Plaquing Project: Mount Vernon Pioneer Cemetery, Burlington
Hamilton Branch, UELAC
First-Generation Loyalist Lucas Clement, Jr., UEL
Clement Lucas Jr. and his father Clement Sr. have been on the Hamilton Branch research beginning as far back as 2010. As we all know, genealogy research can get bogged down and the project stopped until a new point of interest takes place. That is the case with Clement Jr. and Sr.
From the first attempt in 2010 researching the Lucas family we knew that both Sr. and Jr. were United Empire Loyalists who received Land Grants in New Brunswick. However, proof of the regiments they fought under in the American Revolutionary War was missing. We also knew that Clement Lucas Jr. was buried at the Mount Vernon Pioneer Cemetery in Burlington.
There definitely is a story here. What regiment did the Lucas men fight under for the King; How did they get north to Parr Town and what year; if Land Grants were awarded in New Brunswick why was Clement Lucas Jr. burial site in Burlington, Ontario? All had to be proven as accurate information prior to the Hamilton Branch UELAC placing a plaque for a Loyalist Burial Ground at Mount Vernon in recognition of first-generation loyalist, Clement Lucas Jr. UEL.
Lots of emailing, telephoning and reading but the Research was not conclusive and stopped for many years.
A new book was written in 2015, American Loyalists to New Brunswick, The Ship Passenger Lists by David Bell.
One day within the past year, 2024/2025, further searching began on Lucas’ again. There was my proof in David Bell’s book and the list of passengers on the Bridgewater coming from New York to land in Parr Town, New Brunswick in June of 1783.
Both Clement Lucas Sr. and his wife and their son, Clement Lucas Jr. were listed as boarding the Bridgewater in New York with the 2nd battalion, New Jersey Volunteers under Captain Joseph Clarke, Company #9.
However, did they really board or were these just names on a listing? It was well known that all the people on these ship lists may not have been on board when the ship left the harbour. Some found passage on another ship or if they had money could have hired another boat to take the family or decided to stay in the States of America. Further proof is needed.
In the book written in 2015 there was also a list of people who landed at Parr Town and received victuals and supplies from the Fort in command under General Gilbert Studholme. Both Lucas men were on the victual listing. Yes, the Lucas did arrive in Parr Town.
Further research showed both Lucas names on the short-term listing of being appointed lots P318 and P319 on the Old Parr Town Site Plan late June of 1783. Research from the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick Library showed copies of Land Grants for both Clement Lucas Sr. and Jr. However, the paperwork indicated these transactions took place in 1785. Thus, both Lucas families were two years on lots P318 and P319 in Old Parr Town.
Further information to the story of Clement Lucas Jr. UEL and when he and his family arrived in Burlington can be found on the Hamilton Branch website at uel-hamilton.com.
PLAQUING PROJECT
The completion of Lucas research and ability to prove accuracy in the UEL designation made the next step to be plaquing of the Mount Vernon Pioneer Cemetery in Burlington priority.
The City of Burlington looks after the property maintenance for Mount Vernon Pioneer Cemetery and they were contacted for permission to place a plaque, Loyalist Burial Ground recognizing the first-generation loyalist buried at this cemetery. We also contacted the Burlington Historical Society.
Appleby United Church was contacted. Mount Vernon is the first pioneer cemetery for Appleby United Church on Spruce Ave. in Burlington. City officials and people from the Historical Society and Church were invited.
A date of June 1st at 2:00 p.m. was planned.
A couple of obstacles had to be addressed. The Burlington Historical Society had no information on Clement Lucas Jr. and copies of proof as an UEL had to be forwarded.
There was a question about the wording on the cairn at the cemetery. The name on the cairn for the person buried in the cemetery was Clement Lucas Sr., not Jr. All generations of Lucas from Ireland to the 13 colonies to New Brunswick had a Clement Lucas and depending on did the current Lucas have any family he was noted Sr. or Jr. When Clement Lucas Jr. arrived in Burlington his father in New Brunswick had passed away and Jr. had a son named Clement Lucas. Therefore, now in Burlington we have another Clement Lucas Sr. and Jr. but Sr. was Junior from New Brunswick. To be correct, the name on the cairn should be changed to Jr. UEL as the reason for the plaque but the visible gravestone is for Clement Lucas Sr. As of October 2025, nothing has been done by the City for correction to the name on the cairn.
A new revelation was found out at Appleby United. There is a very active woman in the congregation, Shirley Gray, who is a descendant of John Lucas, the son of Clement Lucas Jr. UEL. We now have another person to honour at our ceremony.
June 1st arrived. It was a warm sunny day. The ceremony was well attended with probably 45 to 50 people. Our podium was set up near the gate and the plaque. Flag bearers were on guard at the entrance. There was an opening ceremony with a representative from the Mayor’s office giving remarks and Councillor for Ward 5 and the Deputy Mayor of the City (Paul Sharman) also provided remarks. The Historical Society had two representatives present. Shirley Gray and at least ten members from the Church attended. Family of Shirley Gray were also present.
The covering over the plaque was removed by Paul Sharman and Shirley Gray and everyone proceeded, led by the flag bearers, to the far end of the cemetery. We walked past the gravesite of Clement Lucas Jr.
The story of Clement Lucas Jr. UEL was provided by Pat Blackburn and Shirley Gray thanked the branch for doing this plaquing for her ancestor. We finished with the singing of O Canada.
Tea and Cookies were available for all at Appleby United.
Thank you to all from the branch, the City, the Historical Society and the Church who made this plaquing ceremony project a success. A big thank you goes to Shirley Gray for her enthusiasm toward the project.
– Pat Blackburn, UE