Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2008 Archive

In this issue:
- "Saint John 225" - UELAC Conference 2008
- The Loyalist Pound, Shilling and Pence, by Stephen Davidson
- Edgar John Jarvis 1835-1907
- Presidential Wanderings
- 2008 David Thompson Brigade
- Fort George National Historic Site, Parks Canada - Review of Website by Phoebe Sheppard
- Little Forks Branch UELAC Restoring Cemeteries in Eastern Townships of Quebec
- Queries
      + Loyalist Lineages of Canada, First Book
      + Information about Jonathan HOWARD or Jonathan LOTHROP
      + Information about John ROLFE or Captain Jonathan WILLARD
      + Information about Moses ROLFE or Banjamin CHENEY Families
      + Response re French Indian (or Seven Years) Wars
      + Response re Loyalist Flag
      + Response re Upper Canada "Expunged, Suspended, Reinstated"

"Saint John 225" - UELAC Conference 2008

The Dominion UELAC Conference will be held in Saint John, NB July 10-13, 2008. The host will be the New Brunswick Branch who will make every effort to make this celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Loyalist's arrival a special event.

No doubt many of the UELAC membership's ancestors passed through the Loyalist City of Saint John and this is your chance to see it up close. Over the next few issues Loyalist Trails will be featuring detailed reports on conference activities and items of interest about the Saint John and New Brunswick area.

Full and up to date conference details, including a registration form may be found on the NB Branch website.

The deadline for "early bird" registration is April 30th.

You are also invited to contact the Conference Chair, Stephen Bolton {sbolton AT nbnet DOT nb DOT ca} how do I email him?

The Loyalist Pound, Shilling and Pence, by Stephen Davidson

In reading the documents of the American Revolution, it is often difficult to understand how much furniture, food, or livestock were worth because we do not know the spending power of the pound in 1776. To complicate matters further, the Thirteen Colonies did not share a common currency, so that a pound in Massachusetts might not have the same value as a pound in South Carolina. However, thanks to the records kept of the loyalist compensation claims, we can get a rough idea of how far a pound could go during the War of Independence.

A pound could buy four barrels of flour or twenty bushels of barley, eight bushels of oats or a large copper pot, ten bushels of corn or a large brass kettle, a ton of salt or two hand irons, a dozen towels or a writing desk.

If you wanted to buy livestock at the close of the revolution, what would it cost? Four or five pounds could buy one milk cow, £2 or £4 would purchase a hog, 42 ewes were £14, a pig was just £1. A yoke of oxen cost £30, while an ox cart could be as much as £10.

Horses, of course, were the chief means of land transportation. A saddle and bridle cost £10, and a horse itself could range in price from £5 to £15 to £30. A single horse chaise and harness were worth £15, a "sulky" could be £12, and a wagon cost £10.

One loyalist claim asked for £60 for lost farming utensils, a resting chair, and a “pleasure sleigh”. Rent on a church pew was valued at £10; a rifle cost £6. Two good suits were worth £3, one shilling and six pence.

One hundred bushels of wheat were worth £35; thirteen tons of hay were worth £65; one hundred bushels of wheat were valued at £35.

A watch was £7, a mariner's compass and quadrant together cost £2, a dictionary was worth £6, a clock £15, and hatter's tools were £15. A dining table was worth £2, a bureau £8, eight chairs were valued at £16. A feather bed, bedding and bedsteads cost £18. Ten pillows could be bought for a pound and 10 shillings. Eleven pairs of good sheets were valued at £16

A tea kettle cost six shillings, a dozen coffee cups were 12 shillings, two dozen wine glasses were worth ten shillings, two iron pots cost 11 shillings, a frying pan could be bought for five shillings, and two large mirrors cost £3. Twenty-one shillings would buy two dozen enamelled bowls; a large oak folding table was valued at £1 and five shillings, two arm chairs "covered with green" cost one pound and 12 shillings.

The cost for stocking a kitchen with irons, shovels, tongs, furniture, dairy pails, tubs, and wooden ware was £30. Plows, harrows and other farm tools sold for £20,

Two years of service in the militia (a portion of which the soldier was wounded) was valued at £193. One loyalist teacher in South Carolina earned between £300 and £500 a year.

While some of these prices are amusing, there is a tragic side to the value of a pound in the days of loyalist persecution. A number of the king’s loyal colonists were slave owners. When these better off refugees made claims for compensation to the British government, they listed among their lost or stolen property fellow human beings who had been kidnapped from their homes in Africa and taken across the ocean to work on plantations or in private homes.

