Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2011 Archive

In this issue:
- The Loyalist Alumni of Yale: Part Two -- by Stephen Davidson
- Horsfield Ancestry: First Generation in America © George McNeillie
- Tweeting, Dr. Burleigh and Bergen Wood
- Reaching Out Successfully: Kawartha Branch at Lindsay Fair
- Edmonton Branch Parading in Local Communities in 2011
- Canadian Genealogy Survey Goes Live on July 23
- War of 1812 Preparations and Requests
- Additions to the Loyalist Directory
- Last Post: Grace Hyatt Cote, UE
- Queries
      + The BDM Registers of Rev. John Conrad Ludwig Broeffle
      + United Empire Loyalist Donation Stamp of 1918
      + Assistance With Deuel-Burliegh Families

The Loyalist Alumni of Yale: Part Two -- by Stephen Davidson

While Yale University was originally founded to produce clergymen to serve the Puritan congregations of New England, it also trained up lawyers. Among those who graduated in law are eight men who would later be known as loyalists.

Edmund Fanning, one of those Tory alumni, received an honourary degree from Yale 46 years after his graduation -- a token of the patriot university's gratitude. In 1779, Fanning had persuaded the commander of the British army not to burn Yale to the ground. But this was not the loyalist's only claim to fame; Fanning would be linked to events in New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. He would be hailed as a wise leader and despised as a corrupt bureaucrat.

This is the story of the loyalist who saved Yale.

Fanning was 18 years old when he received his bachelor of arts degree from Yale in 1757. After moving to North Carolina, the young lawyer represented his county in the colonial assembly, and also served as a judge of the superior court, a militia colonel, and a registrar of deeds.

Always a champion of higher education, Fanning was appointed the first president of Queen's College, the first American university south of Virginia. In 1764, Harvard awarded him an honourary degree. It is not surprising that Fanning was reputed to be "the best educated man in the province"-- or that he came to the attention of North Carolina's governor, William Tryon.

When Tryon was appointed the governor of New York, Edmund Fanning followed, becoming his personal secretary and, eventually, the colony's surveyor general. The young lawyer continued to earn academic recognition. In 1772, New York's Kings College granted him a degree, and two years later England's Oxford University awarded him a PhD of civil laws. But degrees would not save Fanning from persecution. Knowing his loyalty to the crown, patriots forced Fanning from his New York City home in 1776. In December of that year, he raised a corps of loyalist soldiers, the King's American Regiment of Foot.

Although the KAR fought in the Carolinas for most of the Revolution, Fanning's most famous military exploit had to do with the attack on New Haven, Connecticut, the home of Yale University.

During the opening years of the Revolution, the British had been plagued by attacks from Connecticut patriots. In July of 1779, William Tryon led 5,000 troops and 48 ships up Long Island Sound. His objective was the destruction of three patriot strongholds, the first one being New Haven. (A few historians have claimed that it was Yale's reputation for actively supporting the Revolution that made the town Tryon's first target.) Among those sailing toward Connecticut were the King's American Regiment and their colonel, Edmund Fanning.

In the early light of dawn on Monday, July 5th, Tryon's forces went ashore. The hundred citizens who tried to defend New Haven were quickly defeated. Tryon's preferred method of dealing with rebel towns was to have them torched and burned to the ground. But before any buildings were set afire, Edmund Fanning managed to persuade his commander to spare the campus and the rest of New Haven.

The historian Willis Rudy questions whether it was Fanning alone who convinced Tryon not to burn New Haven, but "evidence exists that he and other persons on the expedition who were Tories and Yale alumni may indeed have succeeded in restraining indiscriminate looting by the invaders or wanton destruction of Yale's properties".

Despite being wounded twice, Fanning survived the Revolution. By the fall of 1783, he had become the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia. Two years later at 46 years of age, Fanning married Phoebe Burns of Digby Neck. She did not seem a natural choice for such an educated man. Burns had been, some detractors claimed, Fanning's cook and housekeeper. The couple would eventually have three daughters and a son.

In 1786, Fanning was appointed Prince Edward Island's lieutenant-governor, a post he held until 1805. During his tenure, he continued to promote higher education, making a donation of some of his own land for what later became the University of Prince Edward Island.

