Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2008 Archive

In this issue:
- Obnoxious Because They Prayed, -- © Stephen Davidson
- Canada Post Stamp Honours Canadian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist R.S. McLaughlin
- Antiquarian Bookseller now offers UEL collecting focus
- Queries
      + Response re Joseph Doan Family
      + Information About Neutralists
      + Loyalist Bumper Stickers
      + Information about Matthys Lampman, son of Frederick
      + Information about a Wheeler Musket from 1799

Obnoxious Because They Prayed, -- © Stephen Davidson

In most revolutions, the intelligentsia is the first to be targeted by the rebel forces. In the case of the American Revolution, the clergy were a primary target for persecution and imprisonment -- not because they fought against independence, but because they led colonists in prayer for the king. Here are the stories of four "obnoxious" loyalist ministers who became refugees during the War of Independence.

The Rev. Robert Cooper's ministry in the Thirteen Colonies began in 1758 when he was made the rector of St. Michael's Church in Charleston, South Carolina. When the "troubles" began seventeen years later, the local rebels demanded that Cooper renounce his loyalty to the king by signing an "association". He was able to sign as a "subscriber", indicating he was neutral rather than a supporter of either side.

More than principles were at stake for the Anglican minister. He earned £200 a year, had a parsonage that could be rented out at £60 a year, and owned 500 acres of land. Cooper was also involved in the lucrative indigo trade. Remaining loyal (or even neutral) would have its consequences.

In June of 1776, the rebels called on Rev. Cooper to serve in their militia and take an oath of allegiance. Cooper "continued to pray for the King at Public Prayers", doing so on the Sunday that the British attacked Charleston. Within a week he was "dismissed from the vestry" and eventually forced out of his parsonage. In April of 1777 the rebels once again tried to force Cooper to swear a patriot oath of loyalty, but he refused. Recognizing the growing danger of imprisonment, Cooper, his wife and daughter boarded a ship for Holland, and by June arrived in England.

When the British once again took control of South Carolina, Cooper returned to Charleston in 1781 and served in the Church of St. Phillips. However, within a year's time, the loyalists of South Carolina had to be evacuated, and Cooper returned to England. In 1784,he British government recognized Cooper as a loyalist and granted him financial compensation. After over a quarter of a century of ministry in the Thirteen Colonies, Robert Cooper elected to remain in Great Britain until the end of his days.

The Rev. John Michael Kern had emigrated from Germany to Wallkill, New York in 1763 to serve three Lutheran churches. They paid Kern £138 a year, and provided him with a house and 160 acres of land that included an orchard. His livestock included seven horses, twelve cattle, and sixteen sheep.

Known to be a minister who encouraged his congregations to keep "steady to their Loyalty", Kern was summoned to stand before a Committee of Conspiracy in Poughkeepsie. Kern refused to ally himself with the rebels, and the committee banished the Lutheran pastor. Kern left with all that he could load onto two wagons. From 1778 to 1783, the clergyman, his wife, and large family lived in New York City, and then, with other loyalist refugees sailed for the St. John River.

While the ministers of the Church of England could look forward to support from the British crown, Kern found life in New Brunswick difficult because he was a Lutheran pastor without a congregation to provide him with a living. Records of the day indicate that he associated with other German refugees who lived along the St. John River. In February of 1787, the Rev. Kern applied for financial compensation from the British government and had a local merchant vouch for the minister's losses and loyalty.

The Rev. William Edmonston of St. Thomas parish, Maryland, was such a firm loyalist that he refused to administer the sacraments to any of his congregation who served the rebel cause. He exhorted his parishioners to "continue their allegience to the British government" and circulated pamphlets that warned of the evils of armed rebellion. Such actions very quickly brought Edmonston to the attention of the local rebel committee which threatened to pull down his house if he did not recant all that he had said. Turning his back on 1,000 acres of land, enslaved Africans, an income of £300 a year, Edmonston gathered up his family and left for England in 1775. Nine years later the British government recognized the Anglican rector as a "zealous loyalist".

