The Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby dated on 15 Mar 1793
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner in may 1790 Purchased a piece of Land of Samuel Street Esquire situate at Niagara Landing supposed to contain an Half Acre, on which he erected a Tan Yard and other Buildings necessary to carry on the Tanning business &c which Buildings cost him a considerable Sum of Money exclusive of the purchase Money paid for said Land, and as Government now claims said Premises (which claim I have reason to believe renders Mr Streets pretentions thereto invalid) your Petitioner hopes your Excellency will take his case into consideration and Grant him such relief as you may seem meet—Your Petitioner built a House contiguous to his Tan yard which is now Occupied by the Gentlemen Officers of the Rangers, when they leave said House, he would be glad to possess the same again, unless it may be wanted for Government, and as he has no doubt of receiving the most comfortable satisfaction. And your Petitioner will ever Pray. [Signed] Benjn Canby” Read in Council 10 Jul 1793. Ordered being on the military communication cannot be granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1 Petition Number 34]
The Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby dated on 13 Jun 1793
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner through the hopes of your unbounded generosity, Now most humbly begs the liberty to address His Excellency for Two hundred Acres of Land on Morris Creek, about two Miles above the Portage to the Grand River on the North side of the Welland which land is not Surveyed or Improved and only two settlers within four Miles, and from the scarcity of Saw mills your petitioner if so please his Excellency to grant his Request, will bind himself to Erect a Saw Mill on the Creek, which shall be finished by the Fall 1794. And Your Petitioner as in duty bound will Ever Pray.” [Signed] Benja Canby. Received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Jun 1793 and read in Council. Ordered granted and the Surveyor General ordered to survey the same. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1 Petition Number 1]
The Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby and John McGill dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 12 Jul 1794
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners in complyance with the general wish of the publick and in consequence a dependence on the indulgence of Government, have been at great expence in making preparation for erecting Mills on the military communication between Gibua [sic: Chippawa?] and [……..] and the falls about one mile mile above the Mills of John Burch Esqr. Your Petitioners most humbly presume to hope that what they have done will meet with the approbation of Your August Body and that in complyance with the general wish and expectation, Your Honors would be graciously pleased to grant them a location of half a quarter of a mile below the place designed for said mills and of a quarter and half quarter of a mile of said military tract above the place first mentioned. Your Petitioners flatter themselves that said Mills will be of the gratest utility to the Publick which consideration is an encouragement to them under the heavy expense they must experience in consequence of their Undertaking. The disposition your Honors have ever manifested towards for promoting the real interest and wellfare of the Province encourages your Petitioners them to ask for further favours. Your Petitioners hope they shall be forgiven in most humbly presuming to pray your Honors that as a further encouragement to them, your Honors would like wise grant them the [six words struck out] praysed for and leave to locate twelve hundred acres of timber lands some where on Chippaway Creek and as in duty bound your Petitioners will ever pray. Canby & Magill.” Received by the Executive Council on 15 Jul 1794 and read on 15 Jul 1794. Ordered to specify the vacant lots which the Surveyor General will report upon—the other part to be granted if these be in vacancy. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1 Petition Number 78]
Letter to Mr. John Small, Secretary of the Executive Council from John Fanning dated at Chippawa on 6th July 1811 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Canby and McGill
“I am extremely Sorry to Trouble you So offtan Respecting our petition which you were good enough to Say you would attend to for a Grant to build a Mill above the Bridgewater […ks] & grant we are infomed that the Counsal are to Set on Tusday next and hope that you will have the Goodness to fetch the Bisness Forward Before the Counsal as it has been So Long in Suspence we anxiously hope that the Honorable Counsal will decide either for or against and your attention to aus in this Bisness will Grately be acknowledged By your most obedient & very Humble Servt. [Signed] John Fanning” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1 Petition Number 78b]
Certificate of Thomas Cumming Esquire, JP dated at Chippawa on 22 Apr 1807 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Canby and McGill
“Personally came and appeared before me Thomas Cumming Esquire, One of His Majesty’s Commissioners of the Peach for the District of Niagara, Benjamin Canby of the County of Haldimand and made Affirmation that a certain Rapid mentioned in the Lease to John McGill and Benjamin Canby, being the point from which the measurement of the said Lease is to begin, is to the best of his knowledge and belief, at the North end of the Store adjoining the Gristmill on the North and further sayeth not. [Signed] Benj. Canby.” Affirmed before me at Chippawa this 22d day of April 1807. [Signed] Thos Cummings J.P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1 Petition Number 78d]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Feb 1797
“Most humbly shews That he is an old Settler and has received only 200 acres of Land prays yr Honor will please to grant him one Thousand acres in addition & yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Benjn Canby” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Mar 1797. Ordered the petitioner has received more land than he states. Petitioner having declared to the Council that the 600 acres he received with his mill were granted as belonging to the mill and sold after it and that he lost money by that speculator. Ordered that, in consequence of his being an active, useful and industrious settler, 400 acres be granted to him in addition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 102a]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb 1797
“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner received from his Excellency the Late Governor, permission to keep the Ferry at Queenston for Three years with a promise of a longer lease should the business be found to answer, for which he has annualy paid one Dollar—That your Petitioner has procured this Ferry to be attended for the time mentioned, without the smalest profit or Emolument to himself—But as the Intercourse between this Province and the States of America may be expected to increas particularly by this Rout he trusts & hopes that in future it may prove more beneficial—Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prays that your honors will Confirm him in the possession of this Ferry for such a number of years as you in your Wisdom may think proper. He only presumes to Suggest that as Buildings for the Accomodation of passangers will be requisite it may be proper to make the term of such length as may afford him a chance of remuneration for this expence. Your Petitioner will become Bound under any reasonable penalty to procure & keep in Constant repair all Boats Scows or other vessells that may be necessary for this Business. And he will cheerfully pay as an annual Rent for this sole priviledge at Queenston the Sum of Ten Dollars as your honors may think fit to direct—And your Petitioner as in duty Bound will ever pray [Signed] Benjamin Canby” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Mar 1797. Ordered referred to a Committee of Council to consider how the ferry at Queenstown may be best regulated and leased for the public benefit and report. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 82]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby of Queenston read in the Executive Council on 25 Jun 1799
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner has purchased of Benjamin Robison of the Queens Rangers – a transfer made to him of Two hundred Acres of Land by Edward Gawley as pr the different voutchers herewith—That Edward Gawley has left this Province and should the deed issue in his Name it will be impracticable to procure a legal transfer. —Your Petitioner therefor most humbly prays that the deed for this Lott – being Lott No 1 in the 4th Concession of the Town of Dunwich may issue in his own Name. And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray. Signed at the Request of the Petitioner [Signed] R. Hamilton” Read in the Executive Council on 25 Jun 1799. Ordered referred to a Committee of Council. Read again in Council on 26 Jun 1799. Ordered recommended that the Deed for the within named lot issue to the Petitioner on the terms of the 11th instant. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155]
Power of Attorney from Edward Gawley to Benjamin Robinson dated on 6 Aug 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“Know all Men by these Presents That I Edward Gawley Distiller and Brewer of Queenston In the Home District, and Province of Upper Canada for Diverse good Causes, and Considerations, have made, and ordained Constituted, and Appointed, and By these Presents do make Ordain, Constitute and Appoint Benjamin Robinson – Corporal of the Corps of Queens Rangers, my true and lawfull Attorney for me and in my name to Act and Demand Of and from the Secretary of this Province all and every such Patent or Title Deed as shall or may issue in my name For a Certain Tract or Parcel of Land, lying and being Situated In the Township of Dunwich Known and Described By Lot No one In said Township and in the Fourth Concession of said Township Hereby Ratifying and Confirming all and everything that my Said Attorney shall Lawfully do or cause to be done in my name for the Receiving of the same – In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and seal this Sixth day of August In the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Eight, and In the Thirty Eighth of His Majestys Reign.” Edward Gawley made his mark. “Witness William Molyneux” Ann Molyneux made her mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155b]
Transfer of Power of Attorney from Benjamin Robinson to Benjamin Canby dated on 23 May 1799 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“I do hereby transfer the power to me granted by the within Letter of Attorney With Benj Canby [Signed] Benjn Robinson; Present [Signed] R. Hamilton” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155c]
Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated on 8 Jun 1799 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“ Parsonaly Appeared Before me David Secord One of his Majestys Justices for the Home District william Molyneux and Declared on oath that the Name here unto Subscrbd william Molyneux was wrought by his Own Hand Acknowledged Before Me this 8 Day of June 1799 [Signed] David Secord J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155c]
