Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2007 Archive

In this issue:
- The Queen Anne Union (aka "Loyalist") Flag's Beginning
- Honouring Joseph Brant
- UELAC Conference 2007 "At The End of The Trail", Bicentennial Branch
- 1812 Reenactments: 89th Regiment of Foot Grenadier Company
- Last Post
      + Last Post: Richard Murray Eldridge UE (1939-2006)
      + Last Post: Earle Sandilands
- Queries
      + Meaning of "Incorporated Loyalist"
      + Information on John and George Farrell and Parents
      + Information about Laura Secord's Parents Coming to Canada
      + John Austin Family
      + Response re Hugh McKay with Daughter Elizabeth (issue 2006-50)
      + Response re Capt. Andrew Thompson, Butler's Rangers
      + Response re Major-General Isaac Brock's message about Fort Mackinac in 1812
      + Responses re Black Loyalists Serving Under Sir John Johnson
      + Response re Maritimes vs Maritime

The Queen Anne Union (aka "Loyalist") Flag's Beginning

Even though prevailing public opinion in Scotland was overwhelmingly against it, three hundred years ago today on January 16, 1707, the Scottish Parliament ratified the Treaty of Union with England and dissolved itself by a majority vote of 110 to 69 (England ratified the previous year, and the Kingdom of Great Britain came into effect on May 1, 1707). Many petitions were sent against Union, and there were massive protests in Edinburgh and several other Scottish towns on the day it was passed. Threats of widespread civil unrest resulted in the imposition of martial law.

...Bro. Seán Beahen OSBCn

Honouring Joseph Brant

This year's 2007 Silver Dollar Coin from the Royal Canadian Mint features the likeness of Loyalist Joseph Brant. The Mint describes Brant as follows:

Born in Ohio during a tumultuous era that defined North America, Thayendanegea's life was greatly influenced by an alliance with the British. Thayendanegea was given the Christian name of Joseph Brant and received an English education.

Brant fought his first battle with the British when he was just a teenager. But this young warrior was also a visionary. Brant clearly understood that Native people faced inevitable change and united various nations to protect their interests.

As war chief of the Six Nations and a British military captain, Brant was respected by both sides. And when the American War of Independence ended (1783), he acted as statesman and negotiated land for the Six Nations people.

They settled in the Grand River Valley (Ontario) where Brant played a key role in their economic, political and religious lives, bringing a school, as well as a saw and grist mill to the community. Yet, despite this seemingly British way of life, Brant's vision of Native sovereignty persisted.

Thayendanegea was equally at ease with a tea cup or a tomahawk. He adopted a new culture without dishonouring his Native roots. Through his voice and his actions, Brant shaped much of Native Canada a truth that echoes throughout southwestern Ontario and in the town that bears his name.

To see an image of the coin, watch it rotate so you can see both faces, learn about the cost and ordering instructions, visit www.mint.ca.

[submitted by Gloria Oakes UE, Hamilton Branch]

UELAC Conference 2007 "At The End of The Trail", Bicentennial Branch

Saturday June 2nd, 2007 features the Annual General Meeting. Mark this date on your calendar and be sure you attend as many new items are coming up and need to be voted on. This is an important meeting and one that every member should attend. Tunnel Bar-B-Que will cater the lunch before we head back in for an afternoon of decision-making.

Be sure to book your hotel room early at The Holiday Inn Select on Huron Church Road. Rooms are limited. Inform the staff at the reservation desk that you are with the UELAC Conference 2007 to receive the reduced room rate. More information is available at http://www.holiday-inn-windsor.com/ and check in time is 3pm and check out time is 12 noon.

NOTE: There have been some difficulties with a few of our members booking their rooms. There was a glitch in the system, but it is now corrected. For any that have tried to book early to get the special room rate of $129 and were unsuccessful, please contact me with you phone number and I will make sure your reservation is processed promptly. For those who have not booked their rooms yet we have been given a group code LOY to book one of the rooms set aside for our group.

Details about the conference, including the schedule of events and a registration form, are available here.

