of newcomers, the First Nations were celebrating the passages of life, the changing seasons, and the gifts of the Great Spirit. When newcomers began to arrive, they brought with them the memories and traditions of their homelands. Food brought families and communities together to pay tribute, to honour, to celebrate, to mourn and to be comforted. This will be a sampling of events and what was on our ancestor's tables at births, weddings, funerals, religious holidays, garden parties, political picnics, and more! Dorothy will bring some tiny samples of the historic foods our ancestors would have known, for those brave enough to try them Dorothy Duncan has addressed our branch on several occasions and often provided us with advice as well. She has always been involved with history in the form of museums, restorations and especially interpretation of the past. She has been curator of Black Creek Pioneer Village, and latterly Executive Director of OHS. Retired since Jan. of 2002, she is involved with Cuisine Canada and the Jane Austen Society. Dorothy has received the Order of Ontario, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Waterloo. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Museum Association, and most recently was named Woman of the Year by the Toronto Women's Culinary Network. |
Wed., Oct. 5, 2011 7:30pm |
Two Nations, One King, by Jean Rae Baxter Today, in any discussion of war and politics in the Middle East, someone is sure to say, "Really, it's all about oil." In the 18th Century, when talking about war and politics in North America, it would have been equally reasonable to say, "Really, it's all about land." Both comments, although simplistic, contain a large measure of truth. In Jean Rae Baxter's research for the novel Broken Trail she was struck by the fact that there were two big issues motivating those who sought independence from Britain. Although the one we hear about most is, "No Taxation without Representation," Britain's imperial policy for the wilderness, summed up in the Royal Proclamation of 1763, caused even more outrage in some quarters than did the notorious Stamp Act. The native people were becoming aware of the threat posed by the aspirations of landless frontiersmen and greedy land speculators. Taking stock of the situation, native leaders had the best interests of their own people in mind when they decided to ally themselves with England against those seeking independence. As this presentation will show, there were profound differences between Britain's attitude to the native people and that of those leading the fight for independence. And those differences had more to do with land than with anything else. The subject of this presentation is Britain's relationship with the native people from the early 18th Century until the conclusion of the American War of Independence. Jean will begin with the "Four Kings" who went to visit Queen Anne in the first decade of the 18th Century, and end with the granting of the Haldimand Tract. She will focus on the relationship with Britain of the Mohawks in the north and the Cherokees in the south. Leadership styles and the personalities of key figures played an important role. In the north, one finds Superintendent for Indian Affairs Sir William Johnson, warrior/statesman Joseph Brant, and Molly Brant. In the south, their counterparts are Superintendent John Stuart, his deputy Alexander Cameron, the Cherokees' Peace Chief Attakulla Kulla and his defiant son Dragging Canoe. These were all interesting, colourful people whose roles helped to shape history. The talk will be illustrated with contemporary portraits and depictions of historical events of the time. Jean Rae Baxter UE holds an honours B.A. and an M.A. in English from the University of Toronto as well as a B.Ed from Queen's. Following a career in education, she turned to writing full time a dozen years ago. Broken Trail (2011), the second novel in her trilogy set during the American Revolution, shows the situation of the native people caught up in the American Revolution. This novel follows The Way Lies North (2007) dealt with the plight of Loyalists living in the Mohawk Valley. The final book in the trilogy, The Runaways (to be released in 2012), looks at England's policy regarding slavery and the role played by slaves during the Revolution. |
Wed., May 4, 2011 7:30pm |
Toronto Island, part of "A New Look and New Insights on the Shoreline and Island" by Jane Fairburn Jane Fairburn's primary passion is the Toronto waterfront. Jane has recently completed a manuscript - "A New Look and New Insights on the Shoreline and Island" - which explores the history, landscape and people of Toronto shore. Her work traces the development of four districts of the Toronto lakefront from east to west — namely the Scarborough Bluffs, the Beach, the Island, and the Lakeshore — that first developed into villages and later became suburbs or adjuncts of a centre that began as a garrison town. She focuses on the evolution and innermost nature of each of these special places along the shore of Lake Ontario that remain distinct from the centre and still share a common culture through a unique connection to the Lake and the natural world. The story is that of a vital, richly endowed waterfront heritage, one that still exists in these communities yet largely has gone unrecognized and is for the most part forgotten. After some initial comments on the shoreline and its early development, the focus of this talk will be on the research Jane has undertaken with respect to the Toronto Island. Jane Fairburn is the Communications Director of Bright Negawatts Inc., a leading Canadian cleantech company. She is also a lawyer. Graduating from the University of Toronto with an honours B.A. in Political Science, she studied law at the University of Windsor and was called to the Bar in 1990. Thereafter she practiced in the field of criminal litigation, both as Crown Counsel and for the defence, and then graduated to the areas of legal policy and law reform. |
Wed., Apr. 6, 2011 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed., Mar 2, 2011 |
Over Any Distance Imaginable: The Royal Mail from York, by Kate McAuley Toronto's First Post Office, operated by the Town of York Historical Society, is the custodian of an unparalleled collection of artefacts relating to early 19th century communication, and is a post office as well as a museum. As in 1834, Toronto's First Post Office is the only full-service post office in the city, operating seven days a week. For more information, please visit www.townofyork.com. Kate McAuley is the Assistant Curator at Toronto's First Post Office. She specialized in History at Queen's University in England and Kingston, and studied Education at the University of Edinburgh. In addition to TFPO, she has worked with the collection at the Simcoe County Museum, and as an interpreter at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Gibson House Museum, Zion Historic Schoolhouse, and Mackenzie House. At the Post Office, she conducts education tours, maintains the collection and research library, and has curated and co-curated several exhibits, including From Feathers to Steel: The Rise of the Dip Pen, and Over Any Distance Imaginable: The Royal Mail from York, which appeared at The Market Gallery in 2008-2009. |
Sat., Feb 12, 2011 |
Toronto in 1834 by Norie Jacobs Take a journey back through time to Toronto in 1834. Learn about the early settlement of York and how the town evolved into the city of Toronto. Topics that will be covered include: population growth, sanitary conditions, buildings (commercial and residential districts), social customs, establishment of financial institutions and fire companies as well as local government and justice, politics, commerce and industry, education, religion and health and welfare. This presentation will be fully supported by drawings from the period and delivered from the perspective of a person actually living in 1834 projecting to an audience of the future...2011. Norie Jacobs has enjoyed a very diverse and eclectic background. A native of Toronto, she has always been an avid student of history and is currently a board member of the York Pioneer & Historical Society. She has a honours degree from the University of Toronto with a specialist designation in English Literature, a major in Modern Languages and a minor in Psychology. Norie began her employment career in finance working as a Money Market Trader, Manager Treasury Services, Financial Analyst and has been a licensed stock broker. For the past twenty years, Norie has owned and operated a successful employment consulting business focusing her recruitment activities primarily within the technical field conducting business with Lighting, Industrial Supply, Wire and Cable, Electrical, Pneumatic, Hydraulic and Electromechanical companies. Norie starting collecting antiques at the age of twelve and currently lives in a Century home in downtown Toronto filled with antique furniture, accessories and art. Norie has written several articles on local history and antiques and conducts public lectures on various topics on a regular basis. She has lived in England and Spain and has travelled extensively throughout the world. |
Wed., Dec 1, 2010 |
Origins Of Christmas Traditions by Garry Toffoli The history and royal connections, some centuries old and some quite recent, behind twelve of the most popular Christmas traditions provide the theme for this seasonal presentation that is both entertaining and informative. The talk will be illustrated with a slide show. Garry Toffoli is a life member of the Monarchist League of Canada and a recipient of their Gold Badge of Service, also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. He is a member of several royalty-related groups, and is Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust. Garry is a co-author of numerous books, including "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002" and "Lives of the Princesses of Wales". Garry will be remembered by a number of members as the Founder and Organizer of the Queen's Birthday Parade 1984 to 2003, in which the Gov. Simcoe Branch participated for many years. |
