“Loyalist Trails” 2005-23 July 1, 2005
In this issue:
– Gilbert Hyatt Road: Big Step Forward
– Golf Shirts Available in Ladies’ style, New Colours
– Found Earring at Regina Conference
– Error correction: Col. John Butler Branch
– Festive Red, White and Blue UELAC Booth a Hit at BC Highland Games & Festival
– VICTORY!!! POST-1901 CENSUS NEWS (Canada)
– Outreach Activities at London Branch
– Projects by Branches, Individual Members and the UELAC
+ Colonel John Butler Branch Involved with Grave Restoration
+ Grand River Branch Marks Loyalist Cemeteries in the Long Point Settlement
+ Loyalist Day Dedication of New Tombstone For Loyalist Lieutenant Jeremiah French
– Death Notices
+ Eric F. Joy
+ Stanley Armstrong McBride, UE
+ Phyllis Gertrude Shouldice, UE
– Queries
+ Response re Parents of Edward West
+ Re Pronunciation of Route
Articles
Gilbert Hyatt Road: Big Step Forward
Bev Loomis, President of Little Forks Branch, notes that a big step in the battle to preserve the “Gilbert-Hyatt Road” name has been achieved. On the front page of the daily “Record”: “Waterville politicians can’t erase local history. What’s in a name? That’s one question Waterville Town Council forgot to ask last December when it decided to revert the name of Gilbert-Hyatt Road back to Route 143 – the alternate, numerical name of the stretch of rural highway that runs between Lennoxville and Deacon’s Bridge. Unfortunatley for the town’s revisionists, Gilbert-Hyatt is still the only name that’s official according to the Quebec Toponymy Commission. “If they don;t put the [Gilbert-Hyatt] signs back up, they are breaking the law” said Toponymy Commission official Marcel Fourcaudot.”
The next step is actually having the signs posted again. To accomplish this, a request may well have to be made to L’Office do la langue francais (OLF), which has the responsibility to enforce the naming decisions of the Toponymy.
“We couldn’t beleive it whden we were told to take our cause to the {OLF},” said Milton Loomis. Nevertheless, his wife Beverley stated that they will soon be leading the charge to the OLF’s doors, under the banner of Patrimonie Ascot Heritage and the Little Forks Branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada, of which she is the president.”
Golf Shirts Available in Ladies’ style, New Colours
UELAC PROMOTIONS announces that golf shirts are now available in LADIES’ style, cut and sizing! Check out the Golf Shirts on the web site for sizing and new colours. Men’s sizing also available, and in the new colours too.
…Noreen Stapley UE
Found Earring at Regina Conference
“Passing the Hat” following the Sunday lunch at the Hotel in Regina raised $99.33 for the Publicity Committee.
In with the money in the “hat” was a silver clip earring. If the owner of the earring would identify herself, it will be mailed to her. (Send a note to Doug)
Error correction: Col. John Butler Branch
Should have read: Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch Director Brian Ford laid the Loyalist wreath at the clock tower and cenotaph in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Branch’s United Empire Loyalist Day Service.
…Bev Craig UE
Festive Red, White and Blue UELAC Booth a Hit at BC Highland Games & Festival
Vancouver Branch OUTREACH & EDUCATION committee of volunteers participated in the B.C. Highland Games & Festival at Coquitlam, BC, Saturday June 25th 2005. Many interested people stopped by our festive booth to enquiring about possible loyalist ancestor(s). Members of the branch used every opportunity to educate and inform.
A special thank you to members for all their help throughout the day: Mary Anne Bethune, President, Vancouver Branch; Gwen Dumfries, Anne Grierson, Joyce Tiplady, UE. See photos at United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada- Part G (pictures starting Page 5, picture 8).
…Carl Stymiest, UE
Projects by Branches, Individual Members and UELAC
As I have visited branches across the country, I have been a bit surprised at how many projects are “in the works”. As you all know, the mission of the UELAC is the preservation and promotion, to further understanding and appreciation, of the Loyalist heritage. Most projects contribute to the accomplishment of that mission in some way.
That said, we may be too guilty, in our often humble way, of hiding our accomplishments under the proverbial bushel basket. To help others appreciate what members and branches are doing and have accomplished, we have started a web page about projects. Please visit it from time to time and see what is going on.
