Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2011 Archive

In this issue:
- Two Who Sailed for Quebec -- by Stephen Davidson
- Book: The House of McFarland: A Master Shipwright's Legacy by David F. Hemmings
- Presidential Travels: Happy 90th to Frank Rogers
- Places to Visit: Upper Canada Village and Museum at Lyn
- Additions to the Loyalist Directory
- Queries
      + Butler House History Researcher Looking for Vollick Papers
      + The Ruperts of Osnabruck
      + Oldest Loyalist
      + Response re Deuel-Burliegh Families
- Last Post
      + Mary I. (Hawkins) Buch, UE
      + Alice (McGrath) Hughes, UE
      + Peter Moffat Sandham
      + William Leonard Strauss

Two Who Sailed for Quebec -- by Stephen Davidson

Most of the loyalists who settled in modern day Quebec and Ontario arrived there after taking overland trails or by navigating rivers. Every one of the loyal American colonists who established new homes in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island travelled there by ship, departing from New York City, Savannah, or Charleston. However, at least seven ships that carried loyalists out of New York sailed past the Maritimes, and took their passengers up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City. Among those sailing for Quebec were Alexander White and Pierre Dolier.

Alexander White was born and raised in Ireland; he immigrated to the colony of New York in 1760. Within fifteen years, he was married and owned a sizable amount of land in Tryon County. His estate included nine horses, 26 sheep, six cows, an African slave, and a well furnished home. In 1772, White was made the county sheriff by William Tryon, New York's last loyalist governor.

Over the next few years, talk of rebellion flared up all around White. It was his duty as sheriff to enforce and publish the governor's proclamations, including one against the formation of rebel "committees". After he arrested patriot committee members, an armed mob of rebels attacked White and vandalized his house. Sir John Johnson came to his rescue, but White decided it would be safer if he sought refuge in Canada. Patriots captured the county sheriff as he headed north across Lake Champlain and put him in irons in the Albany jail. White was the first loyalist officer in a New York civil department to be imprisoned. When he was released on parole in 1775, he returned to his wife and family.

However, the patriots thought it would be best to remove White from New York entirely, so they took him east and put him in a New England jail. During the winter of 1776, a mob attacked his home. His wife could not stop the rebels from stealing all that they owned, including their African slave. Mrs. White was forced to flee her home; where she found sanctuary goes unrecorded. After escaping prison in 1777, White joined General Burgoyne's army. However, patriots captured him yet again, and they did not release from the Albany jail until a prisoner exchange was worked out a year later.

White found sanctuary in New York City, the headquarters for the British forces. There he worked as a barrack master until the summer of 1783. In July, the loyalist sheriff boarded John Roxby's ship, the Blackett, and sailed for Quebec City. Among White's fellow passengers were six Black Loyalists and one enslaved African. White was put in charge of Nicholas and Lena Clouse. The African couple had been granted General Birch certificates in New York to show that they were now free citizens of the British Empire.

White eventually settled in Sorel. Four years after his arrival in Canada, the sheriff of Tryon County appeared before the loyalist compensation board that convened in Montreal. After giving the details of his loyal service and his losses, White produced an impressive number of documents. One was a certificate from Governor Tryon praising White's character and loyalty; it also described his imprisonments and property losses. Further testimonials form James DeLancey, Sir John Johnson, and Colonel Johnson convinced the board of White's "ardent Zeal & Loyalty".

Another loyalist who appeared before the loyalist compensation board in Montreal was Pierre Dolier. He, too, had arrived in Canada on an evacuation ship that had left New York City in 1783. Sometimes referred to as Peter Dollyer in the documents of the day, this loyalist was born in France, and like Alexander White, settled in the Thirteen Colonies in 1760. Within eleven years he owned a 50-acre farm in Bergen County, New Jersey.

In the years between buying his farm and the Revolution, Dolier cleared 24 acres, built a house, purchased two cows, two hogs, and all the requisite farming equipment. By 1776, it would all be lost. Forced to choose a side in the conflict, Dolier did not follow the example of his homeland, but joined with the British side. He signed on with the 4th Battalion of the New Jersey Volunteers in December of 1776. After months of raiding rebel strongholds, Dolier was discharged because of a weak arm. He spent the rest of the Revolution in New York.

