Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Fortier to Furlow"


Fortier, Pierre Michel

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Mitchel Fortier dated at Niagara on 1 Jun 1796

“The Petition of P. M. Fortier commanding one of His Majesty’s Vessells on Lake Ontario—humbly Sheweth—That Your Petitioner having had the Honor of serving during the late American War in the provincial Navy as Master of one of His Majesty’s armed Vessells—and now serving as such has by your Excellencys Goodness been considered (as well as the other Gentlemen who served in the Same Capacity, & of the Same Rank) entitled to a Captains Complement of Land—That your Petitioner having as yet having drawn only Nineteen Hundred acres of Land prays your Excellency’s order to locate the remaining Eleven Hundred acres of Land—and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c—[Signed] P. Ml Fortier” Read in Council on 14 Jul. Ordered the petitioner does not make his claim to a Captain’s proportion of land appear substantiated. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 3]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Pierre Michel Fortier dated at Niagara on 20 May 1796 First Lieutenant in the Marine Department of Upper Canada

“Respectfully Shews—That your Petitioner has a wife and four children & has received 1200 acres of Land & presuming himself entitled (from having command an armed vessel last war in his majestyes Service) to 3000 acres of Land, prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him the additional 1200 acres—and also Lands for his Family—or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] P. M. Fortier” Ordered by the Executive Council not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 4]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Pierre Michel Fortier 1st Lieutenant Master in the Naval Department on Lake Ontario dated at Niagara on 10 Jun 1796

“Respectfully shews—That your Petitioner humbly conceiving himself entitled to 3000 acres of Land prays your Excellency would be please to grant him, with what he has received, such an addition as will make up 3000 acres—and your Petitioner in duty bound will ever pray” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul. Ordered the petitioner has not made it appear that he is intitled. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 5]


Foryea, John

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Furya [sic] read in the Executive Council on 15 Jul 1794

“Humbly Shews that Where as your Petitioner Having Served his Majesty as Apears by his Discharge Six years in the Rangers under Colo Butler And he Also Served As a Soldier in the Royal Americans in the Fourth Battn for the Space of Five years And Six months in the Last French War Before the Rebelion And being Old and Worn Out in the Serves he Begs your Exelency will Take this Mater into your Consideration And Grant him Leve to Removed on his Place at Long point. He also Hopes your Exelency Will Not Consider him As a trance Gresser For Setling there As he Moved on that Place in Jun 1792 Before your Exclency Arived into this Place and Leave of the Athorety of the Place at that time And he must inavoidably Sufer if he is Obliged to Leve his improvements Now and begin a New As he has Nothing to Depend on But Labour And is Not Able to Do but Very Litle of that. He Therefore Begs your Exelency Will Consider his Case and Let him Stay and your Petitioner As in Duty Bound will Ever Prey—[Signed] John Furya” Read in the Executive Council on 15 Jul 1794 and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 1 Petition Number 20]

Order of the Executive Council dated 7 Mar 1797 (no petition attached)

“In Council 7 March 1797 As it appears that John Troyer is an industrious man, and has erected a mill & made other Improvements on Lot No 20 in the front Concession of Walsingham – and that, John Foryea a Soldier, who claims half that lot – has made no Improvements thereon but has even Sold without authority Lo No 22 which he had before set down on notwithstanding any former proceedings Ordered that the Surveyor General be directed in consideration of the promises to assign the whole of Lot No 20 in the front Concession of Walsingham to John Troyer – and the same number in the 2d Concession be assigned to John Foryea with one hundred acres more to complete his military Lands [Signed] Jacob Par[t]in” Added note: “This appears to be a draught of an order made this day on the Petition of John Troyer No 73 in Bundle letter T—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 38]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Troyer of Walsingham dated at York (Toronto) on 27 Jan 1801

“Humbly sheweth – That a joint claim having some time ago subsisted between your Petitioner & John Foryea for Lot No 20 in the front concession of Walsingham—which was on the 7 of March 1797 – determined in favor of your Petitioner for the whole Lot by an order of Council of that Date but in the interim, and before your Petitioner had lodged a warrant therefor in the Surveyor Generals office, a Description has passed in the name of Foryea for the half of said Lot; Your petitioner therefore humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to order that the Deed to Foryea for the one half of said Lot (which now) lied [in] the Secretarys office) may be cancelled upon your Petitioner paying the fees on said Deed – and that a Description may issue to your Petitioner agreeable to the before mentioned order in Council, and Your petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray—[Signed] John Troyer” Received at the Executive Council Office on 27 Jan 1801. Ordered reference being had to the Order of Council dated the 7th March 1797 whereby the whole of Lot No. 20 in front of Walsinham was ordered to the Petitioner in consideration of certain proceedings of John Foryea therein stated whereby he forfeited his claim to the half of that Lot formerly promised him and reference being also had to certain papers signed by the said John Foryea whereby he acknowledges to have received from the Petitioner a valuable consideration for and to have totally relinquished his claim for the half in question – recommended that the deed lying in the Surveyor’s Office to Foryea for the half of the said Lot No. 20 be cancelled and a Deed issue to the Petitioner for the whole of Lot No. 20 in front of Walsingham agreeable to the Order of Council dated the 7th of March 1797 – he paying the Expence of both deeds under the old Regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23]