Land and income could easily be replaced, but the Rev. William Clarke was a loyalist who suffered a devastating loss for a minister -- he lost his voice. The son of a minister, Clarke served the Anglican congregation of Dedham, Massachusetts after graduating from Harvard. The years leading up to the revolution had been hard ones for Clarke. His father died in 1768 and by 1772, Clarke had lost his hearing "but {was} very able to do his duty". Part of that duty included speaking out against colonial independence. In 1777, Massachusetts’s rebels condemned Clarke as a traitor and banished him to Rhode Island where he was imprisoned for ten weeks. It was during his time in jail that Clarke "almost lost the use of his speech".

In 1784, William Clarke was in England, presenting a written plea for financial compensation. The records note that Clarke's memorial was an account of "very loyal and meritorious conduct and suffering". One of those who stood by Clarke at his hearing was a Rhode Island pastor. Rev. George Bisset remembered Clarke's voice as "extremely good and strong when he first knew him, but in 1778 he had almost lost it. .... in consequence of ill treatment."

In its final judgment, the compensation board was of the opinion that the Rev. William Clarke was indeed "meritorious Loyalist". Within two year's time, Clarke was ministering in Halifax, followed by work with a church in Digby, Nova Scotia. At some point in his travels, Clarke met and married Mrs. Dunbar, a "delicate young widow". The new Mrs. Clarke "was unable to rough it" and the couple moved to Massachusetts. William Clarke died in Quincy in 1815.

To secure permission to reprint this article contact the author at {stephendavids AT gmail DOT com} how do I email him?

Canada Post Stamp Honours Canadian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist R.S. McLaughlin

On the 8th of September, Canada Post will issue a single stamp to honour “the father to Canada’s Automobile industry.” In addition to a portrait, the stamp itself will feature the first McLaughlin-Buick and the motto of the McLaughlin Carriage Company – Only one grade and that the best. Born on 8 September 1871, Robert Samuel “ Sam” McLaughlin is perhaps most widely known as the founder of General Motors Canada. Details of how he turned a small family business into an empire can be found in his biography, “My Eighty Years on Wheels.” The three part article will also give the reader some interesting stories about his world of sailing and horses.

However we the members of UELAC have other reasons to celebrate Col. McLaughlin’s birthday. In sixties, he served as the Honourary President of UELAC. A highlight of his period of service would be the creation of the Adelaide Louise McLaughlin Trust in honour of his wife of over 58 years.

Adelaide Louise Mowbray of Tyrone, Ontario, married Sam in 1898 and together they raised five daughters. Today, their home in Oshawa, built between 1915 and 1917, is recognized as one of Canada’s National Historic Sites. The extensive gardens at Parkwood provide another reason to visit the McLaughlin home.

The best description of the McLaughlin contribution to UELAC can be found in the Vol. VI. No 2. or Autumn 1968 issue of The Loyalist Gazette as edited by John Chard:

Col. R. S. McLaughlin’s munificent gift creating the “Adelaide Louise McLaughlin Trust, is a tribute not only to the memory of his wife but also to the U.E.L. Association of Canada of which she was a devoted member of the Toronto Branch. In the past, Mrs. McLaughlin had shown her deep interest in the U.E.L. tradition by her generous contribution toward the restoration of the old Loyalist cemetery at Adolphustown. In 1956 it was incorporated as a part of the Provincial Parks system which was officially opened by Premier Frost. Mrs. McLaughlin was present at the dedication ceremony and spoke briefly. Her interest in the occasion was very personal since one of her U.E.L. Huff ancestors had been among the little band of Loyalists who had landed on the nearby shores of the Bay of Quinte in June 1784. She was a staunch member of the U.E. L. Association and was always very proud of her loyalist background.

Colonel McLaughlin, C.C., has long been known for his public spirit and generosity. Members of the U.E. L. Association of Canada will always remember him with gratitude as a truly great Canadian and as the husband of one of our most devoted and distinguished members

Today the income generated by the Adelaide Louise McLaughlin Trust Fund continues to be applied to the operation, maintenance and upkeep of the Dominion Office.