Wed., Nov 2, 2010 7:30pm |
Aeneas Shaw UEL, by Richard Shaw Capt. Aeneas Shaw was born in 1740, in Strathnairn, Scotland. He joined the British army and served in Europe. He settled in Long Island N.Y.in 1770. The Military followed him and by 1776 the British-Rebel battle line was 6 km from his farm. He joined the Queens Rangers under Richard Rogers, and from 1777 under John Graves Simcoe. At war's end Capt Shaw took his new wife and son and settled in Nashwaak Village, N.B. In 1792 he accepted Simcoe's offer to come to Upper Canada with Queens Rangers. In 1793 his wife Ann and his 4 sons and 2 daughters joined him. He was a Member of Parliament in 1794-98, rose to the rank of Maj. Gen during the War of 1812, but died at York in 1814. Richard Shaw is a 5th generation Torontonian who grew up in the west end. He moved to Ajax/Whitby when he married but continued to work in Toronto. He has 2 children, a son Stephen and a daughter Alexandra. |
Wed., Oct 6, 2010 7:30pm |
Loyal She Began -- The Mapping of Upper Canada, by Ed Rutherford An overview of the history of our Province, illustrated with the maps that were drawn through the centuries. Touching on the early years of Cartier and Champlain, we will concentrate on the years leading up to, and following, the establishment of Upper Canada. We will meet the people who were a part of the history of that time --- well known names like Carleton and Simcoe, and lesser known ones like Smythe and Shisted. This presentation will be fully illustrated and several antique maps will be on display. Ed Rutherford: A native of London, England, Ed and his twin brother at age 12 came to Canada as War Guests at the time of the 'Blitz' in 1940. He attended Etobicoke High School, Toronto Teachers' College and the University of Toronto. Ed spent forty years as a teacher in Elementary and Secondary schools and as a school principal. Retired, he presents costumed presentations dealing with Canadian history to about one hundred schools each year. He and his wife have three grown sons. |
Sat., June 19, 2010 2:00pm |
Loyalist Day Celebration: Strawberry Social and Program Please join us to celebrate Loyalist Day and enjoy fresh Ontario strawberries – mark your calendar now: Program: Bring your family and especially children and others who cannot make the regular Wednesday evening meetings. We have invited members of Toronto Branch to join us, so come and warmly welcome them and help make the day a special one. As we will need to order food etc., please let Daryl Currie 416-469-0851 know if you are attending and how many people by Monday June 14. |
Wed., May 5, 2010 7:30pm |
Heraldry, and a Loyalist Connection, by David Rumball UE "Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of devising, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound *harja-waldaz, "army commander". The word, in its most general sense, encompasses all matters relating to the duties and responsibilities of officers of arms. To most, though, heraldry is the practice of designing, displaying, describing, and recording coats of arms and heraldic badges." – Wikipedia. This presentation about heraldry will cover the development of heraldry from the 11th century to the present, and the development of those who were experts and who "manage" it into an authority. This includes the evolution of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the Crown agency which grants coats of arms in Canada. Part of David's presentation will be about the components or parts of a coat of arms, and why there is no such thing as a "family coat of arms." As an example, the UELAC coat of arms, its meaning and historical development will be used. David's personal arms feature 4 UEL coronets, the only hereditary device in Canadian heraldry. Captain David Rumball CD, AdeC, MA, UE, LRHSC, FRHSC(Hon), OLJ resides in Peterborough where he works part-time as Operations Manager, Homegrown Homes, which is responsible for maintenance and tenant issues with a not-for-profit agency of the City of Peterborough providing affordable housing. David served in the military 1982-2000 Canadian Forces Primary Reserves, 9 years with the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment, retiring as an infantry company commander and 8 years with 7 Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, finishing as battery commander. He retired with the rank of captain, and was qualified to the next rank of major. David is a graduate of Trent University (1984, Honours Bachelor of Arts) and of the American Military University in Virginia (2000, Masters of Arts in History). In 2009, he was appointed an Aide-de-Camp to His Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and the same year was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada. A man of many interests, David will share one of those, heraldy, with us. |
Wed., Apr. 7, 2010 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed., Mar. 3, 2010 |
The Georgian Town of York, by Richard Fiennes-Clinton The presentation will cover the earliest plans for the Town of York, including plans that were drawn up but never implemented, prior to Simcoe's town of 1793. Also included will be a "virtual" stroll through the early town, as it was in the 1790s, and afterwards. Some of the street names have remained the same, but many have changed. Explore the original nomenclature of early streets, and hear a short biography of some of the Georgian-era luminaries after whom the earliest streets were named. As time went on, and the Georgian era came to a close, the street names were often changed, and the early map of Toronto evolved into today's streetscape. The presentation will describe the homes and buildings from the early Town of York - what was built, what has been lost over the years, and in a few fortunate examples, what has survived. Tens of thousands of buildings have been destroyed in Toronto in the last half century. A few were notable; many were more prosaic, but together they provide a glimpse into how our municipal ancestors lived and worked. While the tangible buildings themselves may have been lost, the images of many remain. Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for over ten years. This presentation will be a hybrid of a number of tours, including Toronto in the Nineteenth Century, and the History of Toronto's Street Names. This is an opportunity to explore early Toronto from the comfort of the indoors, without even having to go outside! An added benefit is that we will have the opportunity to view a few images of "lost Toronto", which isn't possibily when walking the modern city streets. |
Sat., Feb. 13, 2010 |
Milling about Ontario Assist farmer P. J. Fitzgerald (a.k.a. John Warburton) as he threshes, winnows, and grinds wheat into flour. Then, follow the industrialization of the province with the focus on Loyalist and local water-powered Grist Mills. Learn how they worked, where they were, and where they are. John Dale Warburton U.E. Born in Paignton, Devon, England (not far from the final resting place of John Graves Simcoe), John came to Canada in 1953, where he was raised and educated in Toronto and Scarborough. He has had many roles in the education and historical fields: - Former school teacher in Scarborough John has been a contributor to books on Loyalist history in Toronto, an executive member since 1990 of Toronto Branch, UELAC, UELAC, a Central West Region VP, UELAC, and is a recipient of the Ontario Heritage Trust Certificate of Achievement. |
Wed Dec. 2, 2009 7:30pm |
A Dirty, Trifling, Piece of Business, by Gavin Watt (Rescheduled from Oct. 7) Also the title of his latest book about the American Revolution with a focus on the Loyalist - which includes our native allies - participation in partnership with the British forces, this presentation describes raids of 1781. The raids into the Mohawk and Schoharie came in a constant flood. That year there were over thirty-five raids into the Mohawk, Schoharie and upper Hudson Valleys before the two big expeditions of October. So, if you were a farm family somewhere near Canajoharie in the Mohawk, or Middleburg in the Schoharie, or Saratoga in the upper Hudson, you had to be on your guard constantly. You lived in an undercurrent of fear, tension and suspicion. Every stranger on the road; every flitting shadow in the woods; every random shot in the next valley; every column of smoke rising from over the hill — virtually every unexpected event was a potential threat to your life. Some raids were small and opportunistic. A small war band of Indians out for plunder and captives fell on an outlying farm, or ambushed a detachment of rebels. Other raids targeted ardent rebels for abduction, as carrying them off to Canada would damage rebel morale and disrupt their political and military systems. These personages could be exchanged for a senior Briton or loyalist being held captive. The 1781 campaign saw several of these attempts, some comical, some tragic. For instance, one ended with the senior agent running off with a young girl instead of his target. Still others were larger native raids. One of the greatest disasters to rebel arms that year was the catastrophic, perfectly-executed ambush of a company of rangers by Onondagas and Cayugas. Then, there were the British Secret Service's frustrating negotiations with the independent republic of Vermont. They kept Vermont out of the war and gave the British free-reign of Lakes Champlain and George. Secret Service operatives were drawn from the King's Rangers, Royal Yorkers and Peters', Jessup's and McAlpin's Corps. The two climactic expeditions came in October. Major John Ross led forces deep into the Mohawk Valley, almost to Schenectady, without a single rebel scout discovering their presence. Almost simultaneously Lieutenant-Colonel Barry St. Leger led forces south on Lake Champlain to Ticonderoga. This large expedition did very little fighting; its major role was a feint to draw off rebel forces, which it most successfully accomplished, and to bring the Vermont negotiations to a climax - for which purpose it failed. For more details of the book, visit UELAC.org's book reviews section. Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area has been retired from his working career for nearly ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, a unit with which he continues his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authoured or co-authoured several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey — 13 August 1777 — The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley — The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of "best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as Honorary Vice-President of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it. |
