Land Petitions of the Long Point Settlers "R"

Ramsay, David

Upper Canada Land Petition of David Ramsay received at the Executive Council Office on 27 Jul 1795 [Requesting a location in the Long Point Settlement but did not settle there]

“Humbley sheweth That your Petitioner in the year 1776 Joined his Excellency the Earl of Dunmore at Norfolk in Virginea, and acted on the fleet mate on board of the Prison Schouner, till the Spring 1776 when on awooding and watering party was Taken Prisoner and Carried to Williamsburgh. In the year 1777 I served on bourd of his Majestys Ship the Pilisan in the North Sea – in Europe. In the year 1778 Served on bourd of his Majestys ship the Sole Bay on the Cost of America. In the year 1779 I was at Portsmouth in Virginia and Conducted one of the Prizes belonging to Sir George Coliers fleet from Portsmouth in Virginia to N. York. In the winter 1779 when Capt Blair was sent from New York by Sir Henry Clinton to the Capes of Virginea to procure intelligence I went along with Capt Blair Pilote of the Vesshel and guide & procured Intelligence for Sir Henry Clinton. In the year 1780 I went along with Capt Blair a guide on the southeren Expedition in South Carolina—at other times – In the Late war I was imployed in Privateering and assisting to Annoey the Enemy.

In the former war I was on bourd of his Majestys ship the Prince of Orange, in the fall and winter 1757 we were Stationed in the Bay of Biscay. In the year 1758 we were at the Reduction of Lewsburgh. 1759 we were at the Reduction of Quebec. 1760 we were Stationed in the River and Gulph of St Lawrence Between Quebec & Shalour Bay. 1761 In the Spring I Left the ship Prince of Orange at Speathead and Saild in Privet Armd Veshels to the Remainder of the war. In the year 1764 and 1765 I belonged to the Veshels on Lake Ontearea which may be Certifyed by Comondor Grant who Commanded here in the year 1765.

The Petitioner—prayeth that his Excellency the Governor in Council will Allow him Land in proportion to the Different Stations and faithful services that your memorelest has served in who still are Ready when Required to Assist in Opposing any who are or may be the Adversareys of his Majesty or of the Empire of Britain when I am Called on for that service.

The Petitioner prayeth that your Excellency in Council will extend unto the petitioner of his Majestys bounty twelve hundred Acres of the waste Lands on Lake Eare at or Near Long point or on some Large Creek or Creeks, or at such place or places as your Excellency in Council is Pleased to direct it and your petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] David Ramsay” Received at the Executive Council Office on 27 Jul 1795. Ordered recommended 600 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 7]

Rapelje, Abraham

Upper Canada Land Petition of Abraham Rapelje of Long Island & State of New York dated at Woodhouse on 17 Apr 1800

“Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner is son to Abraham Rapelje of Bushwick in Long Island & State of New York – who joined the British Army commanded by General Howe, immediately on its Landing on Long Island & was a Guide to General Cornwallis & died in the Year one Thousand seven Hundred & Eighty on Long Island & the whole of His property was confiscated – That in the Year one Thousand seven Hundred & Eighty Three your petitioner went to Nova Scotia with his Step Father, Captain Richard Vanderburgh – That your petitioner is Heir & only sufferer by the Confiscations of his Father’s property – That your petitioner has a wife & one child – That your petitioner has never received any Compensation for the Losses of his Father – Your petitioner therefore prays your Excellency to grant him such a quantity of the waste Lands of the Crown as your Excellency, in your wisdom shall think meet. And your petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray – [Signed] Abraham Rapelje” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Jan 1801 and read in Council on 27 Jan 1801. Ordered recommended for 200 acres under the New Regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 29]

Certificate of Samuel Ryerse, J. P. dated on 16 Apr 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Abraham Rapelje

“I do hereby certify that on the sixteenth day of April in the Year one Thousand & Eight Hundred Abraham Rapelje of Twenty Eight Years of Age born in the State of New York, possessing the christian Religion & by occupation a Farmer Personally came and appeared before me Samuel Ryerse, Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the peace for the district of London and took the oath of Allegiance & signed the Declaration—[Signed] Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 29b]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Abraham Rapelje of the Township of Woodhouse dated at Woodhouse on 27 Apr 1802