Deposition of John Foryea dated on 22 Sep 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Troyer

“Upper Canada Norfolk County In the Township of Walsingham—This Is to Certify that John Foryea Came Personably before Us two of his Majesties Justices for Sd County and Certifyeth a Certain pease of Land of 140 Acres being Part of The Lot No 20 In the broken Front which Sd 140 Acres Land he the Sd John Foryea Sayeth he have no Right to Ir nor Never Clamed any Right to it Since the 29th day of Aprill in the year of Lord 1797 When he ye Sd Foryea Sayeth he Soald his Right and Clam of Sd Land Unto John Troyer And Received full Satisfaction And payment of him for It And he the Sd John Troyer Should Obtain a deed from the office for Sd Land And that his Right Should Cease in ye office for or too Such Sd Described Land Certifyeth before Us this 22 day of September 1800 [Signed] Wm Spurgin J. P., Petr Teple J. P. John Foryea made his mark.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23b]

Deposition of John Foryea dated on 22 Sep 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Troyer

“Upper Canada Norfolk County} This day Came John Foryea before before [sic] us the Subscribing Justice and being Sworn he on his Oath Sayeth that at ye time When he assigned a Power of Attorney to John Backhous Esqr for to Take out a title or Deade for his Land out of ye office, he the Sd Foryea Sayeth he did not meane the above Sd 140 acres nor never ordered it to be mentioned Sworn before us this 22 of Sept 1800} [Signed] Wm Spurgin J. P., Petr Teple J. P. John Foryea made his mark.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23b]

Receipt from John Foryea to John Troyerdated at Walsingham Township on 29 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Troyer

“Then Received payment in full of all Demants of John Troyer for my Cleame possassion and Improvenent upon Lot Number Twenty, I Say Received full pay by me—” John Furyea made his mark. Witnesses “Benjn Smith” Philip Wintermute made his mark. John Moss made his mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23c]

Power of Attorney from John Furyea to John Backhouse dated on 8 Jul 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Troyer

“The Subscriber intends to Claim Before the Honorable the Comissernors appinted for that purpose the folering Tract of land situate in the Township of wolsingham & District of Londen to wit, one Hundred & fourtey acers in the broken front of lot Number Twenty and one Hundred acres in – Number Twenty in Second Concession of which all Concerned will take Notice—office of Clerk of the Peace – Charlottevill 8th July 1800 John Furyea by his attorney [Signed] John Backhouse” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23e]


Fowler, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Fowler dated at Queenstown on 19 Oct 1795

“humbly Sheweth, that in the year AD 1776, from motives of loyalty, he left the State of Connecticut, his place of nativity and residence, and proceeded to New York then in possession of his Majesty’s Troops and as Volunteer repeatedly joined said Troops in fighting the forces of the united States And your Petitioner further suggests that he remained in New York and on long Island untill the year AD 1783, during which time he was almost constantly employed in transporting Wood for said Troops, and in the May fleet proceeded to Nova Scotia, and lived on the River St Johns for seven year; and that in April last he came into this province for the purpose of becoming one of his Majesty’s Subjects in the said Province And your Excellency’s Petitioner farther suggest that in September last he moved his family into this Province consisting of Wife and Six Children, for the purpose that they might also become Settlers. Your Excellency’s Petitioner therefore prays that you would take the such aforem’ed into your consideration, and Grant to him such a tract of unsettled Land in this Province as may seem Just and right, and as in Duty bound he shall ever pray [Signed] John Fowler” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Oct 1795 and Read in Council on 5 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 400 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 43]


Fowler, Nathan J.

Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathan J. Fowler dated on 20 Jul 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner has been solicited by a number of his acquaintances to settle on the River Thames, he being by Trade a Black & Gunsmith, and the Inhabitants of that place labour under the inconvenience of going Eighty miles to have their Smith Work done. Wherefore he prays your Honor will please to grant him the Broken Front of Lot No 9 in Allens Township being the most convenient place to erect a Smith Forge &c likewise Two Hundred Acres for his Wife she being the Daughter of a Loyalist who served His Majesty during the American War, & as much Land for himself and Family including the said broken Front as to your Honor may seem meet and he will ever pray. —[Signed] Nathn J. Fowler” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jul 1797. Administered Oath of Allegiance the same day. Read in Council on 25 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 26b]

Certificate of John McDonnald [sic]dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathan J. Fowler

“[This] may certify that the Bearer Nathan Fowler who has […..] come among us is married to the daughter of a Loyalist & is a good Blacksmith & to Appearance an Industrous & honest man who has given so much satisfaction to the people of my neibourhood [sic] that it is their general wish that he may settle with them [Signed] John McDonnald” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 26]


Freligh, Abigail (Spencer)

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.