Wed Nov. 4, 2009 7:30pm |
As the Thirteen Colonies moved towards civil war, those loyal to the Crown found life increasingly difficult. Throughout the war, Loyalists packed up their families, valuables and most portable possessions, and moved behind British lines. Many counted Black slaves among their personal property. Several of these slave-owning families settled in Upper Canada, and advertisements like "For Sale, a Negro Wench" appeared in the newspapers. From information found in original documents, historian Hilary J. Dawson will introduce Henry Prince, Peggy and other people of colour who were regarded as property by such influential figures as William Jarvis and Peter Russell. Hilary Dawson, now a genealogist & historical researcher, grew up in Hull, England. She has a degree in archaeology and mediaeval history from Southampton University, UK. Her interest in Black History has deep roots. Her home town was also the birthplace of William Wilberforce, the abolitionist. Hilary's first museum job was in Wilberforce House, William Wilberforce's home. Hilary's research into nineteenth century Etobicoke Township (York County, now part of Toronto) uncovered a previously unknown Black presence. She curated several Black History Month exhibits at Montgomery's Inn museum. In 2002, the Etobicoke Historical Society presented her with the Jean Hibbert Award for her contribution to Etobicoke's history. She is currently working on the biography of Alfred Lafferty, Chatham's first Black lawyer. The Lafferty family's story (">From Immigrant to Establishment: a Black Family's Journey") appeared in the Spring 2007 issue of Ontario History. |
Wed Oct. 7, 2009 7:30pm |
2009 UELAC Conference Review with Doug Grant Doug Grant was one of the Gov. Simcoe Branch attendees at the 2009 UELAC Conference in Napanee and Adolphustown Ontario. He showed slides taken at the conference and Annual General Meting, and discussed the events held over the course of the long weekend in June. (The originally scheduled speaker, Gavin Watt, was unable to attend. His presentation, "A Dirty, Trifling, Piece of Business," has been rescheduled for December 2.) |
Wed May. 6, 2009 7:30pm |
Facing the Invincible Frenzy: A New England Loyalist and the Ties of Family by Tim Compeau Although the American Revolution tore the British Empire apart, many family and kinship networks remained intact. Some loyalist exiles used their prewar connections to help mitigate the trauma and hardship of exile and reconstruct shattered identities and lives in Upper Canada. Tim will share his research on the biography of Joel Stone, the loyalist founder of Gananoque, Ontario. Stone's story reveals how his family and other personal ties from Connecticut held together in spite of his exile, and helped him form a new community along the St. Lawrence River. Tim Compeau received his Honours BA from Queen's University in 2004. In 2006 he graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an MA in Public History. Tim is in his second year of a PhD at the University of Western Ontario, and is the recipient of the United Empire Loyalist Scholarship. His dissertation is entitled: "Reconciling Revolution: Loyalists and Patriots in the Revolutionary Atlantic, 1775-1815." In it, he intends to explore how cultural conventions, such as honour codes and family allegiance, helped loyalists re-establish themselves and their sense of identity in new situations and environments. |
Wed., Apr. 1, 2009 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed Jan. 7, 2009 7:30pm |
MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Tim Compeau's presentation has been rescheduled for May 6. |
Wed Mar. 4, 2009 7:30pm |
The Power of Three by Fred Hayward, UE, President, UELAC For his presentation on the third month of the year, March 4, Fred proposed to continue an a theme he initiated at his inauguration in Saint John - the power of three. Now one-third the way through his present term of office, he will reflect on at least three of the surprises encountered as president. Of the many challenges facing our organization as we approach our centenary, he said he would try to limit his discussion to a simple triad. As the spring meeting of the Dominion Council will be held three days later, members can expect that the material will be up-to-date. Since he was last here in December 2004, Frederick H. Hayward, our UELAC President, has continued to broaden his understanding of both the operations and history of our Association. While he has yet to find a replacement to handle the specific challenges of the Education and Outreach Committee, he has served as the UELAC Vice-President, with additional responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Grants Committee. Since his July 2008 election in Saint John, Fred has participated in both the Pacific and Prairie Regional meetings in Chilliwack, Vancouver and Regina as well addressed the Col. Butler, Sir Guy Carleton and Heritage Branches. In addition, he has continued to submit articles for Loyalist Trails and the Monuments and Commemoratives section of the Dominion website. |
Sat., Feb. 7, 2009 at noon |
"From Bloody Beginnings; Richard Beasley's Upper Canada" by David Beasley David Beasley will talk about his book, From Bloody Beginnings: Richard Beasley's Upper Canada, and its protagonist. A description of the book follows. Richard Beasley narrates from when he is five years old in 1766 as witness to the tenant rebellions in New York State followed by the American Revolution when his father Henry Beasley and Uncle Richard Cartwright in Albany, New York, risk their lives through the horrors of the civil war for the loyalist forces. Richard Beasley becomes a commissary at Fort Niagara, from which he observes the war out of Niagara featuring his cousin Richard Cartwright Jr,, secretary to Major John Butler of Butler's Rangers, Chief Joseph Brant and Ensign Walter Butler while he continues his fur-trading at Toronto and the Head-of-the-Lake Ontario. After the war, his land dealings, merchant business and association in trade with Richard Cartwright Jr and Robert Hamilton, his arguments on the settlers' behalf in the legislature where he was speaker of the Assembly, and his involvement as agent in the German land companies in Markham and Waterloo Counties, particularly during the Aaron Burr conspiracy with the French to retake Canada, make him suspect to the oligarchy in York, later Toronto. As magistrate and organizer of the militia in West York he takes on several roles during the War of 1812. The battles in the Niagara Peninsula, which involve the 2nd York Regiment of which he is Colonel, he describes in detail. As his intellectual cousin Richard Cartwright becomes more conservative and prominent, Richard Beasley grows more liberal. His correspondence with the famous defender of civil liberties Lord Erskine, his work for a free press, his championing of the reforms of Robert Gourlay and his friendship as a moderate reformer with William Lyon Mackenzie continue the political themes introduced earlier in the book. He manages to overturn the judgment of a military tribunal set up to ruin him by his powerful enemies, including Reverend Strachan and Col. William Claus, for his political views. He relates the economic blights, the pastimes, the joys and sorrows of the settlers with particular emphasis on affairs at the Head-of-the-Lake, which, with his help, becomes Hamilton, a county capital. He gives us interesting details of the Upper Canada Rebellion and shows that many among the Upper Canadian community sympathized with it. In his last stint in the Assembly he does much for the establishment of civil rights and works with his one-time conservative opponent John Beverley Robinson for the country's benefit before the uniting of the provinces in the Act of Union of 1841. RICHARD BEASLEY gives us a personal, continuous and dramatic picture of our history and the characters that made it. Richard died in 1842. David Beasley was born in Hamilton, Ontario; he graduated from McMaster University in 1953, lived in Europe for five years, working, teaching, writing, studying modern French literature in Paris, German romantic literature in Vienna. He came to New York City to marry a lady working in the United Nations and stayed for 35 years. He earned a Master of Library Science degree from Pratt Institute, worked at the New York Public Research Libraries, organized and was president of the library workers' union, and earned a PhD in political economics at the New School for Social Research. He wrote books and articles during this time. Most of his books contain a large amount of original research. He returned to live in Canada in 1992 and has been writing and issuing his books from his Davus Publishing in Simcoe, Ontario. Following is a list of his books, followed by a list of his pamphlets. |
Wed Dec. 3, 2008 7:30pm |
