July 1814 Stories

First Edition Published June, 2015

Second Edition Published April 29, 2016

Third Edition Published July 1, 2017

Fourth Edition Published July 4, 2020

Copyright by Fred Blair

Additions and changes are in blue text.

July 1, 1814

At Burlington Heights

            During July, Captain John Chisholm of the 2^nd York Militia was reported helping to build a blockhouse at the Burlington Bay outlet.  The Royal Engineers and local militia were building a battery at the same location.  These were defensive works to protect Burlington Heights.  Ashael Davis later reported that he had worked on the battery.  A militia payroll had him serving on the beach in Capt. James Morden’s Company of the 2^nd York Militia.[1]

            John Smith supplied 900 feet of flat and square timber for the blockhouse.[2]

At Kingston and York

            The supply of army bills in all denominations had were now sufficient enough in quantity for local merchants and the Kingston and York Associations to call in the notes that they had issued earlier to keep trade flowing.[3]

July 3, 1814

American Capture of Fort Erie

            The Americans crossed the Niagara River at the ferry across from Black Rock above Fort Erie and captured the fort.[4]

On the Niagara Frontier

            Captain William H. Merritt celebrated his 21^st birthday at the Twelve Mile Creek where he heard that the Americans had crossed the Niagara River at Fort Erie.  He rode to Chippawa where he found 2 militia regiments assembled.[5]

July 4, 1814

            Lieutenant R. Armstrong of the Royal Artillery was conveying rockets to Chippawa when a wagon broke down.  A replacement was impressed from Samuel Street’s house.[6]

            Abel Sherrard brought a raft of 130 sawn logs down the Chippawa Creek to where it met the Niagara River.  The raft being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Major General Riall ordered the raft cut loose to float down the Niagara River towards the falls.[7]

            In March, William Lyons, of Niagara Township, had entered into a contract with Assistant Commissary General Dance to deliver 20 000 feet of square pine timber to Fort George at the price of one-shilling Halifax currency per foot.  He had delivered half the order, had another 9 800 feet bound into rafts and ready to deliver, and had engaged workmen to make the delivery.  As the Americans had invaded at Fort Erie the day before, his workmen were ordered to report for militia duty.  The timber was lost because William could not make the delivery.  After the war, he made a war loss claim for the contracted value of the timber.[8]

July 5, 1814

The Battle of Chippawa

            The Battle of Chippawa was fought on the north side of the Chippawa River where it entered the Niagara River.  The British army confronted an American army that had invaded at Fort Erie and had followed the Niagara River south towards Chippawa.  The British had their backs to the Chippawa River, the Niagara River on their left, a wooded area on their right, and open farm land in front of them.  The Upper Canada Militia and Native Americans were sent into the wooded area to harass the American left flank but met a force of Americans there, where they took heavy casualties.  The British eventually retreated back across the Chippawa River.

     For a more detailed account of the battle, I recommend Where Right and Glory Lead!  The Battle of Lundy’s Lane, 1814 by Donald E. Graves, Robin Brass Studio, Toronto, 2003.

            Rather than using the Chippawa River as a defense against the Americans, Major General Riall advanced his army across the river with the 2^nd Lincoln Militia under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dickson.[9]

            Prior to the engagement, Major General Riall realized that several buildings were obstructing the field between him and the Americans.  Lieutenant Charles Anderson, of the Niagara Provincial Artillery Drivers, was ordered to gather a party of regulars and militia to burn down the buildings and clear away any other obstructions.  Dr. John Johnson Lafferty lost a 32 by 40-foot house, 2 out houses, fencing, and three dozen fruit trees.[10]

            John J. Lafferty was born about 1777 in the American colonies.  He arrived in the Niagara Peninsula in 1797.[11]

            Thomas Cummings house was also burnt.[12]

            The merchant firm of Thomas Clark and Samuel Street maintained a farm in the area.  The weatherboarding and floor boards were removed from the barn to improve the gunner’s view of the fields and a building used as a bake house by the army was removed.  All of the bread baked for the army at Fort Erie and Chippawa had been baked in that building.  As contracts to supply fuel for the bake house had not been made, the fence rails were taken from the farm to use as fire wood.[13]

            When 16-year old Jacob Garner received the call to muster with the militia he was plowing his father’s field.  He unyoked the oxen and left the plow, chains, and yoke in the field.  In the fall, they were found there overgrown with grass.[14]

            Major General Riall expecting the American fleet to attack along the lake shore sent a militia regiment from Chippawa back to Queenston.[15]

            Was this the 1^st Lincoln Militia?

            Mary Street, Samuel’s wife, realized that a battle was about to take place on Pine Grove Farm, so she drove their large dairy herd and beef cattle to the south side of the Chippawa River.  The Americans took the remaining livestock.  Samuel lost 2 calving dairy cows, 15 shoats, and a riding mare.[16]

            Captain William H. Merritt reported that Lieutenant Colonel Dickson commanded the flanking party with Captains Grant, Rowe, and Turney, and Lieutenant McDonald each commanding a company of men.  They met about 800 Americans in the woods and a 15-minute fire fight ensued.  Dickson was wounded and his horse shot twice.  The British light company came to their aid and drove the Americans back and the British flanking party withdrew.[17]

            Major David Secord took over command when Lieutenant Colonel Dickson was wounded.[18]

            A trooper fell off his horse when he was struck by a spent bullet.  Finding no wound, he remounted.  After the battle, he discovered that the skin where the bullet struck had not been broken but there was a very bad bruise.[19]

            Immediately after the battle, Captain Abner Owen of the Norfolk Militia was ordered to burn all the bridges across Lyons Creek, which flowed into the Chippawa River just above the Village of Chippawa.  Reports of the bridge burnings indicated that Captain Owen commanded a mixed detachment of men from the 2^nd Lincoln and Norfolk Militias.[20]

            Among the bridges burnt in Willoughby Township were those of Martin Dell, Jacob Everingham, Aaron Stringer, and Crowell Willson.[21]

Aaron Stringer had a new frame bridge which was 200 feet long and had abutments of round logs at the ends which extended beyond that length.[22]

            Jacob Everingham’s bridge connected his house to his barn as the creek ran between them.  Jacob immediately began rebuilding the bridge.[23]

            Martin Dells’ bridge was his access to the public highway.  His bridge had been 105 feet long, 18 feet wide, and had framed posts and beams.[24]

            The number wounded and killed in the 2^nd Lincoln Militia varied.  One report had 13 wounded and 16 killed.[25]

            Another had 16 wounded, 12 killed, and 15 missing.[26]

            A report written on July 13^th listed a field officer, 3 subalterns, one sergeant, and 11 rank and file were wounded and 2 captains, one subaltern, and 9 rank and file were killed.[27]

            Nearly a third of the survivor pensions granted after the war were for militia men killed during this battle.

