Loyalist Trails UELAC Newsletter, 2014 Archive

In this issue:
- Loyalist Ancestors Survey Results
- Focus 230: Coming of Age in the Loyalist Era, by Stephen Davidson
- Addendum: NB Forgotten Loyalists
- United Empire Loyalist Commemorative Service 22 June Adolphustown
- J.R. Roaf – A Sequel
- Farnham Sisters Recognized for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions
- Promoting your UEL Heritage in Ontario
- Where in the World Are Dave, Peter & Jim?
- Visit Prince Edward County: Day Bus Trip from Toronto
- From the Twittersphere and Beyond
- Additions to the Loyalist Directory
- Last Post
      + Mary Lemyre, UE
      + Memorial Service for J. Brian Gilchrist

Loyalist Ancestors Survey Results

Thank you for taking our survey. Over the last two weeks, slightly over 900 people read Loyalist Trails. Of those 385 took the survey - you are a wonderful group. Thank you.

Here is a quick synopsis of what you told us in the survey.

Q1. Do you have one or more Loyalist ancestors who settled in New Brunswick?

Of the 385 responses, 6 have no loyalist ancestor, the rest do. Of those 126 reported one or more Loyalist ancestors who had settled in New Brunswick and the ancestors of the remaining 253 settled elsewhere.

Q2. How many of your ancestors settled in New Brunswick?

• 1 Ancestor: 40
• 2 Ancestors: 28
• 3 Ancestors: 14
• 4 Ancestors: 13
• 5 Ancestors: 4
• 6 Ancestors: 8
• 7 Ancestors: 1
• 8 Ancestors: 4

Fourteen other responses indicated between 9 and 36 Loyalist ancestors had settled in New Brunswick.

Q3. Where do you live?

• Atlantic Provinces: 25
• Quebec: 3
• Ontario: 219
• Prairies: 29
• B.C.: 42
• Territories: 1
• USA: 62
• Elsewhere: 4

There are undoubtedly more tidbits buried in the responses. We will share more if they prove to be interesting.

Thanks again for participating.

...Doug, Editor

Focus 230: Coming of Age in the Loyalist Era, by Stephen Davidson

During the American Revolution – and the years of settlement that followed for the loyalist refugees – 21 was considered the age at which a person became an adult. Having reached the age of majority, one could inherit wealth, own property, and – if one were a landowner – vote. In other times, coming of age meant that one would receive a key to the family dwelling – the new adult was free to come and go at will. But what were the hallmarks of reaching the "lawful age" in the loyalist era? A quick overview of the early probate records of New Brunswick, the first loyalist colony, provides us with some clues.

Dugall Thomson wanted to make sure that every member in his family would be secure after his death. His sons Alexander and Duncan would receive his "water lots", and his two daughters would inherit a farm lot – but only when his youngest child, Sarah, came of age. In the meantime, their mother had the use of all of his worldly possessions. Becoming an adult in this family was only significant when the youngest child had reached the age of majority. Then and only then, was the father's wealth apportioned out to everyone.

Robert Angus wanted to ensure that his wife would be cared for, so he promised that their granddaughter, Mary Lunt, would receive one sheep and one cow on her twenty-first birthday provided that she "stay with her grandmother" until then. Thomas Bardon willed his farm in Sussex to his two sons. Their sister Eleanor, who was a minor at her father's death, would receive a cow and £10 when she turned 21. All three children had to "provide their mother a home while she remains a widow."

The widow Mehetabel Bearsto knew the value of patience and compound interest. In her will, she bequeathed "my old oxen, my oldest cow, a feather bed and bedding, and half of a £20 note to be kept at interest" to her grandson George Kinnear "until he comes of age". Another grandson, Courtney Kinnear would receive "my younger oxen, the red cow, my worst gold ring, a feather bed and bedding and one half of a £20 note to be kept at interest until he comes of age."

John Clarke of Wickham bequeathed livestock, furniture, and money to his adult children upon his death in 1819. Ann Clarke, his youngest daughter, could look forward to receiving a bed and £3 when she "came of age". Clarke also instructed that Ann – as well as her sister and brother – "will be educated far as to understand reading and writing."

