Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Backhouse to Barns"


Backhouse, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Backhouse dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 Jun 1794:

“Your Petitioner has removed with his family into this province. That from Yorkshire in England he has a wife and eight Children. He Begs leave to inform your Honors that his original design was to [become] settled in nova Scotia, but the Superior advantages of this country was being represented to him. He has come to take shelter under the patronage of Your Honors. He would only trouble your Honors with the further information that the recommendations he has brought with him will he persuades himself intitle him to the character of a loyal subject and one who probably will become a useful Inhabitant. He therefore most humbly prays your Honors that an assignment of lands may be made to him for himself and family and as in duty bound he will ever pray. [Signed] John Backhouse” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Jul 1794. Read in Council on 7 Jul 1794. Ordered granted six hundred acres and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 7]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Backhouse dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 26 Jun 1795:

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner arrived in the Province with his Family in August last from Britain and your Excellency was pleased to grant him Six Hundred Acres of Land, but Sickness prevented him Exploring the unlocated part of the Country. He has received favourable reports of the Country in the vicinity of Long-point. Prays your Excellency will permit him to settle there, as he has purchased a Large Stock of Cattle, and has already established a Dairy according to English method and your Petitioner will ever pray. [Signed] John Backhouse” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 17 Aug. Recommended to be granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 7]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Backhouse, Dairy Man dated at Niagara on 16 May 1796

“Respectfully shews—That your Petitioner has begun with some success to establish a Dairy in this Province, having already Twenty Cows, that he has received 600 acres of Land—but from the Expences he has been at & in consideration of his Family which consists of Eight children—prays your Excellency would be pleased, as he had the goodness to intimate to your Petitioner, grant him an addition to the Land he has received and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned]. Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 85]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Backhouse dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Mar 1797

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner is a native of England and has been settled about four years in this Province where he has received 600 acres of Land and has Stocked and improved the Farm at considerable Expence having upwards of 4 Head of Cattle thereon—That your Petitioner has been honored with a Commission in the magistracy of this District—and having also a wife and Eight Children—prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such addition to the Lands he has received as to your Honor may seem meet and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Backhouse” Received at the Executive Council on 7 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 7 Mar 1797. Ordered 600 acres in addition to make in the whole 1200 acres as a Magistrate in this Province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 148]


Bacon, Jeremiah

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jeremiah Bakon [signed Beacon] dated at Niagara on 26 Sep 1797

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is a Loyalist, and suffered for his attachment to his Majestys Government, which can be certified by Capt Brant & Capt Daniel Servos – That your Petitioner has Eleven children living, three of whom are settled in this Province – and being about to remove into it with the remainder of his family, & his wife, prays your Honor will be pleased to grant him such part of the vacant Lands of the Crown as to your Honor may seem meet – and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Jeremiah Beacon” Added note: “The Petitioner was in the Province in the year 1795” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Sep 1797 and read in Council on 28 Feb 1798. Ordered the Petitioner must be actively removed into the Province before his application can be attended. Read again in Council on 27 Jun. Ordered in consideration of the Petitioner’s large family and services, 400 acres under the new regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 4, Petition Number 62]

Certificate of John Burch. J. P. and James Ramsey dated at Lincoln on 10 Oct 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jeremiah Bakon

“Lincoln Home District Upper Canada Octr 10 1795} The Bearer Jeremiah Bakon who in Chery Vally Use’d to Got the name of old Jory Bakon During the War has been represented to me for these sixteen years by every Branch of my Wife family here & by all the Loyalis[ts] that came from Cherry Vally Dureing the War that he was a stanch friend to the British Government & has remained so ever since now Wishes to become a Subject with a numerous family I therefore take the Liberty to recommend him as such [Signed] John Burch, J. P. To Whome it may Concern” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 4, Petition Number 62a]


Bacon, Reuben

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.

Ruben Bacon – Full Fees 200 acres in Blenheim Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117c]


Bailey, David

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Francis Elsworth late of Butler Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 15 Jun 1795

“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner on the Disbanding of the Rangers in the year 1783 – settled near the Falls of Niagara, on One Hundred and Fifty acres of Land – being One Hundred for himself and Fifty for his wife, which he improved considerably, so, That in the year 178[6] when His Excellency Governor Haldimand visited this Country, he informed Your Petitioner He should have an addition of two Hundred Acres – There being no vacant Lands near to him, yr Petitioner purchased of one David Bailey, his right to 300 Acres, now in Stamford – for which Bailey received a Ticket from Mr Frey – then Actg Surveyor and soon after went to the States where Bailey yet remains, but your Petitioner apprehends his name was inserted on the Plan. Your Petitioner having never received any Certificate for the 150 acres at the Falls, or for the Lands he purchased of Bailey, prays the same may be confirmed to him, and also that your Excellency would be pleased to grant him his additional two Hundred Acres, which he not received—likewise and a further addition for his mother and four Children – And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray” [Unsigned] [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “E” Bundle Miscellaneous 1799-1841, Petition Number 9]

Executive Council Proceedings on the Upper Canada Land Petition of Francis Elsworth

Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Feb 1795 and read in Council on 22 Aug 1795. “Recommended for 200 Acres in addition to the land he occupies – & confirmation of the latter if the Surveyor General Knows of no objection.”

“As a Ranger including Genl Haldimands Promise} 350; His Wifes Land the D. of Loyalist 200; four children – 200; [Total] 750.”

“The Governor & Council appearing to have intended only to confirm the Petitioner in the 160 Acres & the 200 acres promised by Genl Haldimand being 50 more than he was entitled to, the above 750 acres are the whole he can possibly Claim – as to his purchase of another Right, it is a question of Law which will be determined hereafter [Signed] Peter Russell 20 Decr 1796” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “E” Bundle Miscellaneous 1799-1841, Petition Number 9b]


Bailey, Lucretia (Secord)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Lucretia Bailey dated at Niagara on 7 May 1796 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Petition of Lucretia Bailey—widow—Daughter of Peter Secord Senior of the Township of Newark—a Loyalist U. E. —and has 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 she is ready to take the usual oaths, and subscribe the declaration, that she 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 her 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] Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul. Ordered certificate to be produced. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42]

Certificate of Isaac Swayze JP dated at Niagara on 4 Oct 1796

“I do hereby certify that Lucretia Baily, Widow, is the Daughter of Peter Secord Senior (who served in Butlers Rangers) a Loyalist UE [Signed] Isaac Swayze JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42a]