...Kimberly Hurst UE, 2007 Conference Chair, {Gypsygirl2002 AT aol DOT com} how do I email her?

1812 Reenactments: 89th Regiment of Foot Grenadier Company

I see that you have a contact page on your website for War of 1812 units. Could you please add www.89thregiment.ca We are a Hamilton based group with members in Southern Ontario and Western NY and we depict the 89th Regiment of Foot Grenadier Company. [We have added the group at our reenactments page -- Ed.]

...Kevin Windsor

Last Post: Richard Murray Eldridge UE (1939-2006)

Following a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by his loving family, Dick passed into Gods welcoming hands on Christmas Eve. Beloved husband of Suzanne Osborne; cherished father of Thomas (Shawn), Sheri (Perry), Lisa (John), Laura (Harry) and his loving siblings Anthony UE (Dorcas), Douglas UE (Brenda), Bonnie UE. Dick’s Loyalist ancestor was Robert McGinnis

Dick was the immediate Past President of Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch UELAC, Treasurer of the Restoration of the Johnson Vault Committee, an active member of Saint Lukes Anglican Church in Waterloo, a proud member of the Masonic Fraternity and Past President of Brome County Historical Society. Dick will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.

[submitted by Adelaide Lanktree UE, President Sir John Johnson Branch ]

Last Post: Earle Sandilands

SANDILANDS, Earle. At the Cornwall Community Hospital, McConnell Site, with family at his side on Saturday, January 13, 2007. Walter Earle Sandilands of Williamstown; age 80 years. Beloved husband for 53 years of Sonia Sandilands (nee Helmer). Loving father of Brenda (Dr. Michael Bryant) of Reading, England, Ian (Barbara) of Williamstown, Sandra of Edmonton, Alberta and Neil (Cheryl) of Williamstown. Dear son of the late Charles Sandilands and the late Christina Ferguson. Predeceased by his two brothers, John and Eric Sandilands. A celebration of Earle's life was held at St. Andrew's United Church, Williamstown, on Wednesday, January 17, 2007. To honour his memory, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, South Glengarry Branch or the Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site, (Williamstown).

...Lynne Cook & Michael Eamers

Meaning of "Incorporated Loyalist"

Can anyone provide the meaning of the term "Incorporated Loyalist"?

...Don Farrell {don DOT farrell AT shaw DOT ca} how do I email him?

Information on John and George Farrell and Parents

I am related to John and George Faddle (Farrel). George was a Soldier Incorporated Loyalist, General Haldimand's Certificate.

John Faddle ( Farrell ) married Sally Buck on Sept 28,1788 in Christ Church, Sorel, Quebec. They had two sons: John Faddle

born 3 Dec 1789, died I year later and second son George Faddle ( Farrel) March 27 1791 Sorel, Que.

Then they moved to Simcoe and had another son, Samual Farrell who was born 1793 and married Cynthia Guernsey.

All these Farrells ended up in Dundas, Simcoe.

I have church records on all of these.

It appears that John's father's name was also John Farel and that he was born 1735 in New York, married 1758 Trinity Church Parish, New York. However another paper that says John Senior Came from Ireland.

I am looking for records which would show who the parents of John and George were, and any information about them or their family.

...Don Farrell {don DOT farrell AT shaw DOT ca} how do I email him?

Information about Laura Secord's Parents Coming to Canada

A Canadian cousin reported to me of a T.V. programme on Buffalo P.B.S. Saturday about the war of 1812-14. One feature was about Laura Ingersoll Secord and her role in the war. It was noted that her father fought for the Patriots during the Revolution and only came to Canada later to get free land.

A children’s book about Laura Ingersoll Secord said her father, Capt. James Ingersoll, became disillusioned with America after the War and moved to Canada.

I hope to learn more about which is true, if either.

...Joyce Stevens {YankeeDD AT twmi DOT rr DOT com} how do I email him?