            However, by the end of summer, the Incorporated Militia had at least 166 out of 404 men wounded or killed.[28]

            About 200 Grand River Iroquois had taken part in this battle.  The Americans were supported by Six Nation warriors from New York.  About 100 warriors were killed during the battle.  This was a considerable loss for both groups and they were both reconsidering supporting the war.  Most of the Grand River men left by the end of the month because the British had withdrawn from their homelands and left them vulnerable to American raids.[29]

            Benjamin Holmes, who had lost all his household goods when the American’s burned the Town of Niagara the previous December, took a mattress, 3 pillows, and 3 sheets to Colonel Clark’s house where 3 wounded officers were being cared for.[30]

            Lieutenant Thaddeus Davis of the 2nd Lincoln Militia made a war loss claim in 1824 in which he claimed for the loss of a great coat during the battle.  “Young Rose” was wounded during the engagement in the woods and no blankets were available to carry him away from the fighting.  Davis had his great coat tied onto the back of his saddle and gave it to the militia men to serve as a stretcher for Ross.  That was the last time he saw his coat.[31]

            Who was young Rose?  No one named Rose served in the 2nd Lincoln with Thaddeus during this battle.  However, in the list of wounded the name Rose was recorded as a member of the 1st Lincoln Militia.

            Private Alexander Rose and possibly one of his brothers were wounded during the engagement in the woods, according to their father’s war loss claim in 1815.  Donald Rose certified that two of his sons had been wounded and that Alexander had had a great coat taken from Donald's home by the Americans that July.[32]

            Stephen Bowley in his article on this Loyalist family wrote that Alexander had been severely wounded while serving in Captain James Crook’s Company of the 1st Lincoln Militia during the battle.  Because of his wound, Alexander had been incapable of earning a living and died in 1826.  The family farm was located on the Portage Road near the road to St. David’s and between Chippawa and Queenston.[33]

           As Alexander had been the son who was severely wounded and probably in most need of a stretcher, he was probably the recipient of Lieutenant Davis’ great coat.  The Americans had advanced to Donald Rose’s home, after the wounded Alexander had been returned there, and had taken Alexander’s great coat.  It was therefore quite probable that coat stolen by the Americans was in fact Lieutenant Davis' lost coat.

            As both Thaddeus and Alexander claimed for the same coat, the British paid twice for its loss.

            Captain William H. Merritt reported that every house in the area was full of wounded.  He spent a restless night at Street’s as many were groaning in pain throughout the night.[34]

            Thomas Bloomfield was shot in the head and died 5 days later.  His burial place has not been found.  His brother David was shot through the hand and was later unable to support his family.  He was a shoemaker and harness maker.[35]

            Ensign John Kilborn of the Incorporated Militia was ordered to halt, after leaving the battle area, and eat his rations.  He complained that the water in the creek was muddy and sulphurous.  The bread, delivered in an open wagon, was covered with dust and gravel.  The men were however thankful for what they were given as sometimes they had to go without food.[36]

July 5^th Upper Canadian Casualties

Private Samuel Adams, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Joseph Bastedo, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Louis Blanchett, 2^nd Lincoln

Thomas Bloomfield[37]

Private James Forsythe, 2^nd Lincoln

Sergeant John Hutt, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Alexander McDonnel, 2^nd Lincoln

Lieutenant Christopher McDonell, 2^nd Lincoln

Sergeant Joseph Oldfield, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Stephen Peer, 2^nd Lincoln

Captain John Rowe, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Timothy Skinner, 2^nd Lincoln, July 5, 1814

Private Robert Taylor, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Robert Teetor, 2^nd Lincoln

Sergeant John Thompson Sr., 2^nd Lincoln

Captain George Turney, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Jacob Wilkerson/Wilkinson, 2^nd Lincoln[38]

Upper Canadian Wounded

Lieutenant Abraham Bowman, 2^nd Lincoln

Lieutenant Louis Clement, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Samuel Crier, Militia, July 5, 1814[39]

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dickson, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Stephen Howey, 2^nd Lincoln

Ensign Robert Kirkpatrick, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Anthony Ribble, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Alexander Rose, 1^st Lincoln[40]

Private Lanty Shannon, 2^nd Lincoln

Private James Thompson, 2^nd Lincoln

Private Samuel Weirs, 2^nd Lincoln [41] [42]

            Samuel Adams’ widow was Mary Adams.

            Joseph Bastido’s widow was Margaret Bastido.

            Lewis Blanchette’s widow was Mary Blanchette.

            James Forsyth’s widow was Hannah Forsyth.[43]

            After the war, Timothy Skinners children were orphaned and passed into the care of Ann Sinclair who received a pension for their care.[44]

July 6, 1814

            The British sent a messenger to the Americans under a white flag to enquire if they could collect their dead but were refused.[45]

            Major General Riall complained that the Indigenous warriors and the 2^nd Lincoln Militia had defected after the battle.[46]

            After the war, John Bauman of Thorold Township made a war loss claim for losses from his farm just after the Battle of Chippawa.  A party of allied Indigenous warriors had come to his farm while he was away serving in the militia.  They attempted to capture his mare which was pastured in his field.  Frustrated that they had not been able to catch the horse, they shot her in the neck, and she died shortly after that.  The warriors then broke into his house and took 5 blankets and a bed.[47]

            John Bowman served as a sergeant in the 2^nd Lincoln Militia and was serving in Captain George Turney’s Company from June 26 to July 6^th.[48]

            Samuel McKerlie of Stamford Township reported that American Indigenous warriors had plundered almost all the houses in his neighbourhood.  He found Stephen Brown’s mare lying on the side of the road.  Upon examining her, he discovered that she had been shot.  Stephen had reported that the warriors had stolen her.[49]

            Louis Durham, of Stamford Township, saw a number of warriors passing on the Portage Road with some blankets and linens that she recognized.  She knew that the plaid patterned blankets belonged to Haggai Cook.  The linens had been woven by her husband, Edward Durham, and she had seen them being whitened.  She suspected that the Cook home had been plundered by the warriors.[50]

            Louis had another encounter with warriors who plundered the Cook farm on July 25^th.