Baker, James

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Baker dated on 10 Sep 1790

“Sheweth that he has Served his majesty Seven years in Butlers Rangers with Fidelity which my Officers can testify may it please yr Excellency Drew a lott on the Back Concession No 38 which was not fit for any man to get his Bread on—I request that I may be Established on any of the Vacant front Lotts which my Servises Intitles me to and in Duty Bound I will Ever Pray” James Baker made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Sep 1790. No Council order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 22]

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Baker dated at Detroit on 15 Apr 1791

“most humbly Sheweth, that he Joined the British Standard at Fort Stanwix, and afterwards Joined the Rangers where he entered into Capt Caldwell’s Company in which he Served Seven Years, untill that Corps was reduced, and Obtained an honorable discharge—He therefore Humbly requests that the Board would be pleased to grant him a Lot of Land No 15 in the New Settlement on Lake Erie, likewise Provisions if he should be entitled to receive any. And your Petitioner As In duty Bound will ever Pray” [Unsigned] No Executive Council order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 22b]


Baker, John (Jack)

Deed from John Becker[sic] to Peter Martin dated on 8 Mar 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson

“Know all Men by these presents that I John Becker soldier in the late Corps of Rangers commanded by Lt Col. Butler doth bargain and agree to sell to Peter Martin my three Hundred acres of Land coming to me for my services During the Late American War & Do relinquish all right & title to the said Lands in favour of the said Peter Martin, his heirs, assigns and administrators, for the sum of twenty five Pounds N: Y: C: to be paid to the said John Becker. Done at Niagara on this 8th Day of March 1796. John Becker made his mark. “Witness Robert Kerr, Donald Grant” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1u]

Deed from Peter Martin to William Dickson dated on 3 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson

“Know all Men by these Presents, that whereas I Peter Martin, a free Negroe and a Soldier, in the late Corps of Butlers Rangers, did on the 8th day of March 1796, agree for and Bargain with, John Barker, also a Negroe, and soldier in said Corps for Three Hundred acres of land his Military Bounty granted by the King for his services during the War, which agreement and sale is witnessed by Robert Kerr Esquire, and Donald Grant and whereas having Received a valuable Consideration from William Dickson of Newark Merchant, I have agreed and do hereby agree with said William Dickson, for the said three Hundred acres of land, still unlocated, the warrant of Council, now lying in the Surveyor Generals Office, and I do warrant and Defend him, his heirs Executors or assigns, in the possession of said Three Hundred acres of Land against all persons whatever, And I do furthermore authorise him to do all acts and things to vest the sole and absolute property in him, his Heirs or assigns forever, either by immediately Receiving the Deed from the Crown, or otherways – In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this third day of April 1797 – ” Peter Martin made his mark. “Witness Alex Burns, Jas Gray Esqr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1v]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Becker [sic] dated at Niagara on 12 May 1796 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Petition of John Becker [sic], late a Private Soldier in Butlers Rangers and who 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 has taken the usual oaths, and subscribed 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 Three Hundred acres of land as a discharged Ranger. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 May 1796 and read in Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered it appearing from the papers annexed that petitioner intends to sell his lands. It is presumed he does not mean to become a settler. The Committee do not recommend therefore the prayer of the petition. Read again in the Executive Council on 14 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 9]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Lieutenant of Butler’s Rangers dated at Newark on 10 Dec 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Becker

“The Bearer John Becker [sic] served as a Soldier in Capt Butlers Company of Butlers Rangers, during the late American War—[Signed] R. Clench, Lt Late Rangers, Thos Butler, Lt late Rangers, Andw Bradt Capt. Late Rangers.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 15]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jack Backer dated at Niagara on 12 May 1796 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Petition of Jack Baker—late of Butlers Rangers—has received 200 acres— Respectfully shews—That your petitioner is settled 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, and subscribed 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 the additional 100 acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read by the Executive Council on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended on producing discharge if not granted before. Produced his discharge 6 Aug 1796. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 28]

Report of Acting Surveyors General Chewett & Ridout dated on 12 Aug 1807 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jack Baker

“In obedience to your Excellencys order of reference to us to report upon the Petition of Jack Baker—We are to state to your Excellency that the under mentioned Lands have been located in his name—viz. Lot No 36 in the 4th Concession of Beverly 200 acres under a Land Board Certificate transferred to Nathan Barnum—& the Lot No 6 in the 1st Concessn of Crowland 100 acres. Total 300 acres. The last under the authority of a warrant of Survey dated the 6 August 1796, for one Hundred acres in addition. A person by the name of John Baker M. C. was granted 300 acres of Land by an order in Council of the 30 June 1797, 200 acres whereof have been located in the broken Lots No 23 & 24 in the 7th Concession of Wolford—and the Lot No 30 in the 8th Concession of Oxford has been located in the name of John Baker, under a Land Board Certificate dated the 24 August 1792—All which is humbly submitted to your Excellency’s wisdom [Signed] Chewett & Ridout, Actg Surveyr Genl” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 28]

Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Lieutenant Colonel John Butler read in the Executive Council on 7 Jul 1796

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner during the Late War had Three Slaves in his Majesty’s Service, of the Names of Richard Stout, Martin Stout & Jack Baker one of whom is deceased your Petitioner therefore prays that the Quantity of Land usually assigned to Soldiers who have Served may be allotted to your Petitioner in Consequence of their being his Property & your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever Pray—[Signed] John Butler” Read in the Executive Council on 7 Jul 1796. Ordered inadmissible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 40]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Backer of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) dated at Newark on 11 Oct 1796

“Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner served in the late Lt Colo Butlers Rangers as a pioneer from the Commencement of the Corps till their reduction. Wherefore Prays for such of the waste lands in this District as your Honor in your Wisdom may deem Sufficient.” John Backer made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Oct 1796 and read on 13 Oct. Ordered 300 acres as a soldier if not granted before on producing his discharge. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 11]

Certificate of Peter Ball, JP attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Backer

“I do hereby Certify that John Backer has served as a Pioneer in the Late Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieut Colo John Butler [Signed] P. Ball” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 11b]

Baker, Jacob

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Baker dated at York (Toronto) on 13 Sep 1802

