the simcoe loyalist · 2009-10-03 · united empire loyalists in ontario. when american colonists...

September 2009 Simcoe Loyalist www.uelgovsimcoe.org

The Simcoe Loyalist

Newsletter of the Governor Simcoe Branch of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada.

Volume XXXV, Issue #4, September 2009 www.uelgovsimcoe.org

Inside this Issue:

“Trifling Dirty Business” by Gavin Watt 1 “Slavery in the Town of York” by H. Dawson 2 President’s Message; Lieut. Gov. Remarks 3 2010 Fees; Changes for 2010 4 Genealogy Workshop Toronto Branch Oct 17 4 Simcoe Humber Walk; Humber Heritage River 5 “Four Directions Youth Project “ Donations 5 Bus Trip to Westfield, Dundurn, Dundas 7

Upcoming meetings:

"A Dirty, Trifling, Piece of Business" by Gavin

Watt – Wed. Oct. 7, 7:30pm

“Slavery in the Town of York”, by Hilary

Dawson on Wed. Nov. 4, 7:30pm

Please plan ahead to attend, and with such great

speakers, invite a friend or relative to share the

event with us – the more the merrier. (Below & p.2)

"A Dirty, Trifling, Piece of Business" by Gavin

Watt – Wed. Oct. 7, 7:30pm Also the title of his latest book about the American Revolution with a focus on the Loyalist - which includes our native allies - participation in partnership with the British forces, this presentation describes raids of 1781. The raids into the Mohawk and Schoharie came in a constant flood. That year there were over thirty-five raids into the Mohawk, Schoharie and upper Hudson Valleys before the two big expeditions of October. So, if you were a farm family somewhere near Canajoharie in the Mohawk, or Middleburg in the Schoharie, or Saratoga in the upper Hudson, you had to be on your guard constantly. You lived in an undercurrent of fear, tension and suspicion. Every stranger on the road; every flitting shadow in the woods; every random shot in the next valley; every column of smoke rising from over the hill – virtually every unexpected event was a potential threat to your life. Some raids were small and opportunistic. A small war band of Indians out for plunder and captives fell on an outlying farm, or ambushed a detachment of rebels. Other raids targeted ardent rebels for abduction, as carrying them off to Canada would damage rebel morale and disrupt their political and military systems.

1793 Simcoe directing the Queen's Rangers in constructing his base at York Having arrived and wintered at Newark in 1792, Simcoe decided to move further from the border for security reasons. Although not his first choice, Simcoe sent his surveyors to Toronto in March 1793 and his Queen’s Rangers to start building Fort York in July. Although no real settlement existed then at Toronto, the area was used by a number of people, including the Mississaugas, who lived by hunting and fishing, some fur traders, and perhaps a few early Loyalists. Settlers were so few along the north shore of Lake Ontario before 1793 that Simcoe estimated there were only 15 families living between the Bay of Quinte and the Burlington Bay at the western end of the lake.

Book Your Calendars

Next Gov. Simcoe Branch Meetings/Events Regular meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, October to May, at St. David’s Anglican Church, 49 Donlands Ave. at the Danforth, 7:00 pm for 7:30 meeting.

• Wed Oct. 7, Gavin Watt “Trifling Business”

• Wed Nov 4, H. Dawson “Slavery in York”

• Wed. Dec. 2 – Genealogy, Slideshow etc.

• January, no meeting

• Sat. Feb. (6 or 13), potluck lunch and heritage

• Wed. Mar. 3, 7:30 – TBA

• Wed. Apr. 7 6:30 Potluck at Montgomery Inn

• Wed. May 5, 7:30 - TBA More details on later meetings in next issues. The Governor Simcoe Branch preserves and

promotes Loyalist heritage with the assistance of a

Grant from the province of Ontario.


These personages could be exchanged for a senior Briton or loyalist being held captive. The 1781 campaign saw several of these attempts, some comical, some tragic. For instance, one ended with the senior agent running off with a young girl instead of his target. Still others were larger native raids. One of the greatest disasters to rebel arms that year was the catastrophic, perfectly-executed ambush of a company of rangers by Onondagas and Cayugas. Then, there were the British Secret Service’s frustrating negotiations with the independent republic of Vermont. They kept Vermont out of the war and gave the British free-reign of Lakes Champlain and George. Secret Service operatives were drawn from the King’s Rangers, Royal Yorkers and Peters’, Jessup’s and McAlpin’s Corps.