Bond between Edward Gawley and Benjamin Robinson attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“Know all Men by these Presents that I, Edward Gawley, Distiller and Brewer of Queenston In the Home District, and Province of Upper Canada, am held and Firmly Bound Unto Benjamin Robinson, Corporal of the Corps of Queens Rangers, In the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds Lawfull Money of said Province, for the Payment of which well and Truly to Be made I do hereby Bind myself my Heirs – Executors, and Adminstrators firmly by these Presents. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal This Sixth day of August, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Eight and in the Thirty Eighth of His Majestys Reign. The Condition of this Obligation is Such that If the Above Bounded Edward Gawley His Heirs Executors or Administrators, shall well And Truly convey or cause to Be Conveyed, unto the said Benjamin Robinson, His Heirs, Executors, or Assigns, on or Before the Sixth day October next Ensuing A Good and Inde[fes]ible Title to a Certain Tract or Parcell Of Land Lying and Being Situated in the Township of Dunwich – Known and Described by Lot No one In the Fourth Concession of said Township then this Obligation to Be Void and of no Effect Else to Remain in Full Force and Virtue. Edward Gawley made his mark. “Signed Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of [Signed] William Molyneux” Ann Molyneux made her mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155d]
Transfer deed dated on 23 May 1799 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“For Value Received I do hereby transfer unto Benjamin Canby or to his Assigns all my Right & tittle to the property promised in the within Bond and I do hereby Consent if the Honble the President & Council shall so please that he Canby may obtain the deed for the within Mentioned Lott in his Own Name. Witness my hand & Seal at Queenston the Twenty third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Ninety Nine [Signed] Benjn Robinson Signed & Sealed in present of [Signed] R. Hamilton” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155e]
Receipt from Edward Gawley dated at Queenston on 6 Aug 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“£12.10.0 Hallifax Curry Received from Benjamin Robinson Corporal of the Corps of Queens Rangers, Twelve Pounds Ten Shillings Hallifax Currency for Two Hundred Acres of Land Granted To me By Government: In full of all Demands I say Received By me” Edward Gawley made his mark. “Witness William Molyneux” Ann Molyneux made her mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155f]
Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated on 8 Jun 1799 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Canby
“ Parsonaly Appeared Before me this 8 Day of June 1799 William Molyneux and Declared on oath that the Name william Molyneux was wrought with his Own Hand Acknowledged before Me this 8 Day of June 1799 [Signed] David Secord J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 155c]
John “Carrol” was mentioned in the testimony of David Ramsay added to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Burger Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Aug 1792. [The following is as written by Ramsay]
“This Fredrick Burger was the first Settler Between fort Eare and Chipewa Creek. then across the Creek, above a Mr. Risley bought a possession of a lott above mr Risley Capt. Powell also bought a possession of John Sipes after this Capt. Powell took possession of several Back Lotts Between the Lake and this Creek—and below Burger in the front a mr Carrol Came and improved, below Burger and Burger forbid mr Carrol and told mr Carrol that he was too nigh him. Nevertheless he improved. the Land was first surveyed by Allen McDonald, then Burgers Lott was a hundred and Sixty Eight acres—again it was surveyed by Philip fry then Burger was only Left those few Acres of brocken fronts and part of a lott in the 2d and part of a lott in the 3d Concession. burger then Invited Coppers and his wife from fort Slusher to Live Close by him and he gave Coppers a pice of Clear ground to build on and make a garden, and in 1787 Coppers had an improvement in one of the back Concessions and Burger and Coppers had there houses Close together, then Agustes Jones surveyed the Land and Burger was Left only the brocken front. soon after at a land Board held on the mountain Burger and his neighbours was there mr Carrol would have Relinquished his right to Burger providing that Burger would make such another improvement for mr Carrol. But mr Hamelton would not Alow of it. mr Hamelton saw that Burger must pay mr Carrol money for his improvement (But where Could a poor Soulder get money at that time when he owned nothing Larger then a hoge or a dog and he Saved his wheat some years and houed it in with the howe) Colonel Butler Said to Give the poor man his Land But mr Hamelton said that Burger must pay money So Burger Got no Land and it Continued so until the Arrival of his Excellency when Burger memoreld his Excellency which Greatly Offented Colonel Pouel and John Warren Esqr being Burgers Petition Called them and others of the Authorety Land Jobbers, as they were, then the Land Board, again Dispossessed Coppers in Right and put Burger in possession of this Lott the second time. this is the Lott that Burger now petitioners straight back of where he now Lives—I certainly Know that part of what I have wrote is a truth for Buerger has showed me papers wrote by Philip fry allotting burger some Back Land which papers burger has yet. I also know that in 1787 that Copers had I suppose three Acres of a Clearence in a back Lott and part of his fence was Brush fence on this incloser Coppers planted and Coppers gave me also Liberty to Plant a bushel of pottatos in his incloser which the people that now Lives there Knows this to be a truth. [Signed] David Ramsay.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 91]
Mentioned in the Attachment to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Davis dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 2 Jul 1795
“humbly Sheweth—that your Petitioner has ever been a loyal Subject—and as Such made choice of living under his Majesty’s Dominion in this province. That your petitioner occupies two lotts of Land in the Township of Windham—Nos 1 & 2 in the 14 Concession; which Township having been extracted from Mr Pierce your petitioner prays that your Excellency may be pleased to confirm him in his Location and as in Duty bound your petitioner will ever pray &c—[Signed] John Davis” Read in the Executive Council on 5 Jul 1796. Ordered the petitioner having had specific lots assigned him amounting to 400 acres and it appearing that the lots prayed for have come into his possession by very improper means the Committee cannot recommend the granting the prayer of the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42]
Certificate of John Bemer and others dated on 29 Jun 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Davis
“This may certify whome it may concern that John Davis did purchase the possesion and Improvement of two lots of land 200 acres eatch of Jonas Kerl [sic: Carl] who had received regular orders from Andrew Perce who then had a grant for the township where land lyes= and besides giving fifty pounds for the improvement has bestoed much labour on sd lots= Nothwithstanding all this certen Gideon Cooly who was well knowing to sd Davises bargen has gon in a fraudulent manner down to the Offis and is now striving to undermind sd Davis of one of hies lots it is further to be understood that G Cooly has made sale of several lots already at an extravacent rate which is Contrary to his Majesties Proclimations Certified by us the under Subscribers [Signed] John Bemer, Solomon Austin, John Collver, Robert Davis, Anthony Daugherty” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42a]
The Upper Canada Land Petition of Hill and Edward Carney dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 8 Jul 1794
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners during the last American War were severely persecuted by the Revolters. They were frequently imprisoned; and fined in a Sum equal to the amount of their property, but have always persevered in their their Loyalty and attachment to His Majesty’s Person and Good Government. They have now removed with their Families to this province and does pray for an allotment of Land to improve upon. As an Assurance to you Excellency of their Loyalty heretofore, they herewith inclose the certificates of Gentlemen now residing within this Province, and hope they will meet the same indulgence of other Loyalists who have removed to this place or such relief as thro’ your Goodness may seem meet, and your petitioners will ever pray. [Signed] Hill Carney, Edwd Carney” Received in the Executive Council Office on 4 Jul 1794 and read in Council on 8 Jul 1794. Ordered granted place to be described. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 85]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander Carpenter dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Apr 1799
“Humbly shews that Your Petitioner came into the Province about four years ago with His wife and family—and has hitherto lived on a small piece of land he bought from Nathl Pettit Esqr in the Township of Grimsby—That has never received any Lands as a settler, and having taken the oath and signed The Declaration—he prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres of Land in the Long Point Settlement—or other part of the Province, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Alexander Carpenter made his mark. Read in the Executive Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered petitioner must produce a certificate of his good behaviour since he has been in the Province. Added Council note dated the same day. On producing enclosed certificate recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 128a]
Certificate of James Muirhead, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) pm 7 Apr 1797
“I do hereby certify that I have known Alexander Carpenter these four years and have understood that he is a Sober and industrious man and bears (amongst his neighbours) an [unexceptionable] character. [Signed] J. Muirhead J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 128]
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: Carpenter, Alexander authorized by Paul Averill on 19 Jan; Oath of Allegiance sworn on 19 Jan 1797 by J. Muirhead, Esq; Lot asked for: Lot 18 Concession 9
The Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Carpenter dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 12 Jul 1797
“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner has resided in the Province for ten Years past, and having only lately attained the age of 21 Years, never applied for Lands, having been given to understand those under age were not indulged with grants of Land—That your petitioner’s Brother has made large improvement at the 40 mile Pond and with whom he has hitherto lived—Wherefore your petitioner prays that your Honor would be pleased to allow him such grant of His Majestys waste Lands as your Honor may seem meet—and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Samuel Carpenter” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Aug 1797. No decision given. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Cb” Pt. 1, Petition Number 4]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Carpenter dated at Niagara on 21 Jul 1797
“Humbly Shews That your Petitioner is Son of Ashman Carpenter late of Saltfleet, who came to this Province 8 years ago—with his Family – that your Petitioner is of full age, nearly – and being desirous to settle for himself, prays your Honor would be pleased to appropriate or grant him 200 acres of Land, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Samuel Carpenter” Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 6 Apr 1797. Ordered 200 acres under the new regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 81a]
Certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 22 Jul 1797
“Personally appeared before me this twenty second Day of July 1797 at Newark Samuel Carpenter, and took the Oath of allegiance to his Majesty King George the third. —[Signed] Robert Kerr J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 81]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Carpenter received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Apr 1799
