the history of peterborough area militia and fenian raids · i know i was drawn to the...

The History of Peterborough Area Militia and Fenian Raids

Includes:

Final Report

By Creighton Avery

Completed for: Lang Pioneer Village

Supervising Professor: Dimitry Anastakis

Trent Centre for Community-Based Education

Department: Canadian Studies Course Code: CAST 4810Y Course Name: Community-Based Research Project Term: Fall/Winter Date of Project Submission: April 2013 Project ID: 4131 Call Number:

A H i s t o r y o f P e t e r b o r o u g h A r e a M i l i t i a a n d F e n i a n R a i d s | 1

The History of Peterborough Area Militia and Fenian Raids

By Creighton Avery Canadian Studies, Trent University April 2013


Table of Contents

Introduction My Research Journey 2 The Project Description 3 The Road Map: Methodological Outline 6 Section A: Timeline 7 Section B: Militia 9 Section C: Participants 12 Section D: Response 13 Section E: Drill Instructions 15 Section F: Songs 16 Concluding Remarks 18 Appendices Appendix A.1: Timeline of the Fenian Raids 20 Appendix A.2: Proclamation 155 by President Andrew Johnson 23 Appendix B.1: Peterborough Veterans of 1866 25 Appendix C.1: List of Volunteers for the Peterborough County Militia 26 Appendix C.2: Notable Individual from Peterborough County Militia 33 Appendix C.3: Fenian Men 40 Appendix C.4: Fenian Men of Note 41 Appendix C.5: Image of Militia Men and Women 44 Appendix D.1: Transcriptions of Selected Newspaper Articles 45 Appendix F.1: The Fenian Song 48 Appendix F.2: The Anti-Fenian Song 49 Appendix F.3: The Maple Leaf Forever 51 References 53


Introduction

My Research Journey into the Peterborough Militia and Fenian Raids Going into my fourth year at Trent University, I had never heard of the Trent Centre for

Community Based Education (TCCBE). I was having difficulties picking courses that really interested me

when a friend suggested I check it out online. Getting on the website, I had an immediate interest

working with the Lang Pioneer Village researching the involvement of the Peterborough Militia during

the Fenian Raids. As an Irish Catholic myself, I had heard of the Fenians many times, and may even have

my own connections to Patrick James Whelan, the suspected murderer of Thomas D’Arcy McGee.

I’m not entirely sure what my initial preconceptions were about completing a project with

TCCBE. I know I was drawn to the marketability of this unique learning experience, and being able to

create relationships with community workers, and community organizations, but it’s gone much further

than this. As an Archaeology Major at Trent, I have learned the value of archives and how this can

supplement archaeological investigations. I have since used this approach to other classes I am taking,

and look forward to applying these skills in the future as well. Through various other aspects of this

course for Trent, I have learned more about how we interpret and present history, and the possible

issues this may cause. This, again, is information I can take with me as I work towards a Masters degree,

or work in various community organizations.

This research journey- and personal journey- would not have been possible without the help of

many people at the Trent Centre, Lang Pioneer Village, and Trent University. While I want to

acknowledge those institutions and organizations, I also want to recognize a number of individuals. First

I want to thank Andy Cragg from the Trent Centre, for introducing me to the program, and this

incredible opportunity. While I was very uncertain at the beginning of this process, you quickly settled

my nerves, and I have not regretted my decision to work with the Trent Centre ever since. I also want to

thank the rest of the staff at the Trent Centre for your support, and help to make this project a

pleasurable and educational journey.

From Trent University I want to thank Dimitry Anastakis for being my course supervisor and

encouraging me to think critically about what I was doing and how re-enactment can be seen in the

much bigger picture. You were a great help at finding resources and certainly made sure my goals were

attainable and achievable. From Lang Pioneer Village, it was really two people whose vision and passion

started this program, and drove it to what it is today. This includes Joe Corrigan, whose interest and

knowledge of the Fenians in Canada I believe is unparalleled, and Laurie Siblock whose enthusiasm and

welcoming nature constantly made me excited for the work I was to do (and the baked goods didn’t hurt

either).

There are also other countless people who have not been recognized by name, but helped me

along the process, by either teaching me how to use microfilms, assisting my research, and so much

more.


The Project Description: #4131 History of Peterborough Area Militia and

Fenian Raids

Organization Information

Lang Pioneer Village was established by the County of Peterborough in 1967 to celebrate and

preserve the rural history of the area. During the last 46 years, it has become one of the major cultural

heritage attractions in central Ontario hosting an average of 20,000 visitors per season. In addition to its

tourist season, which runs from mid-June to mid-September, they host spring and fall education

programs, adult workshops, weddings and several special events throughout the year.

Its operations have an annual economic impact on the greater Peterborough area of $3.5

million. The organization’s vision is “to provide each and every visitor with a living history experience of

exceptional quality”. Its mission is “to preserve, promote and authentically recreate the rural history of

Peterborough County”. Finally, the Lang’s mandate is “to be a vibrant living history museum that

engages our community and actively preserves our cultural heritage in order to provide an interactive

and educational visitor experience”.

Project Information

Lang Pioneer Village has been developing its annual July 1st Historic Dominion Day event over the

past four years in an effort to draw more visitors. In 2007, it was decided to place an emphasis on the

political history of Canada to differentiate its festivities from the parades, festivals and fireworks

displays that generally take place on Canada Day. Lang has a unique opportunity to provide a living-

history interpretation of life at the time of Confederation in 1867. This process started with the reading

of the BNA Act Proclamation by an interpreter playing the part of our first Prime Minister, Sir John A.

Macdonald.

In 2009, this was enhanced with the reading of some of Sir John A.’s speeches and by having an

interpretive exhibit on the Fenian raids (a major factor in the move towards Confederation by the British

North American colonies) along with three re-enactors dressed as Fenians present in the Village and re-

enactors representing Canadian Militia. The ceremonies ended with a brief skirmish in which the three

Fenians were driven off by members of the Canadian Militia.

In 2010 the re-enactment increased in scope and authenticity. In addition to the three Fenian

uniforms the Village created in 2009, three 1870’s vintage Canadian Militia uniforms were acquired.

There were 20 to 25 re-enactors who took part in skirmishes throughout the day culminating in a 10 to

15 minute recreation of the 1870 Battle of Eccles Hill. Sir John’s interpretation was stretched to a 30

minute presentation chronicling the series of events leading up to Confederation and the program

included musical groups playing and singing the patriotic songs of the era. A rare portrait of the Fathers

of Confederation was restored and placed on display for the event as well. Attendance at this event has

increased steadily over the past four years from around 100 in 2007 to close to 300 in 2010. This past

year, at the 2012 Historic Dominion Day, the event drew in around 500 people, which reflects the

growing popularity and development of the program over the years. They would like to see this trend

continue.


In keeping with the Lang’s mission to preserve, promote and authentically recreate the rural

history of Peterborough County, they would like to find out more about the participation of the

Peterborough Region’s militia companies in the Fenian Raids of 1866 through 1870. This would add to

the quality of the interpretation of the event as those interpreters representing the militia troops on the

day would be able to provide visitors with a greater understanding of how the Fenian Raids affected the

local population.

The purpose of the student project is to document the historical connection of the

Peterborough area militia units to the Fenian Raids of 1866 to 1870. They would like to include this story

as part of our annual Historic Dominion Day special event interpretation and other education

programming.

Lang Pioneer Village will provide the student with background information as to the context of

the Fenian Raids. The student will be conducting research that will expand on this base of knowledge

and, using primary sources (local newspapers, firsthand accounts, contemporary documents, military

records), highlight the involvement of local units and individuals who participated in the defense of

Canada during the Fenian Raids. They have set up an exhibit profiling John Beatty who was a member of

the Millbrook Militia Company and who was awarded a medal for his participation in the 1866 raids.

Further research of that nature is required.

We would like the research to include:

A historical timeline of the raids

A list of the local militia companies which existed in Peterborough County in the 1860’s & 70’s

A summary of the deployment of local militia groups during 1866 and 1870

Identification of individual participation in the raids by local citizens and people of note, if

possible

Response of Peterborough Irish community to the Fenian invaders

Identification of specific drill instructions for 1860’s to 1870’s Canadian Militia

Benefit to the Host Organization and the Community

The benefit will be that Lang’s staff will have a greater knowledge of the local involvement in the

Fenian Raids and the reaction of the citizens of Irish decent to this perceived “terrorist” threat

to Canada. It will enhance the quality of our interpretation for the Historic Dominion Day event.

It will also help us to educate and entertain a growing audience in future years growing the

Museum’s annual visitor volumes and revenues. Knowledge of this aspect of our local history

offers us the opportunity to stage other related events and educational programs in the future.

The community will gain an understanding of a little known but important aspect of Canadian

political history through the process of participating in the Historic Dominion Day event. School

programs focusing on this element of Canadian history could be developed providing a broader

base of students with a deeper understanding of their country’s origins.

What Students Might Learn

A heightened awareness of the political, military and social history of 19th-Century Canada


A greater awareness of the history of Peterborough County

Research skills and a better understanding of primary source documentation

Exposure to working with one of the region’s largest living history museums

Screening or Training Requirements

Police records check may be required if the student is based at the Museum

Confidentiality agreement

Skills or Experience Needed

Familiarity with the importance of local history education

Working independently

Working consultatively

Conversation skills

Writing skills

Spreadsheet and mapping skills would be assets

Resources Required for Project that will be provided by Host

Photocopying, office supplies, long distance telephone charges, audio/video tapes, some

transportation costs (up to $500 value in cash & in kind)


The Road Map: Methodological Outline For this project, I first had to sit down and examine what my research objectives were: what did

they want from me? What would help further Lang Pioneer’s Village Dominion Day events? What could I

research? After I identified six areas, I started working.

Starting my research, I was initially lost. As an archaeology student at Trent University, I had

never used archives or many historical records at all, so there was a slight learning curve as I learned

how to research using unfamiliar methods and unfamiliar machines. However, I soon learned that I

loved the archives; I could spend hours in them and only felt as though minutes had passed. I am very

glad I got to experience these troves of knowledge, and learn from the staff at them. I can only hope

that more students in the future learn from the archives, to further their own research and personal

development.

In trying to determine a scope for this product, I quickly realized that I would have to set a limit,

or I would still be researching today. Right away it became clear to me what I was most interested in:

the people. I found it easy to find information about people, the men who signed up as volunteers for

the militia, and the way people wrote about the Fenian Raids in newspapers, and more. When I started

with Lang Pioneer Village, they hoped to identify a few people who had participated in the Fenian Raids,

“if possible.” Shortly after beginning my research, I had identified the names of over 200 individuals

from the Peterborough County, and started to see what else I could learn about these names to make

them people.

What I found most difficult was basics about the militia itself: what drills did they run, when did

the militia form, and so on. I think this can be seen in my research as well. I first had to teach myself

about modern military drills and formations to understand even what to search for past militia groups.

Thankfully, there is a lot more written about these, and those with a more detailed knowledge can

hopefully expand on what I’ve introduced here.

As time began to run out, I realized I wouldn’t be able to research everything. It would seem

that as soon as I thought I had everything, I would find one more piece that would open an entire

avenue of research I hadn’t considered. For this reason, I introduced a “for future research” section.

Understanding that, while I cannot explore everything, perhaps one day others will; and this document,

as well as sources for future reading, will provide them a starting point for their own research.

It is my hope that many people will be impacted by this document, and that it can help expand

many areas of education programming at Lang Pioneer Village. This includes the annual re-enactments

of the Fenian Raids and Dominion Day celebrations, as well as an exhibit or school tours. I also hope that

these materials become accessible for re-enactors, visitors, and other students wanting to explore both

local history, as well as the Fenian Raids. I look forward to seeing the re-enactments at Lang Pioneer

Village, and continuing the relationship I’ve built with the incredible people at this community

organization.


Section A: Timeline

The history of the Fenian Raids can be traced back to 1798, almost a hundred years prior to the

actual raids in Canada. It was at this time that the Fenian Movement became established in Ireland,

opposing English rule, and working to free Ireland from the monarchy. Sixty years later, John O’Mahony

established the Fenian Brotherhood within the United States of America, which would support

endeavours within Ireland from North America.

The Fenians were not a secret organization, and held many public conventions to increase

membership and develop a strategy to gain Ireland’s freedom. These conventions were held in Chicago,

Cincinnati, and Philadelphia; and even included a number of Canadians from Montreal, Quebec City,

Toronto, Hamilton and Goderich. In 1865, the Brotherhood split after they could not agree on tactics,

into two branches. The more militant group, led by William R. Roberts, proposed an invasion of British

North America, with the intent of holding the people and the land hostage until England released Ireland

from its hold. After this, membership of the Fenian Brotherhood soared to over 20,000 men throughout

the United States and Canada.