            Edward Durham was born about 1773 to a Loyalist family.  He served in Capt. Rowe’s Company of the 2^nd Lincoln Militia during the war.  Haggai Cook was married to Sarah Durham.[51]

July 7, 1814

            With the British in retreat from Chippawa to the Falls, Captain William H. Merritt rode to his father’s house and had their most valuable belongings moved to Burlington.  On returning he observed warriors raiding the farm yards.  Two had broken into Mr. Crook’s store.  Merritt got Wilkinson to help him retake the store goods.  They had a hard struggle with the warriors.  Captains Merritt and Hamilton stayed the night at Mrs. Willson’s tavern.[52]

            Ulrich Strickler of Willoughby Township had 2 wagon horses taken by the Americans.[53]

            Benjamin Thompson, of Stamford Township, wrote that John McMicking had a store in Chippawa which contained goods that John wanted to save when the British retreated.  A wagon was loaded with liquors and dry goods at night and driven on the main road to Queenston.  Across from Philip Bender’s house they were stopped by a doctor who had orders to impress wagons to remove the wounded from the temporary hospital in Mr. Bender’s house.  The goods were thrown from the wagon.  Benjamin reported that the damaged goods were not worth recovering.[54]

            About this time, John Montgomery, of Stamford Township, concealed 2 barrels of liquor under the haystacks in Archibald Thompson’s meadow.  The liquor, one barrel of spirits and one barrel of whiskey, were the property of John Knox, of the same township.  A few days after hiding the barrels the Americans came with wagons to take away the hay in the meadow, discovered the liquor, and took it away as well.[55]

July 8, 1814

            Major David Secord of the 2^nd Lincoln Militia was ordered to form a party to collect all the cattle in the vicinity that could be gathered and deliver them to Fort George.[56]

            About this time, the American Brigadier General John Swift of the New York Volunteers was shot after plundering James Thompson’s home.  He was carried back inside and died there.  James’ silver watch was recovered from the general’s pocket.[57]

July 9, 1814

            Major General Riall reported from Fort George that the Americans were at St. David’s.[58]

            Private Abraham Nelles of the 2^nd Lincoln Militia was taken prisoner.[59]

            Captain William H. Merritt recalled that he had gathered a small party at the Twelve Mile Creek.  His mother and Susan remained at home but his father had gone to Burlington with all the stock from his farm.  A few militia men remained on the Chippawa Road but most had retreated to Burlington with their stock.  Their families had stayed behind.  The Americans had sent scouting parties to Wilkinson’s, Hall’s, and Collard’s.[60]

            In 1824, Catharine Bald, the wife of Thomas Bald and daughter of James Thompson of Stamford Township, recalled that over 200 American militia and Indigenous warriors arrived at her father’s house and proceeded to plunder the property.  They took a mare, shot and carried away a sheep, hogs, and some poultry, and destroyed the bee hives.  From the house they took bedding, clothing, and table furniture. 

After the war James claimed for the loss of a black mare, a sheep, 12 poultry, 5 swarms of bees, a bed spread, 2 quilts, 5 blankets, 2 pillows, a bed tick, a hamburg linen, a sheet, 4 pillow cases, 2 great coats, a ladies cloak, 4 pair of pantaloons, a pair of calf skin slippers, 2 pair of shoes, 10 pair of stockings, 6 pair of socks, an umbrella, 3 shirts, a lady’s gown, 6 children’s frocks, 7 small shirts, 4 lady’s caps, a small trunk, a jewelled bag, books,  a pepper mill, a tea kettle, a pewter teapot, a dozen table spoons, a large pewter basin, a set of knives and forks, a brass candle stick, an earthen flowered cup and bowl, a frying pan, a set of cups and saucers, a rough cup, coffee, 6 pounds of sugar, 8 ounces of allspice, the same of pepper, 4 bushels of wheat, a set of shoe makers, 8 sickles,2 iron wages, 5 cast steel black smith’s files, 3 pounds of leather, an iron fork, and some other items.[61]

Upper Canadian Wounded, Engagement Unknown

Private James Crawford, Kent Volunteers

Lieutenant James McGregor, Kent Volunteers[62]

July 11, 1814

            As the Americans advanced from Chippawa to Queenston they plundered a number of homes in Stamford Township.  Sarah Thompson, the widow of Robert Taylor who was killed on July 5^th, had some of her household furniture and tools and supplies from her husband’s saddlery business taken.[63]

            Thomas Dickson, a merchant of Queenston, had his home occupied and used as a barracks by the British in 1812.  During the Battle of Queenston Heights he lost merchandise stored in the town and some of his furniture.  On October 12, 1813, he was living in the house of Jacob Upper in Thorold Township, when the Americans plundered him of clothing, furniture, and merchandise.  By June, 1814, he had removed his family to Montreal.  He had received a shipment of merchandise from Montreal in the spring, which he secreted, with other goods and his remaining furniture, in the homes of Peter and James Thompson in Stamford Township.  Between July 11^th and 19^th, the Americans discovered his property and plundered it yet again.[64]

July 12, 1814

            Private Benjamin Smith wrote in his diary that the militia paraded and marched to Stoney Creek where they stayed the night.[65]

He was serving in a 5^th Lincoln Militia detachment of about 107 men under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Bradt.  The payroll record was from June 25 to July 24^th.[66]

This detachment’s movements from the 12^th to the 24^th gave some indication of how they were employed by the British and where they found accommodations.  It would be interesting to know the locations of each of their camps.

July 13, 1814

            Major General Riall reported that Fort George could not stand an American assault.  Militia willing to support the British were ordered to head for Burlington.[67]

            Captain William H. Merritt was sent from Fort George to gather the warriors and militia men at Burlington and to bring them to the British army.[68]

            Private Benjamin Smith and the men of the 5^th Lincoln Militia marched to Abraham Nelles’ house and slept in his barn.[69]

July 14, 1814

            Private Benjamin Smith reported that the 5^th Lincoln Militia Detachment was at the Twenty Mile Creek, where they remained until the 17^th.[70]

July 15, 1814

            Major General Riall had abandoned Fort George and withdrawn to the Twenty Mile Creek.  He reported that the Lincoln Militias were assembling and the London District Militia was marching to join him.[71]

            Colonel Scott met Riall at the creek with reinforcements that included 600 militia men and 500 Indians.