In the days of the American Revolution, a strong, healthy man was generally sold for £40, but could go for as much as £70 or £100 (the cost of three or four horses). A boy once sold for £60 (two yokes of oxen), while a woman and her child went for £80 (eight wagons).

It is sad to reflect that while some loyalists petitioned the government to reclaim the value of their abducted human "property", enslaved Africans faced lifetimes of enforced servitude with no hope of compensation. They lived out their lives in a society that considered them as goods that could be purchased with pounds, shillings and pence.

Edgar John Jarvis 1835-1907

Edgar John Jarvis was recognized for his contribution to the early development of Rosedale Toronto in a plaque dedication ceremony at Branksome Hall School on November 2nd. 2007.

Edgar was born January 28th 1835 on a farm 4 miles east of Oakville the 3rd youngest of 12 children of Frederick Starr Jarvis and Susan Merigold. He was the grandson of Stephen Jarvis UEL.

At the age of 19 “Plan of Rose-Park” being a subdivision of the Rosedale Estates, adjoining the City of Toronto Registered plan 104 was drawn up by him.

He was introduced to Rosedale by his uncle William Botsford Jarvis of ‘Rosedale Villa’. During the 1860’s and ‘70’s he assembled land throughout Rosedale and southern Ontario.

On October 17th 1863 in a ceremony at St. James Cathedral he married Charlotte Beaumont daughter of William Rawlins Beaumont M.D., F.R.C.S. Three years later Edgar, Charlotte and three children moved into their new home Glen Hurst which still stands behind the original stone gateposts of Branksome Hall.

Enchanted by the surrounding ravines, he envisioned turning the area into Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhood. To attract affluent buyers, he constructed the first two high-level bridges across the south Rosedale ravine, built for sale two of Rosedale’s early mansions, and planted Elm and Maple trees on their namesake Avenues.

Edgar, Charlotte and their 12 children lived in Glen Hurst until 1880. He constructed his second home ‘Sylvan Towers’ at the north east corner, now Glen Rd. and South Drive.

Edgar’s career was a roller coaster ride of successes and failures, his fortunes rising and falling with the economy and the real estate market. In 1887 they moved into rented quarters.

While some of her children were quite young Charlotte graduated with first class honours and the A.T.C.M. degree from the Toronto Conservatory of Music. For the next 20 years she was a member of the staff and taught music. She wrote poetry. Her book “Leaves of Rosedale” was published privately for her husband in 1905. She wrote verse which was published in newspapers under the pen name “Rosedalia” She was indeed a pioneer.

Edgar built his last home “Evenholm” in 1907. His son Beaumont was the architect. It stands today at 157 South Dr.

Edgar died January 15, 1907, age 72. Charlotte lived for another 24 years and died in Toronto at the age of 88.

[Submitted by Bob Jarvis, great grandson of Edgar.]

Presidential Wanderings

It's been what has been termed an 'old fashioned winter' in my part of Canada, so my wanderings as President have been quite local lately - and between snowstorms. Earlier in February I attended a Loyalist presentation at Belleville Public Library. Thanks to June Dafoe UE for organizing this event which also included Brandt Zatterberg UE and Bruce Bedell UE. On February 23rd I had the pleasure of speaking to 7th Town Historical Society, a genealogical research group and facility in Ameliasburgh, ON.

...Peter Johnson UE. President, UELAC

2008 David Thompson Brigade

People who are interested in Loyalist history may also be interested in the fur trade and other Canadian history. The Brigade is a canoe trip from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, to Thunder Bay; from May 10 to July 12. I believe there will be around 200 people either on the rivers or ground support travelling down the historical fur trade route. Participants are in teams and may do part or all of the journey. Many communities along the route are sponsoring events to welcome the Brigade as it passes through - Devon, Fort Saskatchewan, Elk Point, Battleford, Fort Carlton, Prince Albert, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Kenora, Fort Frances, to name a few. There is more information on the Brigade website.

...Ivy Trumpour

Fort George National Historic Site, Parks Canada - Review of Website by Phoebe Sheppard

This website (with a Loyalists' section here) is well-researched and highly accessible. Navigability is very important, especially when impatient grade 7 students are using “used” computers whose warranty has expired some time ago.

Even so, several students did use the material on the website quite successfully. As their teacher and teacher-librarian, I was pleased to hear: “Hey, come and look at this!”, as an eager researcher discovered something new and interesting on the website.