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is an old Inhabitant in this Province and has never received any Lands of the Crown – therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to allow him a grant under the new Regulations, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” Samuel Carpenter made his mark for his brother Wm Carpenter. Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Apr 1799 and read in Council the same day. Ordered 200 acres under the new regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 82]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Neil of Queenstown dated at Newark on 15 Jul 1795
“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is a native of Ireland and resided in Nova Scotia upwards of three years. That in the year 1784, he came into this Province where he has remained ever since, that he never received any Lands in Nova Scotia, nor has he applied for any in this province. humbly prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant him a portion of the vacant Lands of the Crown therein—Your Petitioner further begs leave to request to your Excellency, that about Three years ago he married one Mary Carrol widow of Robt Carrol who attached himself to His Majestys Forces on their arrival at New York, served with them during the war & afterwards went to Nova Scotia, where he recd about 200 acres, but died, before he made much improvement thereon, and his widow with his two Sons, then came to this Country leaving the Land they had received, without disposing thereof. Your Petitioner therefore prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant such Lands in behalf of his wife and her said children, as to your Excellency may seem meet, and as in Duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] John Neil” Added postscript: “PS. Nathl Pettit Esqr can speak in behalf of your Peitioner as to the matter herein advanced.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 15 Jul 1795. Ordered two hundred acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “N” Bundle 1, Petition Number 7]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Silas Carter dated at Niagara on 16 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Silas Carter of the Township of Bertie who has received a Certificate for 200 acres in the sd Township whereon he lives & has considerably improved, but has received none for his Family which consists of a wife & four children—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 such addition of Lands for himself & Family at Long point Settlemt of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Marginal note: “8th January 1818 Petitioner resided in Bertie” Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in addition if not granted before. Confirmed on 8 Oct 1796. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 30b]
Receipt issued at the Receiver General’s Office, York 5 Jan 1824 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Silas Carter
“Captn J. [Gibbon] as Agent for Silas Carter has paid into this Office, the surveying Fees on two Hundred Acres of Land, under regulation of 9th July 1796 £1.7.6 Surveying Fee; for the Recr Genl [Signed] G. Y. [Amittau]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 30]
Receipt issued by Samuel Ridout at York on 5 Jan 1824 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Silas Carter
“Received from James Fitzgibbon Esqr the Land granting Officer’s fees on 200 acres of land in addition ordered to Silas Carter in Council 8th Octr 1796. Regs 9 July 1796 £3.5.2 Cury [Signed] Saml Ridout” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 30a]
Certificate of John Warren, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Silas Carter
“The Bearer Silas Carter has resided on the Lake side in the Township of Bertie since the year 1787, during which period he has behaved as a good Subject, and a very industrious Man, having often engaged to furnish Timber and lime for the use of this Post, has always been punctual to his word. Should His Excellency the Governor think him an object worthy of being rewarded with an additional portion of Land, the subscriber humbly recommends him as a Man whom he has every reason to believe deserving of it—[Signed] John Warren J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 30d]
Certificate of Robert Pratt Major 5th Regiment dated at Fort Erie on 1 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Silas Carter
“Silas Carter has a Wife and four Children—I have known the above named Silas Carter during my Command at Fort Erie and have every reason to believe him to be an honest and an industrious man. [Signed] Robert Pratt Major 5th Regt” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 30d]
Signer to the Signer to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Inhabitants of Bertie Township dated at Fort Erie on 20 Oct 1796
“We the Inhabitants of the Township of Bertie in the County of Lincoln, are Destitute of a Mill, without going a great distance; as there is a Mill Seat at Point Abino in the said Township which has been granted by His Excellency the Governor Simcoe (for the benefit of the Township or County) to Timothy Skinner, and the said Skinner is transferred the same Mill Seat to Isaac Lane [sic: Laing], inhabitant for 3, 4 years or more ago, and no prospect of any preparation for a Mill yet being builded. – We will therefore be very much oblige to Your Honour – that if Your Honour thinks proper, to grant the said Mill Seat to Jacob Crane an Inhabitant, who promises to immediately commence with the building, and to have it finished as fit to go in the Course of a Year. In Expectation of having this Our Humble Request granted Sir We are Your Most Obedient & Humble Servants [Some of the signatures within each of the families on this document seem to have been signed by the same hand] Silas Carter, John Collins, Thomas Baxter, Joseph Palmer, Jos. Rich. Palmer, Stephen Gill, John Gill, Jeremiah Tuttle junior, Jeremiah Tuttle Senior, John Chambers, Con O’Neil, Daniel Alward, Ellexander McQuine, Daniel McQuene, Ellexander McQuien, James McQuine, John Beringar, Mathias Hone, Mathias Hone Jun, Daniel Alward Jun, Frederick Buck, John Willson, Stephen Middagh, Jacob Haun, Peter Feere, Edward [Noye], Christufful Ritchards, Frederick Sager, Jacob Crane, Jacb Hous, J George [Shumon], Peter Creager, Mical M Beach, Peter Learn, Azaliah Schooley, John Harret, John Cutler, Jehoiada Schooley, Asa Schooley, Joseph Senn, Michael Huffman, Necol Huffman, Jacob Huffman, Fradric Ankarm Crowell Willson, John Garner, Philip Buck, Adam Burwell, Joseph Marsh” Received at the Executive Council Office on 13 Nov 1796 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered dismissed as inadmissible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 135a]
Certificate of John Small dated 7 Dec 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Inhabitants of Bertie Township
“Personally appeared before me John Small Esqr Jacob Crane and John Johnson maketh oath that they on 6th inst called at Timothy Skinners and asked him what he intended to do about building a mill that he had obtained a permission from the Council to build in the Township of Bertie & he the said Timothy answered – that it belonged to one Lane [sic: Laing], and that the said Lane may build when he thought proper, as he the said Skinner had transferred it to the said Lane – and that he the said Timothy Skinner defyed the Governor & Council, that he had get it & put him the said Jacob Crane likewise, at defiance or any one else who might wish to obtain it – That he had now get it, and that it might lay as it was for ages—Sworn before me the 7th day of Decr 1796 [Signed] John Small J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 135]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of James Bennet received at the Executive Council Office on 26 May 1796
“Humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioner came into this Settlement in the year 1791—is married to the Daughter of Thomas Carty, A Loyalist, who was wounded at the Battle of the Eutaw Springs in South Carolina and Died of His wounds in the Hospital in Charles Town. Your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays that Two Hundred acres of land may be Granted to him, and also that Two hundred acres the Usual Quantity allowed to the Daughter of Loyalists, May be Granted him for his wife and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will Ever Pray. [Signed] James Bennet” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 May 1796 and read in Council on 30 Jun 1796. Recommended to grant the prayer of Petition if no lands have been granted before & produces to the Office the requisite certificate. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 118]
The Upper Canada Land Petition of William Carver dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 23 Jun 1795
“humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has been in the Province two years, and desirous of becoming a settler in the Town of Newark Prays Yr Excellency will please to Grant him Lot No Two hundred & twenty eight& yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray” [Signed] Wm Carver” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Jun and ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1, Petition Number 17]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Carver received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Jul 1795
“Humbly Sheweth—The loss of a tender and provident father at an early Period of his life has involved his youth in a Series of perplexities And Cares. That your Petitioner’s Father had Served his Majesty from the Commencement of the last rebellion in America after many years of Service in which he lost his life at the Battle of Long Island—Your Petitioner Therefore Most humbly begs that your Honours will grant Him Two Hundred Acres of Land. His attachment to His King and Country Will ever Pray &c [Signed] William Carver” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 5 Jul. Ordered recommended to be granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 61]
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 Carver – Full Fees 200 acres in Oxford Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117m]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Abner Casaday of Ancaster Township, Wentworth County [on a preprinted form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Abner Casaday of the Township of Ancaster and District of Gore, Potter. Humbly Sheweth, That your petitioner is the son of Daniel Casaday late of the Township of Niagara Deceased and enrolled U. E. Loyalist, is of the full age of twenty one years, has taken the Oath of Allegiance, and has never had any lands, or order for lands from the Crown. Therefore humbly prays that your Excellency may be pleased to grsnt him two hundred acres of the waste lands of the Crown. And permit Alexander Stervant of York Gentleman to be his agent to locate the same and take out the Deed when completed. And your petitioner as in duty bound, will ever pray.” Abner Casaday made his mark.” Read in the Executive Council on 2 Jun 1819 and ordered recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 12, Petition Number 110]
‘Upper Canada Land Petition of Abner Cassaday of the township of Ancaster in the County of Wentworth and District of Gore dated in June 1823
“Humbly sheweth — That your Petitioner was born in this Province, that he has a wife and two Children, that he has taken the oath of allegiance, and that he performed Military Duty during the late war with the United States — & he has received an Order for 200 acres as Son of a UE but no military Lands and is desirous to obtain a grant paying fees. Your Petitioner therefore humbly requests that your Excellency will be pleased to order him a grant of 100 acres of the waste Lands of the Crown, if to your Excellency shall seem meet and proper, Subject to the payment of such Fees, as are charged to other applicants for Land. And your Petitiner as in duty bound will ever Pray.” Abner Cassaday made his mark. Read in Council on 23 Jul 1820. Ordered recommended for 1—acres paying fees [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 13, Petition Number 164]
