Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2012 Archive

In this issue:
- The Loyalist Lord Mayor of London -- by Stephen Davidson
- Supplement on Samuel Carman (1782 - 1864) by George McNeillie
- "Vignettes of Winnipeg, Past and Present": The Grand Theatres of Winnipeg, Part II
- Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian Statue
- Church Service Celebrates 203rd Anniversary of White Chapel, Picton
- From the Twittersphere and Beyond
- Additions to the Loyalist Directory
- Last Post: George Sanford Hickey
- Queries
      + Response re James Blakely and Indian Root Pills
      + Response re James Curgenven
      + What does O.T. Represent on a Gravestone?
      + John Conrad Gastman
      + Who is this Jacob Long?

The Loyalist Lord Mayor of London -- by Stephen Davidson

As he celebrated his 49th birthday, Brook Watson could be forgiven for thinking that all of his adventures were now behind him. Orphaned at six years of age in England, shipped off to relatives in Massachusetts, surviving a shark attack in Cuba, overseeing the expulsion of Acadians from Nova Scotia, organizing the evacuation of loyalist refugees from New York, and rubbing shoulders with some of the key figures of the 18th century, Watson really had done it all. But there was still much more for this loyalist to do.

A year after the American Revolution had come to an end, Watson and his wife were living in London, England. Grateful for his help in orchestrating their settlement, the loyalists of New Brunswick asked Watson to be their agent. Both Nova Scotia and Quebec made similar offers, but Watson decided to represent only New Brunswick in the empire's capital.

Watson was used to being the focus of so much attention. Since 1778, when Copley's painting, Watson and the Shark, had been exhibited at the Royal Academy, Watson had been one of his era's media stars. The canvas portrayed an idealized 14 year-old Watson as he lost his right leg to a shark in the harbour of Havana. Thousands of black and white etchings of the painting had been sold and were on display in the finer homes of Great Britain. Such "stardom" combined with a spotless war service and Watson's many business contacts gave the loyalist all of the credentials required to launch into politics.

It is little wonder then, that upon settling in London, Watson became an alderman for the city. In 1784, he was elected to represent the city in the House of Commons. Watson's political career had begun in earnest.

As an MP, Watson used his position to advocate for his old friend (and the former commander in chief of British forces in North America), Sir Guy Carleton. A shy man with no powerful family connections, Carleton was, thanks in part to Watson, made the governor of the colony of Quebec. During his tenure in the province, Carleton (then titled Lord Dorchester) created the designation U.E. for the loyalist settlers of North America.

Watson initially opposed the abolition of the slave trade, suggesting instead that laws be made to "soften the rigours of slavery". Later, he approved the creation of the colony of Sierra Leone as a home for Black Loyalists, and within a year of that decision advocated abolition, "but not yet". Described by the press as "modest Watson on his wooden leg", the loyalist represented London for three terms in the House of Commons.

Watson resigned his seat in 1793 to accept an appointment as the commissary general for the British Army in Flanders. King George III's son, the Duke of York, made this appointment -- a strong affirmation of how well Watson had fulfilled his duties as a commissary general in both Nova Scotia and New York.

In late September 1796, Brook Watson attained the highest ceremonial office of any loyalist refugee in the British Empire. The Boston orphan, the Nova Scotian commissary, the Quebec businessman or the New York commissary -- call him what you will-- was elected as the Lord Mayor of London. As head of the corporation of the ancient City of London (the square mile at the centre of the metropolis) and its First Citizen, the Lord Mayor supported, represented, and promoted the interests of the financial sector. Full of pomp and ceremony, the role was (and is) apolitical and should not be confused with the "mayor of London". The latter is elected by the city's residents whereas the Lord Mayor is chosen by the aldermen of the city.

The day after he was sworn into office, Brook Watson was the star attraction in a three-mile procession known as the Lord Mayor's Show. It is one of the oldest and best known of London's annual traditions. Travelling in the golden state coach, the wooden-legged loyalist was delivered to the Royal Courts of Justice in Westminster where he swore allegiance to the crown. The day --which was an odd mixture of carnival and pageantry --ended with fireworks. In addition to living in a special mansion for the year that he was in office, Watson was also made a knight. Not bad for someone who had been orphaned at six years of age.