The two climactic expeditions came in October. Major John Ross led forces deep into the Mohawk Valley, almost to Schenectady, without a single rebel scout discovering their presence. Almost simultaneously Lieutenant-Colonel Barry St. Leger led forces south on Lake Champlain to Ticonderoga. This large expedition did very little fighting; its major role was a feint to draw off rebel forces, which it most successfully accomplished, and to bring the Vermont negotiations to a climax - for which purpose it failed. For more details of the book, visit www.uelac.org and see Resources - Book Reviews. Gavin Watt, a resident of the Toronto area has been retired from his working career for nearly ten years, but will likely never retire form his avocation, military history. He is the founder, and was President, of the

Museum of Applied Military History from 1977-2007. But to those of us with Loyalist interests, his presence has been keenly appreciated. Gavin is the founder, and was Officer Commanding, of the recreated King's Royal Yorkers from 1975-2006, a unit with which he continues his valued involvement. Perhaps to a much broader audience of historically interested readers, Gavin has researched extensively the military actions and people of the American Revolution, and authoured or co-authoured several books, including "The Burning of the Valleys, Daring Raids Against the New York Frontier in the Fall of 1780", "The Flockey – 13 August 1777 – The Defeat of the Tory uprising in the Schoharie Valley" and "Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley – The St. Leger Expedition of 1777" which was selected by Books on Canada 2003 for History as an example of “best writing and research". Gavin's passion for military research is evident in his contributions as Honorary VP of the UELAC, and his enthusiastic presentations - don't miss it.

Slavery in the Town of York, by Hilary Dawson

on Wed. Nov. 4, 7:30pm As the Thirteen Colonies moved towards civil war, those loyal to the Crown found life increasingly difficult. Throughout the war, Loyalists packed up their families, valuables and most portable possessions, and moved behind British lines. Many counted Black slaves among their personal property. Several of these slave-owning families settled in Upper Canada, and advertisements like “For Sale, a Negro Wench” appeared in the newspapers. From information found in original documents, historian Hilary J. Dawson will introduce Henry Prince, Peggy

Gavin Watt explains characteristics of the reenactors participating in the salute to the loyalists in the loyalist cemetery at Adolphustown during UELAC Conference

Free street parking in evenings on: a. Strathmore Blvd east of Donlands b. East side of Donlands north of Strathmore c. On Glebeholme east of Donlands


and other people of colour who were regarded as property by such influential figures as William Jarvis and Peter Russell. Hilary Dawson, Genealogist / Historical Researcher

Hilary grew up in Hull, in England. She has a degree in archaeology and mediaeval history from Southampton University, UK. Her interest in Black History has deep roots. Her home town was also the birthplace of William Wilberforce, the abolitionist. Hilary’s first museum job was in Wilberforce House, William Wilberforce’s home. Hilary’s research into nineteenth century Etobicoke Township (York County, now part of Toronto) uncovered a previously unknown Black presence. She curated several Black History Month exhibits at Montgomery’s Inn museum. In 2002, the Etobicoke Historical Society presented her with the Jean Hibbert Award for her contribution to Etobicoke’s history. She is currently working on the biography of Alfred Lafferty, Chatham’s first Black lawyer. The Lafferty family’s story (“From Immigrant to Establishment: a Black Family’s Journey”) appeared in the Spring 2007 issue of Ontario History.

President’s Message: Since our last regular branch meeting in May, I hope everyone has had a healthy and enjoyable summer Here in Ontario, it was not too hot and it never rained too much, except for one spell in August. A few of us at Gov. Simcoe Branch enjoyed some activities, attending the Conference at Napanee and Adolphustown in mid-June. On June 19th – Loyalist Day in Ontario – it was off to the Lieutenant Governor’s offices at Queen’s Park to celebrate with His Honour, David Onley UE and with members of Toronto Branch. Thanks to President Karen Windover UE, President of Toronto Branch and her fellow members for initiating the event, and along with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for organizing the celebration (see remarks below). On the next two holidays, Canada Day July 1st and Simcoe Day August 3rd we expected to be celebrating with a display at Fort York. This year we had a holiday from a holiday, as the events were both cancelled due to a City of Toronto labour dispute and strike by civic workers. At our August 25th executive meeting, we decided to make a few small changes for this coming year (see note below) but decided to hold our membership dues steady. Thanks to Doug, our annual bus trip on August 29th to Hamilton, Dundas and areas west went well – you can read about that elsewhere in the newsletter.