John Austin Family

We are looking for information on the John Austin Family. His great great great grandfather John Austin came to Upper Canada in 1794 after having left North Carolina during the Revolutionary War. He petitioned for land in York in 1797 and was granted 200 acres. He was married to an Elizabeth whose surname he has not discovered. John's son, Ebenezer was born in Toronto Township in 1800, and Ebenezer was granted 100 acres in 1819. Ebenezer's son was named William Jarvis Austin, and he believes that he had a sister named Eliza Ann Austin also born in Toronto Township Other siblings of William Jarvis Austin were Sarah, James, Rachel and John T. Austin.

In 1838 his ggg grandfather John Austin and two of his sons moved to Illinois. His gg grandfather Ebenezer, and great grandfather left Canada in 1850 or 51 and moved to Wisconsin. Other members of the Austin Family remained in Grey/Dufferin and Lambton Counties.

I would appreciate hearing from any of your readers who might be able to help in his research re finding Canadian cousins, and any connections there may be with the Jarvis Family in that his great grandfather was named William Jarvis Austin, There does not seem to be any connection to the Austins that attended St. James' Cathedral.

John Austin made 2 petitions for land. One in 1794 in Ancaster (Newark), and the other in 1797 (York). I'm not exactly sure when he arrived in York, but was ultimately shown with UEL status at the 1784-1884 "Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada by the United Empire Loyalists, 1784-1884". John Austin appears in the Appendix Supplementary List - Austin, John........His father was killed in the service at Wilmington.

I don't believe he was married when he arrived in York, but I do believe he married shortly thereafter. A biography (obituary) of a son Augustus Austin (b. 1810) says that Augustus' parents were John and Elizabeth? Austin. I'd really like to find some documentation about who Elizabeth was. John's eldest son, my gg grandfather, was Ebenezer Austin (b. 1800 in York). "Family documents" show that Ebenezer was born 23 Jan 1800. This record may be off. I've observed other documents that put Ebenezer's birth in 1803.

1. An except from: A PIONEER WHO LIVED IN THE EXECUTIVE LOG MANSION -THE SOLOMON AUSTIN FAMILY by E. A. Owen:

The twelve families referred to in the first part of this sketch, all settled in the Niagara and other Eastern sections, except the Austin families. As before stated, John Davis moved up from Niagara subsequently. Accompanying the party were several young men with no family connections. Two of these - John Pegg and Henry Walker - settled in Norfolk. John Austin, a young man, son of a brother of the original Solomon Austin, came with the party, and was awarded land in the County of York, where he settled, married, and raised a family.

2. piece of evidence is provided by the following petitions by a John Austin for land in Upper Canada after the Revolution.56

"To his Excellency John Graves Simcoe, Esq., Lieut.-Governor and Colonel, Commanding His Majesty's forces in the Province of Upper Canada, in Council
The Petition of John Austin Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner's father joined Lord Cornwallis at Hillsborough in North Carolina and died in the Service of his Majesty at Wilmington with other his Friends and Relations, in order to settle, therefore humbly prays that your Excellency would be pleased to grant him land in the Township of Ancaster and your Petitioner as in Duly bound shall ever Pray.
Newark, 17 July 1794 s/John Austin
Granted 200 acres 1 July 1795 Entered page 246 Received in Council 3 July 1795"

The next item of interest concerning Solomon's brother occurred three years later and this was also a petition by a John Austin.57

"To His Honour Peter Russell, Esq., President of the Government of Upper Canada, in Council
The Petition of John Austin of York Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner came into the Province three years ago from North Carolina with his uncle Solomon Austin, Wm. Wacher and others. That your Petitioner's father was killed in defense of His Majesty's government in an early period of the American War and his father died in his Majesty's service. That your Petitioner has never received any land and being desirous to settle on what may be granted to him Prays your Honour would be pleased to grant such part of the vacant land .... and Your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray.
his s/ John + Austin mark
York, 9 June 1797