In December of 1803, Brook Watson was made a baronet, an honour given to all former Lord Mayors. As part of this new title, Watson received a coat of arms. The resulting coat of arms showed "a human leg crest and erased below the knee" as well as the trident-brandishing figure of Neptune "repelling a shark in the act of securing its prey". Below this illustration was the Latin motto, Scuto Divino -- Under God's Protection.

Four years after receiving his title, "the wooden legged commissary" died. His life, said the text placed under his famous painting, showed "that a high sense of integrity and rectitude with a firm reliance on an over-ruling providence united to activity and exertion are the sources of public and private virtue and the road to honours and respect."

Not having any children of his own, Watson had his title passed on to a great-nephew. He bequeathed Watson and the Shark to the governors of Christ's Hospital, a school for disadvantaged children in West Sussex. Watson thought that if the painting were hung in the school's halls, it would be a "most useful lesson to youth" who came from backgrounds as impoverished as his own.

For almost a 150 years this canvas by Copley, a noted loyalist painter --featuring an incident in the life of Brook Watson, another loyalist-- was on display in the English school. In 1963, the National Gallery of Art purchased the painting. It can now be viewed in Washington, D.C. -- the capital of the republic which once considered the two loyalists from Boston so undesirable.

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

Samuel Carman (1782 - 1864) © George McNeillie

The lower line of the property, owned by James Moore in lower St. Mary's, and subsequently owned by my Grandfather Carman, was the boundary between the counties of York and Sunbury. A highway road ran back from the river here, called "The County-Line Road." In early times bears were quite frequently encountered there. One Sunday "Uncle Dick Carman" and his wife "Aunt Lizzie" were walking out the road with their baby in her little carriage, when they came unexpectedly upon a bear and her two cubs. Uncle Dick chased the cubs up a tree and leaving his wife there with the baby to keep the cubs up the tree, ran home for his gun. The old bear seemed very cowardly and he could not get a shot at her, though they heard her growling in the bushes. Mrs. Richard Carman was certainly plucky to stand guard with her baby carriage at the foot of the tree. She even stoned the cubs up the tree when they tried to descend. At this time a bounty of $5.00 was offered by Government for every bear killed.

On another occasion one of my uncles, when a boy, was sent after the cows. Running along the path he stumbled over a big bear, lying asleep in a little hollow, and fell on his face. It was hard to tell which was the worst frightened, the boy or the bear, one got up and ran one way and the other another. It was a time of year when beech nuts and berries were plentiful and the bears were very fat and good natured.

My mother used often to tell us about a remarkable dog they had in St. Mary's, named "Rover", who was so well trained that when he was called by one of the family towards the evening and told, Now, Rover, go get the cows;" he would go at once to the pastures, which were then partly over grown by bushes, and extended back quite a long distance. Either by the tracks of the cattle, or possibly by scent, or by the sound of the cow-bell, he would soon locate the herd and bring home the cows for the milking. I learned to call "Over, Over, Over" (Rover), when a very small child at Grandfather Carman's.

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

"Vignettes of Winnipeg, Past and Present"

The Grand Theatres of Winnipeg, Part II

The Pantages Playhouse, 189 Market Avenue East

This grand theatre was built by the Greek-American theatre magnate Alexander Pantages. At the height of his career he owned or managed some 75 theatres across North America. This theatre is one of the few that remain.

When it opened in 1914 the Pantages was hailed as one of the most luxurious vaudeville venues in North America. Vaudeville operated in two circuits, the Eastern and the Western. Winnipeg was the beginning of the Western Circuit. Acts popular in Winnipeg would wend their way through the circuit to major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Pantages theatres offered three shows a day, seven days a week.