In the summer of 1783, Pierre Dolier boarded the Baker and Atlee which was bound for Quebec. Like Alexander White, he also escorted a newly emancipated African slave. One might think that Dolier chose Quebec as his new home because French was his first language. Interestingly, though, he settled among English speaking loyalists along the Bay of Quinte.

Five years after his arrival in Canada, Dolier sought compensation from the British government at its hearings in Montreal. His only witness to the truthfulness of his claims was Arnold Cornell, an 80-year old loyalist neighbour who was so ill that he could not make a personal appearance. Instead, he sent an affidavit on Dolier's behalf.

One cannot help but wonder if the modern descendants of Pierre Dolier are aware of their loyalist ancestry. Over time, have they erroneously assumed that their French surname meant that they are descendants of New France's original habitant population?

Next week, Loyalist Trails will feature another story of a loyalist who sailed for Quebec -- a loyalist who --tragically-- was dead on arrival.

Book: The House of McFarland: A Master Shipwright's Legacy by David F. Hemmings

Here is a new well-researched, non-fiction book about a master shipwright, timber trader and loyalist, lost in the annals of Niagara history. John McFarland (1752-1815) emigrated from the Clyde as a carpenter in 1776 to help the British Navy in the American Revolutionary War, won the affections of two women and became a wealthy trader, built one of the oldest houses in the Niagara Peninsula, was taken prisoner of the Americans in two wars, and died embittered with a legacy of over 2,800 acres. Over 50 years since the last member of his family died, McFarland's exciting life is finally brought to light for the first time.

The transcriptions of McFarland petitions, war claims, land ownership records and wills are included. McFarland houses, descendants and the leading lights in the family are introduced. His legacy enabled the next four generations of his family to live comfortably.

The author writes local histories, and this book was edited by Niagara Parks Commission and McFarland House Museum staff. It has been almost 70 years since the Commission took possession of McFarland House and 50 years since opening it to the public as a museum.

ISBN: 978-0-9865772-2-2

Title: The House of McFarland : A Master Shipwright's Legacy

Author: David F. Hemmings

Binding: Paperback

Publication: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; Bygones Publishing, August 2011

List Price: $20.00 (incl. taxes). Packaging & shipping extra.

Reduced postage for 2 books or more; contact bygonespublishing@gmail.com.

Presidential Travels: Happy 90th to Frank Rogers

Frank Rogers UE, Kawartha Branch Director, surrounded by family and friends, celebrated his 90th birthday at the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Lindsay, Ontario, on Saturday, 18 June 2011. My wife, Grietje and I enjoyed visiting with Frank and presented him with a congratulatory certificate from the UELAC. (Photo of Frank with Grietje and Bob) Frank was more than pleased and surprised that someone representing the UELAC would take the time to personally present his certificate to him at his celebration in spite of the on-going Canada-wide mail strike.

Teamwork encourages active members by identifying the honour being conferred on its member, arranging for the certificate to be prepared and delivered, and participating enthusiastically in its presentation. A big thanks to Fred Hayward and Mette Griffin for assisting with this honour for Frank Rogers, UE.

...Bob McBride, President, UELAC

Places to Visit: Upper Canada Village and Museum at Lyn

I visited Upper Canada Village on Saturday with my eldest son - and it turned out to be part of their heritage weekend, so was very well attended and many people were dressed in period costume. It was a very interesting visit and I hope to return and spend more time there on another occasion.

I also visited a wonderful little museum on Sunday afternoon in the village of Lyn, where my son and his family live. It is a stunning visit to make and is the vision of a man in his 80's named Orville. (didn't catch his second name). Stone walls re-built internally, from local previously used stone buildings, were a part of this museum's history. The copy of a Land Lot Certificate is just one of the many very interesting historical items on display. I would recommend a visit to anyone living in the area. It is open on Sunday afternoons fro 1.00 to 3.00 pm or by personal request. Meeting Orville and his assistants was a memory I will treasure - and I hope to return as soon as I can !