The rise of this militant group of the Fenian Brotherhood may be seen as a direct result of the

Civil War in the United States (1861-1865). There were hundreds of thousands of Irish people living in

the United States at this time, many of whom joined the Northern and Southern Armies during the Civil

War. Many of these Irishmen also happened to be Fenians, and received proper training in the militia to

become a fighting force. At the end of the Civil War, the Government of the United States of America

allowed all soldiers to keep their rifles, as part of their payment once they were discharged. This event

created a number of well trained- and now well-armed militants who were ready and willing to fight for

the liberation of Ireland.

Still operating as a branch of the Irish Republic Brotherhood in Ireland, Thomas Sweeny (Fenian

Secretary of War) received approval from Ireland to attack British North America. While the attack did

not come immediately, it did heighten tensions along the border and throughout Upper and Lower

Canada.

In some ways, the Fenian Raids can be characterized more by the anticipation and fear of the

raids, instead of the physical raids themselves. This could not be clearer than on March 17th, 1866: St.

Patrick’s Day. After rumours spread that the Fenians were planning at attack on this day, John A.

Macdonald (future Prime Minister of Canada), telegraphed Colonel Patrick MacDougall (Assistant

Adjutant-General of the Militia) ordering him to call out 10,000 men to volunteer for the militia. He

stated that, “they must be out in 24 hours and for 3 weeks and whatever further time may be required”.

After the streets of Toronto and other major cities were lined with a volunteer militia, the day went by

without any incidence and was described as “characteristically un-Irish.” There were also many fears and

concerns which the media helped to perpetuate including raising questions of who was a Fenian within

Canada, how many Fenians might be in Canada, and when and where the Fenians might attack. This all

helped to increase tension and anxiety along the US-Canada border for a number of years.


Less than a month later after the uneventful St. Patrick’s Day, a group of 700 Fenians massed at

Eastport, Maine under the command of Bernard Doran Killian, with the intent of invading Campobello

Island, New Brunswick. However, due to poor planning, the men arrived in Maine weeks before their

arms and munitions arrived, arousing suspicion as to what their intent was. Suspecting an invasion,

British Commander Charles Hastings Doyle responded to their presence by gathering British troops and

Royal Navy warships, and sailing to Passamaquoddy Bay, where the Fenian force was largely

concentrated. Under threat of a much larger battle than they expected, the Fenians began to disperse

from the boarder, without ever fighting the British militia. While this event was not successful for the

Fenians, it is seen as one of the major factors which encouraged New Brunswick to join Confederation,

understanding that as a united country, the province could utilize and depend on the Canadian Militia to

defend them, instead of being on their own to fight Fenians and other invaders.

The next invasion, the Battle of Ridgeway, occurred just over a month later, on June 1st, 1866,

along the Niagara Peninsula. This was the most extensive and organized Fenian attack on British North

America, and the most successful. For weeks prior to the raid, Fenians were gathering in Buffalo to

prepare for the raid. With nearly 1000 Fenians, led by General John O’Neill (former Union cavalry

commander), the Fenian forces arrived in Canada without any army waiting for them, and set out to try

and convince local Canadians to join their cause.

The Canadian Government issued a proclamation, stating that “the soil of Canada has been

invaded… by a lawless and piratical band” and called for 14,000 volunteers to meet the Fenian invaders.

In response, more than 20,000 men volunteered their services, and result that emphasized the support

these men had for their land and their Queen. However, as these men were coming from all across

Upper and Lower Canada, they could not make it to the front immediately, but needed a day or two to

travel to Niagara and receive basic training. Understanding that this delay was inevitable, Lieutenant-

Colonel Alfred Booker, Commanding Officer of the 13th Battalion from Hamilton, gathered 850 Canadian

troops from the local area to meet them at Fort Erie, including members of the Queen’s Own Rifles from

Toronto. On June 2nd the two sides met and began their battle, however, due to confusion and poor

tactics on both sides, the Canadian militia was outflanked, and withdrew, giving the Fenians the victory.1

By the end of the battle, the Canadian militia sustained nine dead and 37 wounded (including three

University of Toronto students), while the Fenian numbered at six dead, and an unknown number of

wounded soldiers.

The following day, knowing that more reinforcements were on their way, General O’Neill of the

Fenian militia ordered the retreat of the Fenians, and they returned to Buffalo. On the other side of the

border, the United States government was ready to greet the Fenians, and confiscated their arms but

did not charge or imprison them. Even though they had retreated from British North America, and had

their weapons seized, they received a hero’s welcome from the Fenian Brotherhood and Irish

Republican Army in Ireland, as this was seen as the first Irish military victory in nearly two centuries.

1 Detailed descriptions with drawings of formations and maneuvers can be found in John A. MacDonald’s

Troublous Times in Canada, full citation in the references section at the end of this product.


While there were no more major raids for almost four years, the Fenians stayed active with

more conferences and conventions in the United States and large support in both the US and British

North America. On March 17, 1867, it was clear that Fenianism was not dead, as St. Patrick’s Day

celebrations were “decidedly Fenian in Character” and heightened tensions once again.

The last major raid was the Battle of Eccles Hill in 1870, which is seen by some as the end of the

Fenian attacks on Canada. After gathering 500 men in Vermont, the Fenians crossed the border south of

Montreal; but things were very different from the Battle of Ridgeway. Most notably, the Canadian

militia had had four years to train and prepare for this, meaning their force was much more coordinated

and organized than they had been at the Battle of Ridgeway. After a short battle, the Fenians retreated

back to Vermont, where US authorities seized weapons once again, and let them go, with the exception

of General O’Neill, who was sentenced to a six month prison term for violation of American Neutrality

Laws (Appendix A.2). This defeat caused a decline in the support for the Fenians, and they began to lose

their momentum and enthusiasm in the campaign.

The following year, General O’Neill led an unsanctioned raid in Manitoba as part of the Pembina

Raid. Working with exiled members of the Red River Rebellion, they took possession of the HBC Trading

Post, but quickly retreated back to the United States. After this, the Fenians were essentially politically

dead, financially bankrupt, and militarily non-existent, and in 1880, the Fenian Brotherhood voted to

disband their organization and militant endeavours.

In 1899, the survivors of the Fenian Raids and the Red River Rebellion were formally recognized

by Queen Victoria, and those who applied for a medal received a General Service Medal for the loyalty

and patriotism they displayed in assisting to defend their country and flag. This was the first medal

create specifically for Canada, recognizing the important events which helped form Canada as a country,

loyal to the Queen above all else.

For the general public, the Fenian Raids inspired fear, but also patriotism for British North

America. This feeling would help establish Confederation, which prior to the raids, was not a popular

idea. However, all along the border, from New Brunswick to Ontario, there was a feeling of Canada, and

connectedness that brought them all together.

A more complete breakdown of the events, including dates and names of key individuals can be

found in Appendix A.1.

Section B: Militia

The earliest record of an organized military presence in Peterborough County dates back to

1837, when a number of individuals marched to York (Toronto) to help subdue the MacKenzie Rebellion.

In the years that followed, battalions quickly formed in Otonabee, Douro, Asphodel, Smith, and North

Monaghan.


On April 2, 1857, the First Volunteer Militia Rifle Company of Peterborough was authorized under

the command of Captain W. A. Scott, and only five years later, Captain Edwin Poole reported that the

company was almost filled (June 19, 1862). To accommodate this, Peterborough Infantry Company No. 2

was recognized (June 8, 1862) under the Honourable S. Smith. Over the following year, three more

companies were formed including:

1st Volunteer Militia Company of Infantry at Peterborough (Captain John Kennedy)

The Volunteer Militia Rifle Company at Lakefield (Captain Vizzards/Captain Leigh)

The Volunteer Militia Company of Infantry at Ashburnham (Captain Robert D. Rogers)

In 1866, the men in Peterborough County militia companies were quick to respond to the Fenian

threat, and while many were deployed, few saw any “real action.” Ashburnham and Lakefield companies

moved to Cobourg in the spring of 1866, but returned 13 days later without seeing any military action.

On June 2, 1866, General Orders, No.2 were issued stating that “The Governor-General and

Commander-in-Chief has been pleased to call out for active service the following corps in addition to

those called out by General Order No.1 of yesterday’s date” (MacDonald 1910: 35-36). This included a

number of local militia groups including the Bobcaygeon Infantry Company, The Peterboro Infantry

Company, Stirling Infantry Company, Napanee Garrison Artillery, and Port Hope Garrison Artillery.

The very next day, “…all the local companies were mustered. They took a train to Cobourg and then

hurried to Toronto. They arrived in time to receive the causalities from the battle at Ridgeway.”

According to Capt. John A. MacDonald in his account in Troublous Times (1910: 87), they arrived in

Toronto on June 5th, along with many other local militia groups including:

Cobourg Cavalry (Col. Boulton): 40 men and 40 horses

Cobourg Batters (Capt. Dumble): 46 men

Ashburnham Infantry (Capt. Rogers): 32 men

Peterboro Infantry (Capt. Kennedy): 50 men

Campbellford Infantry (Capt. Lin): 40 men

Lakefield Infantry (Capt. Leigh): 31 men

Cobourg Infantry (Capt. Elliott): 45 men

Peterboro Rifles (Capt. Poole): 44 men

Cobourg Rifles (Capt. Smith): 47 men

Bowmanville Rifles (Lieut-Col. Cubitt): 40 men

Port Hope Rifles (Capt. Williams): 42 men

And several other companies which arrived later.

Local records state that after finding no battle for them to participate in, “they then went through

Cobourg with the intention of proceeding to Prescott but went to Kingston instead. They returned home

from Kingston on the 19th of June”. According to records taken by Major Pryde, these companies

included:


Peterborough Rifle Company

Peterborough Light Infantry Company No. 1

Ashburnham Light Infantry

Lakefield Company

Even though they hadn’t seen any military action, interest in the militia spiked, and five more

companies were formed including infantries at Millbrook, Norwood, Hastings, and Springville, as well as

an Independent Company of Peterborough under Colonel Fred W. Haultain.

A year later, on May 3, 1867, Peterborough produced “one of Canada’s finest militia units” as the

local companies were amalgamated into the newly formed 57th Battalion under Colonel Edwin Poole.

Men from this battalion would go on to participate in the Red River Rebellion, and many other military

endeavours. In the same year, it was ordered that a Drill Shed was built in Peterborough and funds were

collected for this undertaking.

Companies Amalgamated into 57th Battalion (1867)

No. 1 Company Peterborough Rifle Company H.C. Rogers 33 Men No. 2 Company Lakefield Infantry Company No. 3 Company 1ST Peterborough Light Infantry Company John Kennedy 48 Men No. 4 Company Ashburnham Light Infantry Company J.Z. Rogers 40 Men No. 5 Company 2nd Peterborough Light Infantry Company 32 Men No. 6 Company Norwood Infantry Company Grover 38 Men No. 7 Company Hastings Infantry Company 36 Men

The Regiment’s command structure was as follows:

Lt.-Col. Edwin Poole (Officer Commanding)

Major John Kennedy

Major Edward Leigh

J. W. Dunnett (Paymaster)

Adjutant W. N. Kennedy (Drillmaster)

Sergeant Alexander Morrow (Quartermaster)

Dr. Robert Kincaid (Surgeon)

In 1875, the Third Cavalry Regiment of the Prince of Wales Royal Canadian Dragoon Guards

Company received designated approval, and formed out of the Northumberland Troop of Horse

Dragoons (established in 1833).

In 1899, a number of individuals from Peterborough County were recognized by the Queen for their

contribution and service during the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870, as well as the Red River Rebellion. A

few of these participants were also recognized in the Peterborough Examiner and this image can be

found in Appendix B.1.


Section C: Participants

Through a number of sources (primary documents, National Archives of Canada’s medal registry,

and much more) 203 participants of the Fenian Raids have been identified from the Peterborough

County (Appendix C.1). This includes people from Peterborough, Lakefield, Cobourg, Port Hope and

more, but may only provide a snapshot of those who volunteered their time and services to help repel

the Fenian invaders.

A large number of these individuals received medals for their service, but not all. The Canadian

government awarded the Fenian Raids service medals to members of the Imperial and Canadian forces

who had taken part in the suppression of the Fenian Raids and Red River Rebellion. The medal was

authorized in 1899, 29 years after the last event it commemorated. There were 16,668 medals awarded

with 15,330 going to Canadians. Because the medal was not issued until 1899, it was awarded only if

applied for, and the recipient must have been on active service in the field, served as guard at any point

where an attack from the enemy was expected or had been detailed for some specific service or duty.

On the medals, the recipient’s name, service number, rank and unit were indented, impressed or

engraved on the rim. The obverse side of the circular, silver medal shows a veiled effigy of Queen

Victoria while the reverse side shows the red ensign of Canada, floating with the breeze, surrounded by

a wreath of maple leaves and surmounted by the word Canada.

Within this list of identified Peterborough participants, there are a number of notable people worth

further research. Some of this research has been completed, but it is certainly not exhaustive research.

These notable individuals are listed below. Further information about these selected individuals can be

found in Appendix C.2.