Certificate of Benjamin Geale, Commissioner dated at York (Toronto) on 2 Jun 1819 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Abner Cassaday [on a preprinted form with fill-ins]
I certify that Abner Cassady – a Native of Upper Canada and the Township of Niagara – a potter by Trade hath taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance as required by Law, before me, at York, in the Home District, this Second day of June in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and nineteen [Signed] Benjn Geale Commr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 13, Petition Number 164a]
Report of Thomas Ridout, Surveyor General dated 9 Jun 1819 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Abner Cassaday
By an order in Council of the 9 June 1819 Abner Cassady was granted 200 acres as an S. UE, which have not been located—I do not find that any other order of grant in his name [Signed] Thos Ridout S Genr Office York 25 June 1823” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 13, Petition Number 164]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Anna Smith dated in Grimsby, Lincoln County on 14 Jan 1823
“The Petition of Anna Smith of the Township of Grimsby. Humbly Sheweth that your petitioner is the daughter of Daniel Cassady, late, of the Township of Niagara, an enrolled U.E. Loyalist; is married to John Smith of Grimsby; and has never had any lands, or order for lands, from the Crown. Therefore humbly prays that your Excellency will be pleased to grant her two hundred acres of the waste lands of the Crown. And permit John Willson of District of Gore, Esquire, to be her agent to locate the same, and take out the Deed when complete. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Anna Smith on the 14th day of January 1823” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 13, Petition Number 122]
Certificate of William Crooks and Ralph Clench dated 14 Jan 1823 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Anna Smith
“District of Niagara--We, William Crooks Esquire, Chairman, and Ralph Clench, Esquire, Clerk of the Peace, certify that Anna Smith personally appeared at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, this day, is recognized by the Magistrates, to be the daughter of Daniel Cassady who died before the late war, without aiding or assisting the enemy; that she is married to John Smith who was too young to do his duty in defense of the Province, and was loyal during the late war. Dated at the Court House at Niagara, in the said District, the 14th day of January, 1823. [Signed] J W Crooks, Chairman and R Clench [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 13, Petition Number 122a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassida dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jul 1795
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner to evince His Loyalty to His Majesty lost his property and traveled through an extensive Wilderness from Pennsylvania to the Garrison of Niagara, and Joined Colo Butlers Rangers and partook of the Fatigues and Dangers with that Corps; was wounded in defence of His Majesty’s Crown and Dignity, & notwithstanding he in some measure is disabled, he would still give fresh proof of his Loyalty if his service should be required. Wherefore he prays your Excellency will give him a Grant of Land in the vicinity of Long Point, where he would be happy to live among his old fellow Sufferers. He takes the Liberty to observe to your Excellency that he has a Family, and suffered in property by the Rebellious Americans, and prays you will please to allow him some additional Land over and above the 300 Acres gave by His most gracious Majesty to His Disbanded Troops—or such relief as through your Excellencys Goodness may seem meet and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Daniel Cassida” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Aug. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 12]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassida read in the Executive Council on 5 Jul [1796]
“Humbly Sheweth That your Pettinors wif was Born in Ireland and your petitioner not haveing own Land traveled into the continent of America into the State of penselvena in hope to provide Some Lands of my own in hope in a Short Time To Be able To go for her But This Late Rebellious war came on Shortly and Prevented Till after the conclusion of the war that my Son came To this place which after a Short Time I Sent for Her who Arived at this place on the 23 of October in the year 1790 and in the Space of About 10 months Deceased if your Excelency in your goodness will See meet To Besto upon your pettinor Some Lands for his Desessed wife He in Duty Bound will Ever pray [Signed Daniel Cassida” Read in the Executive Council on 5 Jul [1796]. Ordered not granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 73]
Copy of a letter from Ralfe Clench to Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 5 Mar 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“There were four Lots of Land on the four mile Creek formerly disputed by John Coleman, James Thomas, and Daniel Cassada, which dispute was settled by the Board, when Colonel Hunter commanded at this place, the four Lots were divided into three equal Shares, and the Parties, it was always understood, were satisfied—(signed) R. Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39b]
Copy of a letter from Ralfe Clench to Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 Jun 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“There was a dispute between Cassada, John Cassleman, and James Thomas, determined by the Land Board, relative to some Lands on the four mile Creek; the Determination was that the four Lots should be equally divided amongst the three—(Signed) R. Clench Copys D W Smith” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39b]
Report of Surveyor General C. B. Wyatt dated at York (Toronto) on 4 Dec 1806 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“May it please your Excellency—In obedience to your Excellencys order of reference to me to report upon the Petition of James Thomas—I am to State to your Excellency that the Lot number one hundred and Ten in the Township of Niagara containing one hundred Acres, claimed by James Thomas, does not appear to interfere with any prior Grants. For having examined into the proceedings upon the four Lots (No 75-76-109 & 110) in the Township of Niagara, which have so long been a subject of dispute – I find that the Lots 76 & 109 have been described for John Casselman—(No 9201) – and Lot No 75 for Robert Kemp (No 1083) claiming under the Niagara Commission of 1803 – from Daniel Cassada – thereby leaving the Lot 110 now applied for, without difficulty—all which is humbly submitted to your Excellencys wisdom [Signed] C. B. Wyatt Surveyr Gens Office York 4 Decemr 1806” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39e]
Copy of a Court Order to James Thomas dated at Niagara on 30 Mar 1788 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“James Thomas, As you have paid so little attention to the Desires of the Court, respecting a lot of land which are unlawfully detaining from Daniel Cassady, These are therefore to desire you not to make any further Improvement upon the said lot; as Daniel Cassady will not be obliged to pay you for such Improvement, having already given you Warning in my Presence to desist And be your behavior very cautious not to slight my Orders you may receive from this Court, as you will answer for such illegal Conduct—By Order of the Magistrates at their Session at Navy Hall held the last Saturday in the present Month – (signed) Phil R. Frey C. C. P. F. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39g]
Copy of an Agreement for Arbitration dated 25 Oct 1788 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“Know all men by these Presents that I Daniel Cassady of Nassau district in the province of Quebec farmer am held firmly bound unto James Thomas of the District and Province afsd in the just and full Sum of one hundred Pounds Halifax Currency to be paid to the said James Thomas or his certain Attorney his Executors Administrators or assigns for which Payment well & truly to be made I bind myself my heirs Executors and Administrators firmly by these presents sealed with my seal, dated this 25th Day of October in the twenty eighth year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord George the [sic] by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith and so forth- The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounded Daniel Cassady his Heirs Executors and Administrators & every of them shall well and truly stand to obey, observe and keep the accord & Arbitration of Augustus Jones and John Clement of Niagara Arbitrators indifferently chosen as well on the Part of the said James Thomas as on the Part & Behalf of the above named Daniel Cassady to arbitrate, award, Judge of, determine & agree for touching & concerning all Manner of Actions whatsoever, both in Equity or otherwise however, which between them the said James Thomas and Daniel Cassady or either of them have been or at the time of the sealing and delivery of these Presents and had moved stirred up or in anywise depending To always as the said Award, Arbitrament final Judgment determination & agreement between the said Parties be made in writing indented under the hands & Seals of the said Arbitrators ready to be delivered to the said Parties at or on the – Day of 27th – next ensuing the date of this written Obligation, then this Obligation to be void or else to remain in full force. And if the said Arbitrators shall not make and draw up the said Award in Writing as afsd & the same deliver to the said Parties afsd if then the sd Daniel Cassady his Heirs Executors and administrators & every of them do well & truly observe & perform the award Umpirage final end and Judgment of Umpire indifferently chosen by the said Parties for ending & composing all the Differences aforesaid so as the Umpire draw up his award in Writing indented under his Hand and Seal ready to be delivered to the Parties on or before the – Day of – next ensuing the the [sic] Obligation to be void or else to remain in full force & virtue (Signed) In the Presence of (signed) Wm Johnston, (signed) Ebenezer Jones” Daniel Cassady made his mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39h]
Copy of an Arbitration dated 25 Oct 1788 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“Award and final Determination of John Clement and Augustus Jones Arbitrators being indifferently chosen, by Daniel Cassiday and Samuel [sic] Thomas both of Niagara; award first, that the Lots No 74, 75 109 and 110 which is divided between James Thomas, Daniel Casidy & John Casleman; Which lines gives 13 Chains 66 Links in Width each Lot, shall stand and remain without Dispute, and whereas the aforesaid lines of James Thomas incloses some of Daniel Cassady’s cleared Land in Consideration—2nd thereof we the afore mentioned Arbitrators do award that the foresd James Thomas shall pay or cause to be paid to the aforementioned Daniel Casidy the Sum of six Pounds ten Shillings New York Currency on or before the first day of April next ensuing, which Sum being well & truly paid is to end all dispute and Controversy between them the said Parties, as Witness our hands and Seals this 25th Day October & in of our Lord 1788 – (signed) Augustus Jones (signed) John Clement {Arbitrators” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39k]