“The Petition of Jacob Baker of Yonge Street Yeoman. Respectfully Shews – That he is Brother in Law to George Fawkler of Yonge Street, that he has been upwards of 12 months in the province, has taken the Oaths & being in a condition to Cultivate Lands prays Your Excellency for 200 Acres for immediate improvement & in duty bound will ever pray — York 13 Sepr 1802 the mark of Jacob Baker” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 6, Petition Number 15a]

Order of the Executive Council on the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Baker

Read in the Executive Council on 14 Sep 1802 and ordered to stand over for a character reference. The references were given and the petition was again read in the Executive Council on 21 Sep 1802. Ordered recommended (in consequence of the character given of him by Mr. Willcox) for 200 acres subject to the settling duties. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 6, Petition Number 15]

Certificate of John Willcox dated at Yonge Street (Markham), York County attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Baker

“I do hereby Certify that Jacob Baker Came on yong Street in may Last And hath lived a near neighbour to me with his wife and three Children Since that time and hath behaved him Like a Very Honest Industress man and I beleave he will make a good Settler. Yong Street 23 Septemb 1802 [Signed] John Willcox” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 6, Petition Number 15]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Baker

“The Petition of Jacob Baker late of Somerset County in the State of Pennsylvania, now of Vaughan in Upper Canada Gentleman; Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province about two months ago from the State of Pennsylvania where he has a wife and three Children that he has Property to a considerable amount and has borne offices of Trust, that from the Dissention which prevails in Pennsylvania, your Petitioner is very desirous of removing into this Province, where he has many relations and Friends…” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 9, Petition Number 35]


Baker, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Baker dated at York (Toronto) on 29 Jun 1801

“The Petition of John Baker – late of Pensylvania Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is lately arrived in this Province with his wife and seven Children who are now in Bertie — That your Petitioner has brought with him a wagon, three Horses – Four cows – & other Stock. That having formerly been a neighbour of Jacob Fisher of Vaughan – he wishes again to settle near him—Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays Your Excellency would be pleased to grant him a Lot on Yonge Street, or in the Township of Markham, and as in duty bound Your petitioner shall ever pray—York 29 June 1801 [Signed] Johanes Baker” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 6, Petition Number 17a]

Order of the Executive Council

Petition received in the Executive Council Office on 15 Jul 1802 and to be referred to the Executive Council when the Petitioner appears. Read in the Executive Council on 20 Sep 1802. Ordered recommended for 200 acres subject to the settling duties. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 6, Petition Number 17]

Certificate dated at Yonge Street, York County on 19 Sep 1802 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Baker

“Yonge Street September 19th 1802. We the Subscribers do here by Certify that John Baker has Lived on yonge Street Since May last with his family & Conducted himself in a Peaceable and industrious maner and ha a good Stock of Creaturs Suffitiant to improve a farm [Signed] Nicholas Miller [Signed] [Signed] Jacob Fisher Nicalus Lobray” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 6, Petition Number 17a]


Baker, Mary

Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Baker dated at Yonge Street (Markham), York County on 19 Sep 1802

“The petition of Mary Baker of the town of Markham Beg leave to Inforn your Excelencey that She came in to this Province three years ago last June a widow with three children and hath resided in said province ever Since and having never asked for nor had any bounty of Land Most Humbly preys that your Exalency would grant your petitioner a lot as your petitioner hath two Sons that is able to cultivate it and not of age to draw for them selves, which will procure me a Home and your Petitioner In dutey bound Shall Ever Prey. Yong Street 19th September 1802 [Signed] Mary Baker” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle Misc 1801-1804, Vol. 66, Petition Number 13]

Certificate dated at Yonge Street, York County on 19 Sep 1802 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Baker

“Yonge Street September 19th 1802. We the subscribers do hereby Certify that Miss Mary Baker has Lived on Yonge Street since May last and has lived in that Province upwards of three years with her family and behaved herself in an honest & Peaceable maner and has a good Stock of Cattle [Signed] Nicholas Miller [Signed] Nicolaus Lobray [Signed] Jacob Fisher [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle Misc 1801-1804, Vol. 66, Petition Number 13]

Certificate of John Willcox attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Baker

“I do Certify that I have known the within petitioner Since Last may and in which time She hath behaved her self as a Very Desent Industress ould lady and Like wise know the two boys mentioned in Said petition and they appear to do mens work [Signed John Willcox [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle Misc 1801-1804, Vol. 66, Petition Number 13b]


Baker, Samuel

Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Baker of Whitchurch Yeoman

“The Petition of Samuel Baker of Whitchurch Yeoman one of the people called Tunkers Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner is a native of Pennsylvania, is of the age of 36 years, has lived in this Province 23 years, has a wife & five Children, and has never received any Land from the Crown. That he has the means of improving and cultivating and is desirous to obtain a grant of the waste Lands Wherefore he humbly prays Your Excellency will be please to grant him such portion of Land as a Settler as Your Excellency may seem meet. And Petitioner will ever pray. York 22nd February 1819” Samuel Baker made his mark [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 12, Petition Number 3]

Baker, William

On a 1792 map of the Front Concession of Niagara Township included in the Upper Canada Land petition of Samuel Street, William Baker was named on Lot 16. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 162]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain William Baker of the Marine Department Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Jul 1797

“That your Petitioner married in the year 1781 the Daughter of Joseph Franklin a U. E. Loyalist, and had four Children previous to the year 1789 and for whom he has never received any lands—Wherefore your Petitioner trusts, from his being upwards of Thirty Years in His Majestys Service, during which time he has served faithfully, (and Twenty four years of the above time has your Petitioner been upon the Lakes in this Province)—your Honor would be pleased to allow him such quantity of lands for his wife & four Children as your Honor in your Wisdom may conceive them entitled to, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] W. Baker” Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Jul 1797. Ordered to lie over for the U. E. List. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle “Miscellaneous.” Petition Number 30]

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.