Among the major celebrities to appear in the early days of this theatre were Buster Keaton, Spencer Tracy, and Laurel and Hardy. The theatre passed from Alexander Pantages to the city of Winnipeg in the mid-1930s when his theatrical empire collapsed.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet made Pantages its home from its founding in 1940 until its move to the Centennial Concert Hall in 1967.

Through succeeding decades Pantages has hosted musical stars of many genres: Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Leonard Cohen, Anne Murray, Duran Duran, Cassandra Wilson, and Diana Krall.

In the 1980s the interior was painted and seats salvaged from a demolished theatre were installed. As a result, the interior was now significantly different from what it had been.

In 1993 Main Street frontage was added to the site and a new entrance and lobby were built. Decorative features, notably an angel and a grill salvaged from the Capital Theatre, were installed.

In 1998, in response to the City's plan to sell the theatre, a number of arts organizations formed a consortium to manage the theatre on the City's behalf.

Today Pantages is host to musicals, operettas, and dance recitals, and is a major venue for the Comedy, Jazz, and the Manitoba Theatre Centre's Fringe Festival.

There was talk of restoring it to its original splendor. That may happen one day.

The Allen/Metropolitan Theatre, 281 Donald Street

The Allen family of Brantford, Ontario built this theatre in 1919 as part of their 45 theatre chain. It was constructed to be a luxurious movie palace, fit to rival the most opulent live theatres.

And it did. The neo-classical architecture featured a beige brick over steel exterior with lavish terra-cotta ornamentation. The opulent lobby led to a magnificent auditorium with elaborate plaster-ornamented ceiling and a massive chandelier. The most luxurious room was the promenade, a lounge with richly upholstered chairs and settees of gold, rose, and French grey fabrics.

There was a house orchestra and a large Wurlitzer organ.

Financially over-extended, the Allen family sold the theatre to Famous Players in 1923. It was renamed the Metropolitan and remained a first-run movie house until its closing in 1987. It has sat vacant ever since.

Various ideas have been put forward for its rejuvenation in the past two decades.

The most promising development came in 2006 when Canad Inns bought the Met from Centre-Venture, a city development agency, for $100,000, bringing forward a plan to restore the theatre and open it as a live entertainment venue. The City and the province pledged $ 1.5 million each in grants, provided the work began by the end of 2007.

As of March 10, 2012, when this was being researched, there was no visible work being done and no work permits had been sought (www.cbc.ca). At this point the fate of this once magnificent movie palace was in doubt. As of May, 2012, one permit has been registered, for foundation shoring, so perhaps the project is proceeding.

Sources:

www.virtual.heritagewinnipeg.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBmWfzVp_zg

www.cbc.com

Ross House - 140 Meade Street

Alexander Ross came from Scotland in 1804 to take a fur trade post with J.J. Astor's Pacific Fur Trade Company in Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. He then transferred to the North West Company, and after its amalgamation with the HBC, married Sarah, a daughter of an Okanagan chieftain, and relocated to Red River. He was given a land grant and built a commodious home called "Colony Gardens".

He was determined that his children be well- educated, and that they, sons and daughters, married well. One of his daughters, Henriette, married the first Presbyterian minister in Red River, John Black.

In 1856, Alexander Ross published the first history of the Red River Colony. It is still regarded as an excellent primary source.

In 1852, Alexander Ross's son, William, began building "Ross House" on the Red River frontage of what is now Market Avenue. William Ross became sheriff, Councillor of Assiniboia, and post-master; thus Ross House is regarded as the first post-office in Western Canada.

After William Ross's death, his brother James Ross assumed his posts, adding that of magistrate. James Ross, born in 1835, was educated at St. John's College, Red River, and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. He later studied Law. He was brilliant, bilingual, and strikingly tall and handsome. He married Margaret Smith, Scottish-born.

During the Red River Resistance he represented Kildonan in the negotiations of Manitoba's entrance to Confederation with Louis Riel and the Provisional Government. He often served as Riel's interpreter, although the men shared a mutual antipathy.

As for Ross House, it was acquired by the Manitoba Historical Society in 1949, saving it from demolition. It was moved to Higgins Avenue across from the CPR station and operated as a museum. In 1984 it was moved to its present location in Joe Zuken Park.