John Augustus Barron (11 July 1850- 8 January 1936), Federal Politician

Corelli Collard Field, Mayor of Cobourg

John Wesley Kennedy (1845- 12 February 1910), Entrepreneur

Hon. William N. Kennedy (28 April 1839-3 May 1885), Politician and entrepreneur

Wesley Miller (4 October 1845- 28 October 1938)

Henry Cassady Rogers (b. 16 July 1839), Postmaster

Thomas Rutherford (1849-1915), Contractor and Fire Chief

Henry Thomas Strickland (1836-30 May 1908)

F Yokome, Managing editor of the Peterborough Examiner

In an effort to prevent a “one-sided view” of the Fenian Raids, I’ve also included a small list of

Fenians who participated in the raids (Appendix C.3). Even though they were not from Peterborough

County, I thought it was very important to include details about these people to emphasize that they too

were ordinary people with backgrounds of their own. In conversation with Dimity Anastakis at Trent

University, I thought it was important to give details of a few Fenians, so the re-enactors at Lang Pioneer


Village have a more complete knowledge of these people, and what they were fighting for. More

information on a selected few can be found in Appendix C.4, and covers the following individuals:

Edward R. Lonergan (2 June 1845-2 June 1866), Carpenter

Father John McMahon (1820- 27 April 1872), Chaplain

John C. Canty, Chief of Staff: Intelligence

It can be assumed that not only men were affected by the Fenian Raids, however there is little

information regarding women’s roles during the Fenian Raids. The only reference I could find was a

solitary image of men and women, with the men in their formal regalia, however, it is unclear if this

photograph was taken during the period of the Fenian Raids, or afterwards in relation to the Boer War.

Further research into minority groups of any kind would greatly benefit the re-enactments at Lang

Pioneer Village, through the incorporation of these people and what their roles may have been.

Section D: Response

To explore the response of the Peterborough community, I specifically looked at newspapers to

understand how the facts and stories were being presented and interpreted in the community.

Thankfully, the Peterborough Examiner has a very long history, and covered many of the events

surrounding the Fenian Raids. Various articles cover the raids themselves, trials of prisoners, speeches

from parliamentarians, and more.

These are all very interesting to understand Peterborough’s reaction to the Fenian Raids,

although some caution should be taken. A number of the articles were reprinted from various other

newspapers, including London, Kingston, and Ottawa, and were not written by people local to

Peterborough and may not aptly portray their reactions. However, I believe that because the articles

were chosen by people within Peterborough to be printed for the public, it indicates that they did speak

to their interests and concerns.

There are also a number of articles that were written by people within Peterborough, which

offer great insight. This includes “Are there Fenians in Peterborough?” and another article simply

entitled “Prisoners” which references various people within Peterborough that were arrested or accused

of Fenianism (Appendix D.1).

Below is a list of articles and print dates that have been gathered from the Trent Valley Archives:

24 March 1864 First Fight of the Fenians

7 April 1864 The Fenian Brotherhood

22 December1864 Fenian Excitement

29 December 1864 Fenian Raid into Canada

2 November 1865 The Fenian Congress

7 December 1865 Fenians in Canada

7 June 1866 Fenians


Latest reports

News from Various Quarters Yesterday

The Excuses of the Prisoners who have been taken

Mr. McGee on the Fenians

Disgraceful conduct of American citizens

Ireland

14 June 1866 Fenians Recruiting

Speech from the throne

The Habeas Corpus Suspension Act

Incidents of the Limebridge

Fenian Folly

14 June 1866 Suspension of the Habeas Corpus

Prisoners

What Fenians are composed of

21 June 1866 War Imminent

Among the Fenians

The True way to deal with Resident Fenian Sympathizers

21 May 1868 The Stabbing Case and Fenianism

Fenian Excitement

The Roman Catholics on the Church Debate

28 May 1868 Are there Fenians in Peterborough?

The Stabbing and Shooting Case

Father McMahon

23 June 1870 Fenianism not Dead

16 May 1878 Another Fenian Raid

For further research:

Due to the limited scope and timeframe of this project, this paper only explores reactions in the

Peterborough Examiner; however, there are a number of other local papers available through Trent

University microfilms that could be explored for other references to the Fenian Raids. I believe adding

multiple newspapers to better understand reactions would help diminish biases or skewed perspectives

on the issue. These papers include:

The Intelligencer (Bellville, Ontario; 1862-1960)

Campbellford Herald (1873-1900)

The Canadian Post (Lindsay; 1861-1898)

Canadian Statesman (Bowmanville; 1868-1899)

Cobourg Star/Sentinel (1831-1876)

Daily Examiner (Peterborough; 1891-1905)

The Daily Ontario (Belleville; 1910-1925)

Peterborough Times (1872-1914)

Port Hope Guide (1855-1934)


Section E: Drill Instructions

As the Fenians Raids ultimately prompted the formation of the Canadian Militia as opposed to

relying on British forces, there is a great deal written on drill instructions from this time period.

However, as the Canadian militia was formed in response to the Fenian Raids, a large portion of this

work was written immediately following the raids. This may create a slight difference from drills and

formations used during the raids, as more thought would have been put into these documents before

being finalized. However, they most certainly indicate attitudes towards the militia, and what would

have been expected of the militia at the time.

The documents examined here are completed to varying degrees of thoroughness, but I believe

a great deal can be taken from these and applied to the re-enactments at Lang Pioneer Village. Of

particular use is The Guide: A Manual for the Canadian Militia by Lieutenant-Colonel W. D. Otter (1880).

In this, Otter stressed the importance of silence, stating that, “if there is talking in the ranks it is a sure

sign that its discipline is of a low order” (p65). The document goes on to address parade formations,

examination of arms, and salutes of ranked officers. There is also a large section on bugle calls, which

may be employed for larger groups instead of calling out commands.

The Instructive Handbook of Reference by Sections to Squad, Company and Battalion Drill by

Capt. Wallace of the 36th Peel Battalion offers insight into various drills preformed at this time. The

paper goes through great detail of what the order of drills is, but offers little to no explanation of what

each drill is. These drills are run over a period of twelve days at a militia encampment. They explore

marching, firing, fixing bayonets, and more. Many sections also reference other documents (for

example, “Manual Exercise, 1894”) which may indicate other sources to explore for definition and

explanation of the drills themselves.

Perhaps of most use is the Military Drill and Rifle Instruction Book for the use of the Canadian

Volunteers by Captain John Garven, under the sanction of Colonel Dyde, Commanding the Active Force.

In the preface, Captain Garven writes that this work was created to, “to facilitate the attaining

perfection in drill by the Canadian Volunteers.” By name alone, it is clear that this document was

targeted at the men who are not professionally trained militia, but have other occupations and

obligations outside of the militia. However, as Canada did not have their own militia at this time, training

volunteers was incredibly important to ensure that Canadians could defend their own lands in event of

attack.

Written with great detail, it was hoped that each man in a volunteer militia would be provided a

copy of this instruction book to learn the drills and be prepared for when called for service. Much like

Otter’s Guide, this document also covers a number of bugle calls, which every man would need to know,

in order to properly understand and interpret them.

The final document identified for this product is Regulations respecting the Volunteer Militia,

published in 1866 “by the Command of his Excellency the Commander in Chief”. While this document


does not detail specific drills and formations, it turns its attention to legal ramifications of the volunteer

militia, rates of pay, and duties of various positions (for example, quartermaster). There are also

numerous notes of the behaviour and appearance of the volunteer militia when travelling and when at

camp. This includes “any spirituous liquors in possession of the men to be taken away and destroyed.

The men should have been forbidden to take any liquor with them before starting” (p 20). This is then

followed by a number of forms including pay notes, expense sheets, and more.

Section F: Songs

“Music has been used in war since the first discovery that even one sound or note, rhythmically repeated,

aroused a man emotions that speech could never evoke.” (Report No. 47, p1.)

Historically, instruments such as bugles and drums have been used as means of control on the

battlefield, but as early as 1871 with the formation of the regular Canadian Army, military bands were

used more for recruiting and state occasions. Between 1869 and 1870, there were 46 bands in the

Canadian militia ranging from 10 to 21 musicians in each. In 1898, that Major-General Edward Hutton

(Commander of the Canadian Militia) stated the importance of a good military band, and wished to

expand Militia School of Music to improve existing and future militia bands. Within a year, General

Hutton had a permanent band for the Royal Canadian Artillery in Quebec with a bandmaster and was

available for both state and public occasions of importance.

While there were no formally established bands at the time of the Fenian Raids, there were a

number of militia men that banded together to create music. One student wrote:

“On my way to school I had to pass the Grand Trunk station. Upon this particular

morning in May, 1866, the alluring sound of fife and drum led me to cross the railway

tracks and join the crowed on the station platform. The volunteers of Peel had been

called out to help repel the Fenian Invasion….The fife and drum struck up the tune of

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the boys are marching, the men began to sing, the crowd

commenced to cheer and the train pulled out for Toronto, and , as we feared, the front.”

(Report No. 47, p6)

During the Fenian Raids, a wide variety of songs were written. The “Fenian Song” was written by

Fenians after a skirmish at Lime Hill (1866) against the Queen’s Own Rifles of Toronto, jeering at them.

Once the Canadian troops assembled and the Fenians withdrew across the border, “An Anti-Fenian

Song” was created to the tune of “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,” with the verses credited to Lachlan McGoun

of Port Hope.

Many other songs were written at this time, and dedicated to the volunteers across the country,

including “Up Volunteers!” and “The Canadian Volunteer’s Farewell”. Other songs include:

Selection of Songs from 1867-1880

Year of Publication Song Title Composer


1867 The Maple Leaf Forever Alexander Muir 1868 Our Old Canadian Home C. P. Woodlawn 1873 This Canada* J. D. Edgar 1872 Canadian National Hymn G. C. Hutchinson 1876 Canada, the Gem in the Crown J. Davids 1880 God Bless our Wide Dominion Arthur Sullivan

*Winner of a Montreal Contest in 1868 as the best national song

There is also a large collection of songs written by the Fenians which call for Irish men to take

action against their oppressors, and tyrants that rule their lives. The songs are true to various political

movements happening at the time, and are an interesting way to chronicle the Fenian Raids. One such

song, “The Fenian Scare” (to the tune of “The Low Backed Car”) mentions the Fenian Scare on St.

Paddy’s day, and how parliament annulled the Habeas Corpus Act, which requires a person under arrest

to be brought before a judge and court, and released if there is insufficient evidence against them.

Other songs are more poetic, and speak to the beauty of Ireland and for what they are fighting.

With the formation of the 57th Battalion in 1867, the 57th Battalion Band was also formed, and

performed at various events, including the first Dominion Day celebrations in Peterborough. According

to a newspaper article published on 19 January 2013, “the new 57th Battalion Band played military airs

throughout the day, and performed very well considering that the new director, Mr. Rackett, did not

arrive from Kingston until later in the month. Their efforts were very appreciated.”

While many songs have been collected, three songs in particular stand out for their rich history

and involvement with the Fenian Raids. The first of these three is A Fenian Song (Appendix F.1). On 31

May, 1866, about 1200 Fenians crossed the border from Buffalo, and the Queen’s Own Rifles rushed to

the scene under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Booker. Largely made up of college

students, they were soundly defeated and retreated in confusion. The Fenians celebrated their victory

and created this song.

The second song of note is the Anti-Fenian Song (Appendix F.2). Only three days after defeating

the Queen’s Own Rifle, the Fenians found themselves outnumbered at Fort Erie, and withdrew across

the border. The Canadian Volunteers who went out to fight the Fenians felt proud, and as they returned

home, made up the Anti-Fenian Song, set to the tune of “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys Are Marching.”

This song would continue to be an important military song, and has been adapted many times, including

for the Northwest Rebellion (1885) and the Boer War (1899).

Another popular song, which continues to be influential even today, is The Maple Leaf Forever

(Appendix F.3), written by Alexander Muir, a member of the Queen’s Own Rifles, who had served with

the regiment at the Battle of Ridgeway. This young Scotsman was a school teacher in Scarborough, and

as the story goes, was walking through Leslie Gardens in 1867, when a maple leaf floated down and

clung to his sleeve. After trying to brush it off, he remarked jokingly, “the maple leaf forever.” However,

when he got home, the phrase ran through his mind until he created a poem with it. It wasn’t until his

wife suggested he set it to music, so his students could sing it, did it become the famous song it is today.


Concluding Remarks

From all the data gathered throughout this product, many themes have become apparent. Initially I

thought I would find conflicting opinions regarding the Fenians Raids within the Peterborough

community. However, the reaction I have found is that the inhabitants of Peterborough County were

strongly against the raids. This can be seen not only in the newspaper clippings, and stories published

about the raids, but the great number of men who signed up to volunteer in the militia and stop them.

However, we also have to keep in mind the information not found in this document. If the majority

of the population was against the Fenian Raids, and publishing articles titled, “The True way to deal with

Resident Fenian Sympathizers,” you’d probably want to keep your support quiet. This research also fails

to explore various minority groups and women. For future research, it would be very interesting, albeit

challenging, to explore women’s roles and opinions of the raids. I believe it would offer another

perspective for the re-enactments at Lang Pioneer Village, and a more well-rounded interpretation of

the events and the time period in general.