56 Upper Canada Land Records, 1792-1808, Microfilm Roll C-1609, Bundle A 1/12 (Cabinet 1, Reel 1, Toronto Archives.

57 Upper Canada Land Records, 1792-1808, Microfilm Roll C-1609, Bundle A 3/55 (Cabinet 1, Reel 1, Toronto Archives.

This is to certify that John Austin has taken the Oath and Subscribed the
Declaration presented by Law and the ordinances of the Province to entitle
him to become an inhabitant thereof and afreeholder of lands therein.
Given under my hand at York in the District of the Province of Upper
Canada this seventh day of June 1797
s~ Wm. Wittworth, J. P.
[On the cover sheet there was the following] John Austin
12 June 1797
Read 12 June 1797
Recommend for 200 acres
19 June 1797 Confirmed"

...Nancy Mallett, Chair, Archives & Museum Committee, St. James' Cathedral {archives AT stjamescathedral DOT on DOT ca} how do I email her?

Response re Hugh McKay with Daughter Elizabeth (issue 2006-50)

The true Hugh McKay has finally been found after many years and with the help of many of you. I did not believe that there were so many Hugh McKays' in Canada in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Bob Galbrath and I, with others, must have turned up six or more. Strictly by luck the other day, at the National Archives while going through a reel of Land Petitions for Lower Canada I happened upon the Petition of Mary McKay, the widow of Hugh McKay. When comparing her petition with that of Elizabeth (McKay) Thomson, the wife of Archibald Thomson there leaves little doubt that we have found the connection.

We know that Elizabeth McKay and Archibald Thomson were married in Quebec City and this is where Mary and Hugh MacKay resided. Mary states that Hugh served His Majesty George the Third in the war in Germany, as paymaster "sergeant" in the eighth regiment of infantry for eighteen years, as a "Comifsary" to Sir John Johnson's first Battalion for seven years and as the High Constable (Police Chief) for the Parish of Quebec.

The Letter of Petition of Mary McKay is undated but the approval is dated Feb 25 1800. It was possibly prepared a couple of years after Hugh's death. Elizabeth's Petition was prepared Feb 6 1797. This would mean that Hugh died in 1795/6. I will search the Quebec Gazette for this period to see if there is an obituary for Hugh McKay.

Mary McKay lists her children as Deborah, Mary, Isabella, Jane, Bridget, Martha, Barbara, George and Archibald. According to records in the Church of Scotland in Quebec, George was christened / born Nov 16 1780 as George David Hugh and Archibald was christened / born December 6 1789 as Archibald William. Elizabeth named her first female child Mary after her Mother. The Archibald, named as one of Mary McKay's children was likely named after her son-in-law Archibald Thomson. Elizabeth and Archibald Thomson were married in Quebec City August 2 1781, eight years before Mary's Archibald was born.

Mary applies for a total of 3000 acres for herself and her children in the Township of Burford, which is south of Sherbrooke in The Eastern Townships.The Committee states that they will grant the request for land on the north bank of the Ottawa River.

Archibald Thomson was a Loyalist and is described in the Gazette of Fall 2003.

...Peter Scarlett {pmscarlett AT rogers DOT com} how do I email him?

Responses re Capt. Andrew Thompson, Butler's Rangers

Please consult p.183 of Bill Smy's book "An Annotated Nominal Roll of Butler's Rangers 1777-1784". You will find a very complete story of Andrew's death by drowning on his way back to Niagara from Detroit.

...Gavin Watt, HVP UELAC

Re: my recent Loyalist Trails request for info of Ranger Capt. Andrew Thompson. I got replies from Idaho to Nova Scotia. You've got quite a readership. One pointed me to the Government of Canada, Canadian Military History Gateway:

"RANGERS: Armed men assigned to patrol or 'range' an area, the term appears as early as the 14th century in England. Rangers were eventually recognized as men familiar with wilderness ways and who ranged very deeply into enemy territory to mount raids and gather intelligence. They date from the late 17th century in Massachusetts and in many other colonies from the middle of the 18th century. The first rangers garrisoned in Canada were "Goreham's Rangers" which served in Nova Scotia from 1744. Other notable Canadian ranger units include Butler's Rangers during the American War of Independence and Caldwell's Western Rangers during the War of 1812."