Ross House is a significant example of Red River frame construction. It contains artifacts of both the early post-office period and mid-nineteenth century family life. It is a rare treasure, a little piece of the past under the sky-scrapers of the twentieth century.

Sources:

www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/mb_history/02/rosshouse.shtml

www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/ross_j.shtml

[Manitoba Branch is hosting Conference at the Confluence 2012, the UELAC annual gathering and annual meeting from June 7 to 10 in Winnipeg. These vignettes will provide some of the local history and whet your appetite for more. Now is a good time to plan your trip to the conference, and join us there.]

...Mary F. Steinhoff UE, Secretary, Manitoba Branch

Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian Statue

This weekend, London will focus on the 1000 boat regatta sailing the River Thames as part of the central weekend for the Diamond Jubilee. Twenty years ago in Ottawa, many UELAC members attended another celebration. Marking the 40th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 125th Anniversary of Canada, the first equestrian statue of the Queen was unveiled on Parliament Hill in 1992. Thus it is timely that the sculpture and the details of the dedication be posted to the Loyalist Monuments, Memorials and Commemoratives folder under Ontario Monuments - Ottawa Area. Located between the Centre Block and the East Block buildings on the grounds of Parliament Hill, the Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian statue is not fundamentally a tribute to the United Empire Loyalists. It is included in the Monuments folder in recognition of both the work of UELAC members and our support of Canada's constitutional monarchy.

...FHH

Church Service Celebrates 203rd Anniversary of White Chapel, Picton

The 203rd anniversary service of Prince Edward County's historic White Chapel will be held Sunday, at 3 p.m., with guest speaker Janet Kellough, a local author and story-teller. Kellough's topic will be Methodist saddleback missionaries.

The White Chapel, or Conger Chapel, has been maintained as a place of worship longer than any other church of Methodist origin in Ontario. It was built on land donated by Stephen Conger, a Loyalist from New Jersey, who settled in Hallowell Township with his family in 1787.

Constructed by William Moore, it was the first Methodist Church in Prince Edward County and one of the earliest in Upper Canada. Moore was an engineer for the British army in the American Revolutionary War and came with the United Empire Loyalists to the Bay of Quinte.

Prior to construction of the chapel, the nearest church was across the bay in Adolphustown. Late in 1808 or early 1809, saddleback missionary Darius Dunham held a revival there. Conger attended it and returned to his home at Hallowell Mills, fired with Christian zeal. He deeded a piece of his property, near the spot where his father David Conger was buried, for use as the site for a church. Several of his neighbours, inspired by his enthusiasm, donated money and volunteered their services for the erection of a chapel. The work began on June 14, 1809 and was completed in 1811.

Surrounding the White Chapel is a small churchyard cemetery which contains two of the few remaining wooden grave markers in Ontario. One of them is featured in Carol Hanks' book, Early Ontario Gravestones. Although there is no evidence of carved or painted lettering, the markers date between 1827 and 1886.

Read the full article, by Margaret Haylock-Capon, in the Belleville Intelligencer, May 29

From the Twittersphere and Beyond

• One of the more interesting re-enactments will take place at Pine City, MN, north of Minneapolis - a Minnesota historic site and reconstructed North West Company Fur Post and fort.  Re-enactors will represent the NWC employees from there and elsewhere that fought WITH THE BRITISH against the Americans and captured Fort Mackinac, which closed the western Great Lakes, and land area, to the Americans and protected the NWC's fur trade. As a director of the NWC, we are pleased to be a sponsor of this year's UELAC Convention in Winnipeg. More about the Canadian Corps of Voyageurs, part of the NWC (Jim Oborne).
• Special War of 1812 Exhibit at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum in Brantford
• War of 1812 exhibit at the Cornwall Community Museum
• HMS Nancy gets stamp of approval.  Buy some 1812 wine and support Friends of the Nancy
• Binational (Buffalo NY to Grimsby ON) Doors Open Niagara celebrations June 15-17.  List of & Heritage Peace Garden Trail Sites across ON, NY and beyond
• Watch a 6 minute vignette which deals with the Aftermath of the War of 1812 and features stories on: the founding of Discovery Harbour; how the little town of Penetanguishene became a bilingual oasis in Ontario; the fate of the Insect Fleet and War Ships of the Upper Great Lakes; and the School of the Sailor.
• Featuring the Home of Halton County's first sheriff - Levi Willson, of the Loyalist Willson Family
• Heritage Canada Foundation to honour Barry and Linda Coutts for their restoration of the Nelles Manor in Grimsby
• Nancy Cutway UE of Kingston Branch is also Branch webmaster and Chair of the OGS Conference just wrapping up in Kingston 
• American battle sites from Rev War and War of 1812 at risk; Congress considering action