Copy of a letter from Philip R. Frey to James Thomas dated at Niagara on 10 Nov 1788 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“Whereas Augustus Jones, Daniel Cassedy & Samuel Cassedy have deposed upon before Samuel Street Esqr that they heard you say that Captain Tin Brook & myself were [….] & that I had forged a certain Letter which I shewed you last fall, I do therefore dare you & desire you to prove your different Assertions, And I will convince you that, tho’ I pity you as an ignorant Man, As an infamous fellow I will not allow you to asperse my public Character and nothing but a very publick Acknowledgement in writing shall prevent me from carrying on an immediate Suit in the high Courts of Judication in Quebec I will give you two days from this date, and be assured that your [approprious?] Language by no means merits this Indulgence from Phil R Frey, Clerk of the Court for the District of Nassau” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39l]
Copy of a certificate attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“We the Subscribers do certify that James Thomas living in the First Township at the four mile Creek having drawd his Lot of Land from Mr Tinling by the Orders of Coll Depuyster & by the Liberty of Major Campbell & being since surveyed by Mr Frey it comes in Dispute between Daniel Cassady which Lot Daniel Casady has no improvement thereon (signed) [Jph] Clement, John Clement, James Clement, Adam Kriselr, John Coon, Jacob Veanalstin [sic], James Pickerd, his Mark, Willem Pickerd his Mark, Joseph Brown, The foregoing are Copys DW Smith” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39m]
Report of Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at the Surveyor’s Office on 21 Mar 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“May it please your Excellency—In obedience to your Excellency Order to me to report on the Petition of James Thomas, a Soldier in Sir John Johnson’s late Regiment – and praying that he may be confirmed by a Certificate in an Hundred & thirty acres of Land in the Township of Newark, which he states to have been settled on by Colo DePeyster and Major Campbell; I had reference to the Plan of that Township, as transmitted from the Surveyor Generals office at Quebec, and not finding the name of James Thomas on any of the Lots watered by the four mile Creek, I made application to the Deputy Surveyor Mr Jones in respect to this man’s claim. He informed me, that a dispute subsisted between Daniel Cassady, James Thomas, and John Castleman in regard to certain Lands on the four mile Creek, and States that some time in the years 1788 or 1789, Thomas and Cassady had their Dispute brought before the Magistrates of this District, the Commandant of Niagara, sitting as President, when they, the Court, ordered the Deputy Surveyor Mr Frey to Dispossess the said Thomas, and put Cassady in possession, which he found it difficult to do. Thomas refusing to comply with the order of the Court; That some time after this, the members of the Land Board, directed Mr Jones to survey the Improvement of the aforesaid three persons Lots and if possible, to give each one of the three, an equal Quantity off our Lots, containing 400 acres, being the Tract in Dispute; That accordingly he went, and made a Survey of the Premises, and found that the greatest part of Cassady’s improved Land, fell on the lot claimed to John Castleman; that prior to this Survey, Thomas and Cassady had bound themselves to abide by the decision of Mr Jones and Mr John Clement also [they ….] its but just to award what was before printed out be the Land Board; Mr Jones came [..] Say. That Castl[eman] consented to the Division made at that time, neither does he recollect that Cassleman ever refused to it; —I annex a copy with it—I annex a Copy of Mr Freys letter to James Thomas, the 30 March 1788; a copy of the Bond between Daniel Cassdy & James Thomas the 25th of October;—Copy of the award of the Arbitrator, the 25 October 1788; Copy of another Letter from Mr Frey to James Thomas, the 10th November 1788 – and the copy of a Certificate relative to Thomas’s Claims; —I apprehend that there is a trifling Error in the award, by inserting the Lot No 74 instead of No 76—I enclose also: a copy of a Certificate of Mr Clenches, setting forth, that the Board had decided the four Lots equally among the three […] mentioned persons, but John Castleman having obtained, as it is said, a Patent, for half the Land, agreeably to the Entry made at Quebec. I do not immediately forsee a practicability of making the arrangement, agreeably to the Board’s decision, although Cassady does not object to Thomas holding the Lands he prays for—but then He does this with the Expectation of getting a third part of the four Lots, and Castleman refuses to resign any part of the Land for which he has claimed a Patent, and which he says he originally received Tickets for from Mr Frey—A Plan is annexed to elucidate this Report. All which is submitted to your Excellencys wisdom—[Signed D W Smith Actg Sur Genl [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39o]
Plan of Lots 75, 76, 109 and 110 showing a division between John Castleman, Daniel Casida and James Thomas attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“Plan of 4 Lots, containing 400 acres, in the Township of Newark, divided into three equal parts—by an arbitration—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39r]
Order of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
Petition received on 29 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 29 Jun 1795. “granted if vacant referred to the Actg Surveyor Genl to report upon” “Ordered that Lot No 110 be described for James Thomas, not precluding Danl Casida or any other person from filing a caveat [Initialled] P. R.” “Also ordered that the Lands Petitioner has received should be made up three hundred acres. [Initialled] P. R.” “Read in Council Nov 18th 1806 Recommended that Surveyor Genl report whether the Lands claimed by James Thomas interferes with any prior Grants [Signed] Thos Scott Chairman” “Read again in Council 13th of January 1807—The Board having considered the Report of the Surveyor General, stating that the Lands prayed for by the Petitioner do not interfere with any prior Grants, recommend that a Deed do issue for the said Lands [Signed] Thos Scott Chairman approved [Signed] Francis Gore Lt Governor” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39s]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassada of Newark dated at Niagara on 12 Jul 1797
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner was a Soldier in Butlers Rangers Eight years and has received his military lands for which he is thankful – That he settled in the Province immediately after the reduction of the above Corps. And in the year 1786- had a wife & three children in the Province, that having never received any Lands for his Family Your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres as such & Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray – ” Daniel Cassady made his mark “Witness T Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 13 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 14 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 150 acres family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 31a]
Certificate of Parshall Terry, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassada
“I do hereby certify that Daniel Cassady was a soldier in Butlers Rangers – and had a wife & two children in this province before the year 1789 [Signed] Parshall Terry JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 31]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Robert Pilkington dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Mar 1799
“Sheweth That Lot Number One in the second Concession of the Township of Grantham containing one Hundred Acres, was given by the Land Board of the District to Thomas Marsh and afterwards transferred by the same Board, for a bona fide consideration to Daniel Cassada of whom your Memorialist purchased the said Lot: as will appear by the Bond of the said Daniel Cassada to your Memorialist, and also a Power of Attorney to take out the Deed. But as the said Thomas Marsh is no longer in the Province, the said Daniel Cassada cannot obtain a regular Title so as to convey the Land in discharge of his Bond, whereby your Memorialist is in danger of losing both his Land and Money: Therefore he prays to surrender His Majesty’s Deed to Thomas Marsh, and that another Deed may issue securing the said Land to your Memorialist. And your Memorialist further sheweth That Lot number One Hundred and Sixty four in the Township of Newark was located by James Merkle of whom John Waterhouse purchased the same, as will appear by certain affidavits made as to that fact; the said James Merkle being now out of the Province. That your Memorialist hath also purchased the said Lot, for a bona fide consideration; and as no Deed hath as yet issued he humbly prays that His Majesty’s Deed may confirm him in the same. Your Memorialist paying the usual Fees on the Deeds, and Your Memorilaist as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Robt Pilkington” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Mar 1799. Ordered referred to the consideration of a committee of the Council. Read again in Council on 26 Mar 1799. Ordered recommended that the Deed of No 1 in the 2nd Conn of Grantham be cancelled and a new deed thereof issued to the Petitioner. Recommend also that the deed for No 164 in the Township of Newark issue to the Petitioner both on payment of the full fees under Old Regulation on both deeds. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1]
Land Board Certificate issued to Thomas Marsh dated on 1 May 1792 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Robert Pilkington (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)
“The Bearer Thomas Marsh having on the first day of May 1792 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of One Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No 3 in the District of Late 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 Newark this first day of May one thousand seven hundred and ninety two To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Late Nassau. [Signed] R. Hamilton, Robert Kerr, John McNabb” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Thomas March the Lot No 1 in the 2nd Concessn in the Township of No three in the District of Late Nassau containing one Hundred Acres Twenty Chains by Fifty.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1c]
Notation of the Land Board dated on 18 Jan 1794 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Robert Pilkington
“The Land Board Consent to the Transfer of this Lott In [name] Thomas Marsh Soldier in the 84th Regt to Daniel Cassady Land Board Jany 18th 1794 [Signed] R. Hamilton, Robert Kerr, John McNabb [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1e]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassadie received at the Executive Council on 26 Nov 1795
“The Humble Petition of Daniel Cassadie humbly sheweth that your petitioner intends to build a house in Town, and hopes you will grant him a Town Lott, and as in duty bound will for your honour always pray – [Signed] Daniel Cassadie Lott No 161” Received at the Executive Council on 26 Nov 1795. Ordered Reserved [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle Mic. 1788-1795 Vol. 126, Petition Number 164]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassaday of the township of Ancaster, in the District of Gore
Humbly sheweth,
“That you Petitioner, is the son of Daniel Cassaday formerly of the Town and District of Niagara deceased, an enrolled UE Loyalist, and has never received any Land, or order for Land from The Crown. Wherefore your Petitioner Prays that your Excellency will be pleased to Grant him Two hundred Acres of The waste Lands of The Crown. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray—[Signed] Daniel Cassaday” Read in Council on 12 Nov 1823 and ordered recommended [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 13, Petition Number 187b]
Certificate of James Crooks, J. P. and George Ralph, Clerk dated in Hamilton, Gore District on 14 Oct 1823 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Cassaday