In 1803, Yale awarded Fanning an honourary Doctor Laws degree. However, the expression of gratitude for saving the campus from fire was hardly a spontaneous gesture. The year before, Fanning had written a letter to a classmate suggesting that Yale had overlooked a worthy alumnus.

Fanning wrote: "It is with the most sincere and heartfelt satisfaction that I can say that in the time of impending ruin, and meditated conflagration she [Yale College] owed her salvation and present existance to the mediatorial & supplicating influence of one of her sons who has, as well as her own honors, had the honor to receive a Degree of Master of Arts at Cambridge College or University, and also at King's College, or Columbian University at New York; was President of the College, now University in North Carolina, and Doctor of Laws at the University of Oxford ... and is now desirous of having his name appear with suitable distinction in the Catalogue, and receiving from them a proper testimonial of such his civil, military, and literary honors."

It was hardly a modest letter, but it did the trick. In 1803, Fanning received an honourary degree from the institution which had granted him his very first. After retiring to London, England, Fanning became a full general in the British army in 1808. Four years later his only son died at 23 years of age after military service in the East Indies; Fanning, it was said, "never recovered from the blow".

Edmund Fanning died on February 28, 1818, just two months short of his 79th birthday. Fanning's life seemed destined to be one filled with judicial accomplishments and academic honours, but because he remained loyal to his king, his life took a different course. He became a military leader and colonial governor -- and the loyalist who saved Yale.

To secure permission to reprint this article, email Stephen Davidson.

Horsfield Ancestry: First Generation in America © George McNeillie

Israel Horsfield continued to extend his business after his brother's departure. The names of his children here follow:-

1. William, born March 25, 1721 (old style). Probably died young.

2. Ann, born January 19, 1723. Died December 3, 1796.

3. Elizabeth, born February 20, 1724.

4. Jane, born March 3, 1726. Died young.

5. Israel, Jr., born May 4, 1729, m. Oct. 28, 1749 Elizabeth Cornell, who died Apr. 10, 1810

6. Jane, born July 5, 1731

7. William, born March 25, 1733, m. Mary Hewlett, 1761.

8. Sarah, born Jan. 20, 1734 (New Style Jan'y 31, 1735.)

9. George, born July 15, 1737.

10. Mary, born Oct. 10, 1738.

11. Thomas, born Nov. 3, 1740, m. Ann Peters, 1764; d. June 29, 1819.

12. Joseph, born Aug. 28, 1745, m. Sarah Whitehead 1765; d. Sep. 24, 1780.

It will be noticed that among Israel Horsfield's large family of children there are two named William and two named Jane. In each case the first of the name died young. It was quite common in olden days to replace in the household a child who had died by another of the same name, a practice which has now been very properly discontinued. "They are not lost, but gone before." The old Horsfield Family Bible came into my possession several years ago. It contains the Family Record quoted above and some other information.

(3.) The second William of the Horsfield family must have been our ancestor. He is elsewhere called Captain William Horsfield. He kept a store in New York where he sold the ale, etc., manufactured by his brothers in Brooklyn at the brewery. The second son of the family, Israel Horsfield, jr., on arriving at manhood took charge of his father's business. The father then built another brewery near the Brooklyn Ferry and there engaged in brewing ale and beer. The following advertisement, published in the year 1767, is typical of the times:- "Two negro men to be sold at the brew-house at Brookland Ferry." In the course of the same year he offered for sale, "Several building lots on the [East] River, convenient for storehouses or slaughter houses; also several dwelling houses with the lots adjoining and two slaughter houses; likewise several lots of very excellent ground fit for pasture or garden, with a small pleasant summer house commanding a most agreeable and extensive prospect."

Excerpt from Book of Family History, by The Ven. William Odber Raymond, LL.D, FRSC. © 2009 George McNeillie - all rights reserved [published here with permission; see footnote].