The 1^st Lincoln Militia was stationed at the Ten Mile Creek, Brown’s 4^th Lincoln detachment at Hutt’s house, and two other Lincoln regiments were at Beaver Dams.  The Americans were plundering the homes in the countryside while the militia were skirmishing with them daily.  Young Ball had cleared his house and fled with two wagons full of his furnishings.[72]

The barn of William Chisholm, a merchant of Grantham Township in Lincoln County, was torn down and the wood was used to construct a bake house with bins and troughs for the use of the British army.[73]

Private Aaron Teeter of the 4^th Lincoln Militia was accidentally injured and received a disability pension after the war.[74]

July 16, 1814

            Captain William H. Merritt was stationed at Joseph Smith’s while Adjutant Foster commanded the militia at Goring’s house.[75]

            Privates Joseph Smith and Hamilton Goring served in the 1^st Lincoln Militia.[76]

            In the evening, Merritt’s party was ambushed on a hill near St. David’s where Young Woodruff was wounded and Thompson captured.[77]

            Who were Young Woodruff and Thompson?

July 17, 1814

            Henry Woodruff, a saddler and harness maker in St. David’s, had his shop plundered by the Americans.  He reported that they took 2 sets of harnesses, 10 bridles, cruppers, saddle pads, stirrup leather, girths, halters, lines, headstalls, 2 valises, 7 sides of skirting leather, 4 sides of harness leather, 18 sheep skins, a set of saddle tools, 16 yards of taw sheeting (leather made without tannin), hardware used in saddle and harness making, coats, overalls, jackets, shirts, shoes, and boots.[78]

July 18, 1814

The Americans Burned St. David’s

            An American foraging party was met with fierce fighting.  The Americans returned with a larger force and retaliated by burning a number of buildings.

            On estimate had 14 homes, 2 merchant shops, and a mill destroyed.  The loss was valued at under 6 000 pounds.[79]

            Richard Woodruff had a merchant shop and house burned in the village.  After the war, he claimed for the loss of the dwellings and his merchandise which included white flannel, rose coloured blankets, broad cloth, white muslin, 90 pounds of pepper, tobacco, 3 boxes of tea, 100 pounds of coffee, 12 pair of men’s shoes, 12 pair of black stockings, and 2 000 shingles.  He had suffered other losses the year before to the Americans and the British.[80]

            Richard Woodruff (1784-1872) was the son of Ezekiel Woodruff (1763-1837) and Sarah Hall.  Ezekiel brought his family to Newark in 1795.  A former lawyer in Connecticut, he became a school teacher and then a surveyor in Upper Canada.  During the War of 1812, he served in the 2^nd Lincoln Militia.

            Richard married Anne Clement, the daughter of Colonel Joseph Clement UE.  He was known as the founder of St. David’s.  Richard served as a sergeant in the Niagara Light Dragoons and was at the Capture of Detroit in August, 1812.  He later became an ensign in the 1^st Lincoln Militia and received a medal for his service at the Battle of Chrysler’s Farm.  His store and home in St. David’s had been used by the British as a commissary and barracks prior to their loss.[81]

            Major David Secord of the 2^nd Lincoln Militia was also a merchant living in St. David’s who sold supplies to the British.  He lost 4 houses, a grist mill, a shed, a stable, and a barn, all with their contents.  He did not separate his household goods from his merchandise in his war loss claim.  His merchandise may have included a chest of green tea, a keg of tobacco, a carrel of “muscarade” sugar, yards of flannel, linen, and grey cloth, white cotton, 10 pair of blankets, 5 rugs, 30 pair of men’s shoes, 4 pair of boots, 36 pairs of stockings, ribbon, 16 barrels of flour, and 900 pounds of candles.  He also claimed for losses to the British earlier in the same year.

Major General Riall reported that Adjutant Foster, Lieutenants Smith and Beam, and a detachment of the 1^st Lincoln Militia had attacked an American cavalry patrol and captured their commanding officer.[82]

Captain William H. Merritt reported that a scouting corps of about 30 men was formed to observe and harass the Americans.[83]

Among those who lost houses and other buildings, were Samuel Boyd, John Bunting, a carpenter, Thomas Bunting, a cooper, Catherine Lowell, a widow, Jacob Lutz, a blacksmith, Major David Secord, a merchant, Hannah Secord, a widow, and Richard Woodruff Sr., a merchant.

Who were the others?

Private Frederick Thompson of the 1^st Lincoln Militia was wounded at St. David’s and received a disability pension after the war.[84]

Private Benjamin Smith’s detachment marched to the Twelve Mile Creek and Benjamin found a bed at the widow “Clendenen’s” house.[85]

In Kingston

The Kingston Gazette advertised that the Royal Artillery was looking for a few young horses for draught work.  They were to be at least fourteen and a half hands high.[86]

July 19, 1814

On the Niagara Frontier

            Major General Riall reported that he was still at the Twelve Mile Creek with advance parties at the Tenth.  The 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th, and 5^th Lincoln Militia and the Indigenous warriers were there with him.  His right flank extended to “Decoo’s” house and Street’s Mills. A second brigade of militia was at the Forty Mile Creek under Colonel Hamilton.  Almost all of the militia had turned out in support.

The American’s had burnt the houses between the Falls and Queenston and all of the Village of St. David’s and several additional houses in that area.[87]

About this time the Royals Scots under Lieutenant Colonel John Gordon were stationed at the Fifteen Mile Creek where some were billeted in John “Heddon’s” house in Louth Township.  William Hageman, of Glanford Township, and his team were attached to that regiment.  William was approached by John “Heddon” to go into his fields and examine a chest of articles which John had hidden to ensure that they were not taken from his home.  William wrote that he found the chest almost empty and the papers that had been in it had been torn into pieces and left lying in the field.  Lieutenant Colonel Gordon was informed that his men were suspected of having stolen the articles from the chest.  He ordered his men to be paraded and have their packs examined.  The stolen articles were found in 4 of the men’s packs.  These men were flogged.  On July 25^th, William Hagerman was ordered to take the 4 men in his wagon to the hospital in Fort George. 