To explore the response of the Peterborough community, research was only conducted within one

newspaper, the Peterborough Examiner. A number of other newspapers from the time period have

been identified, but were not researched in depth. This may add to a slanted and skewed presentation

and/or view of the Fenian Raids, and may not accurately portray reactions of the Peterborough

community.

However, it is interesting to see how prominent the Fenian Raids were at this time. While today

most people would comment, “What are Fenians?” at the end of the nineteenth century, it seems as

though the Fenians consumed daily life. Again, this can be seen in the newspaper articles, the expansion

of the militia, and the themed songs that were produced in this time period.

When exactly the Fenians started to fade from national memory is also still a mystery to me. As the

last fight on Canadian soil, you would think it would still hold some significance to Canadians, just as the

Civil War did for Americans (which took place prior to the Fenian Raids). Happening directly between the

American Civil War, and the Boer War, the Fenian Raids have seemed to be forgotten in their place in

history. Perhaps in three years’ time, on the 150th anniversary of the Fenian Raids, there will be more

pomp and circumstance regarding public memory and commemoration. Or, will it be over shadowed by

the 150th anniversary of Confederation, instead? Only time will tell.

All the information collected in this product was gathered from within Peterborough, Ontario and

through online resources. Certainly research at the National Archives in Ottawa, or Ontario Archives

would be helpful, but I found there was enough evidence and research available in Peterborough for my

scope of the product. For future research, I would most certainly recommend further use of these

sources including local archives to delve more into Peterborough County’s involvement and local

opinion of the raids.


Finally, it is important to note that we can only discuss what we have evidence of; verbal

communications and works that did not survive the almost 150 years since the Fenian Raids. Therefore it

is important that we use this information with a grain of salt, understanding we don’t have- and may

never have- the full picture.


Appendices

Appendix A.1: Timeline of the Fenian Raids

Year Month Day Event

1798 Origins of the Fenian Movement in Ireland

1858 Formations of the Irish Republican organization "The Fenian Brotherhood" by John O'Mahony

1863 November Fenian Brotherhood held its first convention in Chicago; with delegates from at least five Canadian cities (Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Hamilton and Goderich)

1865 January Fenian Convention in Cincinnati

1865 Fenian Convention in Philadelphia

1865 The Brotherhood spilt in late 1865 when the more militant group, led by William R. Roberts and calling itself "men of action" proposed its own plan for liberating Ireland, namely through an invasion of British North America

1865 Winter Membership of the Fenian Brotherhood reached approximately 20,000 men, and it extended throughout the entire United States with supporters in Canada

1866 February 17 British Parliament, in a special session, suspended the habeas corpus act in Ireland

1866 February 19 IRB (Irish Republic Brotherhood) approved Fenian Secretary of War Tom Sweeny's plan to attack British North America

1866 March 7 Sir John A. Macdonald telegraphed Colonel Patrick Macdougall, the Assistant Adjutant-General of the Militia, and ordered him to call out ten thousand men of the volunteer force, stating that “they must be out in 24 hours and for 3 weeks and whatever further time may be required.” This was a precaution against anticipated attacked on St. Patrick's Day after the Fenians held a mass meeting in New York and threatened to invade north

1866 March 17 Expected Fenian movements, but St. Patrick's Day came and went without any incident along the Canadian-American frontier

1866 April 10 A group of Fenians (700 men) massed at Eastport, Maine intending to invade Campobello Island, New Brunswick.

1866 April 14 A Fenian raid on New Brunswick began on the night of April 14, almost immediately turned into a hopeless fiasco. They withdrew in the face of the Canadian Militia, British warships and American authorities

1866 April 17 The encounter was short and the Fenians were defeated as Gen. Meade took possession of O'Mahony's ship and arms

1866 May 27 Col. John O'Neill and his 13th Fenian Regiment moved by train north out of Nashville, Tennessee, arriving in Buffalo, New York, on the 29th with


reinforcements gathered en route

1866 May 31 About 800 Fenians under John O'Neill crossed the Niagara River at Buffalo into Canada. They occupied Fort Erie and cut telegraph lines. The Buffalo and Lake Huron railroads were also cut before the Fenians proceeded inland. Much of the Canadian Militia was ordered out to counter the move

1866 June 1 3:15 Cavalry officer Owen Starr crossed the Niagara with the Kentucky and Indiana troops and proceeded to the ruins of the old military Fort Erie to capture the Buffalo and Lake Huron railway depot. For Erie, lightly defended by just six Royal Canadian Rifles, fell to the Fenians

1866 June 1 Canadian Government issued a proclamation stating that "the soil of Canada has been invaded…by a lawless and piratical band," and the order was given to call out 14,000 volunteers to meet the emergency. The population responded with great enthusiasm; over 20,000 men volunteered their services

1866 June 2 Canadian forces under Alfred Booker were driven back by the Fenians at Ridgeway, Ontario with the loss of 10 dead and 38 wounded. Fenians retreated to Fort Erie where they were engaged by another Canadian militia force under the command of John Stoughton Dennis. The Canadians were forced back with the loss of 6 wounded and 54 prisoners

1866 June 2 Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant (USA) called out to the American militia on the Frontier, to prevent hostile expeditions leaving the United States, and to save private property from destruction by mobs

1866 June 3 Over 20,000 militia had taken arms and been called out. The main Canadian force commanded by George Peacocke entered Fort Erie

1866 June 3 O'Neill and the Fenians retreated back across the border to the US where they were given a hero's welcome

1866 June 4 Roberts (President and Head Centre of the Brotherhood) would not admit defeat, and issued a proclamation which called upon all Irish-Americans to continue to struggle for the Fenian Cause

1866 June 6 2000 veterans of the Civil War charged across the United States border at St. Albans, Vermont, and began their attack on British North America; Fenian Brigadier Samuel P. Spear led the attack

1866 June 6 President Andrew Johnsons belated "Neutrality Proclamation" which was made public one week after the Fenians had openly violated America's neutrality laws.

1866 June 7 A force of slightly over 1000 men made a belated attempt to invade Canadian territory from the Vermont border. They did manage to cross into Missisquoi County and occupied Pigeon Hill after driving off some volunteer units that were on duty in the area. They received no reinforcements and their arms supply was seized by federal marshals in St. Abans. When they finally heard that British regulars were approaching, they quickly retreated to American territory. Once again, the leaders were arrested

1866 June 8 Parliament of the Province of Canada re-assembled in Ottawa and procured the temporary suspension of the habeas corpus art in the


province until 8 June 1867

1866 June 9 General Meade (USA) issued the following order: All persons assembled at this place in connection with, and in aid of the Fenian organization for the purpose of invading Canada, are hereby ordered, in compliance with the President's proclamation, to desist from their enterprise and disband. Within a matter of days the frontier was free from almost all the Fenians

1866 June 11 Several resolutions were introduced in the House by Representative Ancona (Pa.) and Schenck (Ohio) which sought to repeal or amendment of the existing neutrality legislations

1866 June 18 Roberts met with influential politicians at Washington and was promised further moral support for the cause of Irish Freedom

1866 July 27 First alarm of another Fenian raid at Fort Erie: Reeve Kempson telegraphed General Napier that "Fenians were crossing near Fort Erie in considerable numbers" further information showed that there was no actual danger, but nerves were heightened

1866 September 4 Roberts held a convention at Troy, New York. He convinced others that they learned a valuable lesson from the previous raid, such as the poor quality of the Canadian militia, and persuaded others for another raid; this meeting was attended by Canadian delegates

1866 September 8 Following the convention, it was decided that the Brotherhood's plans would be formulated in greater secrecy to prevent vital information from falling into British hands

1866 October President Johnson promised to seek either the release of the Fenian prisoners still being held in Canadian jails, or at least their immediate trials, for which the American Government would provide legal counsel if the defendant held US citizenship

1867 March 17 Saint Patrick's Day: confirmed the revival of Fenianism in Canada: in Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa the celebrations were “decidedly Fenian in character”

1867 July 1 Confederation became law; politicians immediately began to campaign for seats in the new Dominion Parliament or in the new provincial legislatures

1867 December O'Neill became president of the Roberts faction of the Fenian Brotherhood

1867 IRB Headquarters in Manchester opted to support neither of the dueling American factions, promoting Clan na Gael instead

1868 April 7 D'Arcy McGee was assassinated by a Fenian sympathizer for his condemnation of the raids in Ottawa, Ontario

1868 Fall O'Neill sought to rally his supporters for another raid; Canadian authorities were aware of his intentions long before they could be fully realized, and thereby forced the abandonment of the plan

1869 Fall Further rumours of Fenian raids; lack of money, deteriorating membership made any effective invasion utterly infeasible

1870 May 25 General O'Neill's last foray into Canada was crumbled by Canadian militia at Eccles Hill


1870 May After the failure at Eccles Hill, O'Neill was arrested by federal authorities and sentenced for six month prison term for violation of the American neutrality laws

1871 O'Neill led an unsanctioned raid (Pembina Raid) with Fenian supporters and exiled members of the Red River Rebellion. Crossed the border into Manitoba, and took possession of the HBC trading post on the Canada side, but was once against, unsuccessful

1871 Fenian Brotherhood was political dead, financially bankrupt, and militarily non-existent

1880 Fear of Fenian attack plagued the Lower mainland of British Columbia, as the Fenians were organizing in Washington and Oregon, but these raids never actually materialized

1880 Fenian Brotherhood voted to disband

1885 British warships sat in the harbour just off the railhead and its dock; there because of the treat of Fenian attack or terrorism

1899 Survivors of the Fenian Raids and Red River Rebellion were recognized by Queen Victoria, and each received a General Service Medal for the loyalty and patriotism they displayed in assisting to defend their country and flag

Appendix A.2: Proclamation 155 by President Andrew Johnson Andrew Johnson XVII President of the United States: 1865-1869. Proclamation 155- Warning against Participation in an Expedition against North American Colonies of Great Britain June 6, 1866

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Whereas it has become known to me that certain evil-disposed persons have, within the territory and

jurisdiction of the United States, begun and set on foot and have provided and prepared, and are still

engaged in providing and preparing, means for a military expedition and enterprise, which expedition

and enterprise is to be carried on from the territory and jurisdiction of the United States against

colonies, districts, and people of British North America, within the dominions of the United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Ireland, with which said colonies, districts, and people and Kingdom the United States

are at peace; and

Whereas the proceedings aforesaid constitute a high misdemeanor, forbidden by the laws of the United

States as well as by the law of nations:

Now, therefore, for the purpose of preventing the carrying on of the unlawful expedition and enterprise

aforesaid from the territory and jurisdiction of the United States and to maintain the public peace as

well as the national honor and enforce obedience and respect to the laws of the United States, I,


Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, do admonish and warn all good citizens of the United

States against taking part in or in any wise aiding, countenancing, or abetting said unlawful proceedings;

and I do exhort all judges, magistrates, marshals, and officers in the service of the United States to

employ all their lawful authority and power to prevent and defeat the aforesaid unlawful proceedings

and to arrest and bring to justice all persons who may be engaged therein.

And, pursuant to the act of Congress in such case made and provided, I do furthermore authorize and

empower Major-General George G. Meade, commander of the Military Division of the Atlantic, to

employ the land and naval forces of the United States and the militia thereof to arrest and prevent the

setting on foot and carrying on the expedition and enterprise aforesaid.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cans the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 6th day of June, A.D. 1866, and of the Independence of the United

States the ninetieth.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.