VICTORY!!! POST-1901 CENSUS NEWS (Canada)
On Tuesday 28 June 2005, at 11:00 am Eastern Time, Member of Parliament Dominic LeBlanc, Deputy Government Whip, rose and stated words to the effect that “If the Speaker would seek it, I believe he would have the unanimous consent of the House to deem Bill S-18 — An Act to amend the Statistics Act, to have passed Third Reading” (not necessarily an exact quote). That consent was given.
Bill S-18 has now passed all necessary stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons. All that remains to be done to make it law is for it to receive Royal Assent. It is expected this will be received shortly.
Today there is cause for a great deal of cheering and celebrating. As I write this I imagine I can hear that cheering taking place from Coast to Coast to Coast in Canada, and other countries where descendents of Canadian ancestors have been seeking access to our Census records.
It is believed that the Library and Archives of Canada has already scanned images of the 1911 National Census of Canada and they should be available on line almost immediately. We should now be able to spend our Summer researching the 1911 records instead of continuing the fight to see them released.
Genealogists and historians owe a GREAT debt of thanks to the perseverance and dedication of the Hon. Senator Lorna Milne, without whose support over the past several years, we would have been unable to achieve this victory. Those wishing to express their thanks to Senator Milne can do so through her Policy Advisor, Jeff Paul at paulj@sen.parl.gc.ca
On behalf of Muriel M. Davidson — my Co-chair of the Canada Census Committee – and all members of the committee, I wish to express our thanks to all who have written letters and email, signed petitions, called their Parliamentary representatives, and who have generally supported our efforts to regain the public access to Historic Census records we believed we were always entitled to.
Click here for the Post 1901 Census Project Web Site.
…Gordon A. Watts {gordon_watts AT telus DOT net}
Outreach Activities at London Branch
The London and Western Ontario Branch of the UELAC has been involved for some years in outreach, as has many branches. For the 12th year an Education Day, May 6, was put on by the Upper Thames Military Reenactment Society at Longwoods Conservation Area. Invitations were sent to all elementary schools in area (Public / Separate / Private) and the event was overbooked.
About 12 presenters plus helpers showed their function to 864 attendees from Grade 7, who paid $6 to attend. This may well be the largest and most successful program of its kind in Ontario. The Students are grouped by schools to have about 70 per group which then move to 12 different stations where they receive a demonstration / lecture for about 12 minutes then they move on to the next station in a round robin fashion. At the end of the day the Red Geraniums are presented by the UEL and the students are told of the significance of the flowers.
Typical topics are:
– Pioneer Cooking
– Life of a private
– Life of an officer
– Mini Militia
– Cannon firing
– Events leading up to the Revolution
– Clothing worn by women
– Music of the period
– Medical simulated demonstration of medical treatment
– Blacksmith shop
– Detailed (12 minute) story of the Battle of Longwoods
All the presenters and assistance are in uniform or period clothing. The presenters are along the edge of about a 3 acre grass area with the students in groups of 50 / 60 in the centre. The students move from presenter to presenter in a clock wise order which takes about 2 minutes. The move is signaled by the firing of the cannon in the cannon demonstration.
Students arrive by 10 am. They bring their lunch and there is a 20 minute lunch period at noon. They are on the bus and gone between 2:00 and 2:30. We old timers then take a break which is very much needed. After you give the same presentation 12 times and answer questions at the end of the day you are beat, but it is enjoyable and we do get the message out.
…Marvin Recker UE
Projects by Branches, Individual Members and the UELAC
Colonel John Butler Branch Involved with Grave Restoration
William Secord Servos died on January 21, 1862 and was buried on his own land. Land records show that his property was originally part of a one hundred acre Crown Land grant made to Thomas Butler, second son of Colonel John Butler. Servos acquired the land on December 10, 1858.
William’s lone grave, once surrounded by orchards and now on private property in an industrial park, is unique in that it has survived over the years in part due to the iron fence erected around the grave and to its location – the farm eventually became part of the Happy Rolph Bird Sanctuary. The broken tombstone was taken from the grave several years ago and stored to avoid further damage.