After the war, John “Heddon” claimed for the loss of a silver watch, money, and debts he was unable to collect because the loan agreements that had been torn and destroyed and other losses he had suffered while the Royals were billeted in his home.[88]

The Kingston Gazette noted that a Burlington Paper had reported that some soldiers had attempted to destroy a house on this date but the owner had mortally wounded 2 and injured another.  More soldiers returned the following night and burned the house.  The newspaper had heard that other homes had been threatened.[89]

Private Benjamin Smith and the 5^th Lincoln Militia marched to George “Kefer’s” and slept there.[90]

July 20, 1814

            As the American army advanced on Fort George the 1^st and 2^nd Lincoln Militia took possession of Queenston and captured a few prisoners early in the morning.[91]

            The 5^th Lincoln Militia marched to Adam Hutt’s property, saw 3 American deserters there, and returned to “Kefer’s” for the night.[92]

July 21, 1814

            Private Benjamin Smith recorded that the 5^th Lincoln Militia Detachment was scouting in Queenston.  They stayed the night at Christian Warner’s home.[93]

            The Americans began their withdrawal from Fort George.  Advance forces encountered the 1^st Lincoln and 2^nd York Militia Regiments on Queenston Heights.  A day long attack forced the militia to retreat as the Americans brought up more men.[94]

July 22, 1814

            General Riall had sent Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon out with a party of the Glengarry Light Infantry to scout the Americans.  From the top of a hill, he observed a column of men proceeding from Fort George to Queenston.  The waggons and baggage waited at Brown’s house.  James had to fall back from his position as a column of American cavalry and riflemen was approaching on their way to St. David’s.  He was pursued for about a mile down the road.[95]

            Who was Brown and where was his house?

            The Americans returned to Queenston and sent a detachment of riflemen to St. David’s in an attempt to capture the men from the 1^st and 2^nd Lincoln Militia.  Captain Merritt withdrew to St. David’s with the militia.  At Roses’ house, he sent a rider to ask Major David Secord to meet them at the village.  Near St. David’s they discovered American militia men in the area.  After a brief exchange of fire, the British party withdrew to the Ten Mile Creek.

            Captain William Thompson and some other officers stopped at Collard’s to dine.  While in the house they were surprised by a party of over 200 Americans under Colonel Joseph Wilcox.  The British officers opened fire from the second-floor windows but were forced to surrender.  After destroying Collard’s house, the Americans retreated with their prisoners.[96]

            John Collard reported that 6 British officers were captured and that after the house was evacuated the Americans burnt his house to the ground under orders of Colonel Wilcox.[97]

            John was born about 1761, was a Loyalist from New York State, and had a farm on Lot 142 in St. David’s.[98]

            The officers captured at St. David’s included Captain William Thompson, Lieutenant Daniel O’Reilly, Ensign William McKerlie, and Adjutant John K. Simons, all of the 2^nd York Militia.[99] 

Ensign John Warren Jr. of the 2^nd Lincoln was also captured.[100]

Who was the sixth officer reported captured by John Collard?  Benjamin Smith reported 5 captured in his diary.[101]

After his capture, Captain Thompson was paroled to the Town of Cheshire, Massachusetts as prisoner number 13684 and was paroled from there on January 7, 1815 to return to Canada.  Lieutenant O’Reilly, prisoner 10284, Ensign McKerlie, prisoner 9348, and Adjutant Simons, prisoner 12922, were also paroled to Cheshire but there was no record of their dates of release.  The prisoner register had Adjutant Simons captured at Bridgewater.  There was no prisoner record for Ensign Warren.[102]

            John K. Simons made a war loss claim on January 20, 1816, for a saddle and bridle taken by the Americans when he was captured.[103]

            On the same day, Captain Robert Grant was captured and Sergeant Jacob Nevills was captured in Queenston.[104] 

Both men served in the 2^nd Lincoln Militia.

           

            Private Benjamin Smith reported that the 5^th Lincoln Militia Detachment marched to the Ten Mile Creek where he heard about the five officers captured in an engagement with the Americans.[105]

            In the evening, Captain Merritt and the militia detachment was at John Bessey’s house.[106] 

John Bessey served as a private in the 1^st Lincoln Militia.

Privates Nathan Cohow and Joseph Wheaton of the 1^st Lincoln were both wounded at St. David’s and received pensions after the war for the resulting disabilities.[107]

July 23, 1814

The American Raid at St. Mary’s

            John Johnston was a fur trader with the North West Company and had a home and store at St. Mary’s, later called Sault Ste. Marie.  About this time, he took about 100 of his men in 2 bateaux to relieve the garrison at Michilimackinac as they were expecting an American attack.  An American force was sent to intercept Johnston’s party and arrived at St. Mary’s on this date and burned Johnston’s warehouses and home.[108]

            After the war John Johnston made a war loss claim for his property which was carried off or destroyed by the Americans.  His extensive list of losses included 174 blankets, 5000 gun flints, thirteen kegs of fine gunpowder, 1120 pounds of shot and balls, 50 pounds of beads, 144 camwood knives, 70 pair of shoes, 600 cod hooks, over 100 shirts, 7500 pounds of maple sugar, 500 pounds of choice tobacco, over 150 gallons of spirits, 500 pounds of salt, 40 pounds of pepper, 36 pounds of coffee, 80 pounds of refined sugar, 60 pounds of green tea, 117 pounds of raisins, 2 bateaux, and the skins of martins, otters, beaver, muskrats, deer, and moose.  He estimated his substantial losses at about 10 000 pounds in Halifax currency.[109]

On the Niagara Frontier

            The 5^th Lincoln Militia marched to Metler’s where they “took up their guns.”[110]

July 25, 1814

The Battle of Lundy’s Lane

            The British held the hill at Lundy’s Lane when a small American force encountered and engaged them there in the afternoon.  Militia units engaged the Americans on their left flank but later withdrew.  The American army was encamped a short distance away and advanced to engage the British.  The regular militia were ordered to give up their arms and supplies to the British regulars, but they would remain to support the British and recover wounded men from the field during pauses in the battle.  The Incorporated Militia guarded the British left flank.  The battle extended into the night and both armies eventually withdrew.  The British returned and held the battlefield in the morning.

            I recommend Donald E. Graves’, Where Right and Glory Lead!  The Battle of Lundy’s Lane, 1814, Robin Brass Studio, Toronto, 2003 as a detailed history of this battle.