“Gore District We James Crooks Chairman and George Ralph Clerk of the Peace, Certify that Daniel Cassaday, personally appeared at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace this day, is recognized by the magistrates to be the son of Daniel Cassaday, late of the town and district of Niagara deceased, an enrolled U E Loyalist, who departed this life before the commencement of the late war; the said Daniel Cassaday, the son, being too young to do military duty during the war but was without suspicion of aiding or assisting the Enemy.— Court House at Hamilton this 14 October 1823. [Signed] Jas Crooks J. P. Chairman [Signed] George Ralph [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 13, Petition Number 187]
Upper Canada Land Petition of James Cassaday of the Township of East Flamborough Township, Wentworth County, Yeoman dated at York [Toronto] on 4 Mar 1824
“Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner is a Native of Niagara in this Province joined in the Militia during the late war, has a wife and 5 children, and has had one acre of Land from the Crown and that Your Petitioner has means and is desirous to settle upon and improve a Lot of the waste Lands. Wherefore Your Petitioner humbly Prays Your Excellency will be pleased to grant him 200 Acres of Land paying fees And your Petitioner will ever pray —” James Cassaday made his mark. Read in the Executive Council on 4 Mar 1824. Ordered recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 14, Petition Number 8]
Certificate of Grant Powell dated at York (Toronto) on 4 Mar 1824 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Cassaday [on a preprinted form with fill-ins]
I certify that James Cassady – a Native of Canada hath taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance as required by Law, before me, at York, in the Home District, this Second day of June in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and nineteen [Signed] Grant Powell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 14, Petition Number 8a]
Report of Thomas Ridout, Surveyor General dated on 4 Mar 1824 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Cassaday
“I do not find that the Petitioner has received any land, or order for land. [Signed] Thos Ridout, Sur Genr Office 4 Mar 1824 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 14, Petition Number 8]
Upper Canada Land Petition ofJane Swayze of Clinton Township, Lincoln County dated on 12 Jan 1819 [using a preprinted form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Jane Swayze of the Township of Clinton Humbly Sheweth, That your petitioner is the daughter of the late Daniel Casada Deceased an enrolled U. E. Loyalist, is married to Hiram Swayze of Clinton and has never had any lands, or order for lands from the Crown. Therefore humbly prays that your Excellency will be pleased to grant her two hundred acres of the waste lands of the Crown. And permit Alexander Stervant of York Gentleman to be her agent to locate the same and take out the Deed when completed. And your petitioner as in duty bound, will ever pray.” Jane Swayze made her mark. Read in the Executive Council on 10 Feb 1819 and ordered granted [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 11, Petition Number 277]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Cassida dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jul 1795
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners Father served His Majesty in Colo Butlers Rangers in the American War, Your Petitioner came to this Province in 1785 from Ireland, and has obtained from the Honourable the Land Board a Grant, or Certificates for Two Hundred Acres of Land, but having a Wife and Children prays your Excellency will please to give him an additional Grant as his Wife’s Father was within the Lines, and in actual service in American Warfare. —Your Petitioner Prays your Excellency will permit him to settle in the vicinity of Long Point, as his sincere wish is to be near men that he can put some esteem in, and he will be always ready to give your Excellency proof of his Loyalty if any Part of the Province might be invaded—wherefore he begs your Excellency will take the Premises into consideration and grant such relief as through your Wisdom may seem meet and your Petitioner will ever pray. —[Signed] Saml Cassida” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Aug and read on 6 Jul. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 50]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Cassaday [sic] of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) dated at Newark on 1 Feb 1797
“Most humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is the Son of Daniel Cassaday, an old Ranger, and an U. E. Loyalist. That your Petitioner is married to Sarah the Daughter of John Ranciore, likewise an U. E. Loyalist who had three Sons in the Corps of Rangers during the late war. That your Petitioner has only one child living—and has drawn two Hundred acres of Land—Wherefore he prays such additional allowance of Land as your Honor in your Wisdom may deem meet and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray &c—[Signed] Samuel Cassaday” Received at the Executive Council office on 4 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 26 Feb then again on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered the certificate must state the facts it certifies. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 105]
Certificate of Robert Kerr J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 Feb 1797
“I do certify to the Truth of the annexed Petition [Signed] Robert Kerr J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 105a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Cassady dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the Lake) on 27 May 1795
“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner some time since purchased from a Joseph McLaughlin, a Half acre Lot in the Town of Newark known by number Forty One, on which he had erected a frame for a dwelling House, afterwards sold by him to Doctor Holmes—Your Petitioner, for the purchase of said Lot, was to remove the above mentioned Frame to Doctor Holmes and keep, at his own Home, two of the McLaughlin Children for the space of one month, which service your Petitioner performed and was valued to him at Ten Pounds york Currency—Your Petitioner humbly begs to inform your Excellency, he has since understood that McLaughlin could not give him a Title to said Lot, having never received any himself, as the Lot was originally granted to James Vrooman, and a Certificate assigned to him by the Land Board, tho’ now not to be found, and Vroman gives up all his Title thereto to your Petitioner, who has a frame for a Dwelling House of 26 feet by 18—and other materials to complete the same, ready to put thereon—He therefore humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him said Lot, in Consideration of the Expense he has been at—and Your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 May 1795. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1, Petition Number 14]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Cassady dated at Niagara on 31 Jan 1797
“Respectfully Shews—That your petitioner drew a Ticket No 54 in the Town of Newark on the first day that the Land Board set up for that purpose – That your petitioner built on said Lot immediately afterwards, where he now resides prays your Honor would be pleased for to confirm the same to him and your petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray—[Signed] Samuel Cassady” Received at the Executive Council Office on 31 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 26 Feb 1797. Granted if vacant. Gave a warrant for a Town Lot No 54 (if vacant) in Town of Newark 23 Feb 1797. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 164]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Casselman of the Township of Newark dated at Niagara on 15 Mar 1797
“Humbly shews—That your Petitioner was a Soldier in Butlers Rangers, and has received his military Lands—That Your Petitioner settled with his Family consisting of a wife and one child- in the place were he now lives, immediately after the reduction of the above Corps- and that he now has three children. Your Petitioner therefore prays Your Honor would be pleased to grant him 100 Acres of Land- for family Lands and a Town Lot in Newark—and as in duty bound, your petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] John Casselman” Added note of Peter Ball J. P.: “I do hereby certify that John Castleman of the late Rangers, settled in the now Township of Newark—with a wife and one child, previous to the year 1789—[Signed] P. Ball J. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 100 acres family lands, but no town lot. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 148]
Copy of a letter from Ralfe Clench to Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 5 Mar 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“There were four Lots of Land on the four mile Creek formerly disputed by John Cassleman, James Thomas, and Daniel Cassada, which dispute was settled by the Board, when Colonel Hunter commanded at this place, the four Lots were divided into three equal Shares, and the Parties, it was always understood, were satisfied—(signed) R. Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39b]
Copy of a letter from Ralfe Clench to Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 Jun 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“There was a dispute between Cassada, John Cassleman, and James Thomas, determined by the Land Board, relative to some Lands on the four mile Creek; the Determination was that the four Lots should be equally divided amongst the three—(Signed) R. Clench Copys D W Smith” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39b]
Report of Surveyor General C. B. Wyatt dated at York (Toronto) on 4 Dec 1806 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“May it please your Excellency—In obedience to your Excellencys order of reference to me to report upon the Petition of James Thomas—I am to State to your Excellency that the Lot number one hundred and Ten in the Township of Niagara containing one hundred Acres, claimed by James Thomas, does not appear to interfere with any prior Grants. For having examined into the proceedings upon the four Lots (No 75-76-109 & 110) in the Township of Niagara, which have so long been a subject of dispute – I find that the Lots 76 & 109 have been described for John Casselman—(No 9201) – and Lot No 75 for Robert Kemp (No 1083) claiming under the Niagara Commission of 1803 – from Daniel Cassada – thereby leaving the Lot 110 now applied for, without difficulty—all which is humbly submitted to your Excellencys wisdom [Signed] C. B. Wyatt Surveyr Gens Office York 4 Decemr 1806” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39e]
Copy of an Arbitration dated 25 Oct 1788 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“Award and final Determination of John Clement and Augustus Jones Arbitrators being indifferently chosen, by Daniel Cassiday and Samuel [sic] Thomas both of Niagara; award first, that the Lots No 74, 75 109 and 110 which is divided between James Thomas, Daniel Casidy & John Casleman; Which lines gives 13 Chains 66 Links in Width each Lot, shall stand and remain without Dispute, and whereas the aforesaid lines of James Thomas incloses some of Daniel Cassady’s cleared Land in Consideration—2nd thereof we the afore mentioned Arbitrators do award that the foresd James Thomas shall pay or cause to be paid to the aforementioned Daniel Casidy the Sum of six Pounds ten Shillings New York Currency on or before the first day of April next ensuing, which Sum being well & truly paid is to end all dispute and Controversy between them the said Parties, as Witness our hands and Seals this 25th Day October & in of our Lord 1788 – (signed) Augustus Jones (signed) John Clement {Arbitrators” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39k]