...Frederick H. Hayward, President

Antiquarian Bookseller now offers UEL collecting focus

Lord Durham Rare Books is in a position to assist people interested in the collection of important and pertinent material. We specialize in 19th century material and have added a special section for Loyalist focused material. Whether experienced or new to collecting Loyalists books, maps, prints or ephemera we wish to assist you.

The idea of LDRB helping Loyalists to collect in this area is a new one. The material available will evolve and be more focused based on your response and support. We plan to inventory items that will be of even more interest. This is best done with your input on items that you may be looking for (your wants list) or have a strong interest in.

We have complied a list of UEL books in our inventory for your review and consideration to start. We can, and have, found copies of other items for many other collectors. Please visit the website.

As an example, one book currently on our list is:

#2466. United Empire Loyalists' Association Ontario, Vol. IV, Annual Transactions 1901 and 1902 printed in 1903 by UEL Toronto. Articles include:

- Patriotic Societies: Their Value to the Empire by R. E. A. Land,

- Battle of the Thames and Death of Tecumsech by T. S. Arnold,

- Titus Simons, Quarter Master, Peters' Corps of "Queen's Loyal Rangers,"

- Burgoyne's Campaign, 1777-1812 by H. H. Robertson,

- A Glance at the Early Canadians (French and English) by D. B. Read,

- The Moral Character of the U.E. Loyalists by Dr. Nathanael Burwash,

- Extracts from an old U.E.L. Journal by Mrs. Stephen M. Jarvis,

- A Canadian U.E. Loyalist at Waterloo by Rev. Canon Alexander Wellesley Macnab,

- A Sketch of the Pennock and McIlmoyle Families by Sarah S. Leggo and Mary Elizabeth Walker,

- The Late Parker Allen, Esq., of Adolphustown by Rev. C. E. Thomson,

- Reminiscences of the Late Capt. John DeCew by Edmund DeCew,

- The Highland Scotch of U. E. Loyalists by Alexander Clark Casselman,

- The Late Loyalists of Upper Canada by J. S. Carstairs, B.A., and also includes 15 illustrations and membership list.

Other items currently listed include

- #2460. United Empire Loyalists' Association Canada, 1935 Sesqui-Centennial Transactions by HARVEY, J.A. Et al.,

- Twenty plus documents [1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1796, 1806, 1809,] regarding the finances of Andrew Rainsford [1766 - 1854], early colonial UEL settler, late 18th century. Items from New Brunswick and London, England. Including document signed by Thomas Carleton (1735c - 1817, Governor of New Brunswick and brother of Sir Guy Carleton) and David McGibbon (Justice of the Peace)

- United Empire Loyalist Christmas Card c1940. Image printed of group of British soldiers (one Simcoe) on parade.

...Duncan McLaren {duncan AT ldrb DOT ca} how do I email him?

Response re Joseph Doan Family

See my study "Humberstone Township: The First Fifty Years, 1784-1834", I has information on a number of Doans who received land in Humberstone Township.

"JOSEPH DOAN received a grant of 200 acres in Humberstone on 26 December 1795. His certificate described him as 44 years old, a carpenter from Pennsylvania. He petitioned as a Loyalist on 2 May 1797, stating that he had "come into this Province in the year 1787 with a wife and one child" and that he now had five children, although the petition only lists Moses and Mahlon. The petition was read the same day, and he was granted 200 acres. His holdings in Humberstone were Lot 29, 1st Concession and Lot 19, 2nd Concession.[i] Thomas Welch had stayed in Doan's house on this lot on 23 February 1794"

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[i]         National Archives of Canada. RG1, L5, Vol 49, p 59; RG1, L3, Vol 150, No 35; RG1, L7, Vol 52BB; RG1, L3, Vol 153, No 59. During his survey in February 1794, Thomas Welch stayed at the home of Joseph Doan on Lot 29, 1st Concession.

...Bill Smy

Information About Neutralists

I was at my McCarey/McCary Family Reunion this past month in Michigan. One of my cousins from Florida mentioned that she has a ancestor who was a Neutralist during the American Revolution. Have you ever heard of them. She stated that he after/or during the war settled in Nova Scotia and then after the war moved back to Vermont and travelled West. His name John Siverly.