William Hallett was another loyalist who valued education. After his death, his two oldest sons would inherit the farm "when they came of age". The two youngest sons were to be "kept at school until they receive a good plain education, then {his} executors {were} to place them in stores or at trades, and they {were} to receive £120 each when they come of age. Daughter Sophia Augusta {will receive}£50 when she comes of age, together with suitable schooling and maintenance." William P. Smith of Saint John willed that the rental income from his building on Sydney Street should be used for the schooling of his grandson William S. Eagan "until he becomes of age."

In Hopewell, Henry Hayward bequeathed two lots of land and £10 to his son Jonathan when he became an adult. However, his daughter Sara would receive two cows, and five sheep on her 21st birthday. She was instructed to take half of the furniture in the Hayward household, leaving the other half to her sister Catherine when she came of age. Catharine also received two cows, and a three year old mare.

In addition to providing for his family, Joseph Lamb of Dorchester wanted to be sure that their indented servant was treated fairly. It seems that Hannah Tidd's indenture would be over when she turned 21. Lamb's probate records says that when it came time for her to leave the family, Hannah was to be given everything that was "needful, lawful, and right". The family was not "to thrust her off in an odious and scandalous manner."

John Marshall of Waterborough clearly valued cattle and the institution of marriage. His adult daughter Elizabeth was to receive a cow when she chose to leave the family. His five minor daughters, Anne, Ellanor, Agnes, Jennet and Jane were all to "receive a cow" either when they came of age or married.

Lewis Steeves seemed to have been concerned about warmth as he contemplated what to give his three children. When his youngest son David turned 21, he was to receive a meadow lot as well as a ""pair of three Year old Steers and two Heifers, one suit of decent Clothes and two suits of Homespun, and six Months Schooling." In addition to a cow, both Abigail and Errezena would receive a bed and bedding – either when they became adults – or wives.

Cornelius McMonagle wanted to be sure that his sons were gainfully employed after his death. The younger sons were to work for the older until "they become of age". His widow had the final say over these employment arrangements. The older sons were also to give the youngest McMonagle daughter ten sheep and £100 when she turned 21.

Although William Springer of Waterborough had four adult children, his will also provided for Benjamim Titus, "the boy that I have taken to bring up". If Benjamin remained with the youngest of Springer's sons until he was an adult, he would be given a yoke of steers and two heifers from the departed's estate.

Loyalist children and their peers were considered responsible members of society by the time they had reached their twenty-first birthday. Judging by what they were left by their refugee parents, they were considered trustworthy enough to manage livestock, clothing, and a little money. They were to care for bereaved widows, assist older siblings, and fulfill obligations to others under their family's roof. Given that their parents had arrived in New Brunswick as political refugees with very little in the way of worldly goods, the loyalists' children had a fairly good start to life when they finally "came of age."

Addendum: NB Forgotten Loyalists

Thank you for publishing the list of New Brunswick's forgotten Loyalists by Stephen.

My ancestor,Mary Folkins came from Pennsylvania, and settled in the Hampstead area of Queen's county in/around 1781, and married Peter Carr of Gagetown (listed in Esther Clark Wright's Planters and Pioneers as living there in 1767). He had land on Little Musquasch Island and Great Musquasch ( which he had an agreement with the original landowner, Philip John Livingston). He was willing to make way for the Loyalists at Gagetown and Great Musquasch Island providing he received title to his land on Little Musquash Island. (information from "The River St. John" by W.O.Raymond [1910]). This information: some family history lore, and some obtained from "The Folkins Family" by William Folkins with the assistance of John R. Elliott C.G.(C) 1994.

We must give Stephen Davidson thanks for the tremendous research he was been doing. It has helped to answer many of the questions about the movement of the Loyalists from the Thirteen North American Colonies (later USA). It is also very exciting when an ancestor is mentioned.

...Shirley Youngman, (Folkins descendent), Edmonton Br.

[Editor's Note: A number of people have proven to Loyalist Joseph Folkins of Hampton NB (see Loyalist Directory). Mary Folkins is mother to Joseph. Would greatly appreciate more information to add to the Loyalist Directory for Joseph.]