William Baker – discharged Soldier 100 acres in Ancaster Township transferred by the authority of the Land Board [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117b]


Ball, Dorothy (Hutt)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Dorothy Hutt dated at Niagara on 25 May 1796

“The Petition of Dorothy Hatt—Daughter of Jacob Ball of the Township of Newark, Loyalist U. E. Respectfully shews, That your Petitioner having never received any Land Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant her Two Hundred acres of land, as Daughter of a Loyalist U. E. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 May 1796 and read in Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered Recommended if none have been granted in right of his wife. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 2, Petition Number 80]

Certificate of Jacob Ball, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Dorothy Hutt

I do hereby Certify that Adam Hutt is Married to the Daughter of a Loyalist U. E. and that he has five children two of them born before the year 1787 & has been been [sic] Ten years settled in this Province [Signed] J Ball J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 2, Petition Number 80a]


Ball, Catherine

Upper Canada Land Petition of Catherine Ball, daughter of Jacob Ball a Loyalist U. E. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 May 1796

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has never received any Land and being of age, prays Your Excellency would be pleased to grant her such a part of the vacant Lands of the Crown, as to your Excellency’s wisdom may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound—shall ever pray—” [Unsigned]. Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 May. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 70]


Ball, Dorothy

Upper Canada Land Petition of Dorothy Ball dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Mar 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came to the Province last summer, is about twenty-one years of age and has not received any grant for Land, therefore hopes that your Honor will be pleased to make her such allowance of Land as in your wisdom may appear reasonable, which your Petitioner will improve agreeable to the conditions on which Land is granted in this Province and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Dorothy Ball” Added note of Peter Ball, J. P. dated at Newark on 2 Mar 1797: “The above Petitioner came to this Province last Summer, is a Single woman above the age of twenty one years & has the Means to improve Lands [Signed] P. Ball J. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered to stand over for future consideration. Ordered no lands are given to single women unless they are the daughters of Loyalists. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 137]


Ball, Elizabeth

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Ball received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Aug 1795

“humbly Sheweth That yr Petitioner came into the Province in the Year 1783, that She has one Child & never drew any Lands. Most humbly prays yr Excellency will please to grant her such Portion of the waste Land of the Crown as yr Excellency shall think proper & yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Elizabeth Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Aug 1795. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 216]

Certificate of Benjamin Pawling attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Ball

“The Petitioner I have long known & do recommend her to your Excellency [Signed] B Pawling” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 216]


Ball, George

The Upper Canada Land Petition of George Ball dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner is desirous to build and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark, prays that Lot Number 359 therein at present in the woods and unimproved, may be granted him, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Geo. Ball” The petition was Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Jul 1795 and ordered for a Town Lot granted and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 28]

Upper Canada Land Petition of George Ball dated at Niagara on 4 Oct 1796

“Respectfully shews That your Petitioner is a Lieut in the militia—and having received about 340 Acres of Lands, including his part of the Tract granted Jacob Ball and Sons—& 2 lots in Grantham prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him so much of the vacant Lands of the Crown, as will make his Complement 1200 acres and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” Added note of Thomas Ridout N. P.: I do hereby certify that Mr George Ball personally applied to me for the above petition—[Signed T Ridout, N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct. Ordered 200 acres in addition to the 340 he mentions to have received. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68]

Upper Canada Land Petition of George Ball dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 22 Apr 1797

“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is the son of Lieut Jacob Ball who served under the Royal Standard during the revolution in America being a Lieutenant of Militia and has Served in the detachment which His Excellency Governor Simcoe called in the year 1794- and your Petitioner has received no more than 600 Acres of Land therefore hopes your Honor will be pleased to grant him such an addition as in your wisdom and generosity may seem reasonable- and your Petitioner as Duty will ever pray—[Signed] George Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Apr 1797 and read in Council on 10 May. Ordered the Petitioner has received the quantity the Board judged proper to grant him. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 198]


Ball, Jacob Senior

The Memorial of Jacob Ball, John Secord Senior, Peter Ball and John Secord Junior dated at Lincoln on 6 Oct 1792

“Most Humbly Sheweth That in the year 1782, Lieutenant Colonel Butler having received instructions from His Excellency Sir Frederick Haldimand, at that time Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Quebec, to distribute Lands to such Loyalists, and other persons, as might be [decreed] deserving thereof, under certain restrictions and reservations. Your Memorialists in order to promote the views of Government in forming a Settlement in the District, located Lands in perfect conformity to the instructions of the Governor to Lieut. Colonel Butler. That your Memorialists conceive the faith of Government pledged for the security of their property, spared no expence or labour in improving and bringing into a state of Cultivation their respective Lots of Land, and in reliance upon the validity of their Claim, still continue to lay out their money and Labour to the same effect. That in the year 1784 second Survey having been made, it was Judged expedient to extend the line of reservation made for the Crown two miles further into the Country, by which means your memorialists Lands became included within this second line of reservation—That your Memorialists feel much uneasiness from the circumstance, but hope from the equity of the Crown, and your Excellencies known generosity, that your Excellency will relieve their minds from the anxiety they labour under, by confirming them title to the Lands they have so long occupied, and your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Jacob Ball, John Seacord Senior, P Ball, John Seacord Junior” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Oct 1792 and read in Council. The petitioners ordered to attend tomorrow Oct 20. The petitioners attending the prayer of their petition is granted as far as 200 acres. For Ball Senr 2200 acres for Ball sons; Secord to receive the [10…] 200 acres for himself and sons. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 7]

The Upper Canada Land Petition of Lieutenant Jacob Ball late of a Corps of Rangers commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Butler dated at Lincoln on 17 Jun 1794

“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Memorialist served as a Captain of Militia in the Province of New York from the year 1760 till the commencement of the Rebellion, and that he faithfully kept his allegiance, and persevered in his Loyalty to the Crown, and by his exertions and the interest he had among his neighbours, he was enabled with the assistance of his son to join His Majesty’s forces by the earliest opportunity with a number of Men nearly sufficient to compleat two Companies according to the establishment of the Corps in which they served. That your Memorialist when he joined His Majesty’s Forces, conceived that he had some right to expect a Company, but the obtaining of which he found would be attended with more difficulty & trouble than he wished to undergo, particularly as his motives in coming off were purely the effect of Loyalty, and that neither [Rank] or pay would have induced him to leave a large Family of mostly small children. Your Memorialist therefore Humbly hopes that your Excellency will be pleased to take this matter into consideration, and should it in your Excellencies wisdom appear reasonable to grant him (with what he has already received) the same quantity of Lands which is allowed by His Majesty’s proclamation to Captains who served during the Rebellion, and that he might be allowed to locate the same, or as much thereof as your Excellency will be pleased to allow him, where it can be found vacant and your Memorealist as in Duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Jacob Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Jun 1794 and read in Council on 28 Jun 1794. No order recorded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 65]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous to build in the Town of Newark humbly prays that Lot number 360 therein at present in the woods may be granted him, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Jacob Ball Senr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Jul 1795 ordered a Town Lot granted and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 81]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior late Lieut. In Butlers Corps of Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 11 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner has received of His Majesty’s Bounty to persons of his Description, Six Hundred Acres of Land in the Township of Grantham, and 200 acres on the four and three mile Creeks in the Township of Newark being part of 862 acres granted to him and his four Sons in that Township. Humbly prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant him the remaining 1200 acres which may be due him as Lieutenant in any of the vacant Lands of the Crown in this Province and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Jacob Ball Senior” “Your Petitioner also humbly begs to represent to your Excellency, that he never applied for or receive any Lands for his wife and Family which they would have been entitled to had he made his application in due time, yet relying on your Excellency’s goodness towards those who have faithfully served His Majesty & your Petitioner having brought upwards of a Company into his Majestys Service humbly prays a small addition for Family Lands may be allowed him.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 17 Aug 1795. “Recommended to his Excellency to be granted as also his family lands for a wife and six children. Referred to the Surveyor General. Granted.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 96]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Esqr & Family dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the Lake on 3 May 1797