...George McNeillie

Tweeting, Dr. Burleigh and Bergen Wood

The manager of UELAC's Twitter account is always on the lookout for current and relevant topics to share with our followers. Her awareness of "this day in history" serves as a good place to start the search for interesting pieces from our collective past. Our Important Dates has long acknowledged the importance of the 19th of July for the defence of the Bergen Wood Blockhouse two hundred thirty one years ago. However, unless you are a descendant of a Loyal Refugee Volunteer, it is highly unlikely you would be aware of the skirmish or have searched for interesting links to that day in history. Google will give you several on-line accounts but a recent transcription of an address "The Block House in Bergen Wood" by Dr. H.H. Burleigh presented to the Bay of Quinte Branch in 1965 and later published in the Loyalist Gazette Vol. III No. 2 provides a few more interesting links to both past and present.

Dr. Burleigh included a poem by Major John Andre entitled "The Cow Chase" which mocked the efforts of the American General "Mad Anthony Wayne" to take the blockhouse. Within three months of the Bergen Wood assault, Andre would be executed as a spy.

In addition, a list of at least a dozen of the defenders of the blockhouse are identified as Loyalists who settled in the Kingston and Bay of Quinte region. One of them, Benjamin Babcock, was the ancestor of John Henry Foster Babcock, Canada's last veteran of WWI who was granted his Certificate of Loyalist Lineage in November 2009.

...FHH

Reaching Out Successfully: Kawartha Branch at Lindsay Fair

Kawartha Branch participated in the Victoria County Historical Society's "Honouring the Past" summer fair in Lindsay, Ontario, on Saturday, 23 July 2011 with our Branch Display Booth. The exhibit team included Doreen Thompson, Kawartha Branch President, Shirley Lowes, Branch Treasurer, Joan Lucas, Branch Genealogist, Frank Lucas, Branch Display Chairperson, Elizabeth Richardson, Dominion Archivist, and Grietje and me. See photo of the group at the Lindsay Armouries.

In our experience, we have found that the following factors help make an outstanding display experience,

- provide a colourful, catchy display with lots to look at;

- have volunteers share the load of preparation, supervision and takedown;

- volunteers should be ready to talk and engage the public with open-ended questions;

- a friendly smile goes a long way in inviting people to your display;

- provide handouts explaining who we are and how to contact us;

- be prepared with accurate knowledge about the Loyalist story, the UELAC mission, where and when local branches meet, how to become a member, etc.;

- books and sources to find ancestors for visitors interested in locating a possible Loyalist ancestor are helpful but, just as important, be a good listener;

- dress comfortably whether in costume or street clothes;

- bring refreshments, snacks and comfortable chairs if needed; and finally

- spell off each other so that everyone involved has an opportunity to view the other displays on site. Teamwork encourages active members!

Reaching out to the community is one of the ways we use teamwork to more effectively promote the Loyalist heritage. Please share your branch events and the key factor or two which you feel has made your event more successful.

...Bob McBride UE, President UELAC

Edmonton Branch Parading in Local Communities in 2011

Edmonton Branch entered three parades this year, and had a blast! The first two were rodeo parades, in Leduc on April 30; and St. Albert on May 28. The third was on Canada Day in Fort Saskatchewan. We were fortunate with the weather every time, a bit cool to begin with, but sunny by the end.

A half ton truck was decorated with "The Loyalists. Because they were loyal, we are Canadian" on each door, and a "United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada - Edmonton Branch" banner on each side. A Loyalist and a Mohawk flag flew from the back corners; and a red, white and blue bunting covered the end gate. Several people carried UEL flags. Some rode in the back of the truck, and others walked behind. Everyone interacted with the crowd.

Each parade had eight to twelve participants wearing historical clothing. Where it was allowed, the walkers handed out bookmarks describing the flag to people along the route. Afterwards participants met for lunch in the area, where we again attracted attention in our Loyalist garb.

Fort Saskatchewan was celebrating its own history the same day with the opening of the newly built replica of the original 1875-1885 fort. We found many people with whom to discuss history. Best of all, we WON the prize for best cultural/sports/service group float!

See the pictures (or for those with dial-up, see lower-res pictures) [both are PDF files].