Additions to the Loyalist Directory

As time permits, we add information to the Loyalist Directory. The latest additions and updates are as follows:
- Crumb, Benoni - from Dian McIntee (volunteer Bev Craig) with certificate application

Last Post: George Sanford Hickey

Passed away peacefully in his sleep after a year long battle with Cancer, on Friday May 25, 2012 at St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital in Kingston. George, in his 90th year will be sadly missed by his beloved wife and best friend of 60 years Nancy (nee Grant). He is also survived by his loving children Sharon McAllister (Bill) and Don Hickey (Violet) and Grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Sanford and Hetty (Sampson) Hickey and one sister Frances Carmichael. George was full of love and compassion for his family, friends and his many former students. After graduating from Queen's University, he enjoyed a tremendously successful teaching career that spanned 40 years. It began at the Aultsville Continuation School and then moved to Osnabruck District High School in Ingleside, Ontario where he remained until his retirement. George was known for his love of history and was a respected local historian. He had a special love for the Lost Villages Historical Society and Museum and was a member of the St. Lawrence Branch, UELAC.

A service in celebration of George's life was held at Christ Church in Long Sault on may 31. Interment at St. Lawrence Valley Cemetery. Charitable donations in lieu of flowers may be given to the Lost Villages Historical Society or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.brownleefuneralhomes.com.

...Lynne Cook UE

Response re James Blakely and Indian Root Pills

I have confirmed that Robert Easton Blakely 17 October 1861 - 24 August 1924 was the son of James Mowerson Blakely (20 April, 1809 - 23 April 1889), and the grandson of James Blakely and Elizabeth Mowerson, and the great grandson of James Blakely, U.E. and his first wife Ann Keough. I determined this by locating the baptismal record for James Mowerson Blakely on the above date of 20 April, 1809 (Ontario History, Volumes 1-4, Hallowell Baptisms, (Ontario Historical Society), as follows - James Blakely, Elisabeth Mowerson James Mowerson 20 April, 1809 (ie. James Mowerson Blakely, son).

This proof should now be sufficient to apply for a Certificate Application from UELAC, through a Branch, deriving from James Blakely UE.

James M. Blakely's death notice of 23 April 1889 does not provide a family name as informant of the death, but simply reads "James M Blakley died 23 Apr 1889 Hastings 80 Male abt 1809 Prince Edward Co, Ontario - merchant, born Prince Edward County" - informants named Robert Parker and Boulton, who appears to be the pastor. It seems odd that no one of the family stood up as informant.

In the various census returns for James Mowerson Blakely, his age seems to shift around as his reported age indicates a slightly different birth year in the 1861, 1871, and 1881 returns. This is common.

His wife, namely Helen Whitley, whom he married in Napanee on 15 August 1855, is called 'Helen' in various census returns as well as on her own death record, though in some family records she is indeed called 'Ellen', as you state, as in the marriage for son James Varagan Blakely, ie. - 7149-90 J. F. (sic - J. V.) BLAKELY, 32, school teacher, Napanee, Denbigh, s/o James BLAKELY & Ellen NUTHLY (Methly? sic - Whitley), married Eliza LESSARD, 28, Flinton, same, d/o Moses LESSARD & Marie DESISLETS, witn: Amos DAFOE & Jane LESSARD both of Flinton on Oct. 27, 1889 at the home of Moses Lessard at Flinton.