United Empire Loyalist Commemorative Service 22 June Adolphustown

You are cordially invited to attend the Sung Evensong
UNITED EMPIRE LOYALIST COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE
at ST. ALBAN THE MARTYR ANGLICAN CHURCH ADOLPHUSTOWN
2 pm, JUNE 22nd, 2014
To celebrate the 230th anniversary of the landing of the Loyalists at Adolphustown in June 1784
Officiant : Reverend Dr. John Walmsley
Guest Speaker: Orland French, author & historian
A Loyalist Tea will follow the service
Enquiries: 613 373-8865 -
See the announcement - or more about St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church

...Diane Berlet

J.R. Roaf – A Sequel

Who was the man who signed the charters for Hamilton, Governor Simcoe, Winnipeg and Vancouver Branches on May 18, 1937? Who was Jas. R. Roaf?

"Proxy Votes Disrupt UELAC AGM -- 1935" indicated that President Horace Hume Van Wart was absent from the meeting. W.C. Mikel of Belleville was nominated to be president but the election of officers was allowed that time. On May 19, 1937, the Toronto Globe reported that the rift had been healed and Stanley Mills had been elected as President. At the bottom of the clipping, James R. Roaf is listed as Legal Advisor.

Guylaine Pétrin, librarian at Glendon College in Toronto responded to the questions about J. R. Roaf raised in the last issue of Loyalist Trails. She had written an article published in Ontario History in Spring 2013 about Elizabeth Sanders, a step-daughter of Loyalist John Dennis. While researching her subject, she became well acquainted with the Roaf papers. In addition to a picture located with the Law Society of Upper Canada Archives, Guylaine was able to share her connection with Holly Adams, wife of a descendant of J.R. Roaf. The following is adapted from information received this week.

"It's James Richardson Roaf Senior (14 Aug 1851-9 Oct 1947) and in the late 1930s he looked like the attached photograph. My grandfather-in-law said of JRR Senior: "My paternal grandfather was a barrister; he was a strict Episcopalian and an Empire Loyalist. He seems to have been a fairly typical upper middle class Victorian Canadian. My grandmother seems to have been conventional; little girls had to wear gloves in church. From his father, my father inherited high moral principles from which he never deviated. He was far more tolerant than his own father and never preached or tried to inflict his principles on others." (My Professional Life, Robert Roaf, privately published 2003) and "[My father's] own father was a barrister, a Freemason, an ardent Episcopalian and an Empire Loyalist. All the evidence is that his [my father's] parents were intolerant and, like all Victorians, expected their children to behave as they wished. It is remarkable that my father threw off this legacy." (Trivia from the Wheel of Life -- and some family memories, Robert Roaf, Anne Loader Publications, Cheshire, 2004). This was the JRR who was the KC and who used the UE designation -- although my grandfather-in-law rarely met his grandfather due to geography, one of the first things he said to me upon introduction was that his grandfather was very proud to be UEL -- similarly, two of my husband's uncles remember visiting their great-grandfather in the mid-1940s and being told the importance of the initials.

JRR Junior left Toronto in the early 1900s and moved to Fernie, BC. He married in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1904 and his wife joined him in BC where the following year their daughter Ellen was born. JRR Junior was chief engineer of the Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company from 1908-1910, during which period his son JRR III was born in Corvallis, Oregon; from 1912-1914 they were in South Wellington, BC where JRR Jr. was superintendent of Pacific Coast Coal Mines. He was living in Victoria by 1916 when he joined the Overseas Expeditionary Force, and then living in Consumers, Utah from at least 1932 (US Border Crossings record for his daughter) through to 1947 (execution of his father's will back in Toronto). In 1948 he remarried in Pasadena, California and died in Hollywood in 1961.

So JRR Senior was the only one in Toronto during the period in question and, perhaps more notably, was a keen UE and emphasised this at any opportunity. (H.A.)"

Thus the picture in the rose garden of the CNE may indeed be the Jas. R. Roaf who signed the charters in 1937.

...FHH

Farnham Sisters Recognized for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions

When it comes to giving accolades for a "century's worth of outstanding volunteer contributions to their community and to several heritage organizations", referring to the 2014 Marion Phelps Award recipients as "icons of the Eastern Townships" has to be the highest of praise. At the AGM in Stanbridge East, Quebec on June 7, 2014, the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network recognized Adelaide Lanktree and Louise Hall of the Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch of The UELAC for their long-term contributions to the preservation and promotion of Anglophone heritage in Quebec.

Michel Racicot, genealogist for the SJJC Branch, introduced the sisters at the award ceremony with this testimonial of their many activities. QAHN President Simon Jacobs and Michel Racicot were included with the award in the accompanying photograph.