British invented them, Americans perfected...but, it seems that Canadians are embarrassed. Is this why Loyalists are unknown, if not peripherally involved or barely depicted in popular Canadian culture? Are we, the descendents, unable and incapable of explaining or interesting modern historians, authors, TV or movie or other popular culturalists? Are Loyalists dead? When I ask myself these questions, my genealogy to unravel my lineage to Capt. Andrew Thompson seems minor, if not trivial.

...Charles Duncan Thompson {cthompson139 AT shaw DOT ca} how do I email him?

Response re Major-General Isaac Brock's message about Fort Mackinac in 1812

Take a look at the Mackinac State Historic Parks website to contact the staff there about any resources. Also, for a history of the Fort and other information, click here.

Responses re Black Loyalists Serving Under Sir John Johnson

My ancestor George Adam Dockstader served in the King's Royal Regiment of New York 2nd Battalion. He was accompanied by his father George Adam, his brother John and Pompey Dockstader (Dogstider, Doghsteder, Doughstrader).

Pompey is listed as: American, born in 1738, in the second Battalion, a Private, enlisted 22 May 1780 (the same day as the rest), 5' 3" tall, and under comments "1784 - negro not entitled to provisions". It appears that Pompey drew a lot at Fredricksburgh, Cataraqui Township. (Source: The King's Royal Regiment of New York by Ernest A. Cruickshank) I assume that Pompey was a former (or current) slave.

I suppose that constitutes a black serving under Sir John Johnson.

...Marilyn Lappi UE, Edmonton

Re black soldiers serving in Sir John's King's Royal Regiment of New York, I've copied entries from my Master Roll which was published last year by Global Heritage Press under the title, "The History and Master Roll of the King's Royal Regiment of New York."

Muster rolls very infrequently indicated race during the American Revolution, whereas in the previous war, i.e. the Seven Years' War, the noting of race, hair colour and complexion was a common feature.

So, to identify blacks, one generally has to rely upon other indications. In one or two instances, there are very specific notes, such as the shameful entry for Pompey Dockstader noted below, eg. "negro not entitled to provisions." This fellow had served the King for four years, yet some bureaucrat decided he and his family could not draw rations!!! Fortunately, this is the only incident of this nature that I've come across in over thirty years of researching.

Another indication is the use of a classic Greek or Latin name, like Pompey noted above, or Cato, or Jacobus, or a name such as Prince. Not a perfect indication, but...

A third indication is when the soldier was serving as a servant or batman to an officer. Again, not definitive, but an indication.

Black Cato
born 1747 - Am.[75]
enlisted 06May77[15]
served 1st battalion as a Private in the Col's Coy, '77.[15] Maj's Coy, '81&82.[T47,75]
Probably a black soldier.

Dockstader Pompey
born 1738 - Am.[T57]
enlisted 07Aug80[T46]
served in 2nd battalion as a Private. Height 5'3"[T57] 2KRR, '80&81[T46], 83&84.[T66,83]
settled in '84, CT3, soldier only, "negro not entitled to provisions."[92]
Wife - possibly Eve m. at Machiche 19Apr82, three boys, 2>6, 1<6, two girls>6.[57]
Franklin John
born 1762 - West Indies.[T57]
enlisted 18Feb82 [T60,T66]
served in 2nd battalion as a Private. Height 5'5"[T57] 2KRR, '82-84.[T60,83]
Possibly a black soldier. Wife - Mary.[S52]
Jackson Prince
bord 1749 - West Indies.[T57]
enlisted 02May80 [T46,83]
served in 2nd battalion as a Private. Height 4'10"[T57] 2KRR, '80&81[T46], 83&84.[T66,83]
Possibly a black soldier.