... and for the marriage of daughter Jennie, ie., 006054-80; (Lennox & Addington); John T. SOBY; 25; Ontario; Adolphustown; farmer; s/o John SOBY & Eliza SOBY married Jennie BLAKELY; 21; Napanee; Napanee; d/o James BLAKELY & Ellen BLAKELY; Wit: John COLLINS - Adolphustown & Nellie COOK - Napanee; Sept. 6, 1880; Napanee

Cited at time of death as a merchant, James Mowerson Blakely became involved in a patent-medicine dispute over the distribution of Indian Root Pills in 1859, as follows...

... Canadian maritime provinces and prevailed upon many merchants to disavow orders previously given to the new A.J. White firm at 10 Courtlandt Street. On April 28, 1859, White and Moore, for their part, appointed one James Blakely of Napanee, Canada West, to represent them in the territory between Kingston and Hamilton "including all the back settlements," where he should engage in the collection of all notes and receipts for the Indian Root Pills and distribute new supplies to the merchants. On all collections he was to receive 25 percent; new ...

I wonder what Indian Root Pills could do? Do you have any of them, or have you tried them? This is great family lore.

...Richard Ripley UE, Loyalist Genealogist

Response re James Curgenven

I am a UE descendant and a professional genealogist. I work on Loyalist genealogies and proofs etc. for UE Certificate applications, and keep an archive of records for possible future projects. Your notes about James Curgenven caught my notice. Congratulations on the degree of research which you have used to find the detail so far in the Loyalist service of this interesting and accomplished man. I have located the following record for James Curgenven in Loyalists in the Southern Campaign, Volume 3, British-American Officers in North America, page 357. I don't know if you have the attached record, but it has some good detail.

...Richard Ripley UE, Genealogist

What does O.T. Represent on a Gravestone?

When I was in Norwich, Ontario, doing some family history research, I saw graves with an unfamiliar abbreviation: "OT". One was on the memorial plaque for Samuel Moore's grave -- and since it also had the UEL emblem, I thought it might have something to do with Loyalists. But another was on the memorial plaque for Peter Lossing, who settled Norwich in 1810 and was a Quaker. Any idea what "OT" stands for or means? Thanks for your help -- Sarah Jenkins, Concordia, Kansas, USA

...Please respond to Fred Hayward

John Conrad Gastman

My ancestor John Conrad Gastman served with the Highlanders in Canada : 1780, Private of the 1st Battalion of the 84th Regiment of The Foot. He died November 14, 1807 in Niagara , Ontario. His cemetary marking says "an old German". He must have been a Hessian soldier fighting for the British in Ontario. The British hired Hessian soldiers to fight in the Revolutionary War.

His wife is unknown. He is the father of Anna Magdalina Gastman born December 12, 1780 in Williamstown, Glengary, Ontario and she died 1822 in Markham, Ontario. She married John Hatter July 15, 1802 in St Marks Anglican Church in Niagara, Ontario, son of Thomas Hatter. Thomas and John Hatter were also soldiers fighting for the British.

Anna Magdalina's daughter Jane Elizabeth Hatter married John Graham December 9, 1823 in Whitby near Uxbridge, Ontario by Reverand Jenkins.

Any and all information would be appreciated as I have very limited information on John Conrad Gastman.

...Donald Praast

Who is this Jacob Long?

This Jacob Long petitioned for L 12 C lll, E. Flamborough Twp.

Born: Cal. abt 1755 (based on his service with the New Jersey Volunteers, in the Revolutionary War and the dob of his (possible) son William, b. 1782 (according to William's gravestone in Union Cemetery, Waterdown)

Jacob had a brother Elias, who also served with the New Jersey Volunteers according to Cap't Wm. Hutchinson in Jacob's Land Petition dated 04 Feb 1812 (see below).

Jacob served with the NJ Volunteers, 1st Battalion. Some information says he served from 08 Sep 1777 - 1783. Conflicting information says he joined in 1777 but deserted before the War ended (see e-mail from Todd W. Braisted below).