           

            In the morning, Louis Durham saw Indians allied with the British kill 4 of Haggai Cook’s hogs and 3 of his sheep.  Several other sheep were wounded.  Louis and Haggai’s daughter chased the Indians and recovered the animals still left alive.  While they were herding the animals back to Haggai’s farm another group of Indians carried away a bee hive.  The Haggai home was raided again that evening.[111]

Haggai was born in New York State on October 27, 1773 and arrived in Upper Canada with his parents in 1786.  He received a land grant in 1797 and served in Capt. Grant’s Company of the 2^nd Lincoln Militia during the war.  Haggai was probably living north of Lundy’s Lane.[112]

            In 1790, Charles and Debora Willson established a tavern near the falls.  Charles died shortly after the war began and Debora continued to run the tavern with her daughters Harriet and “Statira.”  The tavern was a frequent stop for officers of both armies as they each held possession of that part of the frontier.  She remained neutral during the war and informed both sides of her knowledge of their opponents.  She informed the American Brigadier General Winfield Scott that the British were in the area when he talked to her late in the afternoon.  During the night, the tavern became a hospital for the American wounded.[113]

            Debora witnessed 60 wagonloads of American wounded pass by her tavern on the road to Chippawa.[114]

            Unfortunately, both armies took advantage of the location of the tavern as a place at which to impress supplies, for which Mrs. Willson kept a detailed list.  After the war, she made claims for losses to both opponents.  She claimed for 11 items taken or destroyed by the British.  To the Royals she lost 1 400 rails and 4 acres of corn, to Engineer Yale, 6 acres of wheat, to Indigenous warriors, a half-acre of potatoes, to the 97^th Regiment, 30 loads of pumpkins, to the 100^th Regiment, 60 poultry, to the Royals and the warriors, 23 hogs, to Colonel Myers staff, 5 tons of hay, to the Royal Artillery, 3 three-gallon iron pots, and to the Dragoons, three and a half acres of buckwheat.  To the Americans she lost 2 carpets, one table which was destroyed, 3 hogs, 9 five-week old pigs, and 2 window curtains.  In 1824, Debora Willson resubmitted her claim.  Harriet Willson certified the claim as the wife of Robert Doan.  Charles Willson certified that he had been about 14 years old at the time and had witnessed some of the losses.[115]

            Dr. William Dunlop served with the British 89^th Regiment of Foot during the battle.  He had gone into the firing line, recovered several wounded men, and carried each man on his back to the hospital quarters.

            During the winter, he helped build the Penetanguishene Road from the Town of York to Penetanguishene Bay on Lake Huron.[116]

In June, 1813, Anna Maria Gesso had helped Trooper John Stivers Jr. escape from Fort Niagara.  John returned to service with Merritt’s Dragoons on the Niagara Frontier.  During the evening of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, his horse went lame and he was ordered to take the first available horse he could find.  He took a horse from a neighbouring pasture and returned it after having performed his duty.  Years later, after he had moved to Markham, he was informed that he was being sued by the owner of the horse and was forced to sell some of his livestock in order to hire a lawyer.  On October 15, 1823, John made a war loss claim as a resident of Markham, formerly of St. Catharine’s, for his court expenses.[117]

Calvin Cook (1777-1845) was the son of Robert Cook, a Loyalist, and Martha Skinner.  During the war, he served as a private in the 2nd and 3rd Lincoln Militias.  Calvin and his brother Noah operated a grist mill, later known as Cook’s Mills, on Lyon’s Creek   After the war, Calvin made a war loss claim for damages and the use of his house on Lundy’s Lane as a hospital at the time of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.  On January 8, 1823, Charles Anderson, a yeoman of Stamford Twp., certified that the house had been damaged in several places by cannon balls.  The house was later occupied by the 82nd Regiment of Foot from October, 1814 to June, 1815.  Calvin claimed for the loss of 111 glass window panes, the destruction of a stairwell and room partitions, and damage to the house floors, ceilings, and a door in his house.  He had to replace 3 bedsteads, 4 chairs, and 2 tables.  In his barn, he had to replace 4 doors, floor boards, racks, and mangers.  He also claimed for 190 fence panels and the loss of livestock.[118]

Martha Cook, the wife of Seth Cook, was at the home of the widow Elizabeth Skinner on Lundy’s Lane on the night of the battle.  They were forced to abandon the house during the fighting.  Upon returning home, Elizabeth discovered that her garden had been destroyed and some of the windows had been taken out.[119]

Adam Moot of Clinton Township served as a teamster for the Glengarry Light Infantry and was taken prisoner with his cart and 2 horses.  He managed to escape with one of his horses.  In November, he made a war loss claim for the cart and other horse.[120]

Nathaniel Bell of Clinton Township reported that he was captured by the Americans during the battle and while a prisoner recognized Captain Henry Nelles’ horse in their possession.[121]

Both men served in the 4^th Lincoln Militia.  Henry was wounded and also taken prisoner.

Lieutenant Manuel Overfield had served in the 2^nd York Militia but resigned his commission in 1813.  On July 19^th, he rejoined the regiment as a private and was severely wounded in the right arm at Lundy’s Lane.[122]

Ensign George Smith, of the 5^th Lincoln Militia, reported that he was wounded when a cannon ball struck a fence and threw a rail into the air which landed on his back.  He was taken to the hospital in Newark.  His wife Elizabeth found him there with paralyzed legs and stayed to nurse him.[123]

Another family history reported that George had been taking down a fence to let a commanding officer through when a rail was shattered in his arms by a cannon ball.[124]

A 5^th Lincoln Militia Muster Roll recorded that the following men had been wounded:  Major Richard Hatt, Adjutant J.W. McIntire, Quarter-Master Abel Land Jr., Sergeant William Sturgis, and Privates Peter McKee and Joshua Laurason.  George Smith’s name did not appear in this list.[125]

Although Augustus Bates, who had not been at the battle with the 2^nd York Militia, was present to help bury the dead.  He recalled that they had used fence rails to burn bodies.[126]

Captain Frederick Yeoward of the 5^th Lincoln Militia was on duty apprehending deserters and delinquents until August 24^th.[127]

            Private Benjamin Smith of the 5^th Lincoln Militia wrote in his diary that he was home again in Ancaster Twp.[128]

            There was nothing special about Ensign Philip Cody who was with the 2^nd York Militia during the battle.  Earlier in the month he been “after men”, presumably deserters or those who had not reported for muster.  However, years later Philip’s grandson, William Cody, would achieve world wide fame as a buffalo hunter and an entertainer.  He was Buffalo Bill.