“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners have since the year 1789 often applied to the late Land Board for locations of Land on the Twenty Mile Creek, but could not obtain them as the Land was not surveyed—That your Petitioners have since the forming of the Province, received assignments for part of the Land they formerly applied for, but the remainder falls within a tract of Land formerly granted to a Mr Dean----Your Petitioners now understand that the said tract of Land (conditionally granted to Mr Dean) will soon be thrown open and become vacant, they therefore hope that your Honor will be pleased to allow them to locate that part of said tract which they have so long endeavoured to get, as soon as it becomes vacant, it being situate on the 20 Mile Creek, in the rear of the tenth concession of the Township of Grimsby, being opposite Lot No 20 in the said 10th Concession, thence up along the banks of said Creek, allowing them as much on the water as to your Honor may appear sufficient to make each Grantee to settle and have the necessary conveniences on the bank of the Creek – as far as their warrant will cover (lying in the Surveyor General’s Office) Your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Jacob Ball for himself & [..] Children” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 May 1797 and read in Council on 9 May. Ordered the prayer of this petition granted but in the location the Surveyor General is directed not to appropriate more than one lot in front to each grantee. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 9]

Land Board Certificate issued to Jacob Ball dated on 18 Jan 1791 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Bearer Jacob Ball having on the 18th day of Jany 1791 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Two Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No 3 in the District of Nassau We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Nassau this 18th day of Jany one thousand seven hundred and Ninety one To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor for the District of Nassau. [Signed] J. Butler, Peter Ten Broeck, R. Hamilton” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Jacob Ball the Lot No 14 & 15 in 10th Concessn in the Township of No 3 in the District of Nassau containing Two Hundred Acres Forty Chains by fifty.” Read in the Executive Council on 11 May 1797. Ordered to be confirmed if duly entered on the Quebec Plan. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 43]

Land Board Certificate issued to Jacob Ball dated on 18 Jan 1791 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Bearer Jacob Ball having on the 18 day of Jany 1792 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Two Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No 3 in the District of Nassau We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Nassau this 18th day of Jany one thousand seven hundred and Ninety one To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Nassau. [Signed] J. Butler, Peter Ten Broeck R. Hamilton, John Burch” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Jacob Ball the Lot No 10 & 11 in 10th Concessn in the Township of No 3 in the District of Nassau containing Two Hundred Acres Forty Chains by fifty.” Later note of Peter Russell, Administrator of Upper Canada: “The Location permitted” Read in the Executive Council on 11 May 1797. Recommended to be confirmed if duly entered on the Quebec Plan. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 60]

Land Board Certificate issued to Jacob Ball dated on 18 Jan 1791 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Bearer Jacob Ball having on the 18 day of Jany 1792 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Two Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No 3 in the District of Nassau We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Nassau this 18th day of Jany one thousand seven hundred and Ninety one To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Nassau. [Signed] J. Butler, Peter Ten Broeck R. Hamilton, John Burch” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Jacob Ball the Lot No 6 & 7 in 10th Concessn in the Township of No 3 in the District of Nassau containing Two Hundred Acres Forty Chains by fifty.” Later note of Peter Russell, Administrator of Upper Canada: “The Location permitted” Read in the Executive Council on 11 May 1797. Recommended to be confirmed if duly entered on the Quebec Plan. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 61]

Order of the Executive Council dated 25 Apr 1797 (no petition attached)

“Jacob Ball produced before the Board a grant from His Majesty to him for 862 acres of Land in the Township of Newark County of Lincoln Home District dated the 10th of February last – In which there happens to be a Clerical Error in the beginning of the 7th line – wherein the word West is inserted instead of East & prayed the Honorable Board to order the said word West to be erased and the word East to be Substituted in its place—Reference being had to the Acting Surveyor General & he having reported that it is a Clerical Error – as in the assigning of the Lands in Question it is expressed East and the Copy of the Deed [transcriber’s note: two lines illegible] and not West—Ordered that the grant be sent to the Attorney who is hereby authorised to erase the word West on the 7th Line aforesaid & to substitute the word East in its place in their respective Records. Council Chambers 20th May 1797, sent Mr Ball’s Deed with the Minutes of Council to the Attorney General [Signed] Alexr McDonell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 86]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Mar 1797

“Most Humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioner has paid a debt for John Parks (as will appear by the annexed paper) for which sum of money he was willing to give up his three hundred acres of Land but run off before a Transfer could be procured, consequently the Land Board authorised your Petitioner to locate the said Land, which I hope your Honor will be pleased finally to confirm to me and order the Secretary to give up the grant – and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Jacob Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Mar 1797 and read the same day. Ordered to lie over. Read again on 11 Apr 1797. Ordered that the deed to John Parks be sent for to the Secretary’s Office for the inspection of the Board on Tuesday next. Read again on 11 May. Ordered it appearing to the Board that Jacob Ball is a legal transferee of John Parkes, and has given a valuable consideration for Park’s land, ordered that the deed in favor of Parks be cancelled and another issued in Jacob Ball’s favor as his transfer for the same land described. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77]

Certificate of Peter Ten Broeck attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior

“This is to certify that John Parks was a private Soldier in my Company in the Corps of Rangers during the late war [Signed] Peter Ten Broeck” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77a]

