Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2006 Archive

In this issue:
- North Carolina: Davis, Derrickson and Simcoe Information
- "The Reminiscences of Mrs. John Collins Clark, 1865" by Linda Corupe
- Toronto Branch Web Site
- Death Notice: Winifred (Peggy) Willis, UE
- Bicentennial Branch Celebrates Heritage Days:
- Hamilton Branch Honours Black History Month
- Storm reveals long-lost wall at Fortress Louisbourg: CBC News
- Revolutionary War Weekend at Fort Pitt
- Congratulations and thanks to you, our readers and contributors
- Queries
      + Info on Mary Perkins dau Wm Perkins UE and m Andrew Moore Kennedy
      + Description of "Settling the Land"
      + Influence of United Empire Loyalists on Canada

North Carolina: Davis, Derrickson and Simcoe Information

I enjoyed the last issue of Loyalist Trails and have copied it for our OBCGS Library. I have access to the Davis and Derrickson records here in Orange County if anyone wants them. I have an idea that they knew John Graves Simcoe when he was stationed here with, I think, the Queen's Own (?) Rangers, as a young officer. He may have been billeted with the Robert Davis family, but can't verify that off hand.

...Doris Cline Ward, Asheville, NC

"The Reminiscences of Mrs. John Collins Clark, 1865" by Linda Corupe

Bay of Quinte researcher Linda Corupe will be speaking at the next meeting of the Bay of Quinte Branch UEL Association to be held on Saturday March 11th, 2006 at 1:30PM at the Quinte Harvest Church on Elmwood Drive, just east of Belleville. She has published many works on the early history of the area, and will be discussing one of her latest publications, the Clark Diaries for the Napanee area in her talk entitled "The Reminiscences of Mrs. John Collins Clark, 1865".

The Clark diaries cover the years 1831 to 1864, and were written as not only as a day to day account of the weather and the events in the life of the Clark family, but also as a record of the happenings in the entire Quinte region. John C. Clark was a well-educated man for his day, and over the years was a school teacher, farmer, militia officer, and magistrate. His interests were varied and wide and encompassed medicine, history, farm equipment, travel, religion, and the temperance movement. The published index has been prepared by extracting all the personal names mentioned in the diaries, together with the relevant entries and the dates they occur. These names are listed in alphabetical order for ease of use. Prominent throughout are births, marriages, and deaths, which, especially in the early years when few records have survived from this area, and are a particular help to any family tree researcher. Her other publications including area marriage registers will also be available for sale the day of the talk. All are welcome to attend.

...Brian Tackaberry, President Bay of Quinte Branch

Toronto Branch Web Site

Toronto Branch has done extensive design and implementation work in preparation for their web site, which has recently been made available. Take a look at it here.

...Martha Hemphill, UE

Death Notice: Winifred (Peggy) Willis, UE

Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch UELAC is saddened to report that Winifred (Peggy) Willis, UE (nee Bath) passed away on Monday, February 13th in Mississauga. Mrs. Willis was very proud of her UEL ancestor James Hunter. James Hunter served in the Engineers Dept. before joining the 1st Batt. KRRNY as a Lt.; then he served in the Royal Artillery as 2nd Lt. He was an accomplished painter and recorded places and events of the Rev. War in Canada. Source - King's Royal Regiment of New York by Cruikshank and Watt . He settled in Barton Twp. Wentworth Co.

Peggy was a Branch member for more than 53 years and was very active until her health failed. She served as Treasurer, Librarian, Branch Genealogist and Council Delegate. Her contributions to Loyalist and family history researchers in the Niagara area are legendary. Her indexing projects form the basis for the St. Catharines Public Library Special Collections Card Index. Fortunately she transcribed many early Niagara cemeteries in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s many of the stones have been lost or desecrated. Her work was meticulous. Thank you Peggy.