The restoration of the grave was accomplished with the foresight and assistance of several interested people, businesses and the Colonel John Butler Branch and supported by articles in the St. Catharines Standard. The grave site was restored and the old stone was cleaned and mounted on a granite slab and placed back inside the fence. The company which now owns the land on which the grave is located provided financial support and a commitment to maintain the grave.
Although we were not able to trace William’s family line with any certainty – he died a bachelor leaving all his land to his niece – we do know that many of the Secords and Servos’ who settled in this area were Loyalists and William could well be related to them. A service of rededication of the grave, led by Noreen Stapley UE, was held on May 18, 2005 with members of the branch and the public in attendance. The unveiling of the plaques marking the grave was followed by the Loyalists’ Prayer.
…Noreen Stapley, UE, Col. John Butler Branch
Grand River Branch Marks Loyalist Cemeteries in the Long Point Settlement
The Grand River Branch is undertaking to mark cemeteries in which Loyalists are buried with a sign which reads “UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS BURIAL GROUND”. The project will go on for some years, and the objective is to mark three such cemeteries this year, 2005. Read more about it here.
Loyalist Day Dedication of New Tombstone For Loyalist Lieutenant Jeremiah French
Loyalist Day was celebrated in a big way in Cornwall, Ontario. The Recreated King’s Royal Regiment of New York, Trinity (Bishop Strachan Memorial) Anglican Church and Sir Guy Carleton and St. Lawrence Branches joined together in a church service and in a ceremony to dedicate a new tombstone to honour the memory of Loyalist Jeremiah French.
Lieutenant Jeremiah French was born at Stratford, Connecticut July 8, 1743 and died at Maple Grove, Ontario December 5, 1820. In 1762 he married Elizabeth Wheeler and settled at Manchester, Vermont, then known as the New Hampshire Grants, in 1764. Here he was a town clerk, a select man and a constable for the Town of Manchester.
At the beginning of the American Revolution he remained loyal to the Crown and enlisted in the Queen’s Loyal Rangers, July 5, 1777. His lands in Manchester, Vermont were confiscated and he was put on a list of proscribed people.
Jeremiah French fought at the Battle of Bennington and was taken prisoner August 16, 1777. Captain Justus Sherwood arranged a prisoner exchange in 1779. He resigned his commission in the Queen’s Loyal Rangers after facing charges of corruption of which he was cleared. He joined the Second Battalion of the King’s Royal Regiment of New York as a Lieutenant, November 18, 1781. After the conflict was over, he received a 2400 acre Loyalist grant at Maple Grove near Cornwall, Ontario.
Jeremiah French was the first Member of the First Ontario Legislature for Stormont and one of the founders of Trinity Anglican Church. He was appointed a magistrate for the Eastern District in Upper Canada (Ontario) in 1792. He built a house on his grant at Maple Grove and his son-in-law George Robertson later added to it. His house was moved to Upper Canada Village during the construction of the Seaway. Today it is known as the Robertson House since the management of the Village has de-emphasized the Village’s Loyalist heritage.
Today two of his original pre-revolutionary houses still stand in Manchester. His red Yorker Loyalist uniform is part of a Loyalist display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
In 2004, Shaun Wallace searched Maple Grove Cemetery and found the original marker for Jeremiah French lying in pieces half buried in the ground. Previously Merle and Diana French had uncovered it. Shaun approached Gavin Watt, Commander of the KRRNY and Carol Goddard, President of St. Lawrence Branch and asked for their support for this project. He then asked George Anderson if he would back the restoration and bring in Sir Guy Carleton Branch.
June 19, 2005, Loyalist Day in Cornwall commenced with a church service at Trinity Anglican Church. The Recreated King’s Royal Regiment of New York paraded into the church. Archdeacon Ross Moulton welcomed the Loyalists and theYorkers to this historic Loyalist church. Margaret Hall, Vice President, Central East Region and Kerstine Szederkenyi, a fifth great grand daughter of Jeremiah French did readings. Archdeacon Moulton gave a poignant sermon in which he compared the plight of the Biblical Hagar to that of the Loyalists.
