Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2006 Archive

In this issue:
- Edmonton Branch Tree Planting and Plaque Project
- 2006 Loyalist Mohawk Valley Trip
- 1851 Census at Library and Archives Canada
- Jackets from the Promotions Committee
- Congratulations: Golden wedding anniversary
- Conference Update
      + PROMOTIONS UELAC
      + A Capital Bus Tour, Friday morning June 2
      + A Guide to Tracing Loyalist Ancestors in Upper Canada
      + Stop the Press! Get your Book Signed
- Died This Day
      + May 11, 1852: John Richardson (Globe & Mail)
      + May 13, 1708: Francois de Laval, 1708
- Queries
      + Information on Genevieve (Lilian) (Orno) Froats, ON Archives help
      + Response re Major James Rogers
      + A Loyalist's History: Peter Fitzpatrick

Edmonton Branch Tree Planting and Plaque Project

Edmonton Branch Tree Planting Project will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 2 PM. Provincial dignitaries, members of the Edmonton UEL Branch, and quests will gather at the Alberta Legislative Grounds to plant a tree and plaque dedicating the past visit of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II to Alberta in 2005.

Like the cairn and plaques placed at Regina in 2005, this plaque on the Alberta Legislative grounds will feature the UELAC Armorial Bearings, as recently approved by a Special Meeting of Dominion Council (which must approve all uses of the Armorial bearings).

Click here for more information on this project, or visit our projects page for more Loyalist projects.

2006 Loyalist Mohawk Valley Trip

George Anderson and Edward Edward are pleased to announced that a short visit to Butlerbury, the original home of Loyalist Colonel John Butler, the commander of Butler Rangers has been added to the trip itinerary. Normally this home is not open to the public. However special arrangements have been made for a Loyalist visit. Inside you can still see the original ceiling which is supported by huge roughly hewn beams.

There are forty-five people registered for the trip. The registration form is on the UELAC website under Special Projects. The cost for the trip is: double - $490.00;.single - $685.00. The first deposit due upon registration is single ($290.00); double ($250.00).

You can register by contacting either of the following:

George Anderson
63 Saginaw Crescent
Nepean, ON
K2E 5N7
(613) 226-6348
{andrew1 AT magma DOT ca} how do I email him?

or

Edward Kipp
6242 Paddler Way
Orleans, ON
K1C 2E7
(613) 824-1942
{ekipp AT magma DOT ca} how do I email him?

1851 Census at Library and Archives Canada

By 1851, the pattern of decennial census taking had been established. However, not until Confederation in 1867 did the taking of the census become a constitutional requirement. The 1851 Census offers a rich source of information about Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the middle of the 19th century. Click here for more.

This tool allows researchers to search by geographic location only. As this is not a nominally-indexed database, it is not searchable by family name. The digital images within this database are copies of the original microfilm records held by Library and Archives Canada. 1851 Census images for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are presented with the support of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management. The information on these images can be used to prepare family histories, the history of towns and villages, research immigration trends and a great deal more. See what you can discover!

Jackets from the Promotions Committee

Jacket: Our supplier informs us that the 7000 style of jacket, unlined nylon with hood and zipper front, is no longer available. We do have some 7000 jackets in-stock at $ 45.00:

Black: 1 Small, 1 Large

Red: 1 Medium, 2 Large, 1 XL

Royal Blue: 1 Small, 1 Medium, 1 Large

Forest Green: 1 Large

Still Available, but a new price:

Jackets: Style #921 snap front jacket is now Style #12721, cost $47.00

Jacket: Style # 911 lined nylon jacket is now Style #12711, cost $49.00

For further information, contact Noreen Stapley, UE, at 905-732-2012 or {gdandy AT iaw DOT on DOT ca} how do I email her?

Congratulations: Golden wedding anniversary

Libby and George Hancocks celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 12 May 2006. Libby is a member of Governor Simcoe Branch, and is, of course, our Dominion Genealogist.