...submitted by Bev Craig, Col John Butler Branch

Bicentennial Branch Celebrates Heritage Days

The First Annual Heritage Expo was held on Saturday February 18 (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) and Sunday, February 19 (12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) at the Major F. A. Tilston Armoury on Sandwich Street in Olde Sandwich Towne. Our branch had a wonderful display set up showing members and events we have participated in. Kimberly Hurst U.E. was also on hand to do Complimentary Loyalist searches for those interested in discovering their family roots. About 40 other local Historical groups participated in the event and it was a great success. Plans are already underway for next years Expo.

Hamilton Branch Honours Black History Month

Honouring BLACK HISTORY MONTH, we are proud to welcome Jane Mulkewich who will discuss the life of a Dundas slave, Sophia Pooley. Ms Mulkewich has done considerable research over a period of years and her presentation will reveal a story which needs to be told. Sophia Pooley was kidnapped, brought to Upper Canada in 1778 and was sold to Chief Joseph Brant and later to Samuel Hatt, brother of Richard Hatt.

...Gloria Oakes UE

Storm reveals long-lost wall at Fortress Louisbourg: CBC News

Archeologists at the Fortress of Louisbourg are scrambling after a recent storm surge washed away parts of the coastline, revealing a 250-year-old defence wall long thought destroyed. Rebecca Duggan says the storm uncovered 30 metres of wall at the 18th-century French fortress on the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island. "We thought most of this wall had long eroded, but during the last storm it was just smack, exposed," said Duggan.

The storm also revealed a house foundation, a burial plot and a soldier's outpost, which is of great historical significance. "It was to provide defence in case there was a beach landing, it wasn't meant for big guns or fighting off ships. There just really isn't a comparison to this structure in North America or Europe in fortification design," she said.

Duggan said it would have taken years to excavate what the storm exposed in a day. She warned that another storm could easily wash it all away again. "It's a bit of a scramble to say, 'OK, this is what we have exposed, what do we need to do to record everything about this feature before it's lost.'" Robert Shears, who is working with the team of archeologists, says it's a fascinating experience. "It's really quite amazing to see that handiwork and rub your hand over something some French mason built centuries ago."

With one-quarter of the fortress rebuilt, Louisbourg is the largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town in North America. It has become a case study for archeologists who are trying to rescue heritage sites around the world from storm surges and rising sea levels.

Revolutionary War Weekend at Fort Pitt

BAR School of Instruction and Revolutionary War Roundtable

March 18 and 19, 2006, Fort Pitt Museum, Point State Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (fortpittmuseum.com)

This event is open to the public. Regular Museum admission rates will be charged.

The Brigade of the American Revolution Northwest Department will be conducting the School of Instruction at the recently remodeled Fort Pitt Museum.

This year's theme for the school will focus on the Revolutionary War west of the Appalachian Mountains. The Fort Pitt Museum and the Brigade have lined up an exciting agenda of speakers and activities for the weekend. In addition to the lectures, the school is encouraging members to bring their 18th century "stuff" for show and tell. The Brigade will have a weapon inspection station set up for you to bring your muskets and rifles in and have them looked over before the season begins.

Schedule of Activities - Saturday, March 18

10:00am - Bill Reynolds, Architecture of a true revolutionary war rifle. Bill will have original rifles from the rev war period available for inspection.

11:00am - Bill Reynolds and Ed Schewnferth, How to disassemble 18th Century weapons safely and look for defects.

12:00pm - Lunch and free time. (on your own)

1:00pm - Glenn Williams, The Year of the Hangman. A look into the Sullivan and Brodhead Campaigns against the Iroquois.

3:00pm - Nathan Kobuck, Clothing along the Revolutionary Frontier. Focus will be on the dress of the inhabitants of Fort Pitt from the mid 1760's through the rev war.

Sunday, March 19

10:00am - Doug MacGregor, The Fort Pitt Story

11:00am - Joe Forte, Gun Safety

12:00am - Al Soucey, The role of the militia and camp followers during the Revolutionary War

1:00pm - Clash of Empires. Exhibit running at the Heinz History Center just a few blocks from the museum (on your own). Admission is $7.50 per person at the History Center.