The dedication began with the Royal Yorkers in both their green and red uniforms parading the colours into the cemetery. Carol Goddard, President of St. Lawrence Branch welcomed the assembled people. Sylvia Powers, Past President of Sir Guy Carleton Branch was the co host. Sylvia’s husband Bill is a descendant of Sarah French, a sister of Jeremiah French. Guy Lauzon, the Member of Parliament for Stormont and Dundas brought greetings from the federal government and spoke about the significance of preserving cemeteries. The Provincial Member for Stormont, Dundas and Charlottenburgh, Jim Brownell spoke on preserving local history.
Gavin Watt, Commander of the King’s Royal Regiment of New York explained why some Yorker uniforms were green and others were red. He also spoke briefly about the plight of Jeremiah French and his difficulties with the Queen’s Loyal Rangers. Senior Vice President Peter Johnson, also a descendant of Sarah French brought greetings from Dominion Headquarters. William (Bill) French, Head of the French Family Association from Texas spoke about preserving family history. William French is descended from an uncle of Jeremiah French. Merle French, a member of Edmonton Branch and a descendant of Jeremiah French spoke about Jeremiah French. Merle French is one of only seventeen known descendants of Jeremiah French who bears the French surname.
Janet Anderson, a member of Sir Guy Carleton and St. Lawrence Branches on behalf of George Anderson, a descendant of Jeremiah French, acknowledged and thanked all the people who came to the event, some from many miles away, and the many others who helped with the project.
Archdeacon Moulton of Trinity Church then said a special prayer for Jeremiah French and others buried in the cemetery. Nicolette and Kaitlin Szederkenyi assisted by Margret Hamilton unveiled the new monument. These three young ladies are sixth great grand daughters of Jeremiah French and grand daughters of Mary Van Ryswyk, a member of St. Lawrence Branch.
The Yorkers saluted and Sylvia Powers read the inscription on the new monument. Duncan MacDonald played Amazing Grace on the Pipes while those present were invited to view the graves of other Loyalists buried at Maple Grove. Other known Loyalists buried in the cemetery are Arthur Flaro, Albert French, Michael Hartle and Jacob Van Dusen.
…George Anderson UE (a longer version will be posted soon in the Projects section)
Death Notices
Passed away on the morning of June 17th 2005 peacefully after an incident of coronary arrest surrounded by his family. Cherished husband of Rosemary Anne and father of Martha (Doug), Michael (Rachel), Christopher (Penny), Cynthia, Joseph (Leisa). [note, Rosemary Joy has been a member of the St. Lawrence Branch for many years]
…Lynne Cook UE
Kawartha Branch is very saddened at the death of one of their long-time Directors who was very proud of his Loyalist ancestor, Sergeant John Howell UE, who settled in Fredericksburgh around 1785, built a windmill near the site of the present Lennox Generating Station, remained in Fredericksburgh for twelve years before moving to Sophiasburgh and selling his Fredericksburgh property. “John Howell b. 1753, son of Richard Howell from Wales. When 24 years old he came to Johnstown on the Mohawk River. He was sergeant-major in Sir John Johnson’s 2nd Battalion and was later commissioned in Butler’s Rangers. Disbanded at Oswego he migrated to Cataraqui and Fredericksburgh where he build the first windmill in Upper Canada, a stone structure opposite the Upper Gap. By 1804 he was settled in Sophiasburgh where he was an Indian Agent. He was the Commissioner of the Peace and Colonel of the Militia. He spoke Dutch, French and Mohawk.” — Dr. Richard Preston, Kingston Before the War of 1812, quoted in “Upper Canada’s First Windmill”, The Kawartha Periodical, Volume 10, Issue 2, Fall 2002, pp. 16 – 18).
Stan received his UELAC certification as a direct descendant of Sergeant John Howell UE on April 8, 1984 and was a Director of Kawartha Branch from February 6, 1987 to April 17, 2005.
He is predeceased by his sister, Mildred Ruth Boyer UE (nee McBride), a member of Governor Simcoe Branch, who passed away on April 3, 2005, his brother, Howard Lincoln McBride, and his son, Grant McBride. Lovingly remembered by his wife, Berta Archer Brackenridge, his children Stanley W. McBride and Susan Garlick (nee McBride), grandchildren Brendt Garlick and Kathryn Garlick, great grandchildren Macyn and Jackson Garlick, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Known for his great Irish sense of humour, Stan was the great grandson of Thomas H. McBride and Margaret O’Donnel. Thomas emigrated to Upper Canada in 1850, establishing a blacksmith shop adjacent to the toll gate on the Kingston Road at Grafton, Haldimand Township, Northumberland County, before moving to Cold Springs, Hamilton Township, Northumberland County, where he established that village’s first blacksmith shop in 1852. Thomas H. McBride was one of the five original McBride brothers who emigrated to Upper Canada as Ulster-Scot Presbyterians from northern Ireland along with their families.