Entered Upper Canada "before 28 July 1798" according to Reuben Green in Jacob's Land Petition of 04 Feb 1812.

Land Petition of Jacob Long, dated 25 Feb 1809

Film C2137 - Petition of Jacob Long of Whitchurch Yeoman

Petition #23 - wants to lease lot 12 Con. 3 East Flamboro - begs leave to offer Joseph Long of twp of Whitchurch farmer as a surety to be joined in a bond with your petitioner to secure the payments of the rents etc.

York 25 Feb 1809                                        signed Jacob Long

(follow up note says the lot within prayed for is leased to Wm Long by OC 03 Dec 1811. See his petition No. 44)

(As transcribed at the National Archives, by Rhonda Glofchecki, July 1994)

Land Petition of William Long, dated 02 Dec 1811 (relationship of Jacob to William is unknown but could be father - son)

Petition 44 - William Long, twp. Of Flamboro East, yeoman wants to lease lot 12 Con 3 in Twp of Flamboro East; offers David Cummins, twp of Flamboro West yeoman to be joined in bond; petitioner has taken the Oath of Allegiance as will appear by the annexed certificate.

York 02 Dec 1811                                                                William Long

Testimony from Richard Hatt that he knows William for ? years and he is industrious, sober and honest

Lot has been applied for by Jacob Long 10 April 1809 but no proceeding has been had by reason of his not procuring a certificate of his having taken the Oath of Allegiance and also a Certificate of Character.

(As transcribed at the National Archives, by Rhonda Glofchecki, July 1994)

Land Petition of Jacob Long, dated 04 Feb 1812 (Film C2138)

Jacob Long - to his honor Isaac Brock Esq. President Administering the Government of the Prov. Of Upper Canada & Major General Commanding his Majesty´s Forces therein

Ye    Ye    Ye

The petition of Jacob Long of the Township of Flamboro (East) Yeoman

Humbly Showeth, that your petitioner joined the British Standard under Captain Hutchinson in the year 1777 and with him served as a private soldier till the Treaty of Separation in 1783. Except the time which he was a prisoner with the rebels as will appear by Capt. Hutchinson´s Certificate, that your petitioner moved into this province before the year 1798, and has resided here since that time, and has taken the Oath of Allegiance as will appear by the annexed certificate and have never received any land or order for land from the Crown without paying the fees - -

Wherefore your petitioner prays that your Honor in Council may be pleased to grant him as much of the waste lands of the Crown, as your Honor in your wisdom may think proper, for his service, and permit your petitioners name to be inserted on the U.E. List and your petitioner in duty bound will ever pray.

York 4th February 1812                                                                                              Jacob X (his mark) Long

Witness Ezek. Benson

I certify that Jacob Long has taken & subscribed the Oath of Allegiance as required by Law, before me, this fourth day of February in the year of Our Lord 1812.      (signature unreadable)

I certify that the lands mentioned in the surveyor General´s Report of this date upon the petition of Jacob Long except two hundred acres in Whitchurch do not belong to the said Jacob Long and that the lands in Townsend & Barton belong to two other men of the name of Jacob Long.

York 4th February 1812                                                    Richard Beasley

We whose names are hereunto subscribed was well acquainted with Jacob Long in her Majesty´s first battalion New Jersey Vollunteers in which he served as a soldier in the time of the war with America.

14 JanY 1812                     Daniel Hazen, James Mathus, Reuben Green

To whome it may concern. This is to certify that Jacob Long in the Township of Flamery East was in this Province before the twenty eight of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight.

January 14, 1812                                        Reuben Green

To whome it may concern.