I did not realize how much information is posted on this site about the United Empire Loyalists. I have used many other resources, particularly books, over the 30 years that I have taught this part of Canadian history. I will most definitely utilize this resource with future classes. Many of my students are immigrants to Canada, so they can relate their experiences to those of the Loyalists. General Brock really did not know whether he would be able to count on the support of the local militia on the Niagara Frontier if and when the Americans did attempt to invade Upper Canada.

The Fort George site matches very well with a 1982 TV Ontario production called Read All About It! part 2, a series of five videos. Two twentieth-century children travel back to the War of 1812 era where they encounter General Brock at Fort George and attempt to warn him about the impending attack at Queenston. The children also meet Laura Secord and John Norton during their adventure. I use the series as a history resource rather than for reading practice. Being about to share the experience of life at the Fort with General Brock as he prepares to go to battle brings history to life.

The Fort George website certainly supports and reinforces the students’ knowledge and acquisition of research skills.

Maybe next year, I will explore the possibility of a visit to the Fort or even an overnight stay.

...Review by Phoebe Sheppard

[Editor's Note: Much of the content of this site was prepared by Gavin A. Watt, son of our Honorary Vice President, Gavin K. Watt.]

Little Forks Branch UELAC Restoring Cemeteries in Eastern Townships of Quebec

...

Loyalist Lineages of Canada, First Book

If anyone has a copy of the FIRST book Loyalist Lineages of Canada that they no longer want or need would they please contact me. I have the set of two books but can't find the first. Please use Book in the subject line. I am willing to pay a reasonable price for the book and shipping costs

...Heather Graham-Smith {grasmith AT sympatico DOT ca} how do I email her?

Information about Jonathan HOWARD or Jonathan LOTHROP

HOWARD, Jonathan, referred to as Captain, whose daughter Rowena Church Howard married 29 May, 1788 a Charles Lothrop b: 02 May,1767and d: 17 March,1842, buried Dudswell Cemetery,Que. Charles being a son of Jonathan (Josian) Lothrop 1725-1808 & Phoebe ---. (A Genealogy Memoir of the Lothrop (Lathrop)(Lowthroppe) Family, by Rev.Elijah B. Huntington,1884.

The Charles Lothrop family came to Dudswell between 1810-1815 according to a book written on Bishopton,Que. We do not know if either parents came before or not. Charles and Rowena (Howard) Lothrop, along with other members of their family are buried in the Dudswell Center Cemetery, and also in St.Paul's Cemetery in Marbleton and the Ascot Corner Pioneer Cemetery. They had 9 children:

- Phoebe Ames Lothrop m: David Farnsworth

- Galen Lothrop m: Lura Loomis ( Ascot Corner Cem.)

- Edward Lothrop m: Thankful Osgood

- Rowena Howard Lothrop m; Joseph Rolfe (Ascot Corner Cem)

- Sarah Church Lothrop m: Holoway Osgood

- Cyrus Lothrop m: Mersey Andrews

- Parney Lothrop m: Seaver Willard

- Sophronia Lothrop m: Elijah Westman (St.Paul's Cem. Marbleton)

- Charles Jr. Lothrop

Seeking information as to whether Jonathan HOWARD or Jonathan LOTHROP were Loyalists.

...Bev Loomis {mbloomis AT ican DOT net} how do I email her?

Information about John ROLFE or Captain Jonathan WILLARD

ROLFE, John of Jamestown, Virginia had an Indian wife - Princess Pocahontas said to have been ancestors of WILLARD & ROLFE descendants of this area. There is also a reference to a Captain Jonathan WILLARD who came to Canada. Was he a Loyalist?

...Bev Loomis {mbloomis AT ican DOT net} how do I email her?

Information about Moses ROLFE or Banjamin CHENEY Families

ROLFE Moses1, 1765-1845, Newbury Port, Mass., son of Joseph & Esther ROLFE. He married Judith CHENEY, 1764- , dau. of Benjamin CHENEY and Judith HOLMAN. Came to Lower Canada in 1802.

...Bev Loomis {mbloomis AT ican DOT net} how do I email her?

Response re French Indian (or Seven Years) Wars

Loyalist Trails, Apr 1 2005, presented a query re material on the French and Indian Wars. There is a new book published 2006 on this subject. Although it does not directly address the Loyalists, it 'chronicles the stirring story of the three Highland regiments that soldiered in North America during the French & India War, 1756-1764' and includes muster rolls.

Sons of the Mountains: the Highland Regiments in the French and Indian War, 1756-1767, by Ian Macpherson McCulloch (Lt. Col, ret.) in 2 volumes. Here is an excerpt from a promotional item.

