Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2013 Archive

In this issue:
- Interesting Times: The Life of Elizabeth Dodd (1 of 2), by Stephen Davidson
- William Odber Raymond (1853-1923) by George McNeillie
- UELAC Recognizes National Volunteer Week
- "At the Head of Lake Ontario" Conference Early Bird Registration Deadline
- Pacific Regional Conference May 4, 2013
- Presidential Peregrinations: Central West Regional Conference
- Where in the World?
- Loyalists and War of 1812: James Parke (Parks) and son David
- From the Twittersphere and Beyond
- Queries
      + Response re Ship Lists to NS; Jacob Glance
      + Loyalist connection/proof for Eliza Smith Jones
      + William Forrester, of Duchess, NY

Interesting Times: The Life of Elizabeth Dodd (1 of 2), by Stephen Davidson

The ancient Chinese would curse their enemies with the wish that they would "live in interesting times". The loyalist Elizabeth Dodd must have every reason to believe she was cursed.

When she drew her final breath, Elizabeth had been a resident of St. Stephen, New Brunswick for more than sixty years. On the surface, her story seems fairly commonplace for the 30,000 loyalists who settled in the Maritimes. But when one considers that she was 45 years old when she fled the new United States of America, Elizabeth Dodd suddenly becomes unique among the loyalist refugees. When she died in the summer of 1849, Mrs. Dodd was 111 years old. And while her six decades of life after the Revolution were uneventful ones, her first 45 years were filled with enough adventures for several lifetimes.

Elizabeth's life spanned a period of unprecedented growth in the British Empire. She was born in 1738 – the same year as George III, the king who reigned when Britain lost thirteen of its North American colonies. She died during the reign of Queen Victoria, when the "sun never set" on the Union Jack.

The 18th century's series of wars had an unrelenting impact upon Elizabeth, beginning with her place of birth. Her father was a crew member of a British warship that patrolled the waters of the Atlantic Ocean separating France and Spain. Because her mother was also aboard the ship, Elizabeth was born in the Bay of Biscay.

There was no time for the newborn and her mother to be put ashore in England. The warship was one of three dispatched to fight in the War of Jenkin's Ear. During either the attack on Antigua's La Guaira (which saw British ships endure heavy shelling) or the capture of Panama's Porto Bello, Elizabeth's father lost his life. Rather than being returned to England, the young Elizabeth and her widowed mother were put ashore in New York City. Elizabeth's life of displacement had only just begun.

Sometime in the 1750s, Elizabeth moved to St. Augustine, Florida where – as her obituary phrased it – "her youth was passed in the sunny South". Elizabeth married, but it is uncertain as to whether her new husband was Thomas Dodd, who later served as a loyalist soldier, or an earlier spouse. Whoever he was, he and Elizabeth joined other settlers on the banks of the Alabama River (located between modern day Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama). Given that they were actually in French territory, life must have been precarious for the English colonists.

In the early months of the Seven Years War, the French rounded up the Alabama River's English settlers and sent them to New Orleans at the mouth of the Mississippi River. (Did Elizabeth meet any Acadians? The British had deported the latter to Louisiana from Nova Scotia at the same time Elizabeth and her husband were taken to New Orleans.)

Shortly after Elizabeth's incarceration, France gave all of its territory on the western shore of the Mississippi to Spain. For unspecified reasons, the new Spanish rulers decided to send their English prisoners of war across the Gulf of Mexico. Here, Elizabeth and the others were put in the castle of San Juan in Vera Cruz. In less than two years' time, the Spanish once again moved their English prisoners, relocating them to the El Moro Castle in Havana, Cuba. In 1762, the British seized control of Havana, freeing the Alabama River settlers.

Elizabeth was only 24 years old at the time. For six years she had been a pawn in the battles of the Spanish, the French, and the British. Surely, she must have thought, the most eventful days of her life were behind her.

Elizabeth returned to New York, the colony where she had spent her childhood. If Thomas Dodd had not been her husband in Alabama, he would enter her life sometime before 1776. Very little is known of the man who wed Elizabeth. In her book, Loyalists in the Southern Campaign, the historian Murtie June Clark notes that a Thomas Dodd enlisted in Wright's Company of the Georgia Loyalists in 1779. However, this may be another loyalist of the same name.