Receipt dated 14 Oct 1790 from Jacob Walker issued to Jacob Ball Senior attached to Jacob Ball’s Upper Canada Land Petition

“Received from Mr Jacob Ball, Eight Pounds & three pence as a debt due me by John Park, as also One pound Seven Shillings, as Constables fees—Oct 14th 1790” Jacob Walker made his mark. Witness [Signed] Wm Dickson” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77b]

Certificate from the Land Board attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior

“The Above Money was paid by Jacob Ball Esqr on the faith of procuring John Parks Land—The Land Board Authorise Jacob Ball Esqr to take up the three Lotts whereof Jo Park was Intitled to—Land Board at Lenox April 12, 1792 [Signed] J Butler, R. Hamilton, Benjn Pawling, Nathl Pettit, John Burch, Robert Kerr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77b]

Land Board Certificate issued to John Parkes dated on 2 Aug 1794 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins) attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior

“The Bearer John Parkes having on the 2 day of August 1794 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Three hundred Acres of land in the Township of [blank] in the District of [blank] We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Newark this 2nd day of August one thousand seven hundred and 94 To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Nassau. [Signed] John Burch, Robert Kerr, John McNabb” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer John Parkes the Lots No 20 & 21 – 9 Concessn in the Township of No 6 in the District of Home containing about three Hundred Acres. Commending on the 20 Mile Creek at the Division Line between No 19 & 20, thence north 18o East Eighty Chains or thereabouts, thence north 18o Eighty Chains or thereabouts, thence north 72o west 70 Chains to the River, thence along the River to the place of beginning.” Marginal notes: “Reduced Ranger [Signed] R. Kerr” “The description in this assignment not being accurate.” Read in the Executive Council on 11 May 1797. No order issued. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77c]

Certificate of the Land Board dated 2 Aug 1794 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior

“The present possessor has permission to transfer the aforesaid lot of three hundred acres of land to Jacob Ball, done at the Board this 2d day of Augt 1794 – [Signed] Robert Kerr, John Burch, John McNabb” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77d]

Report of Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 26 May 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior

“Whereas the late Land Board of the County of Lincoln, did on the 2d day of August 1794, grant a Certificate for 300 acres to one John Parkes, a reduced Ranger, which on the 19 November following, I did assign to the said John Parkes, by allotting him a certain Quantity of land on the 20 mile Creek, & whereas the windings of the said Creek were not then known with due Certainty, This is therefore to cancel the said assignment, bearing date as aforesaid & of number from this Office 398, & in lieu thereof I do assign to the said John Parkes the lots No 20 and 21 in the 8th Concession, & so much of lots No 19 & 20 in the 9th Concession as lays to the northward of the 20 mile Creek in the Township No 6, of Grimsby in the Home District, containing about 300 acres; beginning at the SW Angle of Lot No 21 aforesaid, thence 60 chains, N. 18o E, thence S. 72o E 21 Chains (including one for a road) thence S. 18 W to the 20 mile Creek, thence up along & following the bank of the said Creek westerly (including one chain for a road) nearly to the angle or place of beginning, thence N. 72o W, a small distance to the place of beginning. This assignment is not transferable, except by an act of the Honorable Executive Council, or of the Board for the County of Lincoln—Newark 26 May 1795 [Signed] D W Smith Actg Sur Genl” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77e]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball, Senior of the Township of Newark, late Lieutenant in Butlers Rangers dated at York (Toronto) on 2 Jun 1800

“Humbly sheweth – That your Petitioner was granted by the late Land Board for the District of Nassau, Six Hundred acres in the Township of Grantham under three Land Board Certificates, and the Lots No 6. 7. 10 – 11. 14 & 15 in the 10th Concession of said Township were assigned him thereon, by the Deputy Surveyor of the District, as part of his Military Lands – That in the year 1793 the aforementioned certificates, were agreeably to order, delivered into the Attorney Generals office – But as no deed has hitherto been made for said Lands and not finding the certificates, after a search made in the Atty Generals office, it is presumed they are either Lost or mislaid – Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Excellency to grant him relief in the premises, and cause the Patent to issue for the aforesd Lots – the name of Jacob Ball being entered thereon, as p the Quebec Plan in the Surveyr Gens Office will appear – and your Petr as in duty bound will ever pray. Jacob Ball By his attorney [Signed] George Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jun 1800 and read in Council on 26 Aug 1800. Ordered recommended that it be referred to the Acting Surveyor General to report on the locations. Read again in Council on 2 Sep 1800. Ordered on reading the Surveyor General’s report, recommended that a patent issue to the Petitioner for them. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 5, Petition Number 104]

Certificate of Peter Ball dated at Niagara on 8 Apr 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball, Senior

“Personally appeared before me Joseph Edwards Esqr one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the District of Niagara Peter Ball of the District aforesaid Esqr who maketh Oath and declares, that some time about the year One thousand Seven hundred and ninety three, he carried to and delivered at the House of the late Attorney General, three certificates of the late Land Board, for the Lots Numbers six, seven, ten, eleven, fourteen & fifteen in the tenth concession of the Township of Grantham in the said District, & granted by the said Board, to his Father Jacob Ball for the purpose of Procuring a patent Deed for the same from the Crown, agreeable to the directions issue by Government, but which Certificates, upon enquiry for them appears to be either mislaid or lost [Signed] P. Ball” Sworn before me at Niagara the eighth day of April 1800 [Signed] Josph Edwards J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 5, Petition Number 104a]

Report of David W. Smith, Acting Surveyor General dated on 30 Aug 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball, Senior

“May it please your Excellency! In obedience to your Excellencys order of reference to me, to report upon the petition of Jacob Ball (herewith returned) I made search into the Quebec Plan of Grantham, & find his name Entered upon lots no 6 – 7 – 10 – 11 – 14 & 15, in the 10 Concession—All which is respectfully Submitted to your Excellency [Signed] D W Smith Actg Sur Genl” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 5, Petition Number 104b]


Ball, Jacob Junior

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Junior dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is desirous to improve a Lot in the Town of Newark, humbly prays your Excellency will therefore be pleased to grant him Lot No. 333 therein, now in the woods and unimproved, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Jacob Ball Junior” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jul 1795. Ordered a Town Lot granted and referred to the Surveyor General [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 27]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Junior of the Township of Thorold dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jul 1795