“Most Humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioner wishing To Occupy Lot No 1 East Row in the town of Charlotteville Pray that your Honour may be Pleased to Grant the Same to him under like Circumstances as other Lots Are Granted And your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will Ever Pray—[Signed] Abraham Rapelje” Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 May 1802 and read in Council on 11 May 1802. Ordered recommended for a Town Lot in Charlotteville. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 5]

Rees, George

Upper Canada Land Petition of George Reese of the Township of Pelham farmer dated on 27 Apr 1812

“Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner was born in the state of Pensylvania that he is now twenty six years of age that he has bin about twenty years in this Province that has a wife and one child and has taken the oath of allegence as appears by the annexed certificate and is now desirous to obtain Lands to settle on in this Province. he therefore prays your Honor in Council to grant him two Hundred acres of Land for which he is rady to pay the fees under the regulations of the ninth of January 1804 acted upon the Sixth of July 1804 and should His petition be favourably […..] he in duty bound bound will Ever pray.” George Reese made his mark. Received in the Executive Council Office on 28 Apr 1812. Read in Council on 20 Apr 1812 and recommended for 200 acres of land. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 10, Petition Number 36]

Certificate of Robert Nelles J. P. dated on 14 Apr 1812 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of George Reese

“Niagara District} This May Certify that the bearer George Reese of the Township of Pelham has been a Residenter in this province about twenty years, he is the Son of Jacob Reese of Said Township, he has a wife and one child, and appears to be an honest Sober and industrious young man, – April 14th 1812 [Signed Robt Nelles J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 10, Petition Number 36a]

Rees/Reee, Jacob

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Rees the younger of the Township of Pelham, Farmer dated at York (Toronto) o 14 Nov 1803

“That your petitioner is upwards of [ ] years of age, and is a son of Jacob Rees of Pelham who has been settled 14 years in the Province with a wife and ten children — That your Petitioner has never received any Land & having the means to cultivate & improve a vacant Lot of the Crown humbly prays your Excellence for a grant of 200 acres, under the regulations of the 30 December last for which he is prepared to pay the whole of the patent fee & the Survey, within three days from the grant in Council and your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.” Jacob Rees Junr made his mark. Received in the Executive Council Office on 14 Nov 1803. Read in Council on 15 Nov 1803. “Recommended that 200 Acres of Land be granted to the Petitioner he complying with the Terms of the Order of Council of 30th Decr 1802. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 6, Petition Number 19A]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench and Isaac Swayze dated at Niagara on 6 May 1803 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Rees the younger

“The Bearer Jacob Reese junr Son to Jacob Reese of the Township of Pelham in the District of Niagara yeoman, is an Industrious sober young man, has a Yoke of Oxen, a Horse, Two Cows, and Farming utensils, wishes to obtain Lands for to make immediate Settlement on. We therefore beg leave to Recommend Him to the Honbe the Executive Council as a deserving Man and good farmer. Niagara 6th May 1803 [Signed] Ralfe Clench [Signed] Isaac Swayze” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 6, Petition Number 19A a]

Receipt from the Receiver General dated on 15 Nov 1803 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Rees the younger

“Jacob Rees Junr has paid into this office Five Pounds Sterlg Being the full fees on a Grant for 200 Acres Reg 30th Decr last under order of Council this Number & Date – also one Pound Seven Shillings for the Surveying thereon — To The Clerk of the Executive Council [Signed] Peter Russell R Gen” “The Council warrant for this Grant should have been No 82 instead of No 80 – as Jeremiah Morris should have been No 81 instead of No 79 – because the last number to George Hollingshead was No 80” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 6, Petition Number 19A b]

Reece, John

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Reece received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Mar 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner has resided in the province for Seven Years and has as yet never received any lands. That your petitioner has taken the several oaths Subscribed the declaration that he professes the Christian Religion and obedience to the laws — prays your honor to grant him Such an allotment of Lands as to your Honor may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] John Rees” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Mar 1797 and read in Council the same day. Ordered 200 acres. Added note: Date of Deed 17 May 1802 John Reese—200 Darlington Wm Diler 200 Gainsborough 19 Mar 1797 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 57]

Rees/Reece Joseph

Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Rees dated at Niagara on 12 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Joseph Rees of the Township of Pelham, respectfully shews—That your petitioner came into the Province in the year 1789 with a wife & four children & has at present [….] that he has received in the said Township – one Hundred Acres, only, which he has improved. That he has taken the usual oaths, & is ready to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him 200 acres in addition, Land for his Family upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 19]