...Ivy Trumpour, UE, Edmonton Branch

Canadian Genealogy Survey Goes Live on July 23

Current estimates suggest that between 20% and 25% of Canadians are actively engaged in family history/genealogy research. We are academics and family historians who want to know more about this. We've created an online survey so you can tell us about your family history research. The survey takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

This project is led by Professor Leighann Neilson of the Sprott School of Business and Emeritus Professor Del Muise of the History Department, both at Carleton University.

Who can/should take the survey?

The introduction to the survey (link below) indicates that the survey is for Nova Scotians. From the survey blog:

We have received some posts regarding eligibility to take the survey.

There is absolutely no restriction whatsoever. The news releases we sent out emphasized that we are planning a national survey; but because of limited resources and propinquity we decided to concentrate our first effort on Nova Scotia.

We are anxious to have as broad a clientele as possible. We will be undertaking publicity initiatives in other provinces a little later on. We welcome survey completions from anywhere in country -- and the world for that matter. We have had a number of takers in other countries already, as well of course as from other parts of the country.

So; please feel free to take the survey now as it will all go into a common data base; but we will be able to sort for different locations as we go along.

Go to the survey here, where there is an introduction and a link to the survey proper.

You can also read some of the comments that the leaders have made or copied in their blog about it - go here.

...Oma Rose

War of 1812 Preparations and Requests

The preparations for the celebrations of the War of 1812 continue.

One of the seven Ontario regions, The Western Corridor, runs from Halton Hills through Hamilton, Brantford and London including Middlesex county. It also includes the counties along the north shore of Lake Erie, Haldimand, Norfolk and Elgin.

Adrienne Horn who is part of the planning and coordinating group within that area continues to seek assistance, from those who live in that area, or those whose ancestors did, or those who just may have something relevant to the area. Doris Lemon UE of Grand River Branch has passed along this information.

Here are some of the items they are seeking:

- Mystery Stories: Gather any stories you may have where a mystery is involved and we will turn it into a school program based on CSI practices.

- Grave Sites: We are looking for all the grave sites for veterans of the War of 1812. We would like to recognize these men by marking their graves with a Bicentennial plaque, using the image of the 1813 medal that was struck but never distributed; "Upper Canada Preserved".

- Events: Please forward any events or programming you are planning for the Bicentennial so that it can be added to the WCA website.

- Artifacts: If you have artifacts that you would like in an exhibit let Adrienne know. There are several exhibits being worked on for display during the Bicentennial.

- Images: There is a growing list of images for the Western Corridor sites and historic events. These are available in art cards & prints for sale, and will be in a book and exhibit. Please provide images of your area and stories so that we can include them in this collection.

- Peace garden: Let Adrienne know if you are planning to create a Peace Garden in your community; a map is being created and should include all gardens for the Bicentennial.

If you have something in one of those categories, or know someone who does, please contact the group.

For more information about the western corridor plans, see here.

...Adrienne Horn

Additions to the Loyalist Directory

As time permits, we add information to the Loyalist Directory. The latest additions and updates are as follows:
- Davies, Walter - from David Clark
- Hewit, Jacob - from Sandy Wunder
- Jones, Elisha - by Rebecca Fraser (Volunteer Wendy Cosby), with certificate application
- Ostrom, Roelof - from Dorothy Meyerhof, with certificate application
- Pratt, James - from John Shotwell
- Titus, Isaac - from Harry MacKay

Last Post: Grace Hyatt Cote, UE

Grace passed away peacefully on July 13, 2011 at the age of 83. predeceased by her husband Dr Roland Cote, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimers. Mrs. Cote leaves behind her children Denis, Helene (Mike Yoskobvitz), Therese (Robert Boileau), Monique, Louise, Pierre (Nathalie Menard), 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as her life partner Eugene Gingras. Also siblings and in-laws. Service was in Sherbrooke QC on 23 July 2011.

Grace was very active in the community. She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the International College of Surgeons and responsible for the organization and upkeep of the Canadian Room at the ICS in Chicago; Founder of the Women's Auxiliary at the Hotel Dieu Hospital; A Licensed pilot; Formed and administered the Quebec Section of the Festivals de Musique du Quebec; actively volunteered for the Red Cross; and served on the Board of Directors of the Sherbrooke Hospital.