Elizabeth's obituary recorded that Thomas Dodd had fought in some of the Revolution's major battles. And like her mother before her, Elizabeth followed her husband into the thick of the campaigns. The historian Rev. W.O. Raymond noted, "As might be inferred from her history, Mrs. Dodd was somewhat rough in manner." But another historian asserted "that it is an injustice to Mrs. Dodd to speak of her as 'rough in manner,' for she was much less so than might have been expected." Rough or well mannered, Elizabeth accompanied Thomas, serving the army as a laundress, cook, or tailor. (Children, who might have restricted Elizabeth's contributions, are never mentioned in the records of the day.)

As she followed her husband, Elizabeth was a witness to at least three memorable battles. Thomas Dodd fought when the Continental Army retreated at the Battle of White Plains in New York in 1776, when the British encountered a better-trained rebel force at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey, and when the patriots defeated the British forces at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. The rebel victory at Yorktown was the beginning of the end of the American Revolution.

Elizabeth faced a major turning point in her life; she was once again a member of a despised and unwanted group of English colonists. And once again, the British Empire – that had played havoc with her life for 43 years – would come to Elizabeth's rescue.

Next week's Loyalist Trails will conclude the story of the life of Elizabeth Dodd.

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

William Odber Raymond (1853-1923) © George McNeillie

In common with many rural parishes, Stanley has suffered greatly by removals. Quite recently the writer has met old Stanley friends of the Douglass, Clarkson, Wilkinson, Arnold and Patchell families on the Pacific coast at Vancouver, New Westminster, and Bellingham. Others are to be found in Winnipeg. Many former residents are also to be found in Fredericton and the vicinity.

Despite these losses the last Synod Journal (1920) shows that Stanley raised last year for all church purposes nearly $3,000.00 of which $1,500 was contributed in offertory collections. Stanley and Tay Creek in 1879 gave only $250.00 towards the clergyman's stipend. The mission is now self-supporting and has more than doubled the stipend of forty years ago. There are 200 communicants and a membership of about 170 in the Sunday schools, including teachers. This truly is a great contrast to the day way back in 1835 when Bishop John Inglis preached the first sermon in Stanley in a shed on the banks of Nashawaak River. Here where my life-work as a humble missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ began, more than forty years ago, let me now conclude these Incidents of Local Church History." [end of extract]

After spending six winters in Stanley, finding the severe storms and long drives very trying, I accepted the invitation of the Rev. George M. Armstrong to take charge of St. Mary's Church in Waterloo St. in St. John, and began to work there on the first Sunday in March, 1884. We had an affectionate farewell at Stanley and were presented with a nice address and purse for our departure.

My dear wife, who had proved such a help-mate, and had won many friends in Stanley, was naturally pleased to return to her native city. St. Mary's Church, in the 24 years previous to my arrival, had been served by ten curates. In the next 32 years it had only one incumbent. During this long pastorate a new Sunday School was built to replace the one burned in 1882, the district attached to St. Mary's Church was erected into an independent parish, of which I was elected the first Rector in, I think, 1889, the first Wardens being Arthur P. Tippet and William H. Barton. The church was re-modelled and greatly improved about 1896. A new pipe organ was added a little later. The Rev. R. Taylor McKim came as my first and only curate in 1914, and the next year the little church of St. Bartholomew at Glen Falls was built under the supervision of Mr. McKim who took up the work where I had to lay it down. He postponed his intention of going as a missionary to China in 1915, and on my being stricken with illness at the close of that year remained at his post and was chosen my successor in the parish.

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

UELAC Recognizes National Volunteer Week

There may not be any direct connection between the social network and attempts to catch the reader's eye with short and snappy lines. As April 21-27, 2013 has been designated as National Volunteer Week, local newspapers report "volunteers grow community" or "volunteers are the backbone and social fabric of a community." For UELAC, volunteers are not only the backbone but the lifeblood as well. Where would our association be without members who take on roles of leadership for a short term and then strengthen their commitments over a much longer period?