Order of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Rees

Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. Ordered nothing appears to entitle the petitioner to any additional land. Read again on 18 Oct. Ordered when the above endorsement was put on this petition it stated that the petitioner had received 200 acres – it is now altered to 100 acres – If the first number was an error (which may be known by reference to the Surveyor General)- 200 acres in addition will be allowed him in consideration of his family – unless a Magistrates Certificate is adduced of his having brot a wife & four children into the province in 1789 – in which case he will receive 250 acres in addition to former grants if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 19a]

Included in a list of persons from whom the Honourable Robert Hamilton, J. P. of Queenston purchased land warrants or rights and the township for which the warrant was issued.

Joseph Rees – Full Fees 200 acres in Windham Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117u]

Receipt issued at the Receiver General’s Office on 28 Jun 1805 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Robert Hamilton

“No 1032 The Honble Thomas Scott has paid into this office for the Honble Robert Hamilton £3.5.2 Being the Patent fee on a grant on 200 acres (Lot No 15 in 3d Concession of Windham) under an order of Council dated 18th June 1799 as Purchaser from the Original Nominee Joseph Rees – The Surveying fees (if any to be paid at the Surveyor Generals Office [Signed] Peter Russell R Gen To The Attorney General & Surveyor General” Added note: [should be 26 June 1799 being confirmed that day [Initialled] JB” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117t]

Resh, Philip

Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Resh dated at Niagara on 20 Aug 1796

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner was a soldier in the German Troops, which served His Majesty in the American war & has his Discharge—That he has a wife and three children—That he is settled on a Lot in the Gore of Charlotteville, which His Excellency the Lieut Governor induced him to hope he might possess, on application – Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 400 acres in the Long point Settlement including the aforementioned Lot. And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P. “I do hereby certify that this Petition was made on the Personal application of Philip Resh to me [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct. Ordered 300 acres including the land in Charlotteville on which he is settled. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 36]

Rice, Jesse

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jesse Rice dated on 17 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Jesse Rice who has been Three years in the Province and never received any Land— Respectfully shews, That your petitioner is desirous to settle on the lands of the Crown in this Province, being in a condition to cultivate and improve the same. That he is ready to take the usual oaths, and to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country which he has left. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him Two Hundred acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 19 May 1796 and read in Council on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 35]

Rice, Jesse

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jesse Rice dated in Niagara on 20 Feb 1797

“Respectfully Sheweth That your Petitioner has been resident in this province upwards of three Years has taken the usual oaths, Subscribed the declaration that he professes the Christian Religion and obedience to the Laws, prays your Honor would be pleased for to grant him a Lot in the Town of Newark, and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Jesse Rice” Received in the Executive Council on 20 Feb 1797. No Council decision recorded on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “R” Bundle Miscellaneous 1796-1816, Petition Number 15]

Rice, William

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Rice dated at Niagara on 2 Jun 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of William Rice Step Son to John Stacy- & lives at Long Point Respectfully shews, That your petitioner is desirous to settle on the lands of the Crown in this Province, being in a condition to cultivate and improve the same. That he has taken the usual oaths, & is ready to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him at Long Point 200 acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 2 Jun 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres of land. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 6]

Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated 30 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Rice

“The bearer William Rice of Twenty one years of age born in Virginia State Professing the Christian Religion and By Trade a Farmer having been this Day Examined by Me and Taken the Oaths prescribed by Law is Recommended to a Location of Two hundred acres of Land Within this District Provided it Does not Appear from the surveyors books that he has had any prior Grant of Lands in any District of This Province. Given Under My Hand This 30 May 1796. To the Deputy Surveyor of the home District [Signed] David Secord JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 6a]

Robins, John

Signer to the certificate of John Ogden and others dated on 14 Mar 1838 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Reuben Green

“To The Honourable Gentlemen concerned In the Settlement of the Reserve Lands — We the under Subscribers Being calld on by Ruben Green Of the Township of windham To make Some Statement of what we Know concerning A Reservd lott of Land Say Lot No 3d In the 8 concession of The Township of windham. We have under Stood And do Believe that the Said Ruben Green did Some Time Say Two or Three years Ago make Application for the said Lot of Land And having Receivd From his Friends Such Incouragement of obtaining the Same That he then forwards And Took possession of the Same it Then Lying In a State of Nature And has Sinse That Time Ben In possession of the Same he has cleared plowd Sown and Farmed we Believe About Six Acres of Land which Is Now In wheat we Think from what we Allways have under Stood Being Neibours To him. That if Any One has A prier Right it is Ruben Green witness our hands March 14th 1838 [Signed] John Ogden; John H. Forse; John Robins; William Forse [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 22, Petition Number 8a]