She asked me if I could find out anything on them (Neutralists). She did also give me a copy of an index to this book called The Neutral Yankees of Nova Scotia. A Marginal Colony during the Revolutionary Years. By John Bartlet Brebner. Printed at 1754 - 1895 Columbia University Press, New York: Morningside Heights . M. cm.xxxvii

...Bob McCarey {mmccarey1214 AT rogers DOT com} how do I email him?

Loyalist Bumper Stickers

Does anyone, one of the branches possibly, have the Loyalist Bumper Stickers for sale?

...Bob McCarey {mmccarey1214 AT rogers DOT com} how do I email him?

Information about Matthys Lampman, son of Frederick

My ancestor Frederick Lampman is a proven loyalist as is one of his sons Peter. I am searching for more information about a different son , Matthys (Matthias, Matthew) Lampman, my Great GrandfatherX3 who was born in Greene Cty., New York in 1761 and who came to Canada with his father about 1783. He is listed in the Old United Empire Loyalist list as Matthias 15 years old. I think he must have been older.

The book ANCASTER'S HERITAGE, Copywrite 1973 by the Ancaster Township Historical Society, pg 12, states that "the earliest known written record of any settler penetrating as far as Ancaster to squat on land here can be found in a petition dated 1793 in which twenty-two men.............."were encouraged to settle upon those lands four years before they were surveyed." This list includes the name Matthew Lampman. On pg. 277 it is stated that " Lot 52/3 was granted to Matthias Lampman" (he squatted on this land in 1789), and "at his death it was divided between his two sons John and Frederick".

Land Record Collection Roll 1867 Wentworth Cty., Ancaster pg 10 list his great grandson Peter Lampman on Con. F3 SW, lot 52, 50 acres.

Some genealogies have Matthys Lampman living and dying in North Oxford Cty., Ontario and some living and dying in Ancaster Twp., Ontario where his son John lived. Some say he and his wife are buried on Cooley farm and others that they are buried at St. John's Anglican Church in Ancaster. A picture of "the Matthias Lampman House" was even published in the paper there at one time. And as he would have been "of age" by 1779, it seems that he would have been active in the military but I have been unable to locate any records regarding this. The name MATTHIAS became very popular in the family and perhaps that is the reason for so much confusion.

I would be interested to know if anyone has found the source land records and a will for this man and his wife Eve Bowman. It would be nice to prove him my loyalist ancestor.

...Claire Lincoln, Durham, NC, {lincallofus AT msn DOT com} how do I email her?

Information about a Wheeler Musket from 1799

I live in Essex in the UK and own a musket which is branded, the only area that this practice was carried out as far as I know was in Canada. It is most likely that it was a private purchase by an officer in the Canadian militia. The maker was Robert Wheeler who was a gun maker in Birmingham who was also a supplier of arms to the Hudson Bay Company.

The gun was made about 1799 as it bears early Birmingham proof marks. I have included a photograph of the branded stock and the complete gun . The branding is incomplete as the shape of the butt combe makes the second line only partially readable but could probably be Osburn, Ozburn or Oxburn, the top line is J. Simpson and the number 188 which could be a either an abbreviated date or a regimental number.

The musket originally came out of New England with no history. But I just thought that it is just possible that it might be linked to a member of an Ontario or other Canadian Militia regiment.

Several of my family members live in Canada and my grand father about seven times removed John Death was a redcoat. He retired from the army in 1818 after 27 years service and settled in Suffolk/Essex borders where he farmed. I don't know for certain which regiment he was in, but it has been passed down verbally through the family that he was in the 44th Foot Regiment (which I think was the Essex Regiment) but I have never been able to prove it one way or the other. His retirement record is in the British National Archive but I have never found the time to get there but it is something I plan to sort out when I retire.

I would appreciate any information about similarly marked guns, or pointers to information which might help me learn more about this one. By the way I am not trying to sell the musket.

...Jeff Eves