This brings us up to Labour Day and back to school. Our regular meeting schedule will commence on Wed. Oct. 7th with Gavin Watt, well-known author and speaker, discussing his latest book. I am sorry I will not be able to attend this meeting. I can’t recall ever missing a meeting since I became a member. I plan on making many stops in Eastern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on my way to Newfoundland where my brother Duane and I will spend a few days. I expect to arrive home on Oct 11th - this gives me lots of time before our November meeting. Let’s call October the beginning of our New Year and make a New Year’s resolution to get out to one or two meetings or events just for the purpose of meeting some old friends and to make some new ones. If lack of a ride is holding you back, give one of us a call. We would love to see you. . Loyally, Daryl Currie UE

Remarks by His Honour, Lieutenant Governor

David Onley UE June 19, 2009, Queen’s Park. I am delighted to join you again this year, for this special day set aside to celebrate the legacy of the United Empire Loyalists in Ontario. When American colonists loyal to the Crown fled persecution after the War of Independence, more than 200 years ago, and came to settle in what remained of British North America , they changed the course of our history. Forced to leave behind everything they had worked so hard to gain, still they brought to this land their determination and resourcefulness, a profound respect for the rule of law, and an unwavering loyalty to the monarchy. They were the qualities that led to the founding of our province, and the establishment of an elected assembly. They are still reflected today in the motto on Ontario’s coat of arms: “Loyal she began, Loyal she remains.”

Daryl Currie at Heritage Fair, Toronto West


The history of the Lieutenant Governor’s office begins with the United Empire Loyalists. Loyalist concerns about their treatment by a Francophone majority brought about the Constitutional act of 1791, splitting Quebec into Lower and Upper Canada. As a result, John Graves Simcoe was sent out here by King George the Third, in 1792, to govern the new province, and his policies of governance, defense and settlement profoundly influenced the development of Ontario. Simcoe was instrumental in introducing such institutions as the courts, trial by jury, English common law, and freehold land tenure, and he abolished slavery in Upper Canada, long before it was abolished in the British Empire as a whole. Simcoe and his successors relied on the Loyalists to support their policies and help them protect the province from invasion. And the Loyalist population never failed them. Today’s ceremony is a reminder that the United Empire Loyalists have served Ontario well and that we are all the recipients of their legacy. As the Queen’s representative in the province, it is my pleasure to bring greetings to the Toronto and Gov. Simcoe Branches of the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, and to thank you for your contributions to the office of Lieutenant Governor. Membership Fees for 2010 Due The fees for 2010 are due before the end of the year. A formal note will be included in the November issue of the Simcoe Loyalist. As Daryl will not be at the October meeting, but will accept them by mail or at the November meeting, should you wish to pay before the Nov. meeting, mail yur dues to Daryl, made out to “Gov. Simcoe Br. UELAC”. The fees are unchanged from last year and several years prior. $50 for an individual membership; $68 for a family. That fee supports the branch and its activities and projects, four issues of the Simcoe Loyalist, two issues of the Loyalist Gazette – real value for your money. Help preserve our Loyalist Heritage.

Toronto Branch Genealogical Workshop ASK A PROFESSIONAL……… We all hit roadblocks in our Loyalist research: from beginners questions, to where to look, to how, where, when and why! Listen and learn from those who have experienced many different areas of research. Questions in advance by email to [email protected] or if time permits, ask during the session. A panel of genealogists will answer your questions. Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 from 1 – 4:00 pm Toronto Branch UELAC 40 Scollard St, Suite 300, Toronto M5R 3S1 416-489-1783 When registering, please provide your name, address, telephone and email and that you are with Gov. Simcoe Branch

Gov. Simcoe Branch Changes for 2010. At the August 2009 meeting of the Executive of the Branch, the group decided to make some changes to our 2010 branch program. It has been difficult to attract more people to the executive and those who are there are finding the workload challenging. Costs have not been escalating significantly but many of them – printing, postage etc. – do go up each year. Here then are the changes: Branch Meetings Reduced. We will reduce the branch meetings by one each year. The January meeting has been removed from the schedule. The weather in January is quite unpredictable and with our meeting scheduled for the first Wed in the month, we usually have to move this one to the second Wednesday in order to avoid the New Years activities. The December meeting will not feature an outside speaker. Instead it will consist of a combination of genealogy workshop, slide show from events of the year, show and tell etc. Simcoe Loyalist Newsletter, Fewer Issues The branch newsletter will be published fewer times each year, four instead of six. Not yet determined for sure, but probably Jan., April, July and Sept. (or Oct.). Also, if you are willing to receive the newsletter

by email, please provide your email address to the editor. This will reduce our printing and mailing expenses, and will allow you to see the newsletter with much better colour pictures. Email Notification/Reminders of Meetings We will start a distribution list by email to those of you who have email addresses, if you will provide them. We will notify you of events, meetings, changes in the program etc. using this approach, something which is impractical by mail and time consuming by

Lieutenant Governnor David Onley on Loyalist Day


telephone. Please send your email address to the editor.