She will be greatly missed although many of us had learned to expect this since she was unable to overcome that dreadful -Alzheimer's. Grace was a documented member of UELAC Little Forks Branch, along with her two brothers, Edward who passed away last year, Lloyd 2005, sisters Marjorie 2000, Dorothy 1992 with Mary and Irene still living.

...Bev Loomis, UE, President, Little Forks Branch

The BDM Registers of Rev. John Conrad Ludwig Broeffle

For some research I am doing on the Rupret family, does anyone know the whereabouts of the birth, marriage and death registers of Reverend John Conrad Ludwig Broeffle. He was a minister at Osnabruck Twp between 1795 and 1815.

According to the Historical Directory of the Reformed Church in America, he ministered to German Presbyterians in Williamsburg 1785-1815, also Lawyersville, NY (New Rhinebeck) 1790-95 and Schoharie, NY (Huntersfield) 1788-95.

He is also mentioned in Lunenburgh, or the Old Eastern District, page 200, "In the Township No. 3, (Osnabruck), many Germans and Dutch settled in the first, second and third concessions. In 1795 they built a church in the front, through the exertions of the Revd. S. Schwerdfeger, a Lutheran minister, and the Revd. John Ludwig Broeffle, Presbyterian, both of whom used the German language only".

Lastly, he is mentioned in Short History of the Presbyterian Church in the dominion of Canada : from the earliest to the present time "The Rev. J. L. Broeffle. In 1795 there came from the United States the Rev. John Ludwig Broeffle, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, who laboured in the counties of Stormont and Dundas. Here there was a large number of Presbyterians of German origin, to whom he preached in the German language. He is described as a good and faithful pastor. His income was small ; it is said that his actual stipend never exceeded $100 a year, and that he was destitute of private means. He died at the age of seventy-six, in 1815, the same year in which Mr. Bethune died. The immediate cause of his death was over-exertion, in walking fifteen miles to preach in Osnabruck."

Another researcher whom I spoke with thought if the registers could be located they might contain some information on the Rupert family.

...Penny Minter

United Empire Loyalist Donation Stamp of 1918

As a collector of UELAC memorabilia, I came across a stamp - United Empire Loyalists Donation Stamp - on an eBay auction in 2005. I had no knowledge of this stamp, other than the ‘United Empire Loyalists', which was of particular interest.

Through the years, I inquired throughout the Association to see if any members had heard of such a stamp, which nobody had. I placed a description in s stamp journal and it elicited this response.

I was happy to read your detailed description of the Canadian Aviation Fund stamp. I am researching a book on Canadian non-postal stamps (Cinderella stamps) and came upon a description of this stamp in a stamp magazine called BNA Topics (http://bnatopics.org/), the official publication of the British North America Philatelic Society. In issue # 334 from 1974, on page 100 there is a short description. The stamp was apparently printed in 1918 and probably sold to raise funds to support a pilot training school. There was also a short description in the Canadian Philatelist magazine in the 1965 (Mar-Apr) issue (http://www.rpsc.org/tcp/cp1950.php) on page 75. Both articles are freely available for download as pdf files. Hope this helps lessen the mystery. All the best,

...Ron Lafreniere, Montreal

Your referenced PDF's have most assuredly shed a valuable light on this and have answered the ‘what is it?' question and lacking any further details, your suggestion that it was a patriotic fund-raising effort on behalf of the UELAC is the most plausible explanation.

As the UELAC approaches its centennial year in 2014, I feel this one of a kind artifact -- with your explanation and source references -- should be donated, documented and preserved for posterity within the auspices of the UELAC Dominion Office. It is unquestionably an extremely rare (and possibly valuable) part of our Association's history and I'd feel more comfortable if it was in a safer place.

Despite its diminutive size, it is tangible evidence of the earliest years of our Association and makes a clear statement of the Canadian pride and patriotism of the UELAC which has roots beginning with its inception in 1914.

Association records may exist which point to the issuing of this stamp: its creative origins, scope/location of sales, term of availability and possibly, the amount raised.