Perspectives of a Native Loyalist by David Kanowakeron Hill Morrison UE Dave Hill Morrison UE is a Status Mohawk of the Six Nations of the Grand River and a direct descendant of Joseph Brant. He lives in the Rochester New York area and is an active member of Grand River Branch. Dave was born, adopted and raised in the Rochester area. He has a B.A. in Psychology and Computer Science and was employed in the IT industry for more than twenty years. A dual-citizen, after a ten-year search, he re-united and began a close relationship with his birthmother on Six Nations in 1991. At age 37, this reconnection with his natural heritage proved to be a personal discovery into a culture and history which eventually exposed him to the story of the United Empire Loyalists. Dave's perspective is a result of living in two countries, three nationalities and three distinct cultures... each with its own nuances and mannerisms. A part of each society, Dave is afforded the option of his allegiances and his presence at this meeting is an indication of his preference. Dave has studied the traditional teachings and history of both the Iroquois Confederacy and his community of the Six Nations. He is active in the Rochester Native community and stays abreast of contemporary issues on both sides of the border. Primarily a writer, Dave also enjoys website designing, computers and traveling. Dave would like to present his perspective as a Native Loyalist, and looks forward to answering questions and lively discussion. |
Wed Nov. 5, 2008 7:30pm |
Life and Times of Colonel David Bridgford by Dinah Cruse-Hunter Colonel David Bridgford was a prominent and colourful figure in the history of Richmond Hill. Born in New York City, he came to "The Hill" around 1799 with his mother and stepfather, Robert Marsh, by way of ox-cart, a two-day journey from the Town of York. Bridgford served in The War of 1812 as a captain, and was ordered to man the Fort of York. He participated in the Battle of Detroit and was present when Commander Hull surrendered. In 1814, he married Lucy Stegman, whose father surveyed much of then Upper Canada. In 1837 he warned the garrison at York of MacKenzie's impending rebellion; he was captured by the rebels and sentenced to death, but was eventually released, only to testify at MacKenzie's trial. Bridgford served as a deputy reeve, a magistrate, a coroner, and president of the Richmond Hill Agricultural Society, before his death in 1868. Dinah Cruse-Hunter was connected to her Bridgford ancestry by a member of the Ontario Genealogical Society as she searched for her father's lineage. She has initiated a project to raise funds to erect a suitable monument to Col. David Bridgford, her 3rd great grandfather, at his gravesite on October 18, 2008 to mark the 140th anniversary of his passing. |
Wed Oct. 1, 2008 7:30pm |
The Facts Behind the Fiction by Jean Rae Baxter When my novel The Way Lies North was released in September 2007, I thought that my work was done. Focusing on the two-year period that followed the defeat of the British and Loyalist forces at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777, my purpose had been to present a piece of Loyalist history accurately and from a Canadian point of view. My book, though a work of fiction, was based on lengthy research. In carrying it out, I had followed many side branches and had also accumulated a fascinating collection of 18th Century political cartoons, contemporary drawings and formal portraits of historical figures. Until the Hamilton Branch (my branch) of the United Empire Loyalists invited me to speak, I had not anticipated any further use for this material. But upon receiving the invitation, I saw that "The Facts behind the Fiction" would be of as much interest as the book itself. What was life like in the Province of New York, and particularly in the Mohawk Valley, in the 1770's? What did the first Loyalist refugees find upon reaching the Upper Country and the safety of a British fort? These questions could lead to many answers, depending on whether one was talking about politics, or education, or the role of the church, or slavery, or the relationship between white colonists and their First Nations allies. Although each of these subjects would take days to exhaust, this narrative with visual images will deliver a vivid overview of the place and time of the Loyalists. Jean Rae Baxter grew up in Hamilton, but "down home" was the region of Essex and Kent Counties on the shores of Lake Erie where her ancestors had settled, some following the American Revolution and some a century earlier, in the days of New France. There were many family stories to awaken her interest in Canada's past, and frequently in these stories, the lives of settlers were interwoven with those of First Nations people. After earning her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.Ed degree from Queen's, she taught for many years in the Kingston area, where her interest in Loyalist history led her to find out more about such figures as the Rev'd John Stuart, Sir William Johnson, and Molly Brant. Following her career in education, she returned to Hamilton and embarked upon a writing career. As well as writing short stories and novels, she is the editor of the Hamilton Loyalist, the newsletter of the Hamilton Branch of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada. |
Wed May 7, 2008 7:30pm |
Archaeological Excavations at the Birthplace of Toronto - Fort York National Historic Site (1793 - 1934) by David Spittal, Project Coordinator and Archaeologist, City of Toronto Between 1987 and 2005 a multi-phase restoration project was undertaken at Fort York, a National Historic Site, to renovate the buildings and to upgrade services like sewers and electrical systems. Many of these restoration projects, which reached into every part of the fort, involved digging below ground. There was, therefore, always the possibility that archaeological resources might be disturbed or destroyed. A major archaeological project was initiated to explore the locations of new works in advance of construction. Archaeological work consisted of excavations in areas where development might have a negative impact on buried resources and of archaeological monitoring of construction as it occurred. This talk will show many of the areas of archaeological excavation and monitoring, highlighting discoveries like old roadways and the foundations of earlier buildings. The soil layers of deep, well preserved archaeological deposits and the many artifacts recovered from them will illustrate the long history of the Fort York site, including aboriginal occupation, the founding of the fort in the late 18th century by John Graves Simcoe, the War of 1812, the Rebellion of Upper Canada and other events. David Spittal graduated form the University of Toronto and was employed by the Ontario Government between 1973 and 1987 completing archaeological inventory surveys and excavations in provincial parks, for housing developments and in advance of new highway construction. David moved to the City of Toronto in 1987 and was involved in all aspects of the archaeology project at Fort York between 1987 and 2005 and was Director of the project from 1996 to 2005. He is now Staff Archaeologist and Project Coordinator for the Cultural Assets section of the Culture Division in the City of Toronto. This section has responsibility for the management and care of over 100 heritage buildings on 60 properties across the City. This includes archaeological planning as part of site development. |
Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 6:30pm |
Potluck and Auction Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed Mar 5, 2008 7:30pm |
Le Sentier Partagé - The Shared Path: a historical park project along the Humber river by Lisette Mallet, Coordinator of Société d'histoire de Toronto La Société d'histoire de Toronto was founded in 1984 during the time of Toronto's sesquicentennial celebrations, animated by the desire to tell Torontonians that the place they call home is a lot older than 150 years old. The concept of taking our history telling outside came later through travels in other counties where the preservation of lieux de mémoire is alive and well and where there is less of a fixation on built heritage. So much of Toronto's early history originated along the Humber River that it became clear that it would be the ideal location for a Historical park and that early history is so multi-layered that it couldn't tell the story of just one people. It had to be a shared path. This presentation will guide you through the parks we plan to network physically, visually and virtually; the features we would like to enhance or create and some of the history we would like to highlight from south of St.Clair avenue all the way to the mouth of the Humber. Lisette Mallet is Acadian, born in New-Brunswick and living in Toronto since 19980. Passionate about history, science, the arts and social justice she's been a member of la Société d'histoire de Toronto since 1994. Incorrigible volunteer she's also a member of the Humber Heritage Committee and the Etobicoke-York Heritage Roundtable. She was involved in the activities surrounding the designation of the Humber as a Heritage River. She has recently been appointed as the part-time coordinator to raise awareness of Toronto's history by means of a historical park. The rest of the time she spends as a nature interpreter at the new Centre for Urban Ecology at the Humber Arboretum. |
Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 at noon |
"How the Butlers Rangers Interacted with the Six Nations Warriors during the American Revolution" by Zig Misiak Zig will introduce the uniform of the Native liason officer that he portrays historically and how it fits with my modern day connection with the Six Nations. He will explain the relationship that the Rangers and Six Nations had during the American Revolution. Zig will describe role of warriors as they related to the Grand Council, and the things that they did during the war, some of which most people either find peculiar or just misunderstand them.