...Judy Nuttall

Additions to the Loyalist Directory

As time permits, we add information to the Loyalist Directory. The latest additions and updates are as follows:
- Jarvis, Stephen: Bio of son William Botsford Jarvis - by Robert Jarvis - Jones, Ephraim - by Rebecca Fraser (Volunteer Wendy Cosby) with certificate application - Markle (Maracle), James - from Kirsten Bowman - Peters, Morris - by Harry MacKay - Weitzel, John Nicholas - by David Clark

Butler House History Researcher Looking for Vollick Papers

Mrs. Vollick, the wife of a 7th generation descendant of one of Butler's Rangers, made a presentation to the historical Society of the Tonawandas in 1967. The event was written up in the Tonawanda News, which is where I learned of it. Since the Rangers may have used the Butler property in Fonda for an encampment, the report she wrote is significant, especially if it addresses the Rangers' time there. Or leads to other sources of any time they may have spent there.

Mrs. Vollick had relatives in the Hamilton area, and I am hoping to find them. Hopefully, a copy of her work may have been donated to a library and any information regarding that would be greatly appreciated. The following information came to me from the Historical Society of the Tonawandas, Tonawanda, NY:

"Bessie Vollick had extensive personal files on Butler's Rangers. We do not have those files. She had no children but perhaps her nephew, Donald C. Watson or nieces Bessie Goddard and Donna Jamieson, all of Hamilton, Ont., at the time of her death in 1997, may have them."

Any clues will be greatly appreciated!

...Rick Porter, Finger Lakes House Histories, and Marianne Miles

The Ruperts of Osnabruck

The Ruperts of Osnabruck Twp are rather confusing to say the least. There are numerous Adam Ruport and I am trying to straighten out my line.

Adam Ruport is listed in the 1851 census as being 77 which would put his birth date about 1774-1775. His wife Hannah Shaver was born about 1784. She is listed as the daughter of a loyalist, Frederick Shaver. I do not have a marriage date for Adam and Hannah. They had several children including my gggrandfather, Frederick born about 1814. Hannah is still living in 1861 She is listed as a widow which means Adam is deceased sometime between 1851 and 1861.

There are 4 Ruports names on the Loyalist Victualling lists (dated 1786), Adam, Hans, Francis and John. Adam is listed as having a wife, 3 sons and 3 daughters over the age of 10. Francis is reported to have returned to the US to get his family.

Adam Ruport is the son of Adam Ruport who was the original nominee of Lot 16, 3rd concession Osnabruck Twp (McNiff's Map). However, I have a document from the Heir and Devisee Commission Records which states that Adam Ruport, the original nominee died intestate about 1790. The document also states that Francis Ruport was the eldest son of Adam Ruport and that he died in Montgomery Co., New York. The document is dated 1830.

My Adam Ruport purchased (B&S) lot 9, 4th concession Osnabruck Twp in 1814 from a John Ruport.

I need somehow to show that my Adam Ruport was either a loyalist himself which is why I wonder if he was a drummer boy in KRRNY (would a child be considered a loyalist?) or that he is the Adam Ruport who made the deposition in 1830. I do not have a land petition for Adam Ruport b @1775.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

...Penny Minter

Oldest Loyalist

We have had some articles in Loyalist Trails which noted Loyalists who lived to a ripe old age. Just for a little bit of fun, please send in your submission of a loyalist who lived a long life.

We would like a couple of sentences with some details where you have them: name, birth date, death date, age at death, where settled before the war, what loyalist service (regiment joined or other loyalist activity), where lived after the war, your name (you do not have to be a descendant), sources so others could find the details if they wished to do so - especially the loyalist's age at death. Even if you don't have a good source, please send anyway.)

We will post these on a page on the website. Don't worry if you think your submission may not be the oldest - we will post a bunch of them.

