Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2007 Archive

In this issue:
- "Anglicans in All the Wrong Places," by Stephen Davidson
- "Long Reach" Home to Benjamin Bonnell/Bunnell
- Another Long Reach
- "Long Reach": A Bit More History
- Kingston Branch Announces its First Web Site
- Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch UELAC Fortieth Anniversary
- Loyalist Day Celebrated in Regina, Saskatchewan
- Help Have Major General Sir Isaac Brock Named as a Canadian National Historic Person
- Economic History: How Much Is That?
- Queries
      + Copies of the Spring 2005 Issue of Loyalist Gazette
      + Two Hector Morrisons - Follow Up to Yvan Goulet
      + Rev John Stuart's Marriage Records from Before the Revolutionary War
      + Proof that George Haws was Father of Jasper Haws
      + Muster Rolls for 84th Regiment, 2nd Battalion from 1 Jan 1779 to 24 June 1782
      + Response re Bay Chaleur (Gaspe, Quebec)
      + Response re David and Jacob Dulmage

"Anglicans in All the Wrong Places," by Stephen Davidson

To read some accounts of the Loyalists in the American Revolution, one would be led to believe that these poor, misguided souls only failed to join the patriot cause because they were a) in positions of power with vested interest in continued British rule, b) recent immigrants to the Thirteen Colonies who knew no better, or c) Anglicans who had to remain loyal to the king because they prayed for him every Sunday morning. Given that many historians believe as many as a third of all people in the Thirteen Colonies were sympathetic to the British crown, that means there must have been an awful lot of power brokers, recent immigrants, or Anglicans in the population.

Obviously it was more than social position, immigrant status or religion that convinced 100,000 American colonists to side with their rightful government in Great Britain. A quick scan of any manifest for a ship that brought loyalists to modern Canada reveals that the refugees came from many walks of life. Genealogical research demonstrates that these refugees had deep roots in the Thirteen Colonies. And as for the religion of the colonists affecting their political stance, how is one to account for so many Anglicans in all the wrong places?

Take the case of the Anglicans who attended St. John's Church in Stamford, Connecticut. Samuel Jarvis was one of his congregation's vestryman -- a member elected to oversee the temporal affairs of his church. Sounds pretty solid and dedicated to Anglican principles, right? Yet four of his ten children sided with the patriots. So much for praying for the king every Sunday! The six Jarvis offspring who declared their loyalty would eventually be buried in Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick without a penny of their father's estate to call their own.

While praying for the life and safety of the king would certainly predispose someone to adopt a loyalist political stance, it by no means guaranteed it as some American historians would claim. Let's go back to St. John's Church. The vicar was Rev. Ebenezer Dibblee, a convert to the Anglican expression of Christianity. During the Revolution one of his sons tried to become an Anglican minister, another was forced to flee Stamford for his life, and a daughter was driven insane, traumatized by patriot attacks. While these offspring seem to "fit" the mold, three of Rev. Dibblee's seven children joined the rebel side. So much for an Anglican upbringing to guarantee loyalty to King George.

Rev. Dibblee, though a loyalist, stayed with his congregation in Stamford, serving until his death in 1798. Rather than sending him off to the northern British colonies, his faith compelled him to stay with those still in his charge.

Rev. John Boucher was a loyalist vicar who served an Anglican congregation in Virginia. A former tutor to George Washington's stepson, Boucher had to publicly admonish other pastors within his denomination because they espoused the rebel cause. If the Church of England brainwashed its members to blindly follow the British king, then something was definitely amiss among its own clergy. Those who could pray for a king, it seems, could just as easily reject his rule.

But the best example of Anglicans in all the wrong places can be found at a much higher level of participation in the War of Independence. In his book, A Religious History of the American People, Sydney Ahlstrom reveals that two thirds of those who signed the Declaration of Independence were at least nominal Anglicans. It is obvious that one's religious views did not compel one to be a loyalist. Loyalism-- like patriotism-- for most colonists was based upon principles and personal convictions -- not one's station in life or one's denomination. But the most surprising "Anglicans in the wrong place" are yet to be revealed.