Report of Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at the Surveyor’s Office on 21 Mar 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“May it please your Excellency—In obedience to your Excellency Order to me to report on the Petition of James Thomas, a Soldier in Sir John Johnson’s late Regiment – and praying that he may be confirmed by a Certificate in an Hundred & thirty acres of Land in the Township of Newark, which he states to have been settled on by Colo DePeyster and Major Campbell; I had reference to the Plan of that Township, as transmitted from the Surveyor Generals office at Quebec, and not finding the name of James Thomas on any of the Lots watered by the four mile Creek, I made application to the Deputy Surveyor Mr Jones in respect to this man’s claim. He informed me, that a dispute subsisted between Daniel Cassady, James Thomas, and John Castleman in regard to certain Lands on the four mile Creek, and States that some time in the years 1788 or 1789, Thomas and Cassady had their Dispute brought before the Magistrates of this District, the Commandant of Niagara, sitting as President, when they, the Court, ordered the Deputy Surveyor Mr Frey to Dispossess the said Thomas, and put Cassady in possession, which he found it difficult to do. Thomas refusing to comply with the order of the Court; That some time after this, the members of the Land Board, directed Mr Jones to survey the Improvement of the aforesaid three persons Lots and if possible, to give each one of the three, an equal Quantity off our Lots, containing 400 acres, being the Tract in Dispute; That accordingly he went, and made a Survey of the Premises, and found that the greatest part of Cassady’s improved Land, fell on the lot claimed to John Castleman; that prior to this Survey, Thomas and Cassady had bound themselves to abide by the decision of Mr Jones and Mr John Clement also [they ….] its but just to award what was before printed out be the Land Board; Mr Jones came [..] Say. That Castl[eman] consented to the Division made at that time, neither does he recollect that Cassleman ever refused to it; —I annex a copy with it—I annex a Copy of Mr Freys letter to James Thomas, the 30 March 1788; a copy of the Bond between Daniel Cassdy & James Thomas the 25th of October;—Copy of the award of the Arbitrator, the 25 October 1788; Copy of another Letter from Mr Frey to James Thomas, the 10th November 1788 – and the copy of a Certificate relative to Thomas’s Claims; —I apprehend that there is a trifling Error in the award, by inserting the Lot No 74 instead of No 76—I enclose also: a copy of a Certificate of Mr Clenches, setting forth, that the Board had decided the four Lots equally among the three […] mentioned persons, but John Castleman having obtained, as it is said, a Patent, for half the Land, agreeably to the Entry made at Quebec. I do not immediately forsee a practicability of making the arrangement, agreeably to the Board’s decision, although Cassady does not object to Thomas holding the Lands he prays for—but then He does this with the Expectation of getting a third part of the four Lots, and Castleman refuses to resign any part of the Land for which he has claimed a Patent, and which he says he originally received Tickets for from Mr Frey—A Plan is annexed to elucidate this Report. All which is submitted to your Excellencys wisdom—[Signed D W Smith Actg Sur Genl [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39o]
Plan of Lots 75, 76, 109 and 110 showing a division between John Castleman, Daniel Casida and James Thomas attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
“Plan of 4 Lots, containing 400 acres, in the Township of Newark, divided into three equal parts—by an arbitration—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39r]
Order of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Thomas
Petition received on 29 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 29 Jun 1795. “granted if vacant referred to the Actg Surveyor Genl to report upon” “Ordered that Lot No 110 be described for James Thomas, not precluding Danl Casida or any other person from filing a caveat [Initialled] P. R.” “Also ordered that the Lands Petitioner has received should be made up three hundred acres. [Initialled] P. R.” “Read in Council Nov 18th 1806 Recommended that Surveyor Genl report whether the Lands claimed by James Thomas interferes with any prior Grants [Signed] Thos Scott Chairman” “Read again in Council 13th of January 1807—The Board having considered the Report of the Surveyor General, stating that the Lands prayed for by the Petitioner do not interfere with any prior Grants, recommend that a Deed do issue for the said Lands [Signed] Thos Scott Chairman approved [Signed] Francis Gore Lt Governor” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39s]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Cassleman [sic] of Newark dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Apr 1797
“Humbly shews That your Petitioner was a Soldier in Butlers Rangers and has received 200 Acres of his Military Lands, also the annexed Certificate for 100 Acres, to complete his compliment. That upon presenting it at the Surveyor Generals office for Location, your Petitioner was informed, that it required the sanction of the Honorable the Council – Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him the confirmation thereof – and as in duty bound your petitioner will ever pray [Unsigned]” Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P. dated at Newark on 25 April 1797: “I do certify that John Cassleman, personally applied for this petition, on or about the Day of its date – & was then so infirm as to be scarcely able to walk – and had been so many months – [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 May 1797 and read in Council on 11 May 1797. Petitioner’s land to be made up 300 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 18]
Land Board Certificate issued to John Cassleman (sic) dated on 21 Jun 1794 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)
“The Bearer John Cassleman having on the 21st day of June 1794 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of One hundred Acres of land in the Township of [blank] in the District of Home 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 21st day of June one thousand seven hundred and Ninety four To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Home. [Signed] R. Hamilton, John Burch, Robert Kerr, John McNabb” Added note of Robert Hamilton, J. P. in the margin: “a discharged Soldier from Butlers Rangers- [Initialled R. H.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 18b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Castolo dated at Niagara on 4 Mar 1797
“Respectfully Sheweth That your Petitioner has received four hundred acres for his Services as a Seaman on board the Kings Vessels on Lake Erie—Your petitioner having been discharged wishes to Locate a Town Lot in the Town of Newark No 327 for the purpose of building immediately thereon and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” John Castolo made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 11 Mar 1797. Ordered prayer of the petition granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 113]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Castolo dated at Niagara on 28 Nov 1796
“Respectfully Shews That yr Petitioner has served in the Marine Department & never drawn any Land Prays Your Honor will please to Grant him such Quantity as Your Honor may think proper & yr Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever Pray. [Signed] John Castolo” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Nov 1796 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered two hundred acres if none granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 118]
Certificate dated on 27 Mar 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Castolo
“I by this certify that the bearer herof John castolo has Served in the Marine Department on lake ontario the space of three years, and by it he is entitled to two hundred acres of land. Given under my hand this Twenty Seven day of Marc Ninety Six [Signature unreadable]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 118a]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Castolo for his Father (deceased)
“Most Respectfully Shews That your petitioners Father served last War in Major Jessups Corps of Loyal Rangers and previous to that was an active man in defending Quebec against General Montgomery—That your petitioners Father died in Montreal the year 1781, as certified by the annexed certificate prays your Honor would be pleased to allow him such a proportion of Land for his father as he would be entitled to if living—and your petitioner will as in duty Bound ever pray—” John Castolo made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 26 Jan 1797. Ordered soldiers having died before their arrival in this province have no claims to land in it. But the Board orders 200 acres to the petitioner in addition as a sailor and likely to be of use in that capacity. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 133]
Certificate of David McFall dated 23 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Castolo
“I do hereby Certify that James Castolo served in the Loyal Rangers Commanded by Major Edward Jessup in the late american war, and died at Montreal in the year 1781—and likewise do certify that John Castolo is son to the above James Castolo—Given under my hand this Twenty third day of Jany 1797 [Signed] David McFall” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 133a]
Letter from Archibald Thompson to Capt David Smith dated at Newark on 23 Jun 1796
“Sir I put in a petition to his Excellency in Council for Land for myself & family & also for some family expected from Britain the following persons are arrived her this morning Andrew Thomson [sic] his wife & 2 Children David Thomson Wife & 4 Children Ebenezer Cavers & Wife from the encouragement held out by Government I hope his Excellency will assign us such a portion of as he may think meet & not keep the Strangers long in suspense If you will be so kind, as put his Excellency in mind you will oblige your most humble Servt [Signed] Archd Thomson” Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jul 1796. Ordered the above recommended to his Excellency. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 32]
List of names attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Thomson
“List of Names Archd Thomson his Wife – 3 Sons & 4 Daughters. Familys on their way from Britain—Andrew Thomson his Wife & 5 Children; David Thomson his Wife & 4 Children & Servt Girl; Ebinezer Cavers & Wife—; James Elliot; Andrew Johnstone; Adam Tudhope; James Easton; Robt Johnstone Wife & 2 Children; Matthew Elliot Wife & 2 Children.” Notation applying to Andrew Thomson and David Thomson: “recomd for 400 acres and to Ebinezer Cavens “recomd for 200 acres” all dated June 30th 1796 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 45a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Ahijah Chambers
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came into the Province about nine years ago and received upon his coming in three hundred acres as military lands. That your Petitioner married the daughter of John Honsinger who served last war in Sir John Johnsons Regt and for who he has never drawn any lands – That your Petitioner suffered much from being made prisoner at the Battle of the Utha Springs – he being kept in close Confinement for upwards of three years – Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honor would be pleased for to allow him such addition for himself, as likewise to to be Confirmed in the enclosed Certificate which is part of the three hundred acres he has recd and likewise such a grant for his wie as your Honor may think proper and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” Ahijah Chambers made his mark. Witness A Mcp. Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 May 1897 and read in Council on 10 May. Ordered 200 acres to Mary the wife of the petitioner the daughter of a UE Loylist.