PROMOTIONS UELAC

We will have all the sales items available at the Conference Thursday afternoon and evening and Saturday at the AGM. Visit the display/sales table to see the new items. Check out the 'Conference Only" clearance specials. Payment by cash or cheque only at the Conference (no debit, credit card or billing).

A Capital Bus Tour, Friday morning June 2

When John Graves Simcoe established The Town of York (now Toronto) in 1793, many Loyalists were involved and later settled in the new capital. As well, many Loyalists came from other Provinces and from various regions of Upper Canada (now Ontario) to make this new capital their home.

Later Loyalist generations worked together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the coming of the Loyalists. One of the spin-off results of their efforts was the formation, in 1896, of "The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Ontario". This organization would, in 1914, become "The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada".

Our bus tour will travel through the many neighbourhoods and districts of Toronto, highlighting the presence of the Loyalists in both modern and historical contributions. We will pass through Rosedale, Forest Hill, the Fashion, Financial, and Entertainment Districts connecting many Loyalist families to the great city that two hundred years ago was a little town.

The Ryersons, Stuarts, Sniders, Jarvises, Shaws, Thomsons, McLean-Howards, Robinsons and others left their mark on the landscape. Many of these same families were involved in the founding of our association. We will pass and, in some cases stop at, glorious homes, magnificent churches and huge office towers.

Upper Canada's First Parliament, in which some of your Loyalist ancestors sat, will be celebrated. We will visit St. James Anglican Cathedral and its Cemetery to the north.

Many historical nuggets and surprises await you on this trip. It will change your impression of Toronto and its Loyalist roots. Join us for this event, and add more parts of the Conference to your plans. Don't miss this unique bus trip.

...John Warburton UE

United Empire Loyalists, A Guide to Tracing Loyalist Ancestors in Upper Canada (Ontario)

For many of us researching in Ontario we use the bible of Ontario genealogy Brenda Dougall Merriman's Genealogy in Ontario: Searching the Records - well Brenda has now done the same for researching our Loyalist ancestry.

Brenda's latest book is United Empire Loyalists, A Guide to Tracing Loyalist Ancestors in Upper Canada (Ontario) published by Global Genealogy - Milton, Ontario. The book is richly illustrated and is meant for both the novice and experience researcher. The book deals with such subjects as misperceptions and Loyalists, research methodology, research sources and case examples. The chapters are broken down as follows.

- Who Is a Loyalist? - background, Lord Dorchester's resolution, what "kind" of Loyalist

- What is The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada?

- What is the Association, membership, and making an application

- How Do I Get to My Loyalist? - educating yourself, resource centers, the research process, and the basic sources

- Is My Ancestor a Loyalist? - the major instructions and proclamations that affected the Loyalists, contemporary original lists and other sources

- Case Examples - the petitions - examples of what can be described as model, tangled, confusing and unsuccessful petitions

- Reading and Reference

Brenda's expertise and years of experience in researching the records of this period have given us a reference tool we have long needed; the book is a "must have" for the Loyalist searcher.

...Kathie Orr

Stop the Press! Get your Book Signed

Keep your eyes on this space next week. We are anticipating a display of loyalist books for sale at the Thursday June 1 afternoon registration and display time, and during the evening "Salute to York" Reception. We currently hope to welcome three authors with their books during the evening reception; bring or buy your copy and have it signed by the authors.

Died This Day, May 11, 1852, John Richardson (Globe & Mail, 11 May 2006)

John Richardson, writer born at Queenston, Upper Canada on Oct 4, 1796.

As a young man he fought in the War of 1812 as a member of the militia. Later, after an attempt at soldiering in the regular army, he tried his hand at journalism and then fiction. He failed miserably, except for his 1832 novel Wacousta: Or The Prophecy. Set during Pontiac's successful 1763 uprising in the Detroit frontier area, it was a compelling yarn about betrayal and atrocities told from the point of view of a Scottish immigrant who had been accepted by the Indians as their leader and war chief. The work was a modest success and remains in print. In 1842, he published a history of the War of 1812, but wrote little else of value. He died in poverty. (dates may not coincide).