Three very prominent patriot leaders were once counted among the laity of the Church of England. Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the new republic had an Anglican heritage. The future fourth president, James Madison, once considered the Anglican ministry as a career. George Washington, the "father of his country" was once a vestryman for his local Anglican church in Virginia.

Were your loyalist forebears Anglican? If they were, rest assured that their faith was not the deciding factor in their political position. If it were, they would have had some very interesting company as they sought refuge in the northern British colonies in 1783.

...Stephen Davidson (who can count at least one Anglican vestryman among his loyalist ancestors)

"Long Reach" Home to Benjamin Bonnell/Bunnell

I found the Long Reach article very interesting because my ancestor, Benjamin Bonnell/Bunnell was granted Lot #1 at the end of the Long Reach, 2 Jan. 1786. I still am trying to retrace his tracks from his birth in Morris County, New Jersey c.1744, and where he was indicted of passing British counterfeit money in NJ bills in 1779, and fled to New York as a Loyalist refugee with his family. I never knew where he lived in NY. I just knew that on 14 Aug. 1781 he signed up with Benedict Arnold in the American Legion at The Heights of Ireland, NY, and attacked New London Ct. on 6 Sept. 1781. He disappears again in New York until he and his family departs for Saint John in July 1783 from the Wall Street dock in NYC on the ship William. He first was granted a small 10 acres lot 11 Aug. 1784 at Carleton/Conway Township in Sunbury Co, NB, before getting his 200 acres where the Harding Campground is now located. The back section of the Harding House (Still there) is my ancestors house.

I wonder if your assumption of the naming of Long Reach can give me a location in NY that my Benjamin Bunnell stayed at while in NY? I'll have to look there. Thanks for point all this out. Great article.

...Paul J. Bunnell, UE, Milford, NH

Another Long Reach

Jean Davis Norry from Aldolphustown thinks that Long Reach in the Bay of Quinte, made famous by Guy Lomardo, is worthy of mention in UEL circles. People from that area are proud of their ancestry, their Quinte, and their Long Reach.

"Long Reach": A Bit More History

In reply to Stephen Davidson's query about the geographical feature known as "the Long Reach," the Oxford English Dictionary defines a "reach" as "that portion of a river, channel, or lake which lies between two bends; as much as can be seen in one view. A portion of a canal between two locks having a uniform level." The term was used in England as early as the 16th century. A nautical definition noted it as the distance a sailing ship could sail without having to change tack.

The name appears on ancient maps by surveyors and cartographers long before there were "Loyalists".

...Bill Lamb

Kingston Branch Announces its First Web Site

Kingston Branch has a web site - visit www.uelac.org/Kingston/.

Thanks to Carol Davy for initiating the project and to Nancy Cutway for undertaking to maintain it.

Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch UELAC Fortieth Anniversary

Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch UELAC will celebrate its 40th anniversary on August 18, 2007. The gala occasion will be held at the Auberge and Spa West Brome, Quebec at 11:30 AM.

Click here for the Auberge site.

The luncheon menu offers a choice of Brome lake Duck confit, orange sauce, Filet of Atlantic salmon, green onion and white wine sauce or a vegetarian plate.

Michel Racicot's Power Point presentation highlighting the branch's history promises to be most interesting. Michel has also prepared a 70 page printed copy of memories and photos titled "The First Forty Years".

A hearty welcome is extended to all who wish to join us for this celebration.

Cost $25.00 RSVP by August 1st to one of the following members:

- Cora Hazard: 450-538-2708

- Jean McCaw: 450-538-234

- Adelaide Lanktree: 450-293-6342, {adelaidel AT sympatico DOT ca} how do I email her?

Loyalist Day Celebrated in Regina, Saskatchewan

The seventh annual UEL Day in Saskatchewan began with a luncheon meeting at the Chimney Restaurant in Regina. We regrouped at the Loyalist Cairn on the Legislative Grounds in time to have everything ready for the program. The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and his aide-de-Camp arrived on schedule. As the bagpiper, Gordon Wiles played, the colour party led the guests and His Honour to the cairn site. The piper then played the Vice Regal Salute. Master of Ceremonies, Ken Fader UE welcomed the assembled members and guests.