...Doug

Response re Deuel-Burliegh Families

The Archives of Ontario has a collection called : Miscellenaous Ontario Census and Assessment rolls. It includes exactly that, it is a mish mash of of assessment rolls and early censuses that predate the 1851 census. It is especially important for Darlington and Clarke township since the 1851 census for these townships have not survived.

Anyway, the collection is on a series of microfilms, in alpha order by township and then in chronological order within the township. The reel numbers for Clarke and Darlington are MS 16 reel 3 and MS 16 reel 4. It is possibly available from LDS on microfilm , but I am not sure.

Some of the lists are tax assessment so they only have information about the land, but others have numbers of persons in the households. And some even have religious affiliation, etc.

For example, the Darlington township 1841 census shows 1 male over 16, 3 male children, 1 female over 16 and 1 female child for a total of 6 individuals in the household of Vincent Dual, while there are 4 men over 16 and 7 women over 16 in the households of Wilfred Dual, and all of them are Methodist.

The Dewell-Duel-Dooel name only appears starting in mid-1830s but seems to be gone by the 1850 census. There are only a few assessments for the 1820s but none had Duel on them.

The names that appear in Clarke township, close to the Burleigh are Samuel, John (or Job) and later Henry Duel. In Darlington township, the names are Vincent And Wilfred Duel, Dewell, etc. I copied each year and the name was spelled differently each year, since the assessor was not always the same person. The Tax assessments are in alpha order so that was easier.

So there are at least 5 Duel head of household in Clarke and Darlington in the period mid-1830s to 1845 or so. Hopefully, this will help you find the origins of your Duel ancestor who married Lidia Jane a daughter of Ezekiel Burleigh.

...Guylaine Petrin

Mary I. (Hawkins) Buch, UE

Mary passed away July 1, 2011 at the age of 89 years. Born in Montreal, Mary moved to Grenville County and then to Leeds County where she found that her ancestors, the McIlmoyles, Waughs, Pennocks and Leggos had settled. Mary and her sons, Donald and Eric received their Loyalist certificates as descendants of Thomas McIlmoyle through the Colonel Edward Jessup Branch.

...Myrtle Johnson, UE

Alice (McGrath) Hughes, UE

Alice passed away July 29th at Merrickville at the age of 92 years. A valued genealogist, historian and author for the Grenville area, Alice assisted many local Genealogical and Historical Societies with her contributions. In 2008 she was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement. Her late husband, Lloyd descended from Henry Jackson, U.E. and Alice descended from Timothy Hodge, UE.

...Myrtle Johnson, UE

Peter Moffat Sandham

Peter, February 1, 1922 - May 15, 2011, died peacefully surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was born and educated in St. Catharine's, Ontario and went on to the University of Toronto and became a civil engineer. Peter enlisted in the RCAF and trained as a pilot. His first solo flight was in Nov 1943 and it was a very special memory for him. He was released from active service in Jan 1945 and returned to University to finish his degree and became a Professional Engineer in Oct 1948. On June 12th 1948 Peter married Shirley Alberta Munro and spent 62 wonderful years together before she passed in 2009.

Peter retired from the military in 1971 as a Major. Peter Sandham was a former treasurer and life member of the Victoria Branch having given much support to the Branch throughout the years. We will surely miss him.

...Robert Ferguson, UE, President, Victoria Branch

William Leonard Strauss

William 06 July 1943 - 27 February 2011 passed away in Victoria. An Associate member of the Victoria Branch, he leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Kathleen Lynch U.E. and their two sons David and Justin Strauss.

As a student of geography and history, William had a keen interest in Loyalist tradition. Hiking through the Connecticut countryside as a youth, he often stumbled across abandoned stone fences left behind by the earliest settlers to the region. This was in the same area where his future wife's Loyalist ancestors, the Royses, had settled in the early 1700's.

It was on William's urging that Kathleen began researching her Loyalist roots. His interests were many. As so aptly expressed by a friend and neighbor: "We'll be lost without Bill's usual energetic presence and interesting daily chats. He kept his intellectual fingers on the pulse of many things both near and far, and he will be so sadly missed by us all."

...Robert Ferguson, UE, President, Victoria Branch