The Sherbrook Record reported that 'during their acceptance speech, Lanktree and Hall said that they were surprised and humbled when they heard that they had been chosen for the award. "We knew Marion Phelps personally, and we truly feel very, very honoured," they said.'

Members of The UELAC can also feel very proud that two fellow members are so fittingly honoured.

...FHH

Promoting your UEL Heritage in Ontario

As you drive back and forth to work or to the cottage, one of the easiest ways to promote your UEL heritage is to make sure your car has the UELAC graphic licence plate. Last week, the successful Toronto Conference witnessed such a flurry of plate acquisitions, the options of getting the final two digits of your choice have been greatly reduced. While the sample image and descriptive information are still to be found in Dominion Projects, the UELAC Ontario Graphic Licence Plates Order Form has been revised for the remaining sets. There still is time to show your pride in your heritage before Canada Day.

...FHH

Where in the World?

Where are Dave Laskey, Peter Van Iderstine, and Jim McKenzie?

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.

Visit Prince Edward County: Day Bus Trip from Toronto

On Saturday, August 23, 2014 join members of Gov Simcoe Branch, Toronto Branch and The York Pioneers on a day bus trip to "The County". Enjoy the Loyalist history and the beauty of Prince Edward County. Bus Trip details.

From the Twittersphere and Beyond

• Hector was a ship famous for having been part of the first significant migration of Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia in 1773. The replica of the original ship is located at the Hector Heritage Quay, a heritage center run by local volunteers, in Pictou.Hector was a ship famous for having been part of the first significant migration of Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia in 1773. The replica of the original ship is located at the Hector Heritage Quay, a heritage center run by local volunteers, in Pictou.
• Four ladies on a mission to free their husbands have an elegant dinner with General Washington at Valley Forge Headquarters
• Celebrating the Ontario Loyalist Heritage - the United Empire Loyalists' Day Act, 1997 which created the annual Loyalist Day to be celebrated on June 19.
• Might this banner be Hamilton Branch?
• An early start on June 14: Celebrating Ontario's Loyalist Day in Simcoe with Mayor Dennis Travale, Central West Region reps and Dominion President UELAC. Another view.
• Great to see that Colonial Williamsburg respects the "Loyalist" Flag - it flies there yet.
• A video of the reenactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek on June 7, 2014, the 201st anniversary
• Many events around the second Laura Secord Walk on Saturday June 21 are now free.
• 1867- Proclamation of the Confederation of Canada in the Square, Kingston, Ontario
• The Queen took part in her first Trooping the Colour parade as Princess Elizabeth in 1947. On her birthday in 2014 for Trooping the Colour, see crowds in London watching the RAF fly-past and the Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
• At the celebration of the UELAC centenary, the conference's concluding event was a church service. After this reflection, the group showed that it too could count to 100
• Members of the Manitoba Branch, UELAC and other Manitoba historical societies celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Loyalists' group with a ceremony at the legislature.
• One lucky person went home with this hand-worked needlepoint chair from Conference 2014
• Mid 18th century ladies shoes brocaded in pink & green silk. Copyright: Fairfax House. Fairfax House, in the City of York UK, claims to be the finest Georgian town house in England. A classical architectural masterpiece of its age, Fairfax House was originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax. Its richly decorated interior was designed by York's most distinguished eighteenth-century architect, John Carr.

Additions to the Loyalist Directory

As time permits, we add information to the Loyalist Directory. The latest additions and updates are as follows:
Cope Sr., William – from Linda McClelland, Calgary Branch




Please help us build the directory by contributing more information for it. Contact loyalist.trails@uelac.org for instructions and guidance.

Mary Lemyre, UE

It is with sad hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch member Mary Lemyre UE on Thursday June 12, 2014 at the age of 93. She is reunited with her late husband Owen James Lemyre and children Catherine Anne and Andrew Edward. Beloved mother of Jacqueline (Cliff) Truax, Michael (Colleen), David ( Barbara) and John (Natalie). Remembered by her 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her sister-in-law Marguerite Hanratty UE, niece Marian Miller UE, family and friends.

Mary was very proud of her Loyalist ancestor Andrew Miller of Bertie Township. More at the Heritage Funeral Centre.

Memorial Service for J. Brian Gilchrist

Although he passed away several weeks ago (Last Post: J. Brian Gilchrist), a special meeting will be held this Thursday June 19 from 6:30 at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives to remember Brian.

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