Follow Simcoe’s Footsteps up the Humber. On Saturday September 26 the Annual Humber River Walk will take place. This walk is led by Madeleine McDowell and tries to cover the first day of Lt. Gov. Simcoe’s exploratory trip from the mouth of the Humber River to Penetanguishene in 1793. We attempt to follow Simcoe’s first day travel from the mouth of the Humber to the Eglinton flats. Madelaine, our guide, will keep up a running

commentary on sites we pass on our walk. She will mention people, places, dates, flora and fauna. In recent years, the walk has been shortened as our guide has been unable to complete the full trip. The walk starts near the mouth of the Humber, on the west side of South Kingsway, north of the Gardiner and The Queensway. We meet at a park on the west side, right at the Esso gas station. The walk starts at 9:00 AM. If you are taking the TTC, go to Runnymede station and take bus 77 Swansea. If you go to Jane Station, you can walk down South Kingsway. Please note Jane has no transfer. If you bring younger children, we do pass Jane Street subway station on the walk. I usually wear period clothing, and you are encouraged to do likewise, but in any event be sure to wear good walking shoes. I hope to see you there.

….Colin Heath UE 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Humber as a

Canadian Heritage River On September 19th, First Nations leaders, elected

officials, local advocacy groups and residents joined together in a grand celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Humber River's designation as a Canadian Heritage River. The Humber River is the only Canadian Heritage River of the nine watersheds in the Greater Toronto Area. It is also the only Canadian Heritage River that is part of a select group of 41 historically important and specifically protected watercourses in the country, that has a subway stop along its path and that flows through Canada's most densely populated area of more than three million people. Its rich cultural history includes First Nations people, as well as key historical figures such as Brûlé, Champlain, LaSalle, Rousseaux, Quetton St-George and more. After many years of effort from citizens, community groups and government agencies, the Humber received it's designation in 1999 from the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS), an intergovernmental program led by Parks Canada. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the CHRS is Canada's national river conservation program which gives national recognition to Canada's outstanding rivers and ensures long-term management that conserves their natural, cultural and recreational heritage. The Humber River was designated for the significant human heritage contribution that it made to the exploration and settlement of the Toronto region and the country. This celebration focused on urban watershed issues, natural history, and future directions for the Humber in the city, as well as honouring those people - past, present and future - who work to protect and enhance

Executive for 2008/9:

President & Telephone

Membership & Salestable

Daryl Currie UE 314 Highfield Rd. Toronto ON M4L 2V5 416-469-0851

Vice President:

Lloyd Mellor 605 - 500 Talbot St., London ON N6A 2S3

Past President & Programs: Colin Heath UE 45 Rutherford Ave. Toronto ON M6M 2C5 416-247-7599

Treasurer:

Robert Heath UE 15 Patika Ave. Weston, ON M9N 2E7 416-249-7981

Secretary: Jo Ann Tuskin UE Unit 78 24 Fundy Bay Blvd Scarborough M1W 3A4 416-492-1623

Chaplain: Rev Ralph Blight 1579 Applewood Rd., Mississauga ON L5E 2M2 905-274-4630

Vice President of Youth Adam Donnelly UE 513 -20 Gamble Avenue Toronto ON M4K 2G9

Genealogist & Newsletter:

Doug Grant UE 315 Carlton St. Toronto ON M5A 2L6 416-921-7756


the Humber's natural and human heritage as well as recreational resources. Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). With over 50 years of experience, TRCA helps people understand, enjoy and look-after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity. www.trca.on.ca UELAC Project “Four Directions Youth Project” In July 2009, the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada launched a fundraising effort in

support of the Four Directions Youth Project, a curriculum-based educational experience developed by UELAC Honourary Vice President Zig Misiak. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with a number of schools, groups, and First Nations, including the Chiefswood National Historic Site, which is of primary cultural and heritage importance to the Six Nations of the Grand River community. Others including re-enactor groups involved with the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 will be contributing their expertise to assist with this initiative. The Four Directions Youth Project is based on the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Thanksgiving Address, a very special and respectful greeting to the natural world, which is recited at most social and spiritual gatherings. Its message transcends ethnic and cultural lines with lessons instilling gratitude and self-respect, as well as respect for others and Mother Earth, whose children we all are, regardless of race, creed, color, or sex. The project carries a message of peace, pride, and co-existence. Coupled with hands-on activities aimed