How much more vital would we be if every contribution were recognized, from a simple thank you to being honoured in a much wider community? UELAC stands proudly with its record of expressions of appreciation for personal, branch, community, regional or national level of volunteer service. The national organization documents such recognitions as Honorary Officers, the UELAC Dorchester Award, the Most Honourable Order of Meritorious Heritage, Loyal Americans Hall of Honour, Philip E. M. Leith Memorial Award, and the Book of Remembrance. Branches take up options to nominate members for provincial service awards as well as to participate in community award programmes.

As part of the 60th Anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, many members were honoured with the Canadian commemorative medal (QE2DJM). As part of the process, good news of this award has been posted in a third document which will bring an end to reporting this singular recognition of volunteer work across Canada.

Why does any volunteer give so selflessly of time and talents? Perhaps the foundation is the simple belief that it's all about making a difference. For many, that is the best reward.

...FHH

"At the Head of Lake Ontario" Conference Early Bird Registration Deadline

The conference is being hosted by the Hamilton Branch and will take place in Burlington. Have you registered? Only nine (9) more days to take advantage of the earlybird registration rates - the deadline is April 30. For program details and registration, visit Meet us at the Head of Lake Ontario.

Pacific Regional Conference May 4, 2013

The 2013 regional conference for the Pacific Region will be held on Saturday May 4 at the new Aboriginal Gathering Place on the new University of the Fraser Valley Campus at Chilliwack.

Add your enthusiasm to that of many others to enjoy:

• Vancouver Branch's General Store Sale Table with colonial period clothing, accessories, books
• a raffle for donations from local merchants
• door prizes
• vote for Regional VP and Councillor
• certificate presentations to members of all branches
• the presence of UELAC President Bob McBride
• entertainment
• food
• the period attire of [many of] those attending

Read details and registration form deadline April 25

...Marlene Dance, Chilliwack Branch Organization Committee

Presidential Peregrinations: Central West Regional Conference

The annual Mini Conference was help in London on a cold Saturday13 April 2013. After opening comments and a welcome given by June Klassen, the day's events unfolded: a discussion that I led about the UELAC bylaw changes, a history of Sir Isaac Brock by Doris Lemon and his guest appearance, membership, RVP and Councillor elections, etc. A good day.

Read more, with photos (PDF).

...Robert McBride, UE, President, UELAC

Where in the World?

Where are Roy Lewis and his entourage?

To participate, submit a photo of yourself in UELAC promotional gear at a place of some note and tell us where it is. If you are a member of a branch, please indicate that as well – send to Jennifer Childs.

Loyalists and the War of 1812

Thanks to those who have contributed to the slowly growing index of Loyalists and the War of 1812.

We have added a new entry for James Parke (Parks) and son David thanks to Richard Clark.

If you have a family ancestry which qualifies (see the heading of the page with entries), please submit to loyalist.trails@uelac.org. Our rich history continues to emerge through these family histories.

From the Twittersphere and Beyond

• Calling all Loyalists: Learn more about Jim McKenzie and the plans for the Loyalist information open house in Halifax on April 27
• Ryan Scranton is in Shelburne Nova Scotia this week: McDonough McLean House built in 1785, Shelburne, NS and Doorway of the House; A bowl owned by Loyalist Gideon White; Snuff box with image of George III in collection of Shelburne County Museum; Daybook of Loyalist Amos Williams who arrived in Shelburne, NS in 1784
• Visiting New Brunswick this summer? You can help with the restoration of the Loyalist Burial Ground in St. Stephen NB. Not going there but you have loyalist ancestors from there? You can still help by checking their loyalist records
• Baking Day! from Colonial Williamsburg: 18th-century shortbread sugar cakes recipe (compare old recipe and modern one)
• Battle of Lexington reenactment draws throngs
• How Much did Paul Revere Charge for His Infamous Midnight Ride? Here's The Bill He Submitted
• April 21 – Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II
• Re-enactors from all over North America will descend upon Fort George in Niagara-On-The-Lake May 25-27 as they re-enact one of the pivotal events – The Battle of Fort George – in Niagara during the War of 1812. The weekend agenda here.
• The Niagara 1812 Legacy Council announced its events for 2013, many to be held on the exact 200th anniversary of the actual event. Report from the Buffalo News.
• Launch of the Book The Governors General of Canada
• The True Cost of the Royal Family to the UK taxpayers Explained [fun to watch & interesting] – Bill Smy
• Education information, (US-centric?) American history (forwarded by Beverley Corsini)
• Emphasizing peace – not war – the key to selling 1812 Bicentennial wine to Americans
• Medicine is making great advances all the time. Take a look at some of the remedies for common ailments form 200 years ago.