Died This day, May 13, 1708, Francois de Laval, 1708

Bishop born at Montigny-sur-Avre, France, on April 30, 1623.

Born to a life or privilege, he chose to become a priest even after the deaths of two older brothers transferred to him all family wealth and titles. He studied under the Jesuits and learned philosophy and theology at their Paris college. In 1647, he was ordained and 12 years later was sent to New France. He promptly took charge of all church matters, even though he was not made Bishop of Quebec until 1674. He set up an education system and smoothed the way for the training of native-born priests. In 1663, he founded the Seminaire de Quebec, a forerunner of today's Laval University. Later, he introduced a system of parishes and put a priest in charge of each one. As bishop, he asserted himself as a member of government and was often embroiled in bitter disputes with other members of the Sovereign Council and even with the governor. In particular, he raged against trading liquor to the Indians and vigilantly discouraged any attempts by the governor to influence church affairs. In 1688, he resigned and retired to France, but returned five years after the British jailed his successor, He died, penniless, at the seminary he founded, having given away all his possessions. He was beatified in 1980. (Dates may not exactly coincide.)

Information on Genevieve (Lilian) (Orno) Froats, ON Archives help

I am looking for the birth record of my grandmother, who is of U.E.L. heritage. The following is what I have:

Genevieve (Lilian) (Orno) Froats

Born: 10 March 1908 Most likely in Welland, or York (Toronto Junction), Ontario.

Parents: Myron Gordon Froats & Sarah Louise Jane.

This is the one critical record that I need to tie my family to my U.E.L. ancestors. I would appreciate it very much if someone that is already doing research in the Ontario Archives could look up the record for me, and provide me with a copy. Please contact me with any questions

...Jon Fox {fox AT nevadalink DOT com} how do I email him?

Response re Major James Rogers

Question: I know Major James Rogers took over command of Kings Rangers from his brother Robert.

Nope - that isn't what happened. Robert Rogers was the Lieutenant Colonel of the King's Rangers. James Rogers was the Major-commandant of the 2nd Battalion of the King's Rangers. Are you familiar with the seniority of ranks, i.e. how they relate one to the other?

The King's Rangers was intended to be a two battalion regiment. Some other guy was intended to command the 1st battalion, but, if I remember correctly, Robert did not, or was not allowed to, appoint one and remained in command himself. James had the 2nd. In reality, neither battalion ever got near to the full strength of 10 companies of 50-65 men all ranks each, although James was far more successful and useful than his brother.

5. Palmer, Gregory, Biographical Sketches of the American Revolution, a looseleaf pamphlet found at the UEL library in Vancouver. "King's Rangers. Raised Nova Scotia in 1777; disbanded Nova Scotia 1783. Commander: Robert Rogers." How accurate would you say this is?

Well yeah, sort of. After arriving uninvited in Quebec, Robert was strongly encouraged to leave by Governor Haldimand. He went to Nova Scotia in 1779 with a few officers he had named to the 1st battalion, leaving James in Quebec to raise the 2nd. The official beating order or warrant for the King's Rangers was dated 01 May 79, not 1777. How many of the 1st battalion's recruits were actually Nova Scotians is an open question. I suspect not many, as there were three regiments founded in that province in 1776 that were already recruiting.

Wendy, I suggest that as soon as possible you read Mary Fryer's King's Men - Soldier Founders of Ontario (Dundurn, 1980). Mary did an excellent job of tracing the machinations of all the loyalist regiments that served in Quebec and she has a whole chapter on the King's Rangers.

I appreciate your time and feedback. Should anything pop in your mind (possible leads)about the Kings Rangers or Point au Fer, please flip me an email ... and I will chase it up.

Nothing very special about Pointe au Fer. It was a small British Post at the north end of Lake Champlain and the King's Rangers often did duty there as an outpost of Fort St. John's.