Rogers, Benjamin

Named in “Report of Persons recommended by Paul Averill, with the Lots subscribed for by them” in Townsend Township, Norfolk County prepared by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated on 5 Apr 1797 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 62]

Grantee: Rogers, Benjamin authorized by Paul Averill on 9 Jan; Oath of Allegiance sworn on 20 Oct 1796 by J. Small, Esq; Lot asked for: Lot 6 Concession 10

List of names in Townsend Township attached to the Townsend Report

“Ahab Sales – No 5 – 1 Conn; Thos Sales – No 6 – 1 Conn; Solo Jenkins – No 7 – 9 Conn; B. Rogers – No 6 – 10 Conn; C. Swartout – No 8 – 11 Conn; B. Barron – No 7 – 12 Conn” All bracketed and noted “200 acres Each” “Mr Clouse wants 8 – 9 Con [N] Haggerman” Added note: “I do hereby certify on oath that the Settlemt duty is performed by Sol Jenkins, Ben Rogers C. Swartout & that the Certificates of the same are given to the late Sur Genl Mr Smith [Signed] Mordecai Sayles. Sworn before me this 17 Jun 1807 [Signed] J. Small” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 62o]

Rollin, Seneca

Upper Canada Land Petition of Seneca Rollin dated at Townsend on 6 Dec 1798

“Honourd Sir I humbly hope your Honour will Pardon my freedom in writing to your honour when your Honour is informed of the Delicacy of the object. Sir I bought a part of a Lot of Land of Mr Averill which he told me he had an indisputable title to and I Let him have what property I had. I […] went to work on the Land and erected me a house meaning to follow agriculture – Like any honest farmer but to my Great Surprize I have heard that Mr Averill had not a Sufficient title and that Mr Mordecai Sails was Striving to undermine me and take the Land from me in a Clandestine manner. I amediately [sic] Set out for to visit your Honour in hopes I might be Redrest but being unable I through misfortunes to proceed at present I humbly hope your Honour will interpose and Redress my Pray[er] for I have Married a wife whom I am in Deuty bound to provide for but Shall absolutely by unable if I Loose this Lot of Land – for I have by these Solicitations obtained the the [sic] inclosed of Mr Averill and if your Honour can see Cause to Redress me in this matter I shall Render you’re my most harty thanks. I am your ever Devotd humble Servant [Signed] Seneca Rollin” Read in the Executive Council on 15 Dec 1798. Ordered Averill must show by what title he claims the lot in question. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29]

Notation attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Seneca Rollin

“Sir The Lot I bought of Mr Averill is the 6 Lot in the 8 Concession it being one hundred acres to be taken off of the south part of the Lot. Laying in the Township of Townsand in the County of Norfolk, Western District” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29c]

Certificate dated on 7 Sep 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Seneca Rollin

“These are to Certify whom it may Concern that the Bearer hereof Seneca Rollin Gentleman who latly lived in the Town of Newtown in the County of Tioga and State of New York who teacht School in this place Six months or better to the satisfaction of the Subscribers and behaved himself as A Good honest well disposed man with Fairness and Cander who Deserves Incouradgment in that Branch of Business and left us for nothing but his disposition to go to Canada. Given Under Our Hands this Seventh Day of September 1798—[Signed] Phinetas Col[lver], Samuel McConnel, Asa Gildersleve, Brinton Paine Jur, Thomas […] Colon, Sidney Barns[..], Alexander Miller, Jacob L[ayes], Daniel McConnel, Jesse Collver, John Winkler, John Brees Esqr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29d]

Certificate of Paul Averill dated at Townsend Upper Canada on 27 Nov 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Seneca Rollin

“I Paul Averill Citizen of Townsand in the County of Norfolk, have Sold & Quit all Claim to one hundred acres of Land Laying in the town & County aforesaid to Seneca Rollin of the Same place it being the one half of Lot No 6 – in the 8th Concession which I Humbly beg the Honourable Council will be Pleased to grant to the Said Seneca Rollin, or his Heirs, and I Shall gratefully acknowledge the obligation. I am with Respect your ever Devoted & Humble Sir [Signed] Paul Averill” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29f]