Appendix B.1: Peterborough Veterans of 1866

Figure 1: Trent Valley Archives, Fonds 312

The following names were

provided with the image on

page 24:

1. David Breeze

2. M. McCue

3. J. Gary

4. J. Matchett

5. Fred Mitchell

6. S. Glass

7. Wm. Anthony

8. P. G. Gifford

9. P. Thompson

10. Edward Green

11. Robert Grub

12. Hon. Wm. K.

Kennedy

13. W. J. Lundy

14. C. Phillip

15. John Green

16. W. Logan

17. F. McCorry

18. Erasmus Green

19. G. Rose

20. A. Rouille

21. John Lylie

22. H. W. Walton

23. George Stethem

24. Robert Podash

25. Richard Sanderson

26. E. Tully

27. John Smight

28. J. I. Davidson

29. Richard Tivey

30. Wm. Scollie

31. John Haggart

32. Harry McNeil

33. G. Brown

34. Thomas Brown

35. George Stenton

36. Homer J. Holmes

37. J. Craig

38. John Irwin

39. A. J. Schofield

40. T. J. Nichol

41. R. Wright

42. S. Montgomery

43. John Craig

44. R. D. Rogers

45. John Gow

46. David Law

47. J. Mowry

48. J. Cookson

49. Robert Thompson

50. J. W. Miller

51. Wm. Langford

52. C. Dudman

53. E. Walton

54. F. R. Yokome

55. Henderson Nesbitt

56. J. D. Collins

57. A. P. Poussett

58. Col. Narry C. Rogers

59. Col. J. Z. Rogers

60. Sidney Smith

61. R. H. Lithgow

62. J. B. McWilliams

63. Dawson Kennedy

64. R. N. Roy

65. Ben Shortly

66. Harry Rush

67. A. Bell

68. J. Alexander

69. Patrick Kennedy

70. Capt. Wm. Johnson

71. Thomas Rutherford

72. George May

73. Lt. Col. Poole

74. Lt. Col. Robert Bell

75. H. C. Strickland

76. John Kennedy

77. Wm. Hill

78. D. Campbell

79. George Kingdon

80. R. M. Sheppard

81. Lt. Col. R. Z. Rogers

Appendix C.1: List of Volunteers for the Peterborough County Militia

Last Name First Name Rank Regiment NAC-Medals

Alexander John Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Allen George Emerson

Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Anthony William Henry Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866 and 1870) Red River (1870)

Armour John D. Ensign Cobourg Battery Garrison Fenian Raid (1866)


Artillery

Armstrong James Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Arnot David Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Arnot Peter Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Ball Joseph Sergeant Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Barron John Augustus Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Bayly Charles Griffith Bugler Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Beatty Charles Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Beatty John 46th East Durham Battalion of Infant Brockville and Ottawa

Fenian Raid (1866)

Bell Alexander (Dr.) Assistant Surgeon

57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Bell Alfred Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Bell George Douglass

Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Bell John Wesley Sergeant 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Bell Robert Lt. Col

Boggs George Fitzgerald

Private The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Boulton Darcy Edward Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Boulton Darcy Edward Jr.

Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Bourn W. C.

Braden Robert A. Private The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Breeze David Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Brickley James Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Brown G.

Brown Thomas 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Burke Thomas Sergeant 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866 and 1870)

Burnham William L. Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion


Campbell Duncan 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Cathcart Thomas Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Clifford William Henry Private Peterborough Rifle Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Climo Thomas Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Fenian Raid (1866)

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/medals/001099-119.01-e.php?&person_id_nbr=14993&interval=50&&PHPSESSID=kp55jvf6gpg2m8te8fbk7tclh0










Artillery 40th Battalion

Collins Joshua Durham

Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Cookson J.

Craig J.

Craig John

Craig Thomas Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Croft Richard Corporal The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Day John Edward Private Port Hope Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Davidson John Irvine Sergeant 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Deacon William S. Corporal Ashburnham Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Densmore Jonathan W. Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Deviney Hugh Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Deviney James Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Dixon Adam Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Dudman C.

Dumble Albert E. Private Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Dumble John Henry Captain Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Edmonds Edward 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Emsur Narsus Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Fairbairn Alexander Lakefield Volunteer

Ferguson Andrew Private The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Ferguson Robert Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Field Corelli Collard Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Field Francis Meade Woodbury

Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Fitzgerald A

Forbes Peter Private Independent Company Lindsay Fenian Raid (1866)

Garrett Andrew W. Private The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop


Ghreen John Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)








Gifford Peter Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Glass Samuel Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Gow John Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Graham William Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Gray Jesse Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Green Edward Bugler 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Green Erasmus Sergeant 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Grub Robert

Haggart John

Hair Evans Ingram Corporal 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Hale George Hughes Private Independent Company Lindsay Fenian Raid (1866)

Hales Edward Private Port Hope Garrison Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Hayden Frederick Bandsman Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Hayden John Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Hill Wm.

Holmes Homer, J.

Hossack James Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Howard Theodore Arnold

Sergeant The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Humphrey William Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Humphries Job Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Hunter William Private Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Irwin John Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Jaynes Daniel Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Johnson Wm. Captain

Junkin James Sergeant 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Junkin Robert Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Kennedy Dawson

Kennedy James Croft Sergeant 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Kennedy John Wesley Ensign 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)
















Kennedy Joseph Henry Captain 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Kennedy Patrick Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Kennedy Wm. N. (Hon) Lt. Col 1st Company, Peterborough Rifles/57th Peterborough Battalion

Keogh Peter Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

King John Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Kingdon George Samuel Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Kingston John J. Private Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Kylie John Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Langford William Corporal 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Larmour William James Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Law Alfred Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Law David

Lawes Charles Corporal Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion

Fenian Raid (1866)

Lean Henry Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Leigh Edward Captain 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Lithgow Robert Hiram Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Logan William Sergeant 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Londerville Peter Private Ashburnham Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Lucas William 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Lundy William Rusk Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

MacKechnie Charles William McDonald

Private Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Martin William Corporal 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Matchett John S. Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

May George Henry Corporal 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

McCombe John Private Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

McCorry F.

McCue Matthew Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

McCutcheon Alexander Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troops

Fenian Raid (1866)

McDonald William Sergeant 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866 and 1870)




















McEvers William Private Prince of Hales Dragoon Guards Cobourg troop of Cavalry

Fenian Raid (1866)

McGimsie Robert Private Port Hope Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

McGregor William Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

McMahon Hugh Private Peterborough Rifle Company

McNeice Henry Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

McNeil Harry

McWilliams John Bannon Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Metcalf Frederick Corporal The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troops

Fenian Raid (1866)

Miller Wesley Corporal 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Minaker David Hicks Sergeant Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Mitchell Frederick Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Mitchell William Sergeant 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Montgomery Samuel Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Mowry John Hatin Sr. Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Munro John Trooper Prince of Hales Dragoon Guards Cobourg troop of Cavalry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Musgrover Joseph A. Private Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Neithercut Montgomery Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Nesbitt Henderson Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Nicholl Tom John Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Orde Francis William Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Perry Buchanan 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Peters William Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Phillips Charles E. Sergeant 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Philp Harry Bugler 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Plews James Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Podash Robert

Polkinghorne John A. Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Poole Edwin Captain Peterborough Rifle Company

Poussett Alfred P.

Powell Newton Albert Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Pringle Roderick R. Lieutenant The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)


















Purser Richard Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Ritchie John Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Rogers Henry Cassady Lt. Col 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Rogers James Z Captain 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Rogers R. D.

Rogers R. Z. Lt. Col

Rose G.

Ross Anthony Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Ross David Corporal Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Rouille A.

Roy R. N.

Rush Henry Lance-Corporal

57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Rutherford Thomas Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Sage William Private Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Sago George Private Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Sailsbury Jonathan Gunner Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Sanderson Richard Jones Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Sawers John Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Scholfield Alfred J Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Scollie William Joseph Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Sharp Alexander Private Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Sheppard Richard M. Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Shortly Ben

Smith Henry Lieutenant Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Smith John Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Smith Parker Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Smith Richard Private Ashburnham Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Steele Robert Private Millbrook Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Smith Sydney Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Smylie Hugh Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Smylie James Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Smylie Thomas Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Smylie William Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)
















Stenton George Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Stethem George Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Strickland Henry Thomas Lieutenant 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Strong Charles Stuart Bombardier Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Sweeting Charles Corporal 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Tanner William Trooper Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards Cobourg Troop or Cavalry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Taylor Thomas Trooper The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Teskey William Rufus Private Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Thirkell John Arthur Sergeant Independent Company Lindsay Fenian Raid (1866)

Thompson P.

Thompson Robert William Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Tivey Richard

Trebelcock Paul Bombardier Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Tully Edward B. Private 54th Battalion Peterborough Infantry

Fenian Raid (1866)

Walton E.

Walton H. W.

Wellwood William Sergeant Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards Cobourg Troop or Cavalry

Fenian Raid (1866)

White Henry Birkett Corporal Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery

Fenian Raid (1866)

Wicks George Private The Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards or Cobourg Troop

Fenian Raid (1866)

Wilkins Edward Private Lakefield Infantry Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Woodcock Richard Private Port Hope Rifle Company Fenian Raid (1866)

Wright Robert Private 57th Peterborough Battalion Fenian Raid (1866)

Yokome F. R.

Appendix C.2: Notable Individuals from the Peterborough County Militia

John Augustus Barron John Augustus Barron was born on 11 July 1850, in Toronto to Fredrick William (abt. 1810-1886)

and Eleanor (Thompson) Barron (d. 1853). At the age of 16, he participated in the Fenian Raid as a

Gunner in the Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery 40th Battalion. For his efforts, he received a medal on

behalf of Queen Victoria. He again participated in the Fenian Raid in 1871, but received no special

recognition for his contribution.








In the late 1870s, John Augustus Barron became the reeve of Lindsay, where he practiced law,

and later became a judge. In 1887, He was elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Liberal

Party in the riding of Victoria North. In 1891, Barron was re-elected, but unseated by petition and lost in

the by-election on 11 February 1892. During his political career, he also wrote a number of government

documents regarding mortgages, and bills of sales (partial list can be found at the end of his biography).

Privately, Barron married Elizabeth Dunsford of Bobcaygon and had one child: J. Christopher

Barron. After the death of his first wife, Barron remarried to Jessie (Gurd) Keating. Barron died on 8

January 1936.

Books and Papers Published by Barron:

The Bills of Exchange Act 1890: fully and copiously indexed so as to be quick and ready

references. Carswell : Toronto, 1890. 140 p.

The Conditional Sales Acts, being an annotation of the Act Respecting Conditional Sales of

Chattels (R.S.O. 1897, Cap. 149) and amendments thereto, to which is appended a complete set

of forms . 2nd ed. Toronto : Carswell; 1907. xxiii, 208 p.

A handbook on the Conditional sales act: being an annotation of the Act respecting conditional

sales of chattels (51 Victoria, Chap. 19, Ont.): to which is appended a complete set of forms .

Toronto : Carswell; 1890. viii, 118 p.

The law of automobiles and motor vehicles in Canada: being an exhaustive analysis of the

statute law of each province, preceded by a treatise on the law of conditional sales, insurance

and criminal law in relation to the sale and use of automobiles . Toronto : Carswell; 1926. lxxii,

1354 p.

The law of conditional sales; being a complete and exhaustive compilation of the law, pertaining

to the statutes of each province of Canada, and the several amendments thereto. 3rd ed.

Toronto : Carswell; 1928. lv, 522 p.

The turning of the thumb. [Canada? : s.n.; 1905?]. 1 microfiche (13 fr.)

Barron and O'Brien on chattel mortgages and bills of sale: a treatise on the general law of

mortgages and sales of personal property, with copies of the enactments of the various

provinces and also such statutes of Canada as affect the same, fully annotated, accompanied

with a complete appendix of forms. Barron, John Augustus and A. H. (Arthur Henry) O'Brien

3d ed. by R. M. Willes Chitty. Toronto : Canada Law Book; 1927. xxv, 728 p.

Corelli Collard Field Corelli Collard Field moved from Somersetshire, England to Cobourg, Ontario in 1834, and in

1861, he married Miss Hossack. In 1866 Field participated in the Fenian Raids as a Gunner for the

Cobourg Battery Garrison Artillery, and received a medal from the Queen for his service. After his

participation in the raids, Field became a Public School Trustee and Chairman of the Board for 12 years,

and a Town Councillor for ten years. In 1886, Field was elected as the Mayor of Cobourg. After this

position, he was part of the legislative assembly as a liberal.


John Wesley Kennedy John Wesley Kennedy was born in 1845, and quickly followed his father’s (Colonel John

Kennedy) footsteps, by joining the 57th Peterborough Light Infantry company and began his military

training. At the age of nineteen, he graduated and was publicly recognized as a ranked official.

Within three years, he became captain of No. 2 Company and he and his brothers were officers

under the command of their father at the Fenian raid of Ridgeway in 1866. In the same year, he married

Sarah Elizabeth Newman, and during their marriage had three children: William N. Kennedy, John H. M.

Kennedy and Lucy A. Kennedy.

In 1880, Kennedy moved to Winnipeg and was a member of the home guard at Fort Osborne

Barracks. In 1885 he recruited a company for the 91st Battalion when the Riel Rebellion broke out, and

was made its captain.

Outside of the military, Kennedy and his brothers opened up a painting and decorating business

which operated successfully for a number of years. He was a Methodist, prominent in Grace Church,

Young Church, and later St. James Park Congregational Church. He was a Mason, an Orangeman, a

lifetime temperance worker, and a member of the executive board of the Royal Templars. At the time of

his death on 12 February 1910, Kennedy was a clerk in the Land Title Office in Winnipeg.

Honorable William Nassau Kennedy William Nassau Kennedy was born on 28 April 1839 in Newcastle, Upper Canada. He was the

second of six children to John Kennedy (Lt. Col in the militia) and Catharine Lambert. William Nassau

Kennedy left school at an early age and worked as a contractor for a brief period, before training for two

years with David William Dumble as a barrister in Peterborough. After this, he took up his father’s

occupation of house painter and interior decorator.

The Kennedy family also had a distinguished military tradition. In 1857, William enlisted as a

private in the newly organized 1st Company Peterborough Rifles. Along with his father and brothers, he

took part in the formation of the 1st Company, Peterborough Infantry, five years later.

After progressing through several non-commissioned ranks, Kennedy earned a 1st class

certificate from the Toronto Military School, and was commissioned ensign on 7 July 1865. He travelled

with his unit to the Niagara peninsula during the Fenian invasion of June 1866, but never saw action. The

following year, he was formally announced as temporary adjutant and drill instructor as captain of the

newly formed 57th Peterborough Battalion of Infantry. Subsequently, he obtained a 1st class certificate

from the Military Riding School in Toronto, rating special mention for proficiency in horsemanship and

swordsmanship.