            Philip was born in Massachusetts in 1770 into a family which would come to Upper Canada as Loyalists.  He received a land grant in Toronto Township and opened an inn there.  He served as a constable and received a commission as an ensign in 1808.  In 1850, he died in Cleveland, Ohio.[129]

July 25^th Upper Canadian Casualties

Private George Coghill, 1^st Lincoln, July 25, 1814

Widow Elizabeth Coghill/Cockell[130]

Upper Canadian Wounded

Nathan Baldwin

Robert Baldwin

Samuel Burwell[131]

Private William Chisholm, Incorporated Militia

Private John Connell, Incorporated Militia

Captain Thomas Fraser, Incorporated Militia

Private Alpheus Hemphill, 2^nd York[132]

William Matterson, leg wound[133]

Sergeant Daniel McCollum, 4^th Lincoln Militia

Captain John McDonnell

Sergeant Angus McDougal, Incorporated Militia

Lieutenant Daniel McDougal, Incorporated Militia

Private William Meltimore/Mattimore, Incorporated Militia

Joseph Philips[134]

Amariah Robbins[135]

Lieutenant Henry Ruttan, Incorporated Militia

Private John Seelye, Incorporated Militia

Major Titus Geer Simons, 2^nd York Militia

Lieutenant Thomas Smith, 2^nd York Militia

Private Jacob Snyder, Incorporated Militia

Private Zachariah Warner, 2^nd York Militia [136]

            William Chisholm was struck by a musket ball and received a pension after the war for his disabiltity.

            John Connell was wounded in the leg by a musket ball and had it amputated.  After the war, he received a pension.

            Thomas Fraser was wounded in his right arm and received a pension after the war.

            Daniel McDougal was wounded multiple times by musket balls.  A wound to his thorax caused breathing problems and he received a pension after the war.

            William Meltimore/Mattimore received multiple wounds.  A musket ball entered his leg below his knee and exited through his thigh.  He had buckshot in his left ankle.  He received a pension after the war.

            Henry Ruttan had a musket ball pass through his shoulder and received a disability pension after the war.

            John Seelye was wounded in his left arm which was amputated.  He received a pension.[137] [138]

Major Titus Geer Simons, who lead the 2^nd York Militia against the American left flank, was hit in the right arm and breast by iron case shot.[139]

Another report stated that he was struck by shot 3 times in his arm.[140]

Titus’ wife, Hannah, drove a wagon to the battle ground to rescue him from the surgeons who wanted to amputate his arm.  She took him home to Flamborough Cottage.[141]

He later reported that he had been wounded by grape shot that passed through his right arm near the shoulder.  The wound had deprived him the use of his arm and he received a pension of 200 pounds per year.[142]

Jacob Snyder was struck three times.  A musket ball passed through his left hand and into his waist, another in the right shoulder, and the third in his skull behind his left ear.  After the war, he received a pension for headaches caused by air pressure changes.[143] [144]

           

July 26, 1814

Americans Burnt the Village of Bridgewater Mills near Chippawa

The Americans Attacked Michilimackinac Island, Michigan

            As the Americans retreated back to Fort Erie they burnt the Village of Bridgewater Mills, which was between Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane, and destroyed property in the Village of Chippawa.

            Robert Kirkpatrick, a resident of the Village of Chippawa, had his single sleigh burnt.[145]

            Captain William H. Merritt was captured by the Americans while they were burning the bridge over the Chippawa River.[146]

            Rather than serve his time in an American prison, he signed a parole and was confined to the limits of an American town where he enjoyed the company of his American cousins.  He returned to Upper Canada after the war.[147]

            Lieutenant Kirkpatrick had served with the 2^nd Lincoln Militia the day before and had been “dangerously wounded”.  In 1816, he received a pension as he had been disabled by the wound.[148]

            Quarter Master Nathaniel Bell of the 4^th Lincoln Militia was wounded at Fort Schlosser while trying to escape.  He had been captured the day before.  After the war he received a pension for his impairment.[149]

July 28, 1814

In Michigan

            There was a “favorable opportunity” for Mr. Robinson to get past the American Fleet.  Colonel Robert McDouall wrote from Fort Michilimackinac that Mr. Robinson of York would be carrying his letter to Lieutenant General Drummond while escorting a recently captured American prisoner as well.  The island was being blockaded by American vessels and the British were in desperate need of provisions.  He noted that there were 3 bateaux on the Nottawasaga River that could come to their aid.  He suggested that a fourth be carried overland from Lake Simcoe.  The crew of the Nancy could mount “one of her cannonades” on one and bring 140 barrels of flour to the depot on the River Sauganock and possibly a second cargo to the River Tessalon.  These supplies would be out of the reach of the Americans and could be transported to the island during the winter.[150]

            Mr. Robinson was Captain Peter Robinson of the 1^st York Militia.  He was believed to have been at the battle on the 26^th with a company of men.

July 31, 1814

In Ancaster Township

            On Benjamin Smith’s farm in Ancaster Township they plowed, harried, sowed in their own fields and those of Peter House, hoed, cut trees in Burlington, mended rakes, and mowed hay.  W. Lightfoot helped with the mowing.

            On the 8^th, Benjamin made two trips to Burlington and helped Nat Gordon cook there the following day.  On the 10^th, he returned and spent the night at Kirkendale’s.  On the 11^th, he was cooking again and took out the dinner.

            From the 12^th to the 25^th, Benjamin Smith served with a detachment of the 5^th Lincoln Militia and recorded their movements in the dates above.

            On the 26^th, Benjamin was lame with his rheumatism.  On the 29^th and 31^st, Benjamin was ill.  On the 31^st, John Kelley and his wife came to visit.[151]

Upper Canadian Service Deaths

Sergeant Solomon Mills, 2nd York, disease, July 5, 1814,

orphaned children to Sophia Laffarty[152]

Sources:

---

[1] Ray Mifflin, correspondence, December 3-12, 2014.

[2] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1133, page 868.

[3] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 142.

[4] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, pages 31-32, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[5] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, page 55.

[6] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1130, page 999.

[7] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1144, page 123.

[8] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1130, pages 819-854.

[9] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 31, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[10] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1132, pages 1136-1137.

[11] Peter A. Russell, “LEFFERTY, JOHN JOHNSTON,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 7, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed April 9, 2015, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/lefferty_john_johnston_7E.html.