at youth following each weekly gathering, the Four Directions Youth Project promises to be a learning experience that will foster self-esteem along with an interest in Canadian history and heritage. Our Vision “The Four Directions Youth Project seeks to revive

interest in a key historical period relevant to all people

during the formation of Canada after the

Revolutionary War. This project is inclusive to all

people, nations, religions, etc., that focuses on

bridging the gap through cultural awareness,

interaction and understanding. Utilizing a key event,

i.e., the War of 1812, the Four Directions will build

capacity while learning about each other through

engaging and interactive (hands-on) actitivities in a

peaceful and non-threatening evironment conducive to

learning. This project will strengthen partnerships, and

build upon commonalities that we as a people (from

the four directions of the globe) in the Grand River

share. This project will also build capacity through

linkages to the Ontario Curriculum in the area of

History, Geography, Environmental and Indigenous

Studies. We will also engage in strengthening our

partnership base with the United Empire Loyalists, and

the Black Community, as well as engage the

Immigration Office in Brantford”. Not only will the students finish this program by learning more history and skills but our hope is that they will participate as re-enactors in our communities and support events leading up to and including the War of 1812 - 200th. We also feel that the "graduating" youth will become ambassadors within their communities having gained self confidence, higher esteem and a willingness to reach out to others sharing their knowledge. The Four Directions Youth Project is in itself historical with the United Empire Loyalists of Canada and the First Nations, specifically Haudenosaunee at this time, coming full cycle in support of one another. The "national" and "inter national" impact of this unification is yet to unfold. The main support by UELAC is fundraising, an activity which will continue until the end of 2009. The total estimated cost of the program is $20,000.00 and your donation will of course be deeply appreciated. The November issue of The Simcoe Loyalist will contain donation instructions with membership renewal, but if you would contribute in the meantime, visit www.uelac.org and look for the FDYP in the left column.

Bus Trip Saturday August 29 In spite of heavy overnight rains and a light rain/mist which started our day (Barbara Johnson said “raining

Zig Misiak, Kanowakeron (David Hill Morrison), Fred Hayward


at seven, over by eleven” for summertime weather) the sun was out by noon and we enjoyed fair weather. The first stop on our bus trip was Westfield Village.

What a gem it turned out to be, with over 35 historic buildings surrounded by 324 acres of unspoiled natural woodlands. A husband and wife team of interpreters in period clothing led out two tour groups. It was a perfect way to start the day, and if you have a chance, we strongly recommend a visit.. Donn, at the Donn Zver Pottery proudly showed us his pottery facilities and we thoroughly enjoyed lunch in their café Troy. In Hamilton we broke into two groups again and thoroughky enjoyed the many details of Dundurn

Castle, part of Dundurn National Historic Site and the magnificent home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab. Our next stop took us to the Dundas Museum and

Archives where the curator gave us a presentation about the origins of the institution and described some of the main items in the collection. We enjoyed a free tour of the museum and the adjoining Dr’s office. The chair of the board then took us on a guided bus tour of Dundas. Today essentially landlocked, at one point a canal towards Lake Ontario made Dundas one of the most active freshwater ports in the world. As we have found in many smaller towns we have visited over the years on our trips, when one digs deeper, there is usually a wealth of fascinating history to be uncovered.

After picking up sandwiches, a vegetable and a cheese tray at the Hamilton Fortinos, we enjoyed a tasty ride back to Toronto.

An introduction to Westfield Village

Hats for sale in the dressmaker’s shop

Morning refreshments served in the General Store

One of the old log houses

One of the earliest log structures – a chapel?


Our two guides have been long part of Westfield

The Troy Café at Donn Zven Pottery

On the grounds at Dundurn Castle

From the Dundurn grounds overlooking the Harbour

Dundurn Castle as it faces the Harbour

Cradle brought by Anne Morden in 1785 to Dundas

The Doctor’s Office at Dundas Museum

Cairn and plaque to Dundas Street built by the Queen’s Rangers in 1793/4 for Gov. Simcoe

the simcoe loyalist · 2009-10-03 · united empire loyalists in ontario. when american colonists...

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