Response re Ship Lists to NS; Jacob Glance

I am trying to locate a passenger list that would show how my ancestor Jacob Glance, Royal North Carolina Regiment, travelled to Port Roseway. Query and Initial Responses

Jacob Glance served in the Southern Campaign, primarily in North Carolina, in Captain John Wormley's Company of the Royal North Carolina Regiment, between 1781 and 1783, when the unit was disbanded and evacuated from Charleston. He had enlisted 24 Jan 1781, and appears on several rosters.

I had previously researched one of the Port Roseway Loyalists, and was able to find some information.

Jacob Glance had been identified as a Loyalist (read 'Tory Traitor' in Whig parlance) in summonses issued under the Confiscation act in Lincoln County, North Carolina. The order naming Jacob Glance was issued 'Lincoln County Sept 19, 1782 To the Sherriff of Lincoln County you are hereby commanded to take..." and several names, several of whom made their way to Canada. So Jacob had no option - he could not return to Lincoln County NC, but he definitely resided there in 1781, and some Glance descendants (descended from his brothers) remained in North Carolina.

There are 33 names on that Confiscation list, some of which might ring a bell with some Loyalist descendants whose ancestors came from North Carolina.

Jacob married Margaret Mortimer, who was the daughter of John Mortimer, recorded as 'John Mortimore', who also served in the Southern Campaign, with the King's Rangers under Lt. Col. Thomas Brown - who also left from Charleston in 1783. I think Jacob was unmarried when he arrived in Nova Scotia; he brought with him a boy of 15 or so named Archibald Brannon, who later reared a family in the Shelburne NS area, whose father had also served in the Southern Campaign, but was killed in action.

Jacob is not found on the official "Names Submitted To Be Part Of The PORT ROSEWAY ASSOCIATION Group Of Loyalists" which can be found here, as he had found the land rocky and unhospitable as did several of the Loyalists who had been transported. Jacob did remain in the area, lived for a few years at Cape Negro, and died in Barrington NS on 28 August 1824.

...Richard Ripley, UE, Genealogist

Loyalist connection/proof for Eliza Smith Jones

Sally Jones of the township of Hamilton in Northumberland County, wife of Elisha Jones, and daughter of Myndert Harris, U.E.L., of Hope Township, petitioned for land in 1808.

Eliza Smith Jones born abt 1806 married Samuel Powers in Cobourg on the 8th of Jan. 1829 at St. Peter's Anglican Church. I have searched for Eliza's baptism in both the Anglican and United Church Archives to no avail. Dates could be too early for kept records. Does anyone have anything linking Eliza to Sally and Elisha Jones? I saw an article in one of the Loyalist Gazettes a while ago which assumed that she was the daughter of Sally and Elisha.

It is possible however that Elisha Jones (father of Eliza) is also the son of the Loyalist Elisha Jones who was granted land in Nova Scotia as was Myndert Harris before the latter relocated to Hope Township, Durham County.

...Sylvia Powers

William Forrester, of Duchess, NY

My brick wall has been William Forrester, of Duchess, N.Y., who claimed to have received a land grant in Cumberland County N,.S. as a member of James Delancy's Brigade of volunteers in the Revolutionary War. He left N.S. in 1798 "with a sick wife & four children", claiming the land & weather were not suitable for agriculture. In 1801 he was granted land in Williamsburg Township, Ont. He remarried in 1806, raised a 2nd family at Mallorytown & died in 1838, aged 85 years.

Will exchange information with anyone interested in Forrester's of various spellings. Thank you.

...Norma Moug, UE