…Bob McBride UE
Phyllis Gertrude Shouldice, UE
(nee Lawrence) Peacefully in Hospital surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 23, 2005, in her 86th year. Beloved wife of the late Oliver. Loving mother of Duane, Brian, Sandra, Rick, Jack (Linda), Marsha and the late Bob. She was proud of her participation in the activities of the St. Lawrence Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada. She will be remembered for her story telling, her laughter, and her gift of unconditional acceptance. For those wishing, donations may be made to the St. Lawrence Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada, or a charity of your choice.
…Lynne Cook UE
Queries
ROUTE – noun – [rut] the course, way or road(s) travelled or to be travelled; a fixed regular course or area assigned to a person making deliveries, sales , etc. – Rhymes with boot, shoot and flute.
ROUTE – transitive verb – [rut] to send by a certain route; to arrange or plan the route of (en route) along the way – Rhymes with boot, shoot and flute.
ROUT – noun – [raut] a crowd, a miscellaneous or disorderly concourse; to put to flight; to put to flight; an utter defeat and overthrow; a disorderly and confused retreat of a defeated army etc.; to cut a groove in a wooden or metal surface not extending to the edges; force out of bed or hiding place – Rhymes with out, snout, about.
ROUT – verb – [raut] to root (up or out); to turn, fetch, drive out etc. (of bed, house etc.) to gouge, to scoop, to tear, (out etc.); dig with a snout as pigs do to root about, to search – Rhymes with out, snout and about.
Response re Parents of Edward West
First, KINGCLEAR IS IN YORK COUNTY, N.B. It is here that you may find an answer to your query. There are many records.
Second, while you may possess evidence that William and Israel WEST served in NJV, I can only find a record that Israel served in NJV.
There was a William West but his land grant states that he was “17th Regiment”. This may indicate that he was an officer in the regular British forces who received land in NS and NB and therefore would not be considered a Loyalist unless he was born or resided in America.
If I were to bet on the final conclusion of your evidence on Edward, I would say that Edward was the son of Israel WEST, U.E.
You state that Edward was born in 1789 at Kingsclear…. Israel received most of his grants at Kingsclear and Edward West received his two grants at Kingsclear in 1820.
Find Edward’s petition for land as it would name his father. Each child of a Loyalist was entitled to 200 acres of Free Crown Land.
However, you have a lot of microfilm to search.
The 2nd Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers received a huge tract of land at Kingsclear. Israel West was part of grant – all 70 NJ volunteers received shares. (See NEXT E-MAIL for my attached Notes on Israel WEST).
I maintain a data base on NB and NS Loyalists and as many records as possible. Here is my data on YORK COUNTY.
YORK REGISTRY OFFICE RECORDDS COVER THE YEARS 1784-1980 and include copies of deeds, leases, mortgages, liens and other transactions. A number of Will may also be found in this series.
Consult COUNTY COUNCIL RECORDS (RS160).
PROBATE COURT RECORDS (RS75)
Covers the years 1786-1984
There is a Probate File and Probate Books INDEX which must be consulted before you start your search.
LAND PETITIONS AND GRANTS…
SOME OF THE FIRST LAND GRANTS IN YORK COUNTY WERE ISSUED IN THE KINGSCLEAR AREA….
LAND RECORDS AND LAND PETITIONS (RSIO8)
These are requests submitted to government by those seeking land grants. The records cover the years from 1783 to 1918 and provide the name, age, origin, marital status, number of children, and location and amount of land requested. Additional biographical data is sometimes provided.
An index of some 67,000 names on film F13763 can be borrowed on interlibrary loan. Please note that many people petitioned as a group. In such cases the land petition is filed under the name of the first petitioner. The index provides the name of each petitioner, county, date, and film number for ordering the correct microfilm on interlibrary loan.