“Humbly sheweth, That Your Petitioner is son of Jacob Ball Sr. and came into this Province in the year 1781. That he has received 150 acres of Land in the Township of Thorold whereon he lives, & has considerably improved, that he presumes himself also entitled to a fifth part of the Land granted by your Excellency to Jacob Ball & Sons on the Four Mile Creek, & which is all the Land he at present owns. That Your Petitioner has a Family consisting of a wife and Five Children. Humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant your Petitioner Lands for his Family, and also a small addition for himself, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Jacob Ball Junr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 17 Aug 1795. Recommended to the Deputy Surveyor that 500 acres in addition be granted—of which 200 acres are to be considered as in right of his wife the Daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 85]


Ball, Jacob (son of Peter Ball)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Junior [sic] dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Jul 1795

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous to build and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark, humbly prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant him Lot No. 335 therein, at present unimproved. And your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray. [Signed] Jacob Ball son of Peter.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jul 1795 and granted on the usual conditions and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 82]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball, eldest son of Peter Ball late Lieutenant in Butler’s Rangers, dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 15 Jan 1797

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner being in a state to cultivate and improve Land and having never received any, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such a part of the vacant Lands of the Crown, as to your Honor may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Jacob Ball, son of Peter” Read in the Executive Council on 7 Feb 1797. Ordered 400 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 156]


Ball, John

The Upper Canada Land Petition of John Ball dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Jul 1795

“Humbly sheweth That Your Petitioner being desirous to build and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark—prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant him Lot No. 334 therein, at present in the woods. [Signed] John Ball” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 55]


Ball, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Ball dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 May 1796

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has only received 145 acres of Land, being his part of the 862 acres granted to Jacob Ball & Sons in the Township of Newark—prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him such further allotment as to your Excellency may seem meet—and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray & that the 28 acres formerly granted to John Snow—deceased (who left no Heirs, & never received the assignment) may be part thereof—the Dam of Mr Servos’ mill—throwing the waters of the four mile Creek over the greatest part of the Lands granted Jacob Ball & Sons lying therein. [Signed] John Ball” Received at the Executive Council on 8 May and read on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in addition but Snows lot having been previously applied for & promised in default of his not having Heirs cannot be recommended for petitioner. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 67]


Ball, Margaret

Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Ball daughter of Jacob Ball a Loyalist U. E. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 May 1796

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has never received any Land & prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant her such a part, as persons of her descriptions are, by His Majestys Benevolence entitled to, or such other Portion, as to your Excellency may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray—” [Unsigned]. Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 May. Ordered recommended for 400 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 66]


Ball, Mary Elizabeth

Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Elizabeth Ball wife of Jacob Ball Senior dated 14 Mar 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner suffered much during the American War while her Husband served under the Royal standard, at the restoration of peace she came to this Province, and as she has not yet received a grant for Land therefore relies upon your Honors generosity and hopes you will be pleased to make her an allowance of eight hundred Acres and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Mary E Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as the wife of an old Magistrate. Read again on 17 Mar 1797 and 21 Mar. Ordered confirmed. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 199]


Ball, Peter

The Memorial of Jacob Ball, John Secord Senior, Peter Ball and John Secord Junior dated at Lincoln on 6 Oct 1792

“Most Humbly Sheweth That in the year 1782, Lieutenant Colonel Butler having received instructions from His Excellency Sir Frederick Haldimand, at that time Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Quebec, to distribute Lands to such Loyalists, and other persons, as might be [decreed] deserving thereof, under certain restrictions and reservations. Your Memorialists in order to promote the views of Government in forming a Settlement in the District, located Lands in perfect conformity to the instructions of the Governor to Lieut. Colonel Butler. That your Memorialists conceive the faith of Government pledged for the security of their property, spared no expence or labour in improving and bringing into a state of Cultivation their respective Lots of Land, and in reliance upon the validity of their Claim, still continue to lay out their money and Labour to the same effect. That in the year 1784 second Survey having been made, it was Judged expedient to extend the line of reservation made for the Crown two miles further into the Country, by which means your memorialists Lands became included within this second line of reservation—That your Memorialists feel much uneasiness from the circumstance, but hope from the equity of the Crown, and your Excellencies known generosity, that your Excellency will relieve their minds from the anxiety they labour under, by confirming them title to the Lands they have so long occupied, and your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Jacob Ball, John Seacord Senior, P Ball, John Seacord Junior” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Oct 1792 and read in Council. The petitioners ordered to attend tomorrow Oct 20. The petitioners attending the prayer of their petition is granted as far as 200 acres. For Ball Senr 2200 acres for Ball sons; Secord to receive the [10…] 200 acres for himself and sons. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 7]

The Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Ball late of a Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Butler dated at Lincoln on 17 Jun 1794:

“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Memorialist he has received Certificates from the Land Board for four hundred acres of Land in Township Number three [Grantham], and an order of Council for two hundred acres in Township No. [..] and your Memorialist being anxious to locate the remainder of his Lands, as allowed by His Majesty’s Proclamations; as also two hundred acres for his wife, being the Daughter of a Loyalist of the U. E. description, according to the distinction made between Loyalists, and two hundred acres for his eldest son, being nearly eighteen years of age. Your Memorialist therefore prays, that your Excellency will be pleased to allow him to locate his Lands where it can be found vacant, and your Memorialist as in Duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] P. Ball” The Executive Council received the petition on 18 Jun 1794 and read it in Council on 28 Jun 1794. Granted and ordered it referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 47]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Ball of the Township of Newark dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous to improve and Build on a Lot in the Town of Newark, prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him Lot No. 358 therein, yet in the woods and unimproved, and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray [Signed] Peter Ball son of Peter.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jul 1795 and granted on the usual conditions and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 83]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Ball dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 Feb 1797

“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner has a family consisting of a Wife and six Children for whome he has not received any grant for Land, except 200 acres for his Wife as the Daughter of a Loyalist U. E. Therefore hopes that your Honor will be pleased to grant him such Family Lands as in your wisdom may appear reasonable and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] P. Ball” Added note: “only those of my children were Born before the year 1789” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered 200 acres for family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 155]


Banta (Elizabeth) Davis)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Davis received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Aug 1797

“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner is Daughter of Lieutenant Weart Banta who Served His Majesty last American war – That your Petitioner having been given to understand that all children of Officers are indulged with a grant of 400 Acres – wherefore your Petr prays that the like quantity may be made up to her, having only drawn 200 Acres – and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Isaac Davis for Elizabeth Davis” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Aug 1797 and read in Council on 2[9] Aug 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in addition as the daughter of a Subaltern. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 32]