The piper played an interlude prior to His Honour's address. Then His Honour Gordon L. Barnhart, assisted by Gerry Adair UE, Logan Bjarnason UE and Linda Smith UE presented certificates, past presidents pins and roses to the five past presidents and their families. Those so honoured were the charter president, Margaret Dodson UE, Luella Johnston, widow of WD Johnston UE, Ken Mackenzie UE, Wendell Johnston UE, and Nelle Balkwill UE. Leonard Graham UE family was unable to attend. Mrs. Barnhart was unable to attend so we gave the bouquet of roses to His Honour to take to her.

As the piper played, the hosts escorted His Honour back to his car and the colours were retired.

The group then went to the lower level of the legislative building for refreshments, cake and ice cream. His Honour had lively conversations with many of the members and guests. The large loyalist flag fluttered outside from the premier's balcony above the main doors of the legislative building.

...Logan Bjarnason UE, President, Regina Branch

Help Have Major General Sir Isaac Brock Named as a Canadian National Historic Person

Maybe Major General Sir Isaac Brock has not been completely forgotten. I was delighted, and surprised, to read today's editorial in The St. Catharines Standard - see General Brock - supporting my efforts to raise awareness about the continued closure of Brock's Monument. I am the Robert Malcomson referred to in the editorial. This issue is NOT GOING AWAY (much to my further surprise).

As for the issue of Brock being FINALLY named a Canadian National Historic Person, please help my campaign by writing a letter supporing Brock's nomination and mailing it to me at: Robert Malcomson, 58 Woodrow Street, St. Catharines, Ontario. L2P 2A3

[submitted by Fred Hayward and Gloria Oakes]

Economic History: How Much Is That?

So you just found your loyalist ancestor received £270 in compensation from the British government back in 1787. But how much is that worth in today's money? A site called Economic History can help you figure that out. Use their calculators and other resources to get an idea of whether your ancestor was fairly compensated or not.

The site also allows you to change pounds into dollars, so it is very helpful.

By the way, I used this site to learn the value of my own ancestor's compensation. In today's pounds, the £270 he received would be worth £26,081.29 This sounds good, but the loyalist in question actually wanted to be compensated for his real losses which amounted to £1390. That is worth £134,270.37 in today's pounds.)

...Stephen Davidson

Copies of the Spring 2005 Issue of Loyalist Gazette

Alan Morden UE wrote an article "The Hanging of an Innocent Man" which was published in the Spring 2005 issue of the Loyalist Gazette starting on page 11. Allan is seeking copies of this issue, as some relatives who seem interested in joining, would like copies. Unfortunately that issue is sold out from our supplies at Dominion Office. If you have are willing to pass along or sell your copy to Alan, or if your branch has copies they purchased from Dominion Office, please get in touch with Alan directly to make arrangements.

...Alan MordenUE {alanmorden AT rogers DOT com} how do I email him?

Two Hector Morrisons - Follow Up to Yvan Goulet

While reviewing the back issues of Loyalist Trails in the online index I noted Yvan Goulet's query "Two Hector Morrisons" of December 11, 2004. This is of particular interest since I understand Hector Morrison and Ann Lane to be my 4th great grandparents as their daughter Flora married into my Astle line in New Carlisle, Quebec. I had wondered if the Morrisons andLanes might be Loyalists.

[See Two Hector Morrisons, Information on Loyalist John Ross who settled in Hopetown, Gaspe, and Responses re John Ross who settled in Hopetown, Gaspe]

I would like to hear from Yvan or anyone interested in the Morrisons and Lanes in New Carlisle.

...Marilyn M. Astle, Edmonton Branch, {astle DOT marilyn AT yahoo DOT ca} how do I email her?

Rev John Stuart's Marriage Records from Before the Revolutionary War

Rev. John Stuart married my 3rd great grandparents (Thomas Shadduck II & Eveline Frank) on 22 June 1771 at Fort Hunter, NY. I am trying to locate the marriage records, so far without any luck. It is believed that the reverend carried his records off with him when he fled to Canada during the Revolutionary War with the Johnson's. Have these records been passed down over the years and if so, does anyone know where I can access them?

These 3rd great grandparents are giving me fits hunting for more information on them. I so far have not found their place of burial either. Thanks for any help.