Certificate dated at Townsend, Norfolk attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Seneca Rollin

“This may certify the barer hereof Mr Seneca Rollin has resided among us some months and has behaved himself as is becoming a good Setler and has proved himself an industress hard labouring man, and has put in the ground Near twenty acors of winter grain: has latly marrid a wife and we think it likly he will make a good member of Society witnessed by us the Subscribers [Signed] Jabez Collver Seanr, John Collver, John Beemer, Henry Beemer, Jabez Collver Junr, Robert Davis, William McCool, John Philip Risch, John Muckle, Abraham Beemer, James Muckle, James Derickson, Timothy Collver, Levi Lewis, Philip Bemer Sen, Aron Collver, Gabriel Collver” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29h]

Letter from Seneca Rollin attached to his Upper Canada Land Petition

“Honoured Sir} I wrote your Excellency a Letter in November Last but fearing it miscarried I now Do myself the indisposition to write again, and I humbly beg your Excellency will pardon my freedom when I was at the Council Last Summer the Honourable Council Requested me to Settle myself in the province and buy me a farm and also to send to the States and get Letters of Recommendation, all which I have […..] obliged, especially the former, but the Latter I have not had Returns from, for the Distance is very Considerable, but the enclosed as to the former I have Contracted matrimony and bought me a farm meaning to follow agriculture and become a Good honest Subject I made my purchase of Mr Paul Averill he told me he has an indisputable title to the Land by a Grant from the Council and not knowing any thing to the [Reverse] I paid him about an hundred Dollars for the same and have built me a house on the Lot it being No 6 in the 8 Concession in Townsend, and was about to move my family in it when to my Great astonishment I heard that Mr Averill had not the land Confirmed to him by the Honourable Council and furthermore that one Mr Mordecai Sayles was about to undermine me by Going to the Council and getting the Land to himself – Sir I Can Prove he has said he would if he Could and Cheat me out of it. Sir I humbly beg your Honour will interpose in the affair and not suffer Mr Sayles to Defraud me for such a manner for he has some thousands of acres now in the province but I have none but this, for I have not as yet drew any from the Government, but if Mr Averill has no Right to the Land I humbly beg your Excellency will (if you see cause) grant me the priviledge of the Lot, and Sir shall gratefully acknoledge the Case [….] your Excellency Harty thanks” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29j]

Addendum to the letter from Seneca Rollin attached to his Upper Canada Land Petition

“Sir I have nothing to plead as to my Loyalty for I was not in existance at the time of the Rebelion, but my Honourd Father was a true friend to His Majesty – and a Great friend to Governor Hutcherson and Judge Oliver, and he told me that he had been injured by the Rebbles much, but if I would go to Canada he Doubtes not but his Excellency would make me amends for his sake Sir I am with Respect your Ever Devoted Humble Servant [Signed] Seneca Rollin To His Excellency Peter Rusel” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29k]

Postscript to the letter from Seneca Rollin dated at Townsend Upper Canada on 29 Jan 1799 attached to his Upper Canada Land Petition

“N B The aforesaid [Mordecai Sayles] is a Gentleman that is in partnership with Mr Averill in building a mill and I can prove that I asked him before I bought the Land if he was willing that I should buy the Lot he said he had no objection. He further added that Mr Averill had asked the same Question and he gave the same answer—Sir the Lot I have been Speaking of is not the one on which the Mill Stands nor Does it infring on the mill” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29l]

Order of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Seneca Rollin

“Read 9 March 1799. If the Surveyor General has not appropriated No 6 in the 8th Concession of Townsend ordered 200 acres to the Petitioner under the New Regulations & permission is given that this may be Granted to him in Lot aforesaid No 6 in the 8 Concession of Townsend it appearing from a Paper under Paul Averill’s Hand writing that he has resigned to the Petitioner any Right he may have had therein [Initialled] P. R. May 7 99 on reviewing these Papers & examining Mr Averils it appears that Rollin purchased only the Southern half of the Lot No 6 – It also appears that Averill is bound to convey that half to Rollin in case he (Averill) shod obtain a grant of it: It is therefore recommend that the order of March 9 be revised. Confirmed [Initialled] P. R.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 29m]