Bardon, Jacob

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Bardon dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Feb 1797

“Humbly shews—That your Petitioner came into this Province last fall, with the Stoners—whose Brother lived in Humberstone, that desirous to become a Settler, and having never received any Land, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres—and as in duty bound your Petitioner will every pray—[Signed] Jacob Bardon” Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered petitioner to wait a year from the 7th day of February last. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 151]

Certificate of William Dickson, J. P. dated on 7 Feb 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Bardon

“I do hereby Certify that on this seventh day of February one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven Jacob Barton [sic] late of Pensylvania appeared before me William Dickson Esquire one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Home District and made his affirmation of Allegiance and signed the Declaration—[Signed] William Dickson J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 151a]


Barnes, Bethuel

Included in Return of Persons who have been permitted by His Honor the Administrator to occupy Lands during the Recess of the Council dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 24 Jan 1797 signed by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith

20 Oct 1796 Bethuel Barnes – 200 acres

Read in Council on 24 Jan 1797 and confirmed. Initialled “PR” by Peter Russell [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 73]


Barns, Anna (Millard)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Anna Barns, widow of the late Jonas Barns dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 28 Apr 1797

“humbly sheweth That she came into the Province with her said husband & four children in the year 1786. That she is the Daughter of Thos Millard a U. E. Loyalist. That no lands have been granted to her husband, herself or family, she therefore prays that your Honor would be pleased to grant to her & family such portion of land as to your honor may appear meet. And your Honor’s Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. For Anna Barns [Signed] John Johnston” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Apr 1797 and read in Council on 11 May. Ordered to appear personally. Read again on 16 May. Ordered 200 acres as the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist and 200 acres family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 42a]

Certificate of David Secord, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Anna Barns

“I do Cartify that Anna Barns widow of Jonas Barns came into this province in the year 1786 Brought with her four childring I also certify anna Barns to be the Daughter of Thos Millard a Loyalist UE—And is in a Ill state of Helth Its […..] out of her power to attend Council Given under My Hand this 24 April 1797 [Signed] David Secord” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 42]


Barns, Jonas

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonas Barns of Stamford dated at Niagara on 5 Oct 1796

“Humbly shews—That your Petitioner came to this Province more than 10 years ago and received the annexed Ticket for himself & Family. That having only located one Lot—prays your Honor would be pleased to confirm him in the possession thereof (his name being inserted thereon) and to grant him the remaining 300 acres—And as in Duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray—[Unsigned]. Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: “I do hereby certify that the above petition was made out on the personal application of the wife of Jonas Barns [Signed] T Ridout, N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Oct 1796 and read in Council the same day. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to confirm Petitioner in the Lot his name is inserted on & to make up that Quantity 400 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 72]

Ticket from Acting Surveyor General Philip Frey attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonas Barns

“Jonas Barns four lots [Signed] P Frey, Board” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 72a]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of the Executors of Jonas Barnes read in the Executive Council on 23 Jun 1798

“We the Administrators to the Estate of the late Jonas Barnes finding it absolutely necessary to Sell his Improvement on Lott [blank] in Stamford—which he has possessed & Cultivated for these Ten years past—But as we do not find that he is possessed of any Land Board Certificate or other voutcher for this Lott—we most humbly pray his honor the President & Council will Confirm to Laurence Lemon the forsaid Lott which we have sold to him—and Permitt the deed to issue in his Laurence Lemons Name. —[Signed] Noah Millard, Brother in law to the Deceased Barnes; [Signed] Noah Cook, Chosen Grandson by the will of the deceased; [Signed] Jonas Barnes, Eldest Son of the deceased” Read in the Executive Council on 23 Jun 1798. Ordered upon the special circumstances of the case, recommend that the Lot lately occupied by Jonas Barnes be granted to Laurence Lemon under the O R. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 4, Petition Number 7]

Certificate of John Reilly and Thomas Willson attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Executors of Jonas Barnes

“We the Subscribers do herby Certify that the Lott as Mentioned in the annexed Petition has been in the possession of the late Jonas Barns & family these ten years past – Given under our hands at Stamford in the County of Lincoln this [….] April 1798 [Signed] John Reilly, Thomas Willson” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 4, Petition Number 7]

Certificate of Robert Hamilton, J. P. dated at Queenston on 11 Mar 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Executors of Jonas Barnes

“I Believe that if the Administrators to the Estate of Jonas Barnes Shall think proper for the Good of his Orphan Family to dispose of the Lott he holds on the Mountain—That the Governor & Council will not object to the granting a deed in the name of the purchaser—Queenston March 11, 1798 [Signed] R. Hamilton” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 4, Petition Number 7]

Certificate of Robert Hamilton, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Executors of Jonas Barnes

“Jonas Barnes never had any Land board Certificate for an Lott in Stamford – He Settled on it in Consequence of Mr Frey the Surveyor giving him a Ticket for one Lott of Land, & Neglected attending the Land board for a better tittle—This ticket has been lost—Jonas Barnes & his wife are both dead. Jonas Barnes his Eldest Son is yet a Minor. The Support of the Infant family required the Sale of the Improvement—This has been done to Laurence Lemon who requests that the deed may issue in his own Name. The above Facts are certified by [Signed] R. Hamilton” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 4, Petition Number 7]


Barns, Michael

Upper Canada Land Petition of Michael Barns dated on 17 Jan 1797

“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner is a native of Ireland, has been only three years from that Country and has resided Two of them in this Province during which time he has been employed by the Honble R. Hamilton, and is full in his Employ. Your Petitioner therefore Prays your Honor will Grant him Two Hundred acres of Land and as in duty Bound will ever Pray—” Michael Barns made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jan 1797 and read on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as a settler. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133a]

Certificate of Robert Hamilton, J. P. dated at Queenston on 28 Mar 1797

“Michael Barnes an Irish man has Resided with me for more than Twelve Months—I have found him at all times honest and faithfull—And I cannot doubt of his becoming a very good Settler” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133b]

Certificate of William Dickson, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Michael Barns attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Michael Barns

“I do hereby Certify that on this fourteenth day of January 1797, Michael Barns appeared before me, one of His Majestys Justices and took the oath of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration [Signed] William Dickson JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133]