Zig will bring a banner, six feet in height, which shows him dressed in a rougher looking uniform which he will explain. In many ways the Rangers were mysterious and complex, and Mr. Misiak will explain some of the characteristics which made them seem so. Zig Misiak has lived and breathed history for many decades. As a member of the Northern Brigade in Canada and the British Brigade in the U.S.A., his primary focus has been early Canadian history during the American Revolutionary war period 1775 to1784. Appointed Lieutenant Native Liaison Officer, this historically accurate position aligns with Zig,s keen interest in the history of the Hotinonshonni (Six Nations), and has taken him to re-enactments in historical forts all over Ontario, Nova Scotia, New York State, Connecticut, Ohio, and Virginia. Zig spent many years on the Board of Directors for PineTree Native Centre and Kanata Village, has been awarded lifetime membership status for his contributions to the First Nations community. Zig is in continual communication with First Nations historians and elders due to an ongoing process of learning and dissertation. Zig has been referenced in a number of history books, interviewed for history theses, and is often consulted relative to Six Nations' history. His Rangers participated in several documentaries such as CBC's A Peoples' History, CBC's Hockey: A Peoples History, The War of 1812 by the McKenna Brothers, The History of the Lincoln and Welland by Madua Studios and lately The History of Brant County and an Ontario Visual Heritage Project "Chatham-Kent" both by Pixel Dust Studios. More collaborative projects which are currently underway relate to the enhancement of Aboriginal history in the educational system. Zig is currently restoring a century home in Brantford, where he lives with his wife and four children all of whom have reenacted with him. He is also adding to his earlier post secondary education by taking advantage of Wilfred Laurier's new home in Brantford. He is currently working on a degree in Contemporary History majoring in Native Studies. For more information, visit Zig's web site at www.realpeopleshistory.com. |
Wed Jan 9, 2008 7:30pm |
“History of Applewood Acres, Mississauga and Area” by David Cook Dave's interest in his home area evolved into his first book Apple Blossoms and Satellite Dishes about the evolution of Mississauga's first subdivision. A second historic volume, From Frozen Ponds to Beehive Glory: The Story of Dixie Arena Gardens followed and a third is now in the works, with a planned publication date of April 2008. Dave will draw upon all of these books as he mixes tales of the early history of the area with more recent events and personalities. As he researched, Dave uncovered some amazing twists and turns. David Cook: When the family farm in Malton, where Dave grew up, was expropriated for Toronto Airport expansion in 1957, his family moved to Applewood Acres (Q.E.W. & Cawthra) where he attended school. He first worked for CHIC radio in Brampton and then for Toronto's CHIC. With experience as an on-air news announcer and in program production, Dave moved to the Mississauga News and then the Etobicoke Gazette. In 1980 he was elected Councillor, City of Mississauga and Regional Municipality of Peel, served three terms and retired in 1988. His most recent career is as an author of local history books. |
Wed Dec 5, 2007 7:30pm |
"Black History" by Dr. Rosemary Sadlier One of the many myths about Canadian history is the idea that the Loyalists were all of British origin! In this lecture, the intersection of Black history with Loyalist history will be discussed with specific reference to Nova Scotia and Ontario. Dr. Rosemary Sadlier was born and raised in Toronto, and has a teaching degree and a graduate degree in social work. She has been president of the Ontario Black History Society since 1993, and was instrumental in making the celebration of Black History Month a national event in Canada. A noted author, her books work to highlight the historical contributions and experiences of Black people in Canada. Her much-praised titles include biographies of Harriet Tubman and Mary Ann Shadd and Leading the Way: Black Women in Toronto. |
Wed Nov 7, 2007 7:30pm |
Taptoos and Piercing - "The hollow drum and shrill fife": The Military Taptoo during the Simcoe Regime - by Ken Purvis. Using musical instruments and recorded musical examples, the various roles of Military music and musicians during the late 18th C. will be explored, with a particular focus on the development of the military taptoo. This presentation Taptoos and Piercing was first presented by Ken at the Munk Centre for International Studies in the spring of 2003 as part of a symposium on John Beckwith's operetta Taptoo! for which Ken fulfilled the role of historical music consultant. The same knowledge of the music of the era helped Ken in 2003, to recruit, train, rehearse and arrange the music for an authentic Napoleonic Military Band which performed for the Louisiana Purchase Bi-centennial in New Orleans. Ken Purvis is the Senior Program Officer at Historic Fort York and has worked in public history for over 20 years. He began his career with the Fife and Drum Corps of the Fort Henry Guard in Kingston in the early 1980s and has continued to research, perform and record early music in a variety of forms and venues. He is the co-founder of the traditional music trio Gin Lane, and of The Regency Parlour Ensemble, both of which continue to entertain with their unique repertoire of early Ontario folk music. |
Wed. Oct. 3, 2007 |
"Canadians at the Table: Food, Fellowship, and Folklore: A Culinary History of Canada" by Dorothy Duncan Canadians at Table is an introduction to the diverse culinary history of Canada. We learn about the lessons of survival of the First Nations, the foods that fuelled the fur traders, and the adaptability of the early settlers in their new environment. As communities developed and transportation improved, waves of newcomers arrived, bringing their memories of foods, beverages, and traditions they had known, which were almost impossible to implement in their new homeland. They learned instead to use native plants for many of their needs. Community events and institutions developed to serve religious, social, and economic needs — from agricultural and temperance societies to Women's Institutes, from markets and fairs to community meals and celebrations. One New World food, pemmican — a light, durable, and highly nourishing blend of dried and powdered buffalo, elk, or deer meat that is mixed with dried berries, packed into a leather bag, then sealed with grease — was introduced by the First Nations to the fur traders coming to Canada. Small amounts of pemmican replaced large amounts of regular food, freeing up precious hunting and food preparation time and allowing more space to carry additional furs and trade goods. From the self-sufficient First Nations and early settlers, including the Loyalists, to the convenience foods of today, Canadians at Table gives us an overview of one of the most unique and fascinating food histories in the world and how it continues to change to serve Canadians from coast to coast. Dorothy Duncan has addressed our branch on several occasions and often provided us with advice as well. She has always been involved with history in the form of museums, restorations and especially interpretation of the past. She has been curator of Black Creek Pioneer Village, and latterly Executive Director of OHS. Retired since Jan. of 2002, she is involved with Cuisine Canada and the Jane Austen Society. Dorothy has received the Order of Ontario, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Waterloo. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Museum Association, and most recently was named Woman of the Year by the Toronto Women's Culinary Network. |
Wed., May. 2, 2007 |
"A Passion for Survival: The True Story of Marie Anne and Louis Payzant in Eighteenth-Century Nova Scotia," by Linda G. Layton The lives of the author's ancestors have formed the stuff of legends and sparked the literary imagination of many writers, Margaret Atwood among them. (Atwood's short story, “The Bombardment Continues,” in the book “Story of a Nation: Defining Moments in Our History” was partially based on a previous work by Linda.) “A Passion for Survival” is the first documented account of Louis' tragic death and Marie Anne's unshakeable fortitude as they became engulfed in the French-English warfare in the New World. Mercenary Maliseet natives killed and scalped Louis and took Marie Anne and her children captive, just three years after they emigrated from France to Nova Scotia. The author spent eighteen years researching her Huguenot ancestors and has built this genealogical research into an historical narrative. The author will take you through her research process, tell you how she wrote the book, and offer suggestions for blending your own genealogy into an historical framework. Linda Layton is a twenty-seven-year Burlington resident who has worked at the Oakville Public Library for sixteen years. Although born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, she has deep Nova Scotia roots. As a young girl she often heard the story of her ancestors — the catalyst that sparked her interest in genealogy. |
Wed., Apr. 4, 2007 |
Annual Potluck Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. |
Wed., Mar. 7, 2007 |