Much like his father, William was “public spirited,” and served on the Peterborough Town

Council for six years. He also married Mary Anne Chambers, had four sons and one daughter.


In 1869, Captain Kennedy went as the “coveted vacancy allotted for” one officer from the 57th

Battalion for the Red River expedition, and served under Colonel Garnet Joseph Wolseley. Kennedy

travel to Upper Fort Garry as a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of Infantry (Ontario Rifles).

After the Red River Rebellion, Kennedy stayed in Manitoba and in October 1871, he raised a

temporary volunteer unit, the Winnipeg Rifle Company, to help repel the unsanctioned Fenian Raid led

by William Bernard O’Donoghue and John O’Neill. This event emphasized the need for maintaining a

local force of citizen-soldiers, and exactly one week after the invasion, Kennedy helped to found the

Winnipeg Field Battery of which he became adjutant. The following year he rose to command the unit,

an appointment he was to hold until 1883.

In the 1870s Kennedy became a leading citizen of Winnipeg. He was made registrar of deeds for

Selkirk County and Winnipeg and city clerk in 1873. In 1874 he became a member of the first Executive

Council of the North-West Territories and in 1875 was elected the second mayor of Winnipeg, and held

the position for two consecutive one-year terms. His family eventually joined him in Winnipeg in 1876.

As a prominent booster of Manitoba, Kennedy was active in some 11 railway charter groups

between 1875 and 1883, was involved in the affairs of the Manitoba South-Western Colonization

Railway, and was vice-president of the Manitoba and Hudson’s Bay Railway in 1884. He also seems to

have dealt in real estate. His inclination toward community life led him to join the Orange order, the

Foresters, and many other fraternal organizations. A charter member of the Prince Rupert’s Lodge,

Kennedy became deputy grand master in the freemasons’ Grand Lodge of Manitoba when it was formed

in 1875. His other interests ranged from competition rifle shooting to music.

In 1883 as a response to civil unrest, Captain Kennedy resolved to raise a full battalion of rifles.

On 9 Nov. 1883 the 90th Winnipeg Rifles was organized. Kennedy was chosen to command and was

accordingly promoted to major and brevet lieutenant-colonel.

Kennedy also travelled to Egypt and Sudan on the military endeavour to rescue Major-General

Charles George Gordon, who was trapped in Khartoum. On the return voyage to England, he contracted

smallpox and was hospitalized in London where he finally succumbed to the disease, on 3 May, 1885.

William Nassau Kennedy was a characteristic 19th-century Canadian civic leader, entrepreneur,

and militia commander. In a competitive frontier environment where opportunities abounded for the

enterprising, most men found little in the militia establishment to attract them. Some, like Kennedy,

imbued with an intense patriotism for Canada and the empire, were not above manipulating men and

circumstances, or employing patronage and the privileges of office, in the interests of keeping up a force

of citizen soldiers as a symbol of order and authority – a force which would be tested in the North-West

rebellion of 1885.

James Wesley Miller James Wesley Miller was born on 4 October 1845 in Bowmanville, to John Miller, a local

contractor. He was in the USA in April 1861, when the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted in the Sixth

US Calvary. He rose to Quartermaster Sergeant, the highest rank for a Non-Commissioned Officer. He


was at the first battle of Bulls Run and was wounded at Malvern Hill and Gettysburg. He was captured at

Gettysburg, and spent sometime in the Libby Prison, a Confederate prison in Richmond, Virginia.

Following an exchange of prisoners, he and other starving prisoners were hospitalized at St. John’s

College in Maryland. The local newspapers carried several articles on Miller, and many of these are

included in the Don Cournoyea founds at the Trent Valley Archives. It seems Miller fought at both

battles of Bull’s Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Malvern Hill. His three year term expired in

1864, and because of the dramatic appeal of his brother, he did not re-enlist.

In Peterborough, Miller worked in Samuel White’s shoe-shop, and then for James Stenson,

before beginning his own shoe store, described in 1921 as a “high-grade shoe store on George Street.”

He retired in 1923. In the 1901 census, Miller still had quite a few children at home: Frederick Charles

(30), John Hepburn (21), Ethel Maude (18), Norman (17), Gordon Campbell (15), and Burton (13). The

first three were, respectively, a painter, an electrician and a bookkeeper; the last three, students. He

had at least three other daughters (Ada, Minnie and Lillian) and a son (William). He was a Methodist, an

active member of George Street Methodist, where he taught Sunday School for many years. The family

lived at 212 McDonnel Street, across from the collegiate.

Miller volunteered to fight the Fenians in 1866, and became the second head of the volunteers

organization. He was the last survivor of the 220 local volunteers. He was one of the first members of

the 57th Regiment, established in 1867, and eventually became its fifth commanding officer, 1893-1914.

He served four years as alderman, several years as school trustee, and as District Grand Master of the

Oddfellows. His obituary comments that he had the ability to express his opinions with “force and

clarity.”

Henry Cassidy Rogers

Henry Cassidy Rogers was born at Grafton on the 16th of July 1839. He worked with Henry

Strickland beginning in 1856, until he was appointed Postmaster for Peterborough in 1871- a position he

would hold for 36 years. While only 16 years old Henry had joined the Peterborough Rifle Company and

in 1866, during the period of the Fenian Raids, he commanded that unit on the frontiers. His great

commitment to the military caused him to raise and command the first troop of volunteer cavalry in

Peterborough. This unit was organized in 1872 and later became "G" Troop of the 3rd Prince of Wales

Canadian Dragoons. H.C. Rogers was public-spirited, with many interests and connections, not only with

his Peterborough of the late 19th and early 20th centuries but also the Peterborough of the future.

Rogers married Maria Burritt on the 2nd of September 1863. Henry and Maria had five sons

(Walter James, Herbert Burritt, Henry Schofield, David McGregor, and Guy Hamilton) and two daughters

(Ethel Burnham and Helen McGregor). He was described as having a kindly genial manner and a public-

spiritedness, and in appearance was stocky with an eye-catching moustache and bushy, drooping

mutton-chop whiskers. He lived with his wife and family in what was likely his first house at 304- 06

Brock St.


In 1876, Rogers commissioned architect John Belcher to design a new house in Ashburnham on

the corner of Lake and James Street. The house was called “The Pines” and was designated a heritage

site in 1981. In the 1880s, Rogers became a Colonel in the militia, was a member of the horticultural

society and the superintendent of St. Luke’s Church Sunday School. In 1896 helped found the

Peterborough Historical Society and was elected its first president, with Catherine Parr Traill as the

society's honorary president. Rogers also became an early president of the Ontario Historical Society. In

1990, Rogers had another house built, this time at 396 Downie St. (south of Hunter St.) in the Queen

Anne style. This building was designated a heritage structure by the Peterborough Architectural

Conservative Advisory Committee in 2005.

Rogers’ family was also very involved in

the militia. Three of his brothers also served in

the local volunteer forces, including his older

brother, David McGregor, who was an officer in

the local volunteer cavalry company, which his

father had commanded until 1854; and one of

his younger brothers, Robert Zaccheus, who

served as a Lieutenant on the frontier during

the Fenian Raids in 1866. These three are

typically referred to as “The Three Rogers

Brothers” in archival references. When the 40th

Northumberland Battalion was formed, Robert

Z. Rogers served as a Captain in the unit and in

August of 1876 was promoted Lieutenant

Colonel and commander of the same battalion.

Henry's youngest brother, James Charles, also

held a commission in the 40th Northumberland

Battalion.[21]

In addition to his brothers, three of

Henry Cassady Rogers' cousins served in the

military forces. These three men were the sons

of Henry's uncle Robert David Rogers. The

eldest son, James Zacheus Rogers, served in

his father's volunteer company and was

promoted to command of the unit in May of

1866. In 1879 he succeeded to the command

of the 57th Battalion of Peterborough Rangers. The second son, George Charles, also served in a local

Peterborough volunteer unit. Robert David Rogers' youngest son, Alfred Burnham Rogers, was a

volunteer with the Midland Battalion during the North West Rebellion in 1885.

Figure 2: The Three Colonels, Peterborough Museum and Archives. Fonds 1969-020. Featuring Col. James Z. Rogers, Col. Henry C. Rogers and Col. Robert Zaccheus Rogers.


Thomas Rutherford Thomas Rutherford was born in 1849 in Peterborough, Ontario. As a

youth, he enlisted during the Fenian Raids, and while he saw no military

action, he did receive a medal from the Queen commending his service in the

Fenian Raid of 1866. Later in his life, Rutherford became a contractor, building

a number of schools, hotels and commercial structures including Market Hall

which is still a prominent landmark in Peterborough, Ontario.

Rutherford was best known as a fire-fighter. He joined the volunteer

brigade in 1868, and became Chief in 1880. The photograph seen here was

likely taken around the time of this article, from the Examiner, on January 2,

1908:

“Formal Opening of New Fire Hall a Great Success

…For the benefit of the visitors the chief [Rutherford] arranged a number of harness drills

which were most interesting. It was shown how the doors fly open at the sound of the

gong and how quickly the horses may be harnessed. The brigade was photographed in

the morning by Mr. R.M. Roy, all the equipment being taken out and manned.

Afterwards another photograph was taken at the studio.”

Only a few months after the new hall opened, however, Rutherford handed in his resignation.

City Council had been arguing at length over replacing the volunteer brigade with a smaller team paid a

proper salary. The latter option was chosen, and though generally well-thought of, the volunteer brigade

was dissolved; a permanent one was inaugurated that same year. He died in 1915.

Figure 4: Peterborough Fire Brigade, Peterborough Museum and Archives. Fonds 1999-036.

Figure 3: Fire Chief Rutherford. Peterborough Museum and Archives.


Henry Thomas Strickland Henry Thomas Strickland was born around 1836, to Samuel and Mary (Reid) Strickland, and

brother to Catherine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie. On 1 September 1859, Strickland married

Margaret Rogers, and had two daughters: Mary Eliza (b. 1860) and Emma Margaret (1862-1951). After

this, Strickland enlisted in the 57th Peterborough Battalion, and received a medal from the Queen for his

service in the 1866 Fenian Raid.

F.R. Yokome F. R. Yokome worked for many years as the managing editor for the Peterborough Examiner,

and was responsible for many of the leading editorials which contributed to the high standing it

acquired among the provincial newspapers of it time.

Appendix C.3: Fenian Men

Last Name First Name

Rank Regiment Battle of…

Bailey Michael Lt. Colonel 7th Regiment "Irish Army of Liberation," Buffalo, New York

Ridgeway

Bigelow Major 7th Regiment "Irish Army of Liberation," Buffalo, New York

Ridgeway

Bolands Michael Captain 10th Kentucky Cavalry (Louisville)

Buckley Patrick 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

Canty (Caunty)

John C Major 7th Regiment "Irish Army of Liberation," Buffalo, New York

Ridgeway

Cochrane Michael Colour-Sergeant

James Hugh Haggerty's Company, Terre Haute, Indiana

Ridgeway

Crouty Matthew Ridgeway

Dempsey J.W. Captain New Orleans company "Louisiana Tigers"

Donohoe Captain 19th Regiment "Irish Republic Volunteers," Cincinnati, Ohio

Ridgeway

Fitzgerald J.W. S

Fitzpatrick Rudolph Captain

Geraghty James 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

Grace John Lt. Colonel 19th Ohio Regiment of Cincinnati "Irish Republic Volunteers"

Gilborn Thomas PA Ridgeway

Hoy (Hoye) John Colonel 7th Buffalo "Irish Army of Liberation"

Keefy Michael TN

Kegan James 17th Kentucky Regiment of Louisville Ridgeway


Lonergran Edward R Lieutenant 7th Regiment "Irish Army of Liberation," Buffalo, New York

Ridgeway

Lynch John Sergeant 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

Lynch John Private 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

Maddox Thomas Indiana

McLaughlin Michael 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

McMahon John Chaplain

O'Day Patrick Ridgeway

O'Neill John Brigadier General, CO

Power Michael Ridgeway

Ryan John Indiana Ridgeway

Rafferty Thomas 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

Scanlon Michael Colonel Commander of 150 Fenians at St. Albans

Scully Edward 18th Regiment, "Cleveland Rangers," Cleveland, OH

Ridgeway

Shields Lawrence Captain 13th Tennessee Regiment of Nashville

Spaulding John Lt. Colonel 15th Kentucky Infantry

Starr George Own

Colonel 17th Kentucky Regiment of Louisville

Sweeney Thomas W

General not present at Ridgeway or buffalo

Thompson S 13th Regiment Memphis Company ,TN Ridgeway

Appendix C.4: Fenian Men of Note

Lt. Edward K. Lonergan Lt. Edward K. Lonergan was born on 2 June 1845, and was

typical of the Buffalo Fenians, in that he was a single labourer under the

age of 30. Not much of his personal life is known, but he worked as a

carpenter at the Jones Ship Yard in Buffalo, New York.