Rorison, Basil

Upper Canada Land Petition of Basil Rorison dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 27 Jul 1797

“Most Respectfully Sheweth That Mr Francis has given him Lot No 14 bounding upon the Black Creek Long Point, by way of an inducement for him to become a settler in that quarter, that as he understands, there is Lot No 12 and part of 13 unlocated, does therefore in the most fervent manner implore, that your Excellency (in Council) would be so indulgent as to take his mannifold services into Consideration, and grant him permission to locate the aforementioned Lots, Viz: No 12 and 13 – acknowledged by Your Excellencys Humble Servant [Signed] Basil Rorison” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 28 Jul 1797. Ordered if the lots are not reserved and not granted to any other person the Petitioner may have the lots as part of his own lands on the usual condition of actual settlement at Long Point. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 7]

Rummerfield, Anthony

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Willson, John Person, Lewis Dedrick, Peter Bass, Anthony Rummerfield, John Finch, Roger Coonut, Anthony Westbrook, Zebulon Shippy, Arthur Newman, Neisor Ellis, and John Carley and Associates (Loyalists) received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Jul 1793

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners are desirous of Settling between Long Point and Turkey Point on the west side of Lake Erie. That your Excellency may be pleased to allot them the lands on the same terms as Granted to others—And your Petitioners in duty bound will ever Pray—[Signed] Benjamin Willson in behalf of himself and associates—NB Anthony Westbrook has taken up his Lands at the same Place” Robert Kerr J. P. underlined the names of Willson, Dedrick, Rummerfield, Finch, Coonut, Westbrook, Shippy, and Newman then notated: “ I can answer for the above men that are marked for good Loyalists & have suffered for their attachment to the King. [Signed] Robert Kerr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Jul 1793 and read in Council on 13 Jul. Ordered granted the 8 marked by R. Kerr of 200 acres each. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 1, Petition Number 23]

Russell, James

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Russell, carpenter, dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 5 Jun 1795

“humbly Sheweth—That yr Petitioner came from Scotland to America in the year 1776 acting in the capacity of Steward to one of His Majestys Ships—for four Years—That afterwards Your Petitioner continued in the British Army acting as Artificer til the Conclusion of the War. Your Petitioner was Shipwreck’d between Halifax and Shelbourn and in consequence of that misfortune lost all his papers—which would testify his service to Government. May it therefore please your Excellency to grant your Petitioner such a grant of land as Your Excellency may think fit and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] James Russell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 20 Aug 1795. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 1, Petition Number 16]

Letter from George Young dated at Niagara on 30 Mar 1796 to John Small Esquire, Clerk of the Council

“Sir I embrace the favorable opportunity of Mr Dickson going to York to mention to you that his Excellency in Council last season was pleased to reward my services in the late war, by granting 600 acres of land hereafter to be located—I have as yet been unable to get this located me in the surveyor Generals office but have now again through your good offices to claim the attention of his Excellency not in wish to be Importunate about more land but in the Indulgence of locating what I have goy at or near long point. You will excuse me when I say along with myself, a James Russell who has likewise a grant from the Council an Excellent Mill Wright, with a few others of trade viz Carpenters wish to go together to that country & form a small Settlement of Scotch families to live and which a Mill Stream on their Grant will be a most material Indulgence can this from his Excellencys faver to a set of men whose loyalty will ever be found unquestionable it will received with the most heartfelt Satisfaction and Gratitude & I in the name of many of Countrymen, have to request you will be pleased to [secure] this to our wishes to which His Excellency’s ear and we will with gratitude Remember your attention. I am Sir your very hble Sevt [Signed] George Young. Appended note of John Small, Clerk of the Executive Council: “His Excellency consents that Geo. Young, James Russell should be located at Long Point. Initialled J. S. Prdered to be sent to the Surveyor General to locate the within named people on the place mentioned. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “Y” Bundle 1, Petition Number 1]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of James Russell received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Sep 1796

“Humbly Shews—That the served during the Late Rebellion on the Boats, under Agent Hopkins, was cockswain to the Boat which usually carried the officers, on the Expeditions, —that he received a small wound during the war, that a Buck shot now remains in his Leg—he understands that Soldiers have usualy received 300 acres – He hopes therefor your Honor wont consider him unreasonable in praying to be put on a footing of a Corporal, by receiving 400 acres of Land—that is 200 in addition to what he has already got—& your petitioner as in duty bound ever pray [Signed] James Russell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Sep 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered if the petitioner brings proof of his allegations the addition he prays for will be granted to him. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 11]