[12] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1131, page 537.

[13] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1130, page 1007-1013.

[14] Hazel A. Corman, An Account of the Battle of Stoney Creek, Papers & Records of the Wentworth Historical Society, Vol. 7, The Griffin & Richmond Co., Ltd. 1916, page 32.

[15] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 56-57.

[16] Dorothy Duncan, Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst, Dundurn, Toronto, 2012, pages 205-206.

[17] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 56.

[18] Donald E. Graves, Where Right and Glory Lead!  The Battle of Lundy’s Lane, 1814, Robin Brass Studio, Toronto, 2003, page 82.

[19] Hazel A. Corman, An Account of the Battle of Stoney Creek, Papers & Records of the Wentworth Historical Society, Vol. 7, The Griffin & Richmond Co., Ltd. 1916, page 32.

[20] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1139, page 828.

[21] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1133, page 968.

[22] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1136, pages 836-840.

[23] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1137, page 906.

[24] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1139, pages 827-828.

[25] Donald E. Graves, Where Right and Glory Lead!  The Battle of Lundy’s Lane, 1814, Robin Brass Studio, Toronto, 2003, page 123.

[26] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 33, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[27] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 50-51, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[28] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 96.

[29] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 96.

[30] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1126, pages 1276-1277.

[31] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1139, pages 550.

[32] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1133, pages 448-449.

[33] Stephen Bowley, Daniel Rose and sons Hugh, William, Lewis, Alexander, James, and Peter, accessed May 14, 2014 at http://www.uelac.org/Making-Loyalists/Selective-lists-of-loyalists/War-of-1812-Loyalists.php#DanielRose

[34] Dorothy Duncan, Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst, Dundurn, Toronto, 2012, page 206.

[35] Carole (Bloomfield) Connelly’s Family History, by email Nov. 13, 2019.

[36] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 110.

[37] Bloomfield Family History, Carole (Bloomfield) Connelly, Oct. 14, 2019.

[38] Ernest Green, Lincoln at Bay:  A Sketch of 1814, 2009, Global Heritage Press, Milton, Ontario, page 70.

[39] The Report of the Loyal and Patriotic Society of Upper Canada, with an appendix and a list of subscribers and benefactors, William Gray, Montreal, 1817, page 163, accessed on Dec. 14, 2018 at https://dr.library.brocku.ca/handle/10464/4754

[40] Stephen Bowley, Daniel Rose and sons Hugh, William, Lewis, Alexander, James, and Peter, accessed May 14, 2014 at http://www.uelac.org/Making-Loyalists/Selective-lists-of-loyalists/War-of-1812-Loyalists.php#DanielRose

[41] Ernest Green, Lincoln at Bay:  A Sketch of 1814, 2009, Global Heritage Press, Milton, Ontario, page 70.

[42] Pension Poster – Casualties, January 1, 1817, Nelles Family Fonds, Ref. Code F 542,

box MU 2192, Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[43] Militia Pensions Agents Office, York, 1^st October, 1817, List of Widows, poster at the Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[44] List of Orphan Children whose Fathers have been killed in Action, or have died from Wounds received or Disease contracted on Service, poster at the Ontario Archives.

[45] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 57.

[46] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 54, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[47] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1126, pages 213-215.

[48] Betti Michael, Township of Thorold, 1793-1967,  Armath Assoc. Ltd., 1967, pages 37-38, accessed June 20, 2014 at www.ourroots.ca.

[49] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1135, page 490.

[50] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1132, page 441.

[51] Earnest Green, Some Graves on Lundy’s Lane, http://www.niagarahistorical.museum/media/NHS22.pdf, accessed May 7, 2015.

[52] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 57.

[53] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1133, page 695.

[54] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1132, page 1166.

[55] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1132, page 873.

[56] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 58, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[57] Ancaster’s Heritage, Ancaster Township Historical Society, Ancaster, 1973, page 245, accessed May 12, 2014 at www.ourroots.ca.

[58] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 54, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[59] Betti Michael, Township of Thorold, 1793-1967, Armath Assoc. Ltd., 1967, page 31.

[60] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 58.

[61] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1133, pages 993-1005.

[62] Pension Poster – Casualties, January 1, 1817, Nelles Family Fonds, Ref. Code F 542,

box MU 2192, Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[63] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1128, pages 736-744.

[64] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1135, pages 524-539.

[65] Benjamin Smith’s Diary, Ontario Archives, pages 136-137.

[66] Collections Canada, War of 1812:  Upper Canada Nominal Rolls and Paylists, RG9, Militia and Defence, Series 1-B-7, Microfilm t-10386, pages 1168-1171.

[67] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 57-58, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[68] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 58.

[69] Benjamin Smith’s Diary, Ontario Archives, pages 136-137.

[70] Benjamin Smith’s Diary, Ontario Archives, pages 136-137.

[71] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 65, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[72] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 58.

[73] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1128, pages 212-222.

[74] Pension Poster – Casualties, January 1, 1817, Nelles Family Fonds, Ref. Code F 542,

box MU 2192, Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[75] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 58.

[76] Captain John D. Servos’ Company, Niagara Historical Museum, accessed May 12, 2014, at niagarahistorical.museum/media/TheLincolnMilitia-fromtheNHSCollection.pdf, 2011, documents 995-193 and 995.195.

[77] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 59.

[78] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1134, pages 159.

[79] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 104.

[80] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1127, pages 391-399.

[81] Woodruff Family Fonds, accessed Jan. 27, 2017 at https://dr.library.brocku.ca/bitstream/handle/10464/6060/Woodruff%20Family%20fonds%20-%20RG%20519.pdf, page 3.

[82] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 416, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[83] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 59.

[84] Pension Poster – Casualties, January 1, 1817, Nelles Family Fonds, Ref. Code F 542,

box MU 2192, Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[85] Benjamin Smith’s Diary, Ontario Archives, pages 136-137.

[86] Kingston Gazette, July 18, 1814, accessed June 13, 2016 at http://vitacollections.ca/digital-kingston/96888/page/4

[87] Ernest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 72, accessed May 12, 2014 at  www.ourroots.ca.

[88] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1129, pages 823-833.

[89] Kingston Gazette, July 18, 1814, accessed June 12, 2016 at http://vitacollections.ca/digital-kingston/96888/page/3

[90] Benjamin Smith’s Diary, Ontario Archives, pages 136-137.

[91] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, page 59.

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End