"The Sharon Temple, David Willson and The Children of Peace", by Jeanine Avigdor In the mid-19th century, a religious group in East Gwillimbury Township practised social welfare, educated their girls, established a farmers' co-operative, and built their unique "Temple of Peace", now a National Heritage Site. Jeanine Avigdor will introduce you to the Children of Peace and their charismatic leader, David Willson; and explain some of the symbolism built into the Sharon Temple. Jeanine Avigdor is the editor of "The York Pioneer", the annual publication of the York Pioneer and Historical Society; and is an Honorary President of the Society. She is a retired secondary school English Department Head. On her maternal grandmother's side, she is descended from two Temple families, and from the Loyalist Travis family of New Brunswick and Queensville, Ontario. |
Sat., Feb. 3, 2007 at noon |
Loyalist Clothing Fashion during 1776-1790, with Diane Reid UE and Sarah Walker Diane Reid (member of the Toronto Branch of the UEL) and Sarah Walker, owners of Fashion History Productions, began an association in February 1996. Both of them had a collection of a small number of historical costumes that they were eager to show on live models, to dynamically demonstrate women's clothing in the past. In subsequent years they undertook to expand their collections of costumes to demonstrate clothing fashions throughout more historical periods to include accessories and undergarments, footwear, wigs and millinery and to include children's and men's wear. Sarah is a costume maker and Diane does the research and history of the appropriate period. Their collaboration has produced themes that will specifically fit with a theme chosen by the organization's programme. Like the one this afternoon. What constitutes Loyalist dress? It is not the story of English or French Fashion, or even of high fashion. Rather it is the story of the adoption and adaptation of clothing styles in the years 1776-1790 before and just after the revolutionary war. How the revolutionary war affected what was worn. With reproductions of garments during that period, get a hands on experience of the kinds of garments worn by men, women and children. Also, a demonstration of dressing a lady, will be part of the program. |
Tues., Jan. 9, 2007 |
“Tripping to the Mohawk Valley in 2006”, by Doug Grant U.E. A goodly portion of the Loyalists originated in the City and Province of New York. George Anderson and Ed Kipp of the Sir Guy Carleton Branch in Ottawa have organized some nine trips, two for research and seven for bus loads of Loyalist descendants and historians to visit various key Revolutionary War sites along the Mohawk Valley, the Hudson Valley, Lake Champlain and their environs. The latest trip to the Mohawk was held Oct 1-4, 2006. Doug will show a collection of pictures taken during the trip, along with supplementary images, and commentary. Doug Grant U.E. is a long-term member of the Gov. Simcoe Branch and has served many years on the Executive. He has two proven Loyalist ancestors and probably several more just needing research. He and spouse Nancy, who is also of Loyalist descent, have attended several bus trips organized by George and Ed to the areas in the Lake Champlain, Mohawk valley and Hudson Valley areas and both have ancestors who, as loyalists, were forced from that area. They both traveled much of Canada between 2004 and 2006 visiting branches of the Association and making many good friends when Doug was President of UELAC. |
Wed., Dec. 6, 2006 |
"Early Photography And Genealogy" by Peter Johnson UE A survey of the 19th Century Photographic formats you are most likely to find as you sift through old shoe boxes full of early family photos. Samples of the various types will be available for viewing, and please bring some of your own early photos for comment. From an interest in historical photography as a student, then teacher, Peter wrote several articles/columns on photography for the Loyalist Gazette during his several years as editor leading up to 2004. Peter Johnson U.E. has at least 7 Loyalist ancestors, and 2 or 3 Rebels, just for variety. He has been a reenactor since 1977 with the King's Royal Yorkers, serving as a musketman, but more often these days a fifer. He has been also involved in 1812 reenactment for the last five years. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Hons. Fine Art & English, and MA in English, Peter recently retired from 30 years of teaching for the Toronto Board of Education. He is married to Angela who has also served the UELAC in various ways, and they have 4 kids, mostly adults now. Peter and Angela live on a piece of the 1801 family farm north of Trenton . |
Sat., Nov. 4, 2006 |
"Potluck Luncheon, and "Tea with Mrs. Simcoe," by Marilyn Branch, Sue Hines and Cathy Thompson Bring a pot (don't forget to put some food in it) and share with others as we enjoy a potluck lunch. The room opens at 12:45, lunch at 1:15. Of course lunch is always a good precursor to tea. Mrs. Elizabeth Simcoe, wife of Governor Simcoe, will be making a special appearance. She will be taking tea and sharing with us, through her own words and with the assistance of a little 21 Century technology, music and slides depicting the Simcoe's life just before leaving England, the sea voyage, their time in Quebec and their life in the new province of Upper Canada. Cathy Thompson of Grand River Branch will be our gracious Mrs. Simcoe and Marilyn Branch, also of Grand River Branch will provide the readings from the selections of Mrs. Simcoe's Diary. Sue Hines of Grand River, feeling somewhat like a member of Star Trek, will be beaming back and forth between the late 1700's and 2006, operating the electronic equipment that will help bring this bit of history to life. Marilyn Branch is a Past President of Grand River Branch and a former Trustee of the UELAC. Four generations of her family have Loyalist status and all are members of Grand River Branch. |
Wed., Oct. 4, 2006 |
"The Humber: Tales of a Canadian Heritage River" by Ron Fletcher In 1997 The Humber Watershed taskforce issues its report on implementing a strategy for a healthy Humber River. One of its objectives called for the identification and documentation of cultural and heritage resources. Other objectives called for the celebration of these resources. This book is such a celebration. The Humber has been the scene of many stories down through human history. Along its banks explorers made grand plans for empires and forts were built to control it. Adventurers sought their fortunes and merchant princes built chateaux on the slopes of its valleys. Heroes and villains competed here. Ron's book is a compilation of some fifty vignettes and sketches, all true. One such is “Governor Simcoe and the Toronto Carrying Place”. Ron Fletcher is a retired history teacher who has lived all of his life in the Beaches and Riverdale. He published and spoke previously to us about his book "Over the Don". Ron is President of the Riverdale Historical Society. |
Wed., May 3, 2006 |
"Simcoe and Settlement: The Military Context of the Founding of York" by Ken Purvis Ken's presentation will focus on the period following the American Revolution with the fledgling U.S. expanding into Indian territory in the Ohio valley and the implications for the defense of British North America. This would prove to be the first real test of the new Republic and would engender the formation of the U.S. Legion - an army raised specifically to conquer the "old Northwest". This horrific confrontation between the U.S. and native warriors of the so-called western tribes was a conflict in which the British were implicated, would come dangerously close to the Canada/U.S. border and ultimately would cause the establishment of Toronto. Ken Purvis, the Senior Program Officer at Historic Fort York, has worked in public history for over 20 years - first with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at Fort Henry, then with the Toronto Historical Board, now Culture Division, City of Toronto at Historic Fort York where he fulfilled the various roles of Historical Interpreter, Site Manager and now Senior Program Officer. He has lectured on the subject of Simcoe and Settlement at York University and for Routes to Learning Canada. His main area of interest is in Military Music and he has presented lecture/performances at dozens of museums and historic sites, at the Royal Canadian Military Institute and at the University of Toronto. Last year he had the pleasure of working with Dr. Carl Benn, Chief Curator for the City of Toronto, as co-curator of the music portion of an exhibit entitled The Soldiers' Trade which included an interactive touch-screen interface allowing visitors to hear recorded examples of 19th C. military music. He was a consultant for Canadian Composer John Beckwith on the creation of the score for the operetta Taptoo and presented a paper on the history of Military Taptoos at the Monk Centre for performing Arts as part of an all day symposium on Beckwith's work. In 2003 he had the pleasure of recruiting, training and writing scores for a French Napoleonic Military Band at the behest of the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, in order to participate in the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase in New Orleans. |
Wed., Apr 5, 2006 |
Annual Potluck Our Spring potluck and auction at Montgomery Inn has been a fun activity each year for twenty years or more. It is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and good friends, some who can't make it out to our regular meetings. Perhaps you will win the door prize, or buy a ticket and take home one of the raffle prizes. Or buy that little item n the auction table — just the thing you always wanted. Please mark this on your calendar and reserve your tickets by calling Robert Heath at 416-249-7981. We are limited to about 56 people so don't wait. Tickets are only $5.00, plus a food dish — when you speak with Robert, he will want to know if you are bringing a main course dish, salad or dessert. Don't delay, seating is limited! |
Wed., Mar 1, 2006 |