On behalf of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC), I'd like to express our deepest appreciation for your generous research on solving this mystery of nearly seven years - another piece of Canadian Heritage!

Would anyone with a philatelic interest be able to locate more information about this stamp. Also, are there UELAC records which might add to the UELAC involvement and answer more of the questions noted above. Thanks in advance.

...David Kanowakeron Hill Morrison, UE

Assistance With Deuel-Burliegh Families

My name is Richard Anthony Deuel and I am writing this email to you from San Diego, California to ask for your help. I have been continuing the research begun by my sister Cindy Ann Deuel, who sadly lost her life in the North Tower on 9/11. It was her dream to uncover our Deuel line. She is now buried with our g-g-grandfather Henry Deuel in Paterson, NJ. I believe this same Henry might have passed or settled in what is now Ontario for a period of time. For over 10 years I have been searching for his origins. It is my understanding that some of the key Loyalists I have been researching, surrounding the life of a Henry Deuel from Winnebago Illinois and quite possibly Whitby Ontario, moved to Clarke/Darlington area sometime before 1850 from Ernestown, Ontario. I don't know what year they settled in Clarke, but this move is mentioned in the County of Lennox and Addington Museum and Archives under Loyalist Family records.

Lydia Jane Burleigh (Burley) b. April 27, 1817 b. Ernestown, Married: Devel (I think this is most likely Deuel - I am trying to locate his first name). Knowing his full name would be extremely helpful. I know very little regarding the whens and wheres of this family while they were residing in Canada. There is a line of Darlington/Fenelon, Ontario Deuels: All descend from Wilbur6(Silas5-4, Jeremiah3) Deuel, who moved to Philadelphia, Jefferson Co. NY in the 1820s (via Broome, Schoharie Co.) and then to Darlington ca1830. Many descendants moved to Simcoe, Ontario and vicinity. Numerically, I think this may be the largest group of Canadian Deuels. Most if not all of them seem to have adopted the Dewell spelling variation.

Here is an item online about the Burleigh family: "There are two Burleigh U. E. men, Freeman and John, both married and settled in Ernestown Twp. John Burleigh was baptized in Ernestown on 15 Jan 1792, son of John and Dorcas Burley, by the Rev. John Langhorn and is recorded in the Anglican Church Records. It does not give the age of John when he was baptized and it would appear that he may well have been baptized as an adult. Rev Langhorn was the only minister there and would not have married an unbaptized person. John's marriage is not recorded. Another/or the same John, married, settled in Ernestown and had 9 children who applied for a land grants as sons or daughters of a loyalist John Burleigh. They were Ira, Arthur, Freeman, Cyrus, Sylvester, Ezekiel, Joseph, Lydia Jane who married--Devel of Clark Twp, and Dorcas who married --Hicks of Clark Twp. All of these children applied for land between 1838-1840."

Any reference to DEUEL in Clarke or Darlington or Whitby would be of great significance. Knowing more about Lydia Jane Burleigh’s husband and his family is key to solving this mystery. All we know is that he is of Clarke. I believe his name might by John or John Ephraim Deuel. There is a Henry Deuel b. 1811 (my g-g-grandfather was born in 1811) living in Whitby, Ontario in 1861 with his wife Mary and their children Henry, Job (John?) and Lidia, who are a near match for another family in 1850 Winnebago Illinois Census. The Henry Deuel in Winnebago is a close relative to the purported husband of Lydia Jane Burleigh. My suspicion is that he is his brother, but I don't have absolute proof. I am slowly making a case in that direction. My Henry's son was named John J Deuel. Basically, if you find any Deuels or any spelling variation of the name such as Dewell, Devel, Duel, Duell, Deuell, etc. that could also be important.

Other Burleighs of interest:

- Ezekiel Burley, b. May 13, 1806 Ernestown d. Jan 2, 1884>>Moved to Clarke

- Dorcas Burley b. Jun 13, 1804, Married: Nathaniel Hicks d. May 24, 1859, Winnebago County, Illinois>>>Moved to Clarke

- Joseph Burley b. Jun 16, 1798 b. Ernestown>>>Moved to Clarke

Your assistance is greatly appreciated,

...Richard Deuel