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Russell dated at Niagara on 19 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of James Russell – Carpenter Respectfully shews- That your Petitioner joined the Kings Forces in the year 1776 on Staten Island, & served in the Batteaux Service & in the Engineer Department till the 16 May 1783 – that he came into this Province three years ago with his Family, & has received 200 acres of Land at Long Point— That your petitioner is settled on the lands of the Crown in this Province, & has cultivated and improve the same. That he has taken the usual oaths, & is ready to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country which he has left. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him an additional quantity of land at Long Point settlement upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 44]

Certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. dated at Niagara on 19 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Russell

“This is to certify that James Russell Carpenter, has got a Wife, and is an Honest industous good man, and will make an excellent Settler [Signed] Robert Kerr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 44]

Ryerse, Elizabeth (Liger)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Liger dated at Woodhouse on 25 May 1802

“The petition of Elizabeth wife of Garsion Liger and Daughter of Samuel Ryerse Esquire a U. E. Loyalist to your Excellency most Humbly sheweth. That your petitioner with her Husband and Family arrived into this province more than a year since and having never had any of the lands of the Crown pray your Excellency that according to His Majesty’s most Gracious intention your petitioner may have such a proportion of the waste lands of the Crown as have been allowed to the Daughter of other U. E. Loyalists under like circumstances and your petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray. [Signed] Elizabeth Liger” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Jun 1802. Notation: Enrolled Capt. Samuel Ryerse on the List. Read in the Executive Council on 1 Jun 1802. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as a daughter of UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “L” Bundle 5, Petition Number 46]

Certificate of Samuel Ryerse, J. P. dated at Woodhouse on 25 May 1802 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Liger

“Personally appeared before me Samuel Ryerse Esquire one of his Majesties Justices assigned to keep the peace in the District of London Elizabeth Liger and being sworn on the Holy Evangelists Deposeth that she is a Married Woman and that she has never received any lands from the Crown [Signed] Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “L” Bundle 5, Petition Number 46]

Certificate of Samuel Ryerse, J. P. dated at Woodhouse on 25 May 1802 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Liger

“I do certify that the above named Elizabeth Liger is the person she describes herself to be and never has to my knowledge or belief received any Grant or order for Lands from the Crown, in this Province [Signed] Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “L” Bundle 5, Petition Number 46]

Ryerse, Samuel

Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Samuel Ryerse in behalf of his sons Samuel and George Joseph Ryerse dated at Niagara on 1 Oct 1796

“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner having two sons the one fifteen years of age, the other of four years- prays your Honor would be pleased to grant them Acres each- adjacent to his own Land, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout N. P.: I do hereby that Capt Saml Ryerse Personally applied to me for the above Petition [Signed] T Ridout, N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct. Ordered application judged too early. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 27]

Ryerson, Joseph

Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Ryerson dated on 17 Jul 1797

“Sheweth That your Petitioner served as a Lieutenant in the Prince of Wales Regiment in the American War, was disbanded in 1783 in New Brunswick, in which Province he Located 400 Acres of Land but did not improve upon it. Wherefore he prays a Grant of His Military Land in the vicinity of Long Point, County of Norfolk, as he has taken the Oath of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration. Your Petitioner will ever Pray – [Signed] Joseph Ryerson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jul 1797. Ordered to lie over for his Commission. Read again in Council on 12 Sep 1797. Ordered the Commission of the Petitioner constituting him a Lieutenant in Brigadier Brown’s – having been this day produced to me, there can be no question respecting his being entitled to the Portion of land officers of his rank have received. The Clerk of the Council is consequently hereby authorized to issue a Warrant of Survey to locate sixteen hundred acres of land for Lieut. Joseph Rierson [sic] being the balance of land which appears to be due to him. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 36]

Certificate of Samuel Ryerse, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Ryerson

“I do hereby certify that on the 5th July 1797 Joseph Ryerse [sic] Thirty Four Years of Age born in the State of New Jersey professing the Christian Religion by Trade a Farmer personally appeared before me Samuel Ryerse Esquire One of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Western District of the Province of Upper Canada, and took the Path of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration before me—[Signed] Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 36b]