Three proud Highland regiments fought in North America during the Seven Year's War--the 77th Foot (Montgomery's Highlanders), the 78th Foot (Fraser's Highlanders), and the famous Black Watch, more correctly known at the time as the Royal Highland Regiment. Undoubtedly, the exploits of the 42nd, 77th and 78th Highlanders in some of the most bloody and desperate battles on the North American continent were a critical factor in transforming the overall image of Highlanders from Jacobite rebels to Imperial heroes in the latter half of the 18th century. But the everyday story of these regiments --how they trained, worked, played, fought and died from their own point of view--has never been seriously told.

Sons of the Mountains: A History of the Highland Regiments in North America During the French & Indian War, 1756-1767, is a two-volume set due to be co-published spring 2006 by Purple Mountain Press and the Fort Ticonderoga Museum and in Canada by Robin Brass Studio. It chronicles the Highland regiments' fighting performance and experiences from the time they were raised in the Highlands and stepped ashore in North America, to their disbandment in 1763; or, as in the case of the 42nd, reduced in establishment and left on lonely garrison duty in the American wilderness until their recall and return to Ireland in 1767.

A longer description is available here.

...Jo Ann Munro Tuskin

Response re Loyalist Flag

The February 10 Loyalist Trails poses the question about the “Queen Anne Union Flag”. I'm curious why it is called the Queen Anne Union Flag as James I had it created in 1606 when England and Scotland were united. Could the Queen Anne connotation have connections with the Palatines, those people Queen Anne encouraged and helped to re-settle along the Hudson River in the province of New York in 1710? One of my loyalist ancestors was a grandson of one of those people.

In going through back issues of the Gazette, I found the following:

In the November 1933 issue, there is a photo of UEL booth at the CNE with the walls hung with Union Jacks. Obviously, they used what was available and did not make the distinction between the First Union and the Union Jack.

The Autumn 1969 issue - page 23 has an article by Howard Warner with accompanying photo of the First Union Flag of 1606. The closing paragraph of the article states that he presented the Governor Simcoe Branch with a replica of the George III flag “many years ago” having had it made at Tiffany's in New York. Where is it now?

The Autumn of 1971 issue p. 4 shows a photo of the First Union Flag draped on a plaque about to be unveiled. The next page has an article about a flag raising for Loyalist Days by the St. John Branch with an explanation of the difference between the First Union Flag and the Union Jack.

The Autumn 1976 issue back page lists UEL flags for sale from Dominion Regalia in Toronto, priced at $19.70 plus 7% Ontario sales tax. The ad discusses how several branches now use the flag to “open and close meetings, festive occasions and for draping a coffin of a deceased member”. The order form also states that the association adopted the First Union Flag as its official flag on May 11, 1974.

Logan Bjarnason UE, Regina Branch

[Editor's Note: The article with probably the definitive information about the History of the Union Flag was written by Bill Smy and printed in the Loyalist Gazette Volume: 25 Number: 2 (April 1988) Pgs. 10, 11, 12. We will one day have this on our web site.]

Response re Upper Canada "Expunged, Suspended, Reinstated"

The lists of Loyalists that were removed etc. were presented to the Executive Council and appear in the Land Books. The reason for their removal is sometimes stated beside their name. One of my ancestors Weston Allen was on a list that appeared on Nov 8 1804 in Land Book F Page 162. Beside his name it states: a settler came in after the War. The introduction is as follows:

May it please your Excellency,

In obedience to your Excellency's commands to inquire and examine into the pretensions of the persons whose names are inserted upon the UE list, I have the honor to state, that I have made some further progress , and now report, that unless the following Individuals can adduce proof of his or her being the heads of a Family before the treaty of Separation in 1783, and of having joined the Royal Standard before that period, that they are not entitled to the same Privilege as the original Loyalists, who were resident in the late colonies, and who did, upon the declaration of Independence, join the Royal Standard before the said Treaty of Independence in 1783

Afterwards is a list in alphabetical order. I just copied the first page that went down to Peter Bowen because "Western" Allen was before him. I don't know if further records exist that provide proof for the lists that were created. Unfortunately I don't have the author of this list. It is probably at the end. I don't know if reinstatements were put on a list. I imagine their petitions were either accepted or denied as they came before the council again. My ancestor petitioned twice that I know of but wasn't reinstated.

It was very interesting to come across this list and I wish now I had copied more of it. There are some very interesting things in the land books other than just land petitions. I look forward to hearing if anyone has any further information to provide regarding any more records that can be found on Loyalists whose names were removed, for whatever reason, from the UE list.

...Debbie Oxby, UE