...Gavin Watt, HVP, UELAC

A Loyalist's History: Peter Fitzpatrick

Peter Fitzpatrick was born in Ireland in 1752. The story of his father is interesting, and quite a contrast to his own. He was the son of Patrick Fitzpatrick, who left Ireland in the year 1766 by joining the British 8th Regiment of Foot, called Seabright's Royal Irish Regiment. Patrick landing in New York in America, with his family. Patrick deserted the British service in July 1772, just prior to the Revolution. Patrick later joined a newly formed British Provincial unit called the "Queens' Rangers" in the year 1777. Facing the potential of hanging by George Washington's forces after the capture of Yorktown in October of 1781, on the eve of the surrender Patrick again deserted. He made his way to Canada in search of his son Peter. On arriving in Canada, Patrick served in Daniel Robertson's company of the 84th Royal Highland Emigrants until the end of the war. In 1786, he is found in Cornwall, receiving rations for himself and his family. (Source: Early Ontario Settlers: Victualing list for the township No.2 Cornwall, commencing the 25th and ending the 31st of Aug. 1786. Patrick Fitzpatrick, Index #G984, #54, 1 man, 1 woman, 2 boys over 10, 2 girls over 10, 2 boys under 10, 7 rations per day, 49 rations per week.) Not long after, Patrick sought to evade the hangman's noose once again, knowing his identity as a twice British deserter could be known. His death and place of burial is unknown.

In contrast, Peter Fitzpatrick, after arriving in America, was indentured to the Johnson's - it is not known if this was Sir William Johnson, or his nephew Guy Johnson. However, he was living in Tryon, New York on the property of Guy Johnson, and laboring for Guy Johnson at Guy Park. Peter was called to alarm by Guy Johnson in April, 1775, accompanying Guy Johnson to Canada, and later returning to the Mohawk Valley in 1776.

According to events related in hi Loyalist papers. Peter Fitzspatrick served in the Kings Royal Regiment of New York under Sir John Johnson. Peter Fitzpatrick was serving as a spy, and was captured in 1781 and imprisoned in Albany sentenced to death. Somehow he was saved and released after the Peace.

He went to Montreal for a short time, and then moved his family to Cornwall, Ontario, Canada.

Peter was married to Catherine Warner about 1772, and had at least two sons: William Fitzpatrick - born in 1773, and Hugh Fitzpatrick. The only blot on his Loyalist record is a notation on Official UE listings that he had "deserted from the Royal Canadian Volunteers" reportedly in 1786, although this militia unit only existed in the years of 1796-1802. This seems to be an error in the records.

From the "Old United Empire Loyalist List, Appendix B": Fitzpatrick, Peter.... East District, Ld.Bd [Land Board]., Royal Yorkers, (he deserted from Royal Canadian Volunteers), P.L.2d [Provision List East District], 1786, son William.

...Jon Fox {fox AT nevadalink DOT com} how do I email him?

I notice that William Fitzpatrick, one of Peter's sons (born 1773), was expunged from the UEL List. Do you know why?

...Jon

I would assume that there are government records somewhere from that timeframe, but I have never gone looking for them so not sure what all they might say.

That said, land grants were a government program and like any such, people take advantage and when this happens too much, someone initiates an audit and then wrists get slapped.

If you were to go through the whole list, you will see that there are many who were expunged or suspended. That really meant that on review, this person should not have received a "loyalist" land grant. Many had been professional soldiers and should not have received a "loyalist" land grant, but should have received a "military" land grant. Others did not qualify as loyalists. Some where expunged due to an error in the spelling of their name and then under their correct name were reinstated.

In William's case, he presumably did not qualify. A Loyalist had to have been settled in the 13 colonies by Sept 1775, had to have taken up the king's standard during the war and had to have been settled in Canada by 1784. In this case, perhaps William was too young to serve as he would have been only 10 when the war ended (there were drummer boys who may have been that young).

William would have been eligible for a separate land grant as the child of a loyalist and Reid's "Loyalists of Ontario" Sons and Daughters does show that he received such a grant "order in Council" on 10 June 1800.

Hope that helps.

...Doug

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