Signer to the petition of the inhabitants of Stamford Township for a mill attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Timothy Skinner dated 23 Jun 1800
“The petition of the Subscribers (Inhabitants of Lincoln County Stamford Township) – Most Respectfully Sheweth that there is a Great want of Mills at or near the Falls of Niagara. We therefore pray that Timothy Skinner (Senior) may be tolerated to build Said mills Adjoining his own and land and As in duty bound we Shall ever pray [Signed] Thomas Millard, Chas Willson, James Forsyth, Haggai Skinner, Noah Cook, John Hardey, Edwd Lafferty, John Losea, John Durham, Edward Durham, Thomas Millard Senior, John Reilly, Peter McMicking, Jacob Kilman, John McKerlie, John Clow, Adam McNair. Peter Thomson, Paul Cripps, Bri[lrehald] [br]omson, John Thomson, Thomas McMicking, Joseph Robeson his mark, John Chisholm, Donald Rose, James Cooper, Conrad Dorshimer, Patrick Reilly, Benjamin Skinner, Azariah Lamer, William Lundy, Jacob Fonger, William Fonger, Charles Grene, Benjamin Skinner Senor, Ebenezer Skinner, Isaac Chambers, Robert Spencer his mark, James Crawford, Chris Buchner, Henry Ramsey, [fred…] gobalt, Thomas Doan, John Upher, Jacob Upper, George Upper, George Couke, Robert Wilkerson, Benajah Williams, George Keefer, John Hilz, Ezekiel Woodruff, Giles Hall, Hugh Wilson, John Wilson, John Wilson Junr, Johnneal Kelhone, John [….] John Si[lverthorn]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 127d]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Chambers received at the Executive Council Office on 9 May 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petrs Father came into this Province in the year 1788, and brought with him a wife, and your Petitioner (the only child)—That your Petrs Father soon after dying, never applied for any family lands – Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to allow him 100 acres as family lands for your Petitioners mother and self, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Chambers” Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 May 1797. Ordered 100 acres family lands to the mother of the Petitioner. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 11b]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton dated at Queenston on 9 May 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Chambers
“Personally Appeared before me Robert Hamilton Esqr one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the Home district of Upper Canada, Lieut. Pier Fortier who on Oath declared that Patrick Chambers Resided with a wife & one Son at Navy Hall in the year one thousand Seven hundred & Eighty Eight Sworn before me at Queenston May 9th 1797 [Signed] R. Hamilton J. P. [Signed] Lt P Fortier” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 11a]
Warrant attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Chambers
“Granted to the Mother of John Chambers one hundred Acres. Order of Council. 9th May 1797 [Signed John Small CEC To the Attorney-General” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 11]
Signer to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Inhabitants of Bertie Township dated at Fort Erie on 20 Oct 1796
“We the Inhabitants of the Township of Bertie in the County of Lincoln, are Destitute of a Mill, without going a great distance; as there is a Mill Seat at Point Abino in the said Township which has been granted by His Excellency the Governor Simcoe (for the benefit of the Township or County) to Timothy Skinner, and the said Skinner is transferred the same Mill Seat to Isaac Lane [sic: Laing], inhabitant for 3, 4 years or more ago, and no prospect of any preparation for a Mill yet being builded. – We will therefore be very much oblige to Your Honour – that if Your Honour thinks proper, to grant the said Mill Seat to Jacob Crane an Inhabitant, who promises to immediately commence with the building, and to have it finished as fit to go in the Course of a Year. In Expectation of having this Our Humble Request granted Sir We are Your Most Obedient & Humble Servants [Some of the signatures within each of the families on this document seem to have been signed by the same hand] Silas Carter, John Collins, Thomas Baxter, Joseph Palmer, Jos. Rich. Palmer, Stephen Gill, John Gill, Jeremiah Tuttle junior, Jeremiah Tuttle Senior, John Chambers, Con O’Neil, Daniel Alward, Ellexander McQuine, Daniel McQuene, Ellexander McQuien, James McQuine, John Beringar, Mathias Hone, Mathias Hone Jun, Daniel Alward Jun, Frederick Buck, John Willson, Stephen Middagh, Jacob Haun, Peter Feere, Edward [Noye], Christufful Ritchards, Frederick Sager, Jacob Crane, Jacb Hous, J George [Shumon], Peter Creager, Mical M Beach, Peter Learn, Azaliah Schooley, John Harret, John Cutler, Jehoiada Schooley, Asa Schooley, Joseph Senn, Michael Huffman, Necol Huffman, Jacob Huffman, Fradric Ankarm Crowell Willson, John Garner, Philip Buck, Adam Burwell, Joseph Marsh” Received at the Executive Council Office on 13 Nov 1796 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered dismissed as inadmissible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 135a]
Certificate of John Small dated 7 Dec 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Inhabitants of Bertie Township
“Personally appeared before me John Small Esqr Jacob Crane and John Johnson maketh oath that they on 6th inst called at Timothy Skinners and asked him what he intended to do about building a mill that he had obtained a permission from the Council to build in the Township of Bertie & he the said Timothy answered – that it belonged to one Lane [sic: Laing], and that the said Lane may build when he thought proper, as he the said Skinner had transferred it to the said Lane – and that he the said Timothy Skinner defyed the Governor & Council, that he had get it & put him the said Jacob Crane likewise, at defiance or any one else who might wish to obtain it – That he had now get it, and that it might lay as it was for ages—Sworn before me the 7th day of Decr 1796 [Signed] John Small J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 135]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Chambers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the Lake) on 15 Jul 1795
“Humbly Stating That your Petitioner arrived in the Province near Seven years since and being encouraged by the then Commanding Officer Captain Watson to settle upon Lands, he pitched upon Lot No 21 and 22 in the Sixth Township first Concession with the broken fronts prays your Excellency to confirm in these lots which he has Improved and Your Petitioner has hitherto never received any grants and prays your Excellency will be pleased to order these lands to be assigned to him and your Petitioner as in duty Bound will ever pray. [Signed] Joseph Chambers.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 15 Jul 1795. Referred to the Surveyor General to be assigned if vacant. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 1, Petition Number 13]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Mathias Saunders [signed Matthias Sanders] and William Chambers both of the Township of York dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Dec 1800
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners are informed that there is a large tract of Land in the Township of Wainfleet, covered by water, and called the Cranberry marsh: that your Petitioners are led to think, that with proper drain some part of the marsh may be brought into use – they therefore humbly pray your Excellency for a grant of two thousand acres of said marsh, at the rate of Seven pence half penny p acre – in such easy payments as may be thought expedient, and Your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray [Signed] Matthias Sanders” William Chambers made his mark. Received at the Executive Council on 23 Dec 1800. Ordered the Board will no receive proposals for less than the whole of the Cranberry Swamp. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 5, Petition Number 43]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Amos Chapman – now of Pelham Esq. dated at York (Toronto) on 18 Aug 1801
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner was Quarter master in the British Legion commanded by Colonel Tarleton & had a Brother a Lieut in the same regiment; That your petitioner was in this Province Eleven years – that his family affairs calling him away – he has not been able till now, to return. That your Petitioner has now brought in with him his family consisting of Ten persons; and being desirous to settle on some of the vacant Lands of the Crown, humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant unto him such a portion thereof, as to your Excellency may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray [Signed] Amos Chapman” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Aug 1801 and read in Council the same day. Ordered recommended for two hundred acres subject to the settling duties. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 5, Petition Number 21]
Receipt issued at the Receiver General’s Office on 9 Feb 1811 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Amos Chapman
“Amos Chapman Esquire has paid into this Office Five Pounds Sterling, the Patent Fee under Regulations acted upon 22nd December 1797 on 200 Acres of Land ordered him in Council on the 18th August 1801. Also one Pound four Shillings and Nine pence Ster., the Fees of Survey thereof £5- - Patent fee, 1.4.9 Surveyr fee [Total] £6.4.9 Sterling [Signed] P Selby Recr Genl To John Small Esq Clk of the E: Council” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 5, Petition Number 21a]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Chapman received at Government House on 26 Jun 1834
“The Petition of Thomas Chapman Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is a native of England. That he served 7 years in His Majesty’s 1st Regt as appears by his discharge and has not received any Land, or order ffor Land, from the Crown. He therefore humbly prays Your Excellency will be pleased to grant him 100 Acres as a discharged Private And, as in duty bound, Your Petitioner will ever pray. Read in the Executive Council on 23 Nov 1837 and ordered recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 21, Petition Number 48]
Certificate of William Rowan attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Chapman
“I have examined the discharge of Thomas Chapman from which I appears that he Served 7 years and 228 days in the 1st (or the Royal Scots) Regt [Signed] Wm Rowan Government Office, Toronto 26th June 1834 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 21, Petition Number 48a]
Power of Attorney dated on 25 Jun 1834 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Chapman
“I Thomas Chapman of Grimsby District of Niagara a discharged Soldier of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Scots — Do hereby authorize and empower John D. Beamer of Grimsby Yeoman – my true and lawful Attorney — to act for me in obtaining a grant of land allowed to a discharged Soldier and in every respect ,my said Attorney is hereby authorized – to do all things – in the premises in as full and ample a manner as I could or would do were I personally present. Given under my hand and Seal at Grimsby this Twenty fifth day of June in the year of our lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty four. [Signed] Thos Chapman Signed and Sealed in the presence of [Signed] Amos L. Kingsley [Signed] Matthew Watson [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 21, Petition Number 48c]
The Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Charlefeau dated at Niagara on 28 Feb 1797
“Most Humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioner wishing to become an Inhabitant of this Province having drawn no land Humbly prays your Honor to grant him a Lot in the Town of Newark and such quantity of land as your Honor in your wisdom may think meet. And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray.” Joseph Charlefeau made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Mar 1797 and ordered refused. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Cb” Pt. 1, Petition Number 5]
Upper Canada Land Petition of W. Johnson Chew received at the Executive Council Office on 19 May 1796
“The Petition of W. Johnson Chew late Ensign in his Majestys Provincial Regiment of Orange Rangers, now residing in the Province of Upper Canada. —Sheweth That your petitioner preferred a memorial to your Excellency in Council in June 1793, for 2,000 Acres of Lands on or near the River Radaway which your Excellency and Council were pleased to grant, but your petitioner having since found some difficulty in getting it laid out there, begs he may be permitted to take it up in the rear of any of the five Townships at Long pointe. —And your petitioner further prays that Your Excellency and Council will be pleased to grant him a Town lot at Newark, and as in duty bound he will ever pray. —[W. Johnson Chew, Late Ensn O. Rangrs” Received at the Executive Council Office on 19 May and read in Council on 5 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended to grant the prayer of the petition & referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2 Petition Number 60]