...David Shadduck {dasmls AT pa DOT net} how do I email him?

Proof that George Haws was Father of Jasper Haws

Need documented proof George Haws of Maryland, settled in Sorel, was Jasper Haws' father. Jasper, Alberta and Jasper National Park were named for Jasper Haws, who had a fur trading post north of present day Jasper from 1795 to 1822. He had a country wife, recorded only as an Iroquois women and when he returned to southwestern Quebec in 1823 he left many or all his children by her in the Jasper area. Jasper Haws died in C 1855. Robert Sellars book "The History of the County of Huntingdon and the Seigniories of Chateauguay & Baeuharnois", a history written in 1888, states that Jasper Haws was a son of a UEL from Maryland.

Jasper National Park is celebrating its centenary in September. We would like documented proof Jasper was a UEL as we have been invited to be present with Jasper's descendant at the ceremonies in Jasper on September 14, 2008.

...Logan Bjarnason UE, President, Regina Branch {loganue AT sasktel DOT net} how do I email him?

Muster Rolls for 84th Regiment, 2nd Battalion from 1 Jan 1779 to 24 June 1782

I appeal to anyone knowing the location of Muster Rolls for the 84th Regiment, 2nd Battalion for the period 1 Jan 1779 to 24 June 1782. It is extremely important to locate these Musters. Many of the usual and most likely repositories have been checked with negative results. Copies of the documents cannot, as yet, be found! The 2nd Battalion served during the Revolutionary War, (1775-1783), at various locations in Atlantic Canada, and during 1779-1782 five Companies served in NY and "the Carolinas" - Charleston, Wilmington, Monck's Corner, Eutaw Springs, etc. These five Companies were attached to other larger British Regiments or Units.

I would greatly appreciate if you would review your records, sources and Contacts, (Historians/ Researchers/ Records Custodians, etc.). The finder of the missing Musters will certainly be "Mentioned in Dispatches" and will be a friend of mine forever! I will most willingly reciprocate data which I have accumulated regarding the 84th and Loyalist Settlers over the past 20 years.

I earnestly appeal to you or anyone knowledgeable on the subject, to contact me if they have any clues or key information that will lead to positive results being achieved.

...Calvin Lee CRAIG, UE , Certified Genealogist (Canada), {craigcb1104 AT hotmail DOT com} how do I email him?

Response re Bay Chaleur (Gaspe, Quebec)

Bay Chaleur (Gaspe, Quebec) peaked my interest as I am also looking for a loyalist ancestor (John Loverin) who settled New Carlisle. I only need proof of what he did with the property as I have all the rest of the Loyalist proof. Just got him popping up in another area. These websites, which is the geographical area they are looking for, have information and/or one can post queries.

http://www.rocher-perce.org/garrett/cgi-bin/teemz/teemz.cgi?board=_master

http://www.beyondgrandmasattic.com/forum/index.php

http://www.gaspe-loyalists.ca/

...Michael Eamer,CD,UE, St. Lawrence Branch UELAC

Response re David and Jacob Dulmage

I was born and raised in Prince Edward County and am a direct descendant of David Dulmage & Mary through their son David. My son Don has researched the family thoroughly including re-establishing working relationships with the old Dolmetsch family in Germang.See his book "Return to Deutschland".

About two years ago he became aware that a family in Colorado has David and Mary's family Bible. There are two handwritten pages of their family in English.

One page is Births, the other is Marriages. The Births page has this entry "Jacob our first son born 27th August 1775 In Albany County State New York in North America" Opposite on the Marriages page is the entry "Jaco(The legibility is a bit hard to read on my copy) Sarah Huff". My son David and my Grandson David were in Denver a year or so ago and the visited the man who has the Bible and saw it for themselves.

You may already know Don. I don't know if he has the information on Jane or not.

The old farm is on Brewers Road south of Milford. The house is still intact but it has been converted into what is now called "The Long Dog Winery"

I am no longer doing much genealogy research, although I have visited Limerick County in Ireland several years ago.

Although I no longer live in Prince Edward I now live In Johnstown, a virtual hotbed of UEL (Col Jessup Branch) descendants including those of David's brother John.

...Harry B. Dulmage

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.