For more information, contact Doug MacGregor, Museum Educator, Fort Pitt Museum (412-281-9285)

...submitted by Bill Smy UE

Congratulations and thanks to you, our readers and contributors

Your submissions make Loyalist Trails what it is. Along the way we all learn more about our collective history, obviously with a strong Loyalist flavour. Elizabeth Lapointe writes a column called "Canadian Connections" and in her December column, she selected ten top web sites or newsletters. Loyalist Trails made the list - click here Thanks to all of you for making this newsletter what it is.

...Doug

Info on Mary Perkins dau Wm Perkins UE and m Andrew Moore Kennedy

I have hit a "stone wall" in trying to prove my GGGrandmother, Mary Perkins married Andrew Moore Kennedy in 1815 at Scarborough in the Home District. I am also looking for her birth details; she was born in possibly New Brunswick or Maine USA. She was the daughter of William Perkins UE and also the Granddaughter of William Marsh UE. I have many details of Andrew Moore Kennedy and his brother William who served with the 3rd York Militia . In 1812 they won the "Battle of Detroit" and the "Battle of Queenston Heights". Andrew Moore lost a leg to cannon shot the same day that their Commander, General Brock was killed by a snipers' bullet. I have a sheaf of documents on his War Pension which he received over the next 40 years. But, I have not been able to find many personal details which are pertinent to my 'lineage proof'.

Incidently: My father Edsall Martin Kennedy and his brother Laughlin James were on the winning side in the 1st World War and I was on the winning side in the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in the 2nd World War. I Guess we were lucky.

The reason I am being so persistent in attaining UE status is: The United Empire Loyalist Association espouses all the principles I hold in Love of and Loyalty to my country, and the camaraderie in the Chilliwack Branch is wonderful.

...Allan Edsal Kennedy {kenal7707 AT shaw DOT ca} how do I email him?

Description of "Settling the Land"

I am looking for a really good account of "settling the land". I'm sure someone must have written a journal detailing the trip to their lot and then what they then had to do to settle on it. I have lots of wee bits about this but would really like to get a detailed account of the whole process.

I am trying to get permission to post up drawings done by CW Jeffreys as some of them tell you more about the process and I think would help people understand the whole settlement process. Anyway.. if you can help in anyway by perhaps pointing out an antiquarian book that details this information or indeed some journal that might be available I'd appreciate it.

In the event you would like to do me an article or two on your work I'd be happy to post that on my site with a link back to your web site.

...Alastair McIntyre KTJ, FSA Scot., Electric Scotland, {alastairi AT electricscotland DOT com} how do I email him?

Influence of United Empire Loyalists on Canada

I am a student at St. Andrew's College in Aurora, Ontario. I am currently in my graduating year, and one of the courses I am undertaking is Canadian History. As a summative assignment, we have been asked to write an essay on the defining moment of Canadian History. As a defining moment I have chosen the revolution of 1776, i.e. the expulsion of a large number of Loyalists to Quebec and Nova Scotia. This directly lead to the establishment of Upper and Lower Canada, and more removed, Ontario. However, I believe the influence of the United Empire Loyalists was even more far-reaching. Their contribution toward culture and politics of British North America has shaped Canada in every way, and continues to do so to this day.

Although I have made some headway, I have found it very difficult to research, as I am limited to our Library, Questia (an American research site) and the internet in general. I came upon your website and was wondering if you could point me toward some established works on the U.E. Loyalists, or just give me some events and personalities that tie up with the Loyalists presence in Canada. The later in Canadian history, the better (1812 and 1837 being the obvious ones). If you could assist me with all of the former I would be extremely grateful.

...William Ohm {will DOT ohm AT gmail DOT com} how do I email him?

To protect the people who send in queries from unwanted spam email, the online edition of Loyalist Trails no longer uses direct hyperlinks for their email addresses. Simply rewrite "name AT website DOT net" as name@website.net and sent your email to that address. For example, "doug DOT grant AT insurance-canada DOT ca" is doug.grant@insurance-canada.ca. Contact Doug with questions, or to be put in touch with someone whose email address is not listed.