LAND GRANTS (RS686)
The land grant books form the official land records kept by the New Brunswick government. Beginning in 1784 those who had been granted land under the Nova Scotia government between 1765 and 1784 were required to re-register their grants in New Brunswick.
The land grant documents cover the years 1784 to 1986 and describe the metes and bounds of granted lands. The name of the grantee is provided but no other biographical information such as the name of wife, children, or birth place is given in this record series. An index to these land grants is available on microfiche for interlibrary loan.
BAPTISM RECORDS….
York – Sunbury (MC300) ” F1281, 1282
Kingsclear Parish Records 1792-1818 F8508
” ” ” 1816-1902 F1096
St. Peter’s 1816-1967 F32
Baptism 1825-1966 F8132
___________________________________
Provincial Death Records 1815-1888 Microfilm F13647.
______________________________________
Israel West was a Loyalist – you must find the proof that states Edward was his son.
Good luck with your search.
…Donald J. Flowers, UE, Toronto Branch
Provincial Archives; Government Records > RS686 Land Grants
WEST, Israel
Volume: B, Page: 506, Grant: 355
– Place/Parish: Kingsclear Parish, County: York County, Date: 1799/12/31, Accompanying plan: No. Acreage: 250, Microfilm: F16302
[Comments by Donald J. Flowers, U.E.: This was an orginal grant to Isreal and other members of the New Jersey Volunteers, See F1034 Land grant at York 1788. You should borrow or purchase the microfilm.]
Other names on this grant: (70)
ALLEN, Isaac……1877 acres
ANDERSON, Cornelius……530 acres
BARBARIE, John……684 acres
BARKER, John……70 acres
BENNETT, James……230 acres
BETNER, Henry……7 acres
BIDDLE, John (heirs)……540 acres
BLOOMFIELD, David……275 acres
BROTHERS, William……160 acres
BURGOINE, Alexander……9 acres
BURPE, David……400 acres
BUTTERWORTH, Moses……170 acres
CAMPBELL, Peter……500 acres
CHURCHILL, Nathaniel……555 acres
COMBES, Leonard Reed……350 acres
COSTIN, Thomas……160 acres
CURRIER, Issachar……390 acres
CYPHERS, George……250 acres
DAY, John……300 acres
DUBOIS, Cuff……240 acres
ESTY, John……570 acres
ESTY, John Jr…….280 acres
EVERETT, George……500 acres
EVERETT, Thomas……698 acres
FLEMMING, John……70 acres
FREELAND, Hartman……300 acres
FRINK, Nathan……440 acres
GARDEN, William……130 acres
GARDIN, William……690 acres
GODIN, Daniel……153 acres
GODIN, Joseph……80 acres
GOOD, David……140 acres
HAMMOND, Archelaus……350 acres
HAMMOND, Archelaus Jr…….75 acres
HAMMOND, Lothrop……75 acres
HANTWARCK, Peter……210 acres
HOLLYWOOD, Thomas……140 acres
HOLMES, Moses……200 acres
HOWARD, John……280 acres
JAMES, Daniel……540 acres
JARVIS, Stephen*……700 acres
JENKINS, John……700 acres
KELLEY, John……800 acres
LAWRENCE, Jonathan……200 acres
LEE, George……476 acres
LEE, Joseph……750 acres
LONG, Abraham……300 acres
LUDLOW, George Duncan……230 acres
MARTIN, John……145 acres
MARTIN, Joseph……100 acres
MERIGOLD, Thomas……480 acres
MILLER, Stephen……230 acres
MILLS, Isaac……200 acres
NYE, John……100 acres
PETERS, Edward……70 acres
PLUMMER, Sylvanus……670 acres
PROSSER, Jeremiah……300 acres
RAINSFORD, Andrew……520 acres
ROBINSON, John……200 acres
RUSSEL, Jacob……640 acres
SMITH, Reuben……670 acres
SMITH, William……175 acres
SPROULE, George……450 acres
TARDY, John……160 acres
TAYLOR, John Lawrence……168 acres
THOMPSON, Cornelius……750 acres
TIBBETS, John……320 acres
WEAVER, George……220 acres
WHEELER, Reynard……800 acres
WHITLOCK, William……500 acres