Jacobus James
List'd amongst KRR on settlement roll[99], but no record of service found.
settled in '84, RT4, man only, "with Major Gray."[99] Possibly a black servant.
Johnson William
born 1747 - Am.[T57]
enlisted 02Oct80 [T66,T57]
served in 2nd battalionas a Private. Height 5'9"[T57] 2KRR, '81-84[T46, T66,83]; servant to SJJ, May82. [58]
Possibly a black soldier.[S74]
settled in '86, CT3, soldier only.[T102]
Jones Thomas
born 1758 - Am.[T57]
enlisted 02Oct80 [T66,T57]
served in 2nd battalion as a Private. Height 5'5"[T57] 2KRR, '80-84[T46,T66, 83]; in lower QC, servant to SJJ, May82.[58]
A black named Tom was a slave of SJJ.[S74] In '85, a Thos Price Jones & one child went to Carlisle, Chaleur Bay, Gaspe, QC.[T72,84]

Matthews Pompey
born 1733 - Jamaica.[T57]
enlisted 12Nov81[T66]
served in 2nd battalion as a Private. Height 5'7"[T57] Served in Loyal Volunteers, '77.[T12] Served in Leake's Independent Company, '81. [T44]
Served in 2KRR, '81, 83&84.[T66,83]
A black soldier.[S68] Settled in '84, CT3, soldier only.[92]

Middleton Reuben/ Robert
born 1760 - Am.[T57]
enlisted on 20Dec80 [T66,83]
served in 2nd battalion as a Private. Height 5'6" 4yrs service in other
loyalist regt.[T57] 2KRR, '80; in Engineers' employ, St. John's, May82[58]; '83 &84.[T60,83]
A black (mulatto) soldier.[T82]
settled in '84, RT1, soldier only.[100]

Vrooman Thomas
born 1746 - Am.[75]
enlisted 18Aug77[21]
served in 1st battalion as a Private. In Schoharie uprising.[S79] Jno McD's Coy, '77.[21] SJJ's servant, capt'd 19Oct80.[S83] Ang McD's Coy,
'81&82.[T47,75] Prisoner w/ rebels ~82.[T34]
>From Albany County, Schoharie Valley. A slave. [S79,S92]
A black soldier. Did not return from captivity. Returned in Ang McD's Coy in '81&82 to collect pay and allowances.

By the way, a number of blacks served in Captain Johan Jost Herkimer's bateaux company, which settled primarily in Lancaster township.

There were also blacks serving with James Rogers in the King's Rangers and Edward Jessup in the Loyal Rangers.

...Gavin Watt, HVP UELAC

Military Collector and Historian, the Journal of the Company of Military Historians, Vol. 58, No. 4, Winter 2006, has an issue on Lord Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment by Peter F. Copeland that may be of interest to some UE folks.

Lord Dunmore was the Loyalist Governor of Virginia. He opposed the Revolution from the onset, and raised forces to be used against it. This included the Ethiopian Regiment, which was made up of slaves who came into his service with a promise of being emancipated for their service. It attracted quite a few men, most of whom died in his service in combat or from disease.

It is an interesting example of a Colonial appointed governor raising a unit made up of North Americans, in this case slaves who escaped to join his unit with the promise of being freed.

...Pat Holscher

Response re Maritimes vs Maritime

As we all know, the word "maritime" means to be "connected with the sea." In a Canadian context the Maritime Provinces means those three provinces bordering on the sea, (Newfoundland being considered one of the Atlantic provinces but not a Maritime province). Again in a Canadian context, "Maritimes" is an abbreviated and colloquial way to describe "the Maritime Provinces." "Maritimes loyalists" is not proper English; adjectives are not pluralized.

It would not be strictly accurate to refer to "Maritime Loyalists," just as it would not be strictly accurate to refer to "Ontario Loyalists" or "Upper Canadian Loyalists" because neither Ontario nor Upper Canada existed at that time, although the term "maritime loyalists" could possibly be used to differentiate from those loyalists who went directly to Quebec/Canada.

At the time of the American Revolution Nova Scotia was a British colony and it included the areas now known as New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Nova Scotia received the bulk of Loyalists who fled the newly independent United States to British North America by sea in the early 1780s. New Brunswick was split off from Nova Scotia as a separate colony in 1784, and Prince Edward Island, until then known as Ile Saint-Jean when under France and St John’s Island when under Britain, became a colony separate from Nova Scotia in 1798. NS and NB became provinces at the time of the Canadian Confederation in 1867 and PEI only in 1873.

...Jack Freeman

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.