He joined the 7th Buffalo regiment, and fought at the Battle of

Ridgeway, where he died on his 21st birthday (2 June 1866). He was

buried in a mass grave at Ridgeway, but his body was later brought back

to be buried in Holy Cross Cemetery at Limestone Hill. A monument

provided by the Fenians, and replaced in 1897 by the Ancient Order of


Hibernians has an inscription which reads:

In Memory of Edward K. Lonergan

Lieut. 7th Regt. I.R.A

Age 21 yrs

Who Fell Gallantly fighting

Ireland’s enemies on

The famous Field of Ridgeway

June 2, 1866.

The other side of the stone has some lines of verse praising Fenians and condemning tyrants:

No foe would fear your thunder words

If ‘twere not for your lightning swords

If tyrants yield when millions pray,

‘Tis least they link in war array;

The patient dint, and powder, shock,

Can blast an empire like a rock.

Father John McMahon Father John McMahon was born in 1820 in Ireland, and immigrated to the US in 1840. He

studied at the University of St. Mary in Chicago and was considered a chaplain of the raids.

On June 3, 1866, he was captured with other wounded Fenians in Fort Erie, and was taken by

train to Toronto on June 4 with 20 other prisoners who were all cuffed in pairs and marched to the


Toronto jail in chains through a jeering mob. He appeared before the Toronto court on October 26,

1866.

Witnesses said they saw him during the raid wearing a pistol and issuing orders to the Fenians,

dressed in his clerical garb. Fr. McMahon claimed to have been on his way to Montreal to settle his dead

brother's estate, but Fenians on the train suspected him of being a British spy. Once they believed that

he wasn't a spy, they insisted he be their chaplain. Other sources indicate that McMahon indeed left

Anderson with a company of Fenians. A Canadian official said that "a Roman Catholic dignitary told him

that McMahon was an illiterate person ordained in consequence of the dearth of missionaries in the

western states, and that he had been suspended more than once for drunkenness".

Fr. McMahon was sentenced to hang on December 13th, and there were mob demonstrations

in Indiana and Quebec over a death sentence having been given to a priest. On March 4, 1867, his death

sentence was changed to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour, along with six other Fenian prisoners.

During 1867 and '68, US Secretary Seward received 96 petitions that demanded US intervention

on behalf of Father McMahon and the other Fenian prisoners. During March of 1867, the 40th US

Congress ordered the US Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate McMahon's imprisonment and

secure his release. McMahon was released August 12, 1869 after the Archbishop of Halifax went to

Ottawa to intercede for him. He was the last captive of the 1866 Fenian raid to be released.

Fr. McMahon then went on a lecture tour describing his duties as chaplain for the Fenians and

the rigors of his imprisonment. He was reportedly observed taking part in the 1870 Fenian Raid. He was

reinstated as a priest in Indiana and died April 27, 1872 at Reynolds Station, Indiana.

Major John C. Canty Major John C. Canty (also Cautie or Cauntie or Kantie), was the chief Fenian Intelligence officer,

and a spy from the Buffalo Fenian circle. In December 1865, he crossed into Canada, purchased a house

in Fort Erie, and settled there as a Fenian “sleeper.” Finding employment as a section foreman on the

Grand Trunk Railway line, Canty meticulously collected maps and intelligence and sketched and

surveyed the local topography, the Welland Canal, ferries, bridges, railway junctions, roads, and

telegraph systems for the next six months. The town of Ridgeway and Limestone Ridge were likely part

of the terrain Canty surveyed during his mission.


Appendix C.5: Image of Militia Men and Women

Figure 5: Peterborough Museum and Archives. Fonds P68-16.


Appendix D.1: Transcriptions of Selected Newspaper Articles

Prisoners (Peterborough Examiner, 14 June 1866)

During last week our little Town was enabled not only to send Volunteers to the front, but to

add to the number of Fenian prisoners. Denis Brennen, well known both in Peterboro’ and Port Hope,

left here some time since and directed, his steps quietly to the south of the lakes. No one wondered

very much at this as many more were doing so, with the apparent intent of making a better of it. Mr.

Brennen, however, returned about a week since as if to remain, but he having been seen in Fenian

processions in Rochester, also having been heard drink toasts and of expressions that should indicate

Fenian proclivities, it was found that Peterborough was not the place to remain in quiet, but his

departure was hurried, from information that a coat of tar and feathers was being prepared for him. He

therefore, not desiring such a dressing, departed on the train of the same day of his arrival. On his way

down, however, he got into bad company again and was heard in company with others use language

that cast stronger suspicions, and accordingly a warrant was issued for his arrest in Port Hope; but he

eluded the vigilance of the Constables and made his way to Cobourg, where he was arrested next

morning waiting to get away on the boat. He was brought to Port Hope, and since has undergone

several examinations, being defended by T. M. Fairbairn, Esq., of this place. It is reported that the

evidence is strong enough to convict him of Fenian proclivities, and if so, he may get cheap board and

lodgings, at the County boarding house for a few months. He was examined on Tuesday evening and

sent down to Cobourg. We have no received particulars.

Two Crowleys, from Otonabee, were taken at the same time; also one Healy, from Westwood.

The Crowleys got off after first or second examination; Healy still accompanies Mr. Brennan, on the

charge of being a Fenian Drill Sergeant for the Canadas. There can be little moral doubt of the guilt of

the parties arrested, the only difficulty being the legal conviction. Scarcely an individual in town but

believes they are guilty- their friends almost tearing testimony. It is reasonable, however, that they

should have a fair trial and every reasonable opportunity of establishing their innocence, and if innocent

acquit them; but if guilt, and it proved, treat them as double-dyed traitors and would-be-murderers,

living in our midst and on our bounties, at the same time plotting our destruction. If guilty, hanging

would be too respectable a finale for them.

County of Peterborough Volunteers: To the Editor of the Peterborough Examiner

(Peterborough Examiner, 21 June 1866)

I regret that I was unable, is consequence of the unexpectedly brief duration of my visit to

Kingston, to comply with the request you preferred that I would write to you….I arrived at Kingston by

that excellent steam-boat, the Grecian, at 3.30 o’clock on the morning ot Tuesday, the 12th instant. The

stress of the town presented no unusual appearance, but were quiet and silent as the streets of

Peterborough at the present date. It was not till I had been ashore an hour that I saw even a single

policeman, the sole perambulating occupant of the street: about half-an-hour afterwards a solitary

Volunteer presented himself later in the morning, however, a more lively scene might be witnessed

when the Volunteers assembled for parade.


I accompanied them to their parade-ground at Barryfield; across the Catarsqui bridge, and was

greatly pleased with the steadiness and discipline they established. But, what will be even more

interesting to our county is the satisfactory report I have the pleasure to make respecting the manner in

which our own Companies conducted themselves, while off duty, during their stay in Kingston.

2050 Volunteers, including Artillery, Cavalry, Infantry, and Rifles were billeted in the city and I

was informed, and I need scarcely add, the information afforded me the greatest gratification, by two of

the resident clearly as well as by other civilians, that although they had purposely been out at all hours

of the night, they had never seen a single instance of misconduct on the part of our Volunteers. Four

Privates of the Peterboro’ Rifles were billeted at the house of a personal friend of mine, who expressed

to me the high sense be entertained of the exemplary conduct of his temporary inmates.

I accompanied the officer upon whom devolved the duty of paying the billets of the men of his

Company, and it will. I feel assured, be gratifying to the county of Peterboro’ to know that when he

expressed a hope, as he did at every house, that the men had conducted themselves well, the reply was,

on every occasion, invariably the same in substance, that so men could possibly have behaved with

greater propriety. In fact, having been with them, myself, in Port Hope, in Kingston, and in Cobourg, I

have no hesitation in affirming that the county of Peterboro’ has every person to be proud of its

battalion, and that it is not excelled, if indeed it is applauded by any battalion in the Province.

Their campaign has over a short and a bloodless one, but, and their services been required on

the battlefield, instead of simply on the parade-ground, those services would have been tendered with

equal if not greater alacrity….

…But one feeling pervades their hearts, a feeling of disappointment that they have laid no

opportunity of meeting the band of thieves and ragabonds who have dared to threaten our soil with the

pollution of their presence; for they are assured that, fighting as they would have ought, is so good a

cause, the cause of their Queen, their country, their hearths, their alters, there could not have been a

shadow of doubt respecting the issue of the contest.

I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, H. A.

Are there Fenians in Peterborough (Peterborough Examiner, 28 May 1868)

This is a question that is often put to us as we meet persons on the stress and when we are from

home, and a delicate question it is to answer. Sometimes we hear it said that there are hundreds around

us, and again we hear it said that they believe there is not one. Both these statements, we believe, are

exaggerations. We do not believe there are hundreds, or even one hundred, yet we might be astray. We

are not of those that would accuse our Roman Catholic fellow citizens of being Fenians; we are fully

persuaded that by far the large majority of them are loyal, and would rally round the old flag AGAINST

the Fenian cut-throats, if their services were required. In saying they are loyal, we do not mean to say

that they forget old Ireland, the land of their nativity, the land of their forefathers, and the land of

hallowed associations. No, they do not forget Ireland; but they are loyal because they enjoy peace,

plenty, protection, justice and religious liberty under the benign sway of Victoria, such as they know

right well they would not enjoy even in the Holy City itself.


But to return to the question- Are there Fenians in Peterboro’ and vicinity? We say we believe

there are Fenians in Peterborough, but we do not know who they are. There can be no doubt that all

those stragglers, who pass the greater part of their time on the other side of the lakes, are Fenians and

Fenian sympathizers. They go over there and they associated with Fenians and almost no one else, they

drink in the poison and they become the loud mouthed champions of Ireland’s wrongs. These come

back again and they remain here without any known means of support. How can they do it? They do not

work when away and they lounge round hotels and groggeries while here, so that they must either

be…or Fenians, and to the latter idea we are inclined. These renegades coming amongst on are doing

more harm in sowing the seeds of discord, privately, than we are aware of; and during the present

excitement they should be every one compiled to give a full account of how they get their

daily…independently of how they get the drinks. We have all along been practising a kind of deceptive

game; we have been pretending to believe that every man in Canada is loyal, while our earnest non-

victims were to the contrary. Let me have the… to come out….We have no confidence in those birds of

passage, those men who on landing go at once to the brotherhood; but because they are disloyal why

should we…the whole people? All intelligent honest Catholics are loyal. The designing, idle, restless

makes need watching.

Fenianism not Dead (Peterborough Examiner, 23 June 1870)

Those who fancied that the miserable failure of the late raid would result in the extinction of

Fenianism, and that the credulous and impulsive Irish Americans of the poorer classes would at last be

convinced of the incompetency and mercenary motives of their leaders, are greatly mistaken. So long as

the Fenian movement is permitted and even encouraged by the Americans we shall have raids

attempted or accomplished every year.

It is true that as soon as the last raid was seen to be a failure almost every American paper came

out in…ridicule of the Fenians, but it was the failure and not the outrageous and diabolical purpose of

the attempt that induced them to take this stand for the time being. A month hence we shall see the

same papers doing their best to impart renewed vitality to the organization, and as the elections

approach Republican and Democratic politicians will be bidding against each other for Fenian votes by

subscription to the cause and promises of support. The Americans may condemn Fenianism today

because it has sustained an inglorious defeat, but so seen as the ridicule attaching the ignominious

surrender of O’Neill to Marshal Foster and the skedaddle at Cook’s Corner’s and Trout River has been

forgotten, they will again afford it the moral and pecuniary support which it has along received. They

may temporarily join in ridiculing or denouncing it because of its ludicrous aspect or the injury it has

done the country, but their moral perceptions appear to be so blunted that they do not see it in the light

of any wrong and an outrage upon the people of Canada, and soon as it suits their interest or coincides

with their anti-British feelings to give it encouragement they will do so. We have not seen the last

Fenian raid yet by any means, and it behoves us to maintain that eternal vigilance which is declared to

be the price of liberty.


Appendix F.1: The Fenian Song

Figure 6: A Fenian Song (Fowke 1973: 17)


Appendix F.2: The Anti-Fenian Song

Figure 7: An Anti-Fenian Song (Fowke and Mills 1984: 98)


Additional Versus:

1. In the morning by my side sat the darling of my pride,

And our happy children round us were at play,

When the news spread through the land that he Fenians were at hand,

At our country’s call we’ll cheerfully obey

REFRAIN: Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching!

Cheer up, comrades, let them come,

For beneath the Union Jack we will drive the Fenians back,

And we’ll fight of our belov’d Canadian home.

2. Should this poor deluded band dare set foot upon our land,

Or molest the rights of England’s noble Queen,

They will meet the British pluck- English, Irish, Scot, Canuck-

And they’ll wish themselves at home again, I ween!


Appendix F.3: The Maple Leaf Forever

Figure 8: The Maple Leaf Forever (Fowke and Mills 1984: 104)


Additional Versus:

1. In days of yore, from Britain’s shore,

Wolfe, the dauntless hero, came,

And planted firm Britannia’s flag on Canada’s fair domain.