I do here by certify that I was personally acquainted with the bairer of this Jacob Long before the American war and knew him and his fathers family to be loyal subjects. Also that he and his brother Elias with diverse others of their friends and relations (being fireviciously?? inlisted by Mr, James Moody and myself and being warned of the time and place met us on the eight day of September in the year 1777 intending to march with us to the British Army: but being attacked by a party of Rebels on the way we were despersed and separated.. I saw no more of Jacob in sevenil?? months but was informed that he and several???others were confined by the rebles in Morristown goal and condemned to be hanged for high treason. Their lives were spared on condition they would inlist in the Rebelious army which they accepted and took the first opportunity to leave them and returned to his majesty´s fist Battn New Jersey volunteers where I have seene him doing duty as a soldier times beyond recolection.

Given under my hand          Wm. Hutchinson    Late Captin the 1 Battn NJV

This 14 day of January 1812

**No real conclusion is given **

(As transcribed at the National Archives, by Rhonda Glofchecki, July 1994)

According to Robert Murtrie, E-mail dated: 31 May 2012

...William Hutchison. He was from Knowlton Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, and had no known connections with Pennsylvania.

Daniel Hazen was a land surveyor who lived in the Niagara area then settled in Walsingham Twp., Norfolk Co. He was from Sussex County, New Jersey and had no known connections with Pennsylvania.

Reuben Green was born in 1783 to parents who lived in Oxford Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey with no known connection to Pennsylvania.

I do not know where James Matthews lived before the war but he served in the New Jersey Volunteers and married Margaret Force who was born in Oxford Twp., Sussex Co.

The certificates other than Hutchison seem to attest to knowing Long during or after the American Revolution, rather than in his prewar home area. Hutchison said he knew his father's family before the war so you might like to look in the area of Knowlton Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey.

E-mail from Todd W. Braisted (01 Feb 2012) www.royalprovincial.com

..."Jacob and Elias Long indeed did both serve in the 1st Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers. But the certificates from the officers are in contradiction with the information I have reviewed.

There was a group of between 100 and 130 Loyalists from Pennsylvania and Northwestern New Jersey that attempted to go to Staten Island in September 1777, led by James Moody and William Hutchison. That part is absolutely true. They were betrayed by one of their number en route and defeated by a number of militia, capturing most of them, Moody and Hutchison and a few others excepted. They were imprisoned in New Jersey, with most released, save 49 who were sent to Morristown and sentenced to death. That is true. After two were executed, the remainder were given the choice to enlist in the Continental Army, or suffer the same fate. That is true. It is at this point things get murky.

There are several lists of the prisoners taken that night. None of them list Jacob Long, or Elias Long. However, they do list a John Long from Mt. Bethel, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph Long. John Long was one of those who enlisted out of jail at Morristown. He joined the 3rd New Jersey Regiment, but not for long, as he died in their service on 15 February 1778.

The confusion does not end there. Jacob Long appears without fanfare as a recruit in the 1st Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers around October 1779. Elias Long enlists in the same battalion on 8 April 1780. However, they both deserted long before the actual end of the war, Elias on 24 November 1781 and Jacob on 9 June 1782. I see no record that they came back. They were not on the rolls the end of the war, nor as a part of the battalion land grant. They also do not appear as brought before the NJ Council of Safety in 1777, as the other prisoners were."

Some peripheral information led me to investigate Long families in the Mount Bethel, Northampton Co. area of Pennsylvania but I haven't been able to find any mention there of this Jacob or William.

My hope is to:

- learn the relationship between this Jacob Long and William Long (my direct ancestor) who settled on L 12 C lll, East Flamborough Twp.

- prove that this Jacob Long is indeed not the Jacob Long in Barton Twp. nor the Jacob Long in Townsend Twp.

- learn more about this Jacob's land in Whitchurch and whether or not he was related to any of the many Long families of that area

- find Jacob's date & place of birth, his parents names and the names of his siblings; and to learn anything more about his service with the New Jersey Volunteers and his life between the end of the Revolutionary War and his immigration to Upper Canada.

- learn the place of William Long's birth (commonly said to have been Pennsylvania)

- learn the surname of William's wife Cormelia/ Cornelia (their 2 children were John and Elizabeth)

I have investigated information about the Mount Bethel, Northampton Co. area of Pennsylvania but can find no mention of this Jacob or William.

...Denise Reynolds