"Downtown Ontario: Unusual Main Streets to Explore" by Ron Brown Many of Ontario's cities and towns were settled by truly innovative and sometimes wealthy and eccentric pioneers. They wanted their homes and communities to stand out and be noticed. And outstanding they are, whether it is because of the stunning architecture, the strange location or the intriguing story behind them. Some of the places thrived and grew, others eventually became little more than a main street, but all of the ones presented in this book have a fascinating story to tell. Author, geographer and town planner, Ron Brown has long had a love affair with the landscape of Canada. From the time he visited his first ghost town in 1963, he began recording and writing about Canada's vanishing historic landscapes. Ron has published many books including Ghost Towns of Ontario, The Train Doesn't Stop Here Any More, Toronto's Lost Villages, and his most recent, Downtown Ontario. Ron has spoken to us previously, once on Canada's Railway Stations and more recently on "How Cobalt Became Ontario's Most Historic Town." |
Sat., Feb 18, 2006 |
Heritage Day at Gov. Simcoe Branch Our February meeting has been moved from Feb 1 to Feb 18. Please join us slightly before 1:00 pm so we can begin with our potluck lunch at 1:00. There is a great afternoon of activities and programs for all family members. Be sure to bring friends and relatives, but do let Daryl Currie (416-469-0851) know in advance how many are attending. Bring a dish and we will start off the afternoon with a lunch after a brief welcome. During the afternoon we will have lots to do, including snackfoods with Dr. Dorothy Duncan, period music, flag and hat crafts, and Governor Simcoe's birthday cake. As a special part of the program, a guest re-enactor family from the Royal Yorkers -- Mum, Dad and two children -- will show us their clothing and gear and help transport us back into the period of our Loyalist ancestors. |
Wed., Jan 11, 2006 |
"Sir Winston Churchill" by Randy Barber This presentation on Churchill will basically cover the life and time's of Britain's greatest Englishman and I let him speak a lot using his humour, and his command of the English language. I call it "Churchill 101" as it provides the audience with quite a few little-known facts. I also try to explode some of the more common myths about him. I display a number of artifacts from my Churchilliana collection for folks to browse through before and after my talk. I always ask for questions. Randy is a member of the Gov. Simcoe Branch, and resides in Markham. His very successful business career culminated in eight years as Chair of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Politically, Randy served two terms as Councillor of Markham, and has been involved with fund raising, political and otherwise, including the Juno Beach Centre 2000-04. He has been President International Churchill Society — Canada, director International Board, The Churchill Centre — Washington, D.C, and chair 2005 International Conference of Churchill Societies — Quebec City. Among many personal interests, Randy is a collector of Sir Winston Churchill memorabilia. |
Sat., Dec 3, 2005 |
"The State of the UELAC Dominion" by Doug Grant, UE The UELAC has made significant strides once again in the last decade. Starting with the Vision statement of the Association, and a brief review of the current finances, the focus will be on five of the measurable objectives that the UELAC pursues. In 2005, increasing membership has been important. A number of initiatives have resulted in a 5% growth. Some of this growth has resulted from the interest generated by Branch Projects, which are being tackled across the country. Other memberships have come from attention the media have paid to Loyalist projects and events. A vastly increased use of email and the web, current communications tools, have in turn generated interest in membership and Loyalists from all over North America, and beyond. Doug will provide an opinion about the impact these approaches has made, and the programs and approaches which are in place or planned for 2006. Douglas Warner Grant, UE, has proven Loyalist ancestors on both his maternal and paternal sides. A member of the Gov. Simcoe Branch since 1980, and of the executive team since 1982, Doug has held most executive positions including two stints as President. He joined the UELAC executive team as trustee and held several roles before being elected President in June 2004. In his role as Sr. VP and President, he has visited all but three of the 28 UELAC branches across the country. |
Wed., Nov 2 |
"From Powder Horn to Plow: The Influence of the Loyalists in Toronto Township" by John Warburton, UE The presentation outlines who the loyalists were, which ones came to Toronto Township (now Mississauga) and the influence that they, their children and grandchildren had on Mississauga. We will look at people such as Sir John Beverley Robinson, Thomas Merigold, Lewis Bradley, James Falconer, C.J.S. Bethune, William Claus, Frederick Starr Jarvis and a few others. We discuss first their relationship to the Revolutionary War, then their trials as they fled and finally the effect they had on early Toronto Township. This talk includes comments on Loyalist Burial Places and the Toronto Branch Project "The Home District Loyalists." John was born in Paignton, Devon, England (not far from the final resting place of John Graves Simcoe) and came to Canada in 1953. Raised and educated in Toronto and Scarborough, he is a former school teacher in Scarborough. Historical interpreter with Black Creek Pioneer Village from 1989-1996, John is a freelance historian who performs at many venues across the Province as broom maker, farmer/rope maker and phrenologist as Dr. Zonk. John has contributed to books on Loyalist history in Toronto and has been an Executive member since 1990 of Toronto Branch — UELAC. He was Central West Region Vice-President UELAC 2002-4. John's Loyalist ancestors include: John Bradshaw, Isaac DeMille, John Walden Meyers, John Fetterly, Adam Pabst. (Looking for Cooks of Osnabruck (Cornwall) and John Fitzgerald of Adolphustown.) |
Wed., Oct 5 |
"Stories From Stones" by Marion Heath Stories from Stones is about cairns. They are build to honour and remember people or events. Such structures provide queries -- why were they built, are they still significant....? Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples made them. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, each tribe carried a stone from the river to pile on the shore as a significant reminder for their children. Our Ontario Ancestors also build them. Each chapter of this book tells the story with a photograph or two of one of these remarkable but little-known stone records of Ontario history. Marion Heath holds a BA in English from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, a Master of Religious Education from Union Seminary, New York City; and a teacher's certificated from Toronto, where she taught for some years. Her works include The Competition in Russia, a story for Alberta Grade 9 studies, and articles on cairns and other monuments. |
Wed., May 4 |
"Over the Don" by Ron Fletcher Today the area of Toronto on the east side of the lower Don River is close to the centre of our city. In the early years of York, it was on the outskirts of town with forests and then farms beside the Kingston Road. Ron Fletcher, a lifelong resident of this general part of Toronto, has written a book of vignettes, stories, incidents which occurred along the lower Don on or near the Queen St. Bridge. Ron will tell us about the book and some of the incidents from days before York, through Simcoe and Scadding, whose farm was nearby, to the mid-twentieth century. Mr. Fletcher is a retired history teacher who has lived all of his life in the Beaches and Riverdale. He published this book "Over the Don" and is now working on a similar one about the Humber. |
Wed., April 6 |
Our potluck dinner, a long-time tradition at Montgomery Inn, gives time to meet and discuss while enjoying a wonderful meal. A door prize, a raffle, and an auction fill out this event. Entrance is by ticket - $5.00 per person - an item for the auction and contribution of a dish for dinner. Casual dress. Free parking on-site at the southeast corner of Islington and Dundas in Etobicoke. This dinner has been known to sell out, so order your tickets early. |
Wed., March 2 |
"Rev. John Stuart" by Rev. Harold Shepherd John Stuart was born 1740/1 in Pennsylvania where he was raised. He earned a B.A. from U. of Pennsylvania in 1763, worked as a schoolmaster in Lancaster County before taking his M.A. in 1770. His intellectual and social skills matched his height which exceeded six feet. In 1770, following a trip to England for his ordination, he was posted to Fort Hunter, where he ministered to the Indians and Europeans. He met Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, and the two collaborated in the translation of St. Mark's gospel into Mohawk. Stuart supervised a school at Johnstown and officiated at the burial of friend and protector Sir Wm. Johnson. Loyal to the King, Stuart eventually escaped, through an exchange, to Montreal in 1781 where he lived and worked for four years, and among other responsibilities was chaplain to the KRRNY. In 1784 he traveled to Niagara, and administered to loyalist settlers along the way. In 1785, Stuart moved to Cataraqui (Kingston) where he lived until his death in 1811. In 1792 after the Legislative Council was sworn in at St. George's Church, Kingston, Simcoe was appointed Chaplain of the Council. While busy with the ministerial duties, Stuart was very involved with his family of eight children. John Strachan called John Stuart the Father of the Episcopal Church in Upper Canada. His life story is quite fascinating. Rev. Shepherd is Rector of St. David's Anglican Church, where we hold our monthly meetings. He hosted our Loyalist Day Church Service in 2003. Born in Toronto, Harold's family moved to Montreal when he was in early grade school. He graduated there from McGill, and entered Osgoode Law School in Toronto. Ordained a Deacon in 1981 and a Priest in the Diocese of Montreal in 1982, Harold returned for more education at Queen's University in 1989 and while there was Honorary Assistant to St. George's Cathedral until 1992. He practiced law in Oakville, and returned to Toronto in 1994 as Rector at St. David's. He is also employed by the Federal Government in the Dept. of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, determining applications for refugee protection to be presented to the Minister. Rev. Shepherd has participated in many of our Branch events. |