Here may it wave, our boast, our pride,

And joined in love together

The Thistle, Shamrock, Rose entwine

The Maple Leaf forever.

REFRAIN: The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear,


God save our Queen, and heaven bless


2. At Queenston Heights and Lundy’s Lane

Our brace fathers, side by side,

For freedom, homes, and loved ones dear

Firmly stood and nobly died;

And those dear rights which they maintained

We swear to yield them never!

Our watchword ever more shall be

The Maple Leaf forever!

3. Our fair Dominion now extends

From Cape Race to Nootka Sound;

May peace forever be our lot,

And plenteous store abound:

And may those ties of love be ours

Which discord cannot server,

And flourish green o’er Freedom’s home

The Maple Leaf forever!


References

Section A: Timeline Anastakis, Dimitry. “Nationalism, Conflict and War in Ireland and Canada.” HIST 1500. Trent U, 2012-

2013.

---. “The Terror of the Green Ghost: The Fenian Raids, 1866-1870.” HIST 1500. Trent U, 2012-2013.

Giersbach, Walt. The War That Never Happened. Military History Online.

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/19thcentury/articles/fenian.aspx 2007.

Johnson, Andrew. "Proclamation 155 - Warning Against Participation in an Expedition Against North

American Colonies of Great Britain," June 6, 1866. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The

American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=71989.

MacDonald, E. Who’s Afraid of the Fenians? The Fenian Scare on Prince Edward Island, 1865-1867.

Acadiensis XXXVIII (no. 1) 33-51.

MacDonald, John A (Capt.) Troublous Times in Canada: A History of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870.

Toronto: W. S. Johnston, 1910.

Neidhardt, W.S. The American Government and the Fenian Brotherhood: A Study in Mutual Political

Opportunism. Ontario History. Janet Campbell, Kenneth McLaughlin and Paul G. Cornell (eds). Toronto:

Ontario Historical Society 64(1): 26-43. 1972.

---. The Fenian Brotherhood and West Ontario: The Final Years. Ontario History. Janet Campbell,

Kenneth McLaughlin and Paul G. Cornell (eds). Toronto: Ontario Historical Society 60(3): 149-161. 1968.

Ricketts, Bruce. The Fenian Invasions. Mysteries of Canada.

http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/Military/fenian_invasions.htm

Toner, P.M. The ‘Green Ghost’: Canada’s Fenians and the Raids. Eire-Ireland 16, p27-47.

For Further research:

Trent University Archives 00-1000: George Y Clement Fonds (1913): Historical Paper No. 2. The

Fenian Raid of October 1871 into Manitoba (21 pages)

Trent University Archives 70-1000: Fenian Raids Scrapbook, 1866.

Section B: Militia Clark, M. E. Land of Shining Waters, “The Militia”. Peterborough Museum and Archives 88-013 Box 15:

Prince of Wales Rangers Fonds/57th Regiment, Peterborough Ranger Fonds.

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/19thcentury/articles/fenian.aspx

http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/Military/fenian_invasions.htm


Dobbin. Organization of the 57th Battalion 1857. Peterborough Museum and Archives 88-013 Box 15:

Prince of Wales Rangers Fonds/57th Regiment, Peterborough Ranger Fonds. Pp25.

MacDonald, John A (Capt.) Troublous Times in Canada: A History of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870.

Toronto: W. S. Johnston, 1910.

Poole, T. W. (Dr.) The Early Settlement of Peterborough County. Peterborough: Peterborough Review,

1867.

Pryde, D. P. (Major). The Military Existence in Peterborough. Peterborough Museum and Archives 88-

013 Box 15: Prince of Wales Rangers Fonds/57th Regiment, Peterborough Ranger Fonds.

---. Canada’s Soldiers. Peterborough Museum and Archives 88-013 Box 15: Prince of Wales Rangers

Fonds/57th Regiment, Peterborough Ranger Fonds. Pp 35-36.


Peterborough Museum and Archives: 1968-031: Peterborough Military History Collection. Items

include records of Lakefield Volunteer Militia Rifle Company (1862-1866); W.N. Kennedy general

order book from Fenian Raids (1866, October); 1st Battalion of Peterborough Militia (1847-

1865); 57th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers (1866-1868, 1904)

Peterborough Museum and Archives 86-034: Military Historical Diary, Peterborough and

Surrounding Area. Complied by Major David Pryde in two bound volumes and covers roughly the

1830s to the 1970s

Trent Valley Archives: Dobbin Index (Finding Aid: 73-002). Explores the military history of the

57th Battalion that was written by F.H. Dobbin, as well as a collection of newspaper articles

regarding the Peterborough militia.

Section C: Participants National Archives of Canada. Medals, Honours and Awards. Library and Archives Canada.

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/medals/ 2010.

Peterborough Museum and Archives: P68-16

Trent Valley Archives. Fonds 312: Peterborough Veterans of 1866.

John Augustus Barron

Parliament of Canada. Barron, John Augustus, Q.C.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/Files/Parliamentarian.aspx?Item=ab17bb2c-d9f1-4ff6-9c50-

7a72a3a1204b&Language=E&Section=ALL

RootsWeb. John Augustus Barron.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~millersomers/1116.html

Wikipedia. John Augustus Barron. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Augustus_Barron

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/medals/

http://www.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/Files/Parliamentarian.aspx?Item=ab17bb2c-d9f1-4ff6-9c50-7a72a3a1204b&Language=E&Section=ALL

http://www.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/Files/Parliamentarian.aspx?Item=ab17bb2c-d9f1-4ff6-9c50-7a72a3a1204b&Language=E&Section=ALL

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~millersomers/1116.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Augustus_Barron


Corelli Collard Field

Internet Archive. The Canadian Parliamentary Companion, 1887.

http://archive.org/stream/cihm_32959/cihm_32959_djvu.txt

John Wesley Kennedy

The Manitoba Historical Society. Memorable Manitobans: John Wesley Kennedy (1845-1910).

http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kennedy_jw.shtml

Hon. William Nassau Kennedy

Dictionary of Canadian Biography online. Kennedy, William Nassau. http://www.biographi.ca/009004-

119.01-e.php?BioId=39746

James Wesley Miller

The Heritage Gazette of the Trent Valley 5(3): 15. November 2000.

Henry Cassidy Rogers

De Santis, Edward (Lieut-Col). Lieutenant Colonel Henry Schofield Rogers and the Rogers of

Peterborough: The Story of A Military Family. http://www.reubique.com/Rogers.htm 1990.

Peterborough Examiner. The “other” Rogers and his legacy of distinctive homes. January 8, 2011.

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2011/01/08/the-other-rogers-and-his-legacy-of-distinctive-

homes

Peterborough Museum and Archives 1969-020 “Three Colonels.”

Thomas Rutherford

Peterborough Museum and Archives. Thomas Rutherford.

http://www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca/atworkrutherford.htm

Peterborough Museum and Archives: 1999-036: Peterborough Fire Brigade.

Henry Thomas Strickland

The Next Generation of Genealogy Site building. Marriage Record- Henry Thomas Strickland = Margaret

Rogers 1859. http://heddle.com/tng/showsource.php?sourceID=S211&tree=tree001

---. Family: Strickland, Henry Thomas/Rogers, Margaret Achsa.

http://heddle.com/tng/familygroup.php?familyID=F350&tree=tree001

F.R. Yokome

Internet Archive. Papers and Records.

http://www.archive.org/stream/papersrecords00lennuoft/papersrecords00lennuoft_djvu.txt

Appendix C.3: Fenian Men Fenians.org Known Fenians Brotherhood Causalities Killed in Action or Died of Wounds 1866.

http://www.fenians.org/casualties/index.htm

http://archive.org/stream/cihm_32959/cihm_32959_djvu.txt

http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kennedy_jw.shtml

http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?BioId=39746

http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?BioId=39746

http://www.reubique.com/Rogers.htm%201990

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2011/01/08/the-other-rogers-and-his-legacy-of-distinctive-homes

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2011/01/08/the-other-rogers-and-his-legacy-of-distinctive-homes

http://www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca/atworkrutherford.htm

http://heddle.com/tng/showsource.php?sourceID=S211&tree=tree001

http://heddle.com/tng/familygroup.php?familyID=F350&tree=tree001

http://www.archive.org/stream/papersrecords00lennuoft/papersrecords00lennuoft_djvu.txt

http://www.fenians.org/casualties/index.htm


Roots web. Fenians. http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/FENIANS/2001-03/0984245178

Appendix C.4: Fenian Men of Note

Lt. Edward K. Lonergan

Family Tree Maker. Edward K. Lonergan. http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/e/n/Patricia-M-

Fenerty/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0157.html 2009.

LaChiusa, Chuck. Edward R. Lonergan Monument. http://www.buffaloah.com/a/hc/lon/lon.html. 2012.

Fr. John McMahon

University at Buffalo: The State University of New York. Fr. John McMahon.

http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~dbertuca/g/FenianRaid.html

Major John C. Canty

Vronsky, Peter. Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle that Made Canada.

Toronto: Penguin Group. 2011.

For Further research:

Peterborough Museum and Archives: 2000-005: Col. James Z. Rogers. A studio portrait of Col.

James Z. Rogers posing in his military dress uniform and wearing a Fenian Raid medal. The

portrait was made by Roy Studio. James Z. Rogers was founder of the Peterborough Canoe

Company in 1892.

Section D: Response The Peterborough Examiner. Prisoners. 14 June 1866.

---. County of Peterborough Volunteers: To the Editor of the Peterborough Examiner. 21 June 1866.

---. Are there Fenians in Peterborough. 28 May 1868.

---. Fenianism not Dead. 23 June 1870.

For future research:

Trent University Archives 98-015 David Brown Collection: Finding Aids: Series A, Item 19. Book

of newspaper clippings, dealing extensively with Orangeism, Fenian Raids, etc., 1866-1870s

Section E: Drill Instructions Desbarats, G. E. Regulations respecting the Volunteer Militia: Published by Command of his Excellency

the Commander in Chief. Ottawa: Desbarats. 1866.

Garven, John (Capt.). Military Drill and Rifle Instruction Book for the Use of the Canadian Volunteers,

Under the Sanction of Colonel Dyde, Commanding the Active Force. Montreal: Rollo Campbell, 1862.

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/FENIANS/2001-03/0984245178

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/e/n/Patricia-M-Fenerty/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0157.html

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/e/n/Patricia-M-Fenerty/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0157.html

http://www.buffaloah.com/a/hc/lon/lon.html

http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~dbertuca/g/FenianRaid.html


Otter, W. D. (Lieut-Col.). The Guide: A Manual for the Canadian Militia Infantry embracing The Interior

Economy, Duties, Disciplines, Dress, Books and Correspondence of a Regiment in Barracks, Camp or at

home, with Bugle Calls and Instructions for Transport, Pitching Tents, etc. Willing & Williamson: 1880.

Trent University NO. 13574 CIHM.

Wallace, W. (Capt.). Instructive Handbook of Reference by Sections to Squad, Company, and Battalion

Drill. Trent University NO.92369 CIHM.


Barber (Capt). The Duke of Cumberland’s Corps of Sharp-Shooters, Instructions for the Formation and

Exercise of Volunteer Sharp-Shooters. 1804.

Cooper, T. H. (Capt.). Infantry, A Practical Guide for the Light Infantry Officer. 1806

De Rotenberg. Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry. 1798 (Translated by Fawset).

Dundas. Rules and Regulations: For the Manual and Platoon Exercises, Formations, Field Exercise, and

Movements of His Majesty’s Forces, 1807.

Section F: Songs Canada. Directorate of History: National Defence Headquarters. Report No. 47. 1952.

Canadian Border Songs of the Fenian Invasion of Canada, 1870. Microfiche FC. 226.C5. NO. 00954. Trent

University.

Fenian Songster: Erin Shall be Free, Let Irishmen Sing Their National Hymns. Philadelphia: Barclay and Co.

1866.

Fowke, Edith. Canadian Folk Songs. Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, 1973.

Fowke, Edith and Alan Mills. Singing Our History: Canada’s Story in Song. Toronto: Doubleday Canada

Limited, 1984.

The Canadian Encyclopedia. Wars, Rebellions, and Uprisings.

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/emc/wars-rebellions-and-uprisings 2012.


Canadian Patriotic Songs and Melodies. Canadian American Music (Pub), 1902.

Peck, Kittie Revell. The March of the Silent Army. Peterborough Museum and Archives: 1969-008/1.

Song titles (no music was found):

Canadian National Hymn (Nordheimer, 1872)

Our Old Canadian Home (Woodlawn, 1868)

Shoulder to Shoulder, On to the Border (Henry Price)

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/emc/wars-rebellions-and-uprisings%202012


The Canadian Volunteer’s Farewell (Nordheimer, 1866)

This Canada (Nordheimer, 1873)

Up Volunteers! (Nordheimer, 1865)

the history of peterborough area militia and fenian raids · i know i was drawn to the...

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