Wed., February 2 |
"Some Deep History - Davenport Rd and old Yorkville" by Jane Beecroft Before the first European settlements as York by Simcoe in 1793 and by the French as Fort Rouille from the 1750's, the First Nations peoples had used this area. A Iroquois Village, Teiaigon, by the Humber, connected to an old trail which became Davenport Road. One can only wonder if Simcoe himself walked or rode parts of this road. This "oldest road in the region" is the base for this presentation. As traffic increased, a tolling system evolved. The Tollkeepers Cottage, an historic landmark, has been returned to the corner of Davenport and Bathurst, near its original location. The cottage is two thirds restored, under the auspices of the Community History Project. Our speaker will describe the tolling system and the restoration status and plans for the cottage. A little further east, the second oldest community in this region, Yorkville, was founded in 1808. In 1853 it was incorporated as a municipality and annexed to Toronto in 1883. Jane has been involved with many aspects of Yorkville for years and will discuss some of its history and progress. President of the Community History Project (CHP), and founder of the CHP and Society of Heritage Associates, Jane received the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 2001, which noted that she has devoted nearly 25 years to issues of heritage building, natural heritage and to Ontario's First Nations' people. As a director of the Toronto Historical Association, Jane has spearheaded the study of 250 lost historical sites in Toronto. Through the CHP, she conducts numerous historical walking tours through Yorkville and South Rosedale. Jane has been a great force in the effort to preserve the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood and has documented much of its history. Her great love of history led to a project to provide books to native libraries in Ontario. Jane has also received the City of Toronto Award of Merit. She has led the charge to save and restore the Tollkeepers cottage. This full-time involvement with heritage follows several careers in the arts fields. |
Wed., January 12 |
"First Novelist rallies Loyalism in Canada" by Dr. David Beasley Major John Richardson was born in Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in 1796, went to school in British-run Detroit and Amherstburg until the War of 1812 claimed him as a boy soldier. Later he wrote the first version of the War from a Canadian viewpoint. As an officer in the West Indies and a half-pay officer in England and the Continent he experienced much which he used in his fiction. After fighting in the Spanish Carlist War, he returned to Canada as correspondent for the London Times, supported Lord Durham and the quest for Responsible Government, edited several newspapers, continued to publish novels and non-fiction, and migrated after the Rebellion Losses Bill to New York City to publish several novels. His novel Wacousta, about Pontiac's siege of Fort Detroit in 1763, published in England in 1832, was reissued over twenty times. He died as a result of penury in 1852. While in Canada he rebuilt the spirit of loyalism politically through his journalism and began the formation of what became the Conservative Party. His Eight Years in Canada is a valuable record of the political turmoil in Canada in the 1840s. Dr. David Beasley was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. After graduating from McMaster University, he worked, traveled, studied and wrote in Europe for five years. This included a year reading French literature at the Sorbonne in Paris, two years of teaching in Vienna and traveling in a remote region of Turkey by donkey. He came to New York City and married a lady who worked at the United Nations. He obtained his MLS from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, worked as a research librarian in the New York Public Research Libraries, organized and was president of AFSCME Local 1930, obtained his PhD in political-economics and continued to write. In 1992 he returned to Canada and has been living in Simcoe where he is writing and publishing. The Canadian Don Quixote; the life and works of Major John Richardson, Canada's first novelist was his first book publication. Out of print for many years, he revised it and published it recently. He has also published recently four of Richardson's novels that have not been seen by Canadians. |
Wed., December 1 |
"Loyalists, Outreach and You" by Fred H. Hayward UE This presentation will include an overview of the work of UELAC Education/Outreach Committee, blended with ideas for both personal and Branch outreach and served up with visuals, artifacts and dramatization. Fred's impersonation of his Irish Palatine ancestor, Philip Embury, considered to be the founder of the Methodist Church in the United States, should be both entertaining and informative. Since he joined the Hamilton Branch UELAC in 1998, Fred H. Hayward UE has filled his "retirement" years with a variety of roles within the organization. In Hamilton, he has served as chairman of both the Education Committee and the Archives Committee and presently is the immediate Past President of the Branch. At the Dominion level, he has served as the Chairman of the Education/Outreach Committee since 2000 and was recently elected as Regional Vice President of the Central West Region UELAC. He also has found time to address a number of heritage groups and UELAC Branches. With classroom experience at both the elementary and secondary levels, Fred has degrees from both McMaster and University of Toronto. Fred feels that his strong interest in Gardening, the Arts, Canadian History and his extended Family has had a great influence in his approach to the needs of our Association. |
Wed., November 3 |
"Preparing for Christmas in Early Ontario" by Dorothy Duncan Dorothy's presentation will focus on food, but will also deal with gifts and decorations for house and table. The food portion will review ingredients and recipes our ancestors might have used in the early nineteenth century. Dorothy will bring some samples which she will have made from the recipes for us to enjoy. She recently authoured a book, "Nothing More Comforting: Canada's Heritage Food" (published by Dundurn Press, hardcover, 25 pages). It is mostly a history book, but does contain some recipes. Dorothy will have copies of the book for sale at the meeting at a special price of $25. She will also bring a basket of items made from the book's recipes; buying a book will earn you a ticket for the raffle to win the basket. Dorothy Duncan has addressed our branch on several occasions and often provided us with advice as well. She has always been involved with history in the form of museums, restorations and especially interpretation of the past. She has been curator of Black Creek Pioneer Village, and latterly Executive Director of OHS. Retired since Jan. of 2002, she is involved with Cuisine Canada and the Jane Austen Society. Dorothy has received the Order of Ontario, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Waterloo. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Museum Association, and most recently was named Woman of the Year by the Toronto Women's Culinary Network. |
Wed., October 6 |
"Law in Early Ontario" by David Scott David spoke to us this past January about the national, political and legal environment in Canada through the eighteenth century, and an introduction to the early nineteenth century. This presentation will follow from that one. Upper Canada was formed by an Act of the British Parliament in 1791. John Graves Simcoe was appointed the first Lieutenant Governor. One of the institutions implemented was the legal system, and our speaker will address the evolution from 1791 through 1900, with a focus on the period of Upper Canada. During this time the organization of the courts changed as the population grew dramatically. Osgoode Hall was formed and likewise changed. Take a look with us at life behind the scenes as we peek at the diaries of an early Chief Justice, Robert Harrison. At the same time that the system evolved, the public and general view of criminality has also changed. A fascinating part of our heritage that we don't often think about. David was born in Beamsville, but most of his public schooling was in Ottawa. He attended Macdonald College, McGill University where he earned a degree in Science. He worked for the Defense Research Board in Kingston, Glaxo Smith Klein in Montreal and a legal firm in Ottawa before entering Law School at Osgoode Hall in 1955. He was called to the Bar in 1959, and after several years working for various firms, joined the Federal Dept. Of Justice in 1968 in Toronto. David was appointed to the Bench in 1979. In 1998 he retired from full time judgeship, but then continued part time until his complete retirement in 2002. |