Abigail Freligh – Daughter to a U. E. R Spencer 200 acres in Burford Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117e]


Fralick, Benjamin

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Fralick received at the Executive Council Office on 12 May 1796

“That your Petitioner served in Butlers late Corps of Rangers during the late American war, as a Non Commissioned Officer,—Your Petitioner brought his wife and family into this place through the woods in the time of the war also, Your Petitioner in the year 1787 had Four Children, has now Seven. Your Petitioner therefore humbly Prays that your Excellency may take his and family’s situation into Consideration and be pleased to grant them such a quantity of land as to your Excellency may appear meet Your Petitioner haveing already taken up Four hundred acres, and Your Petitioner will as in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] Benjn Fralick” Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 May and read on 12 May 1796. Ordered granted on 3 Mar 1797. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 1 Petition Number 23]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Frelick dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Mar 1797

“Most humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is one of the oldest non commissioned officers who served in the late Corps of Rangers and an U. E. Loyalist—That your Petitioner is desirous of a lot in the Town of Newark to build upon having materials ready for that purpose. Wherefore Your Petitioner prays that your Honor may grant him one of the vacant Lots in the Town of Newark and as in duty bound he will ever pray & c—[Signed] Benjamin Frelick. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 63]

Certificate of George Forsyth J.P. dated 3 Mar 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Frelick

“I do hereby certify that I have Known Benjamin Frelick who at the Peace was discharged as a Serjeant out of the Corps of Rangers, then commanded by Lieutt Colonel Butler. —That the said Frelick is an U. E. Loyalist & one of the original Settlers in this Province—[Signed] Geo: Forsyth JP.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered the petitioner does not appear entitled to a Town Lot. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 63]


Fralick/Frelick, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Frelick dated 4 Dec 1794

“humbly Sheweth that your petitioner as an Inhablitant and the Son of a Loyalist who served in his Majestys Forces during the war considers himself intitled to Lands in consequence of which he has located lots No 16 & 17 in the Second Concessn of township No 10—containing One Hundred acres each—And prays Certificates of Location thereof [Signed] John Frelick” Ordered by the Executive Council granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795 Petition Number 88]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Frelick dated at Niagara on 27 Jan 1797

“Respectfully Shews—That your petitioner served in Colonel Butlers late Corps of Rangers during the American War and has only received Two hundred acres of Land- That your petitioner married the daughter of Robt Spencer a discharged Soldier who served in Coll Butlers late Corps of Rangers, and has Six children two of whom were born previous to the year 1789 prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him One hundred acres due him as a reduced Soldier and such further grant for his wife and family as your Honor may think proper and your petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray” John Frelick made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 27 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 300 acres including those already received in Military Lands & 150 acres as family lands—His wife recommended for 200 acres as the daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 69]

Certificate of John Reilly J. P. dated at Stamford on 28 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Frelick

“I do hereby Certify that John Frelick served in Col. Butlers Late Corps of Rangers that he had a Wife and two Children in this province before the year 1789 & that his wife is the daughter of Robert Spencer a Loyalist who served in the above Corps—Given under my hand at Stamford this 28th day of January 1797—[Signed] John Reilly J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 69b]

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.

John Freligh – UE 250 acres in Burford Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117e]


Fralick/Frelick, Margaret (Schram)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jeremiah Scram dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Mar 1797

“Most humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is an U. E. Loyalist and served during the american War, in the Corps of Rangers from which he was discharged at the peace—That your Petitioner has been married upwards of nine years to Margaret the Daughter of Benjamin Frelick, also an U. E. Loyalist by whom your Petitioner has four children, one aged Eight years and one Seven years – the other two – four years – & two years. That your Petitioner agreeable to the established Rules drew Lots – No 9. 10. 11. 11. 12. 13 & 14 – in the first Concession of Township No 10: – as the proportion, [….] to him, of Lands for himself, his wife & two Eldest Children, but having never received an Assignment thereof. Therefore prays that your Honor may order him an assignment of the said Lots and of a Town Lot in the Town of Newark and as in duty bound he will pray &c—[Signed] Jeremiah Scram” Read in the Executive Council on 21 Mar. Ordered if the Lots are open—a Town Lot refused. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 152]

Certificate of Robert Hamilton, Member of the Land Board dated at Queenston on 16 Mar 1797

“Jeremiah Scram an Old Ranger was one of the first Settlers in this district – For his Services, & on Account of his wife the daughter of Benj. Freligh also a Ranger & in the UE List, with Two Children the Land board deemed him Intitled to 600 Acres Land – which he has taken up in Pelham. —Why he did not apply to them for his Certificates is not known to [Signed] R. Hamilton, Member L. B.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 200d]


Fralick, Mary (Runnion)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Runnion U. E. received at the Executive Council Office on 2 May 1797

“Humbly shews – That being one of the objects intended to be provided for, by the Order of the 9th of Novr 1789 – Being the daughter of Benjamin Frailick, U. E., (late a Non comd officer in Butlers Rangers) & the wife of John Runnion, by whom she has 2 children—& there being no default in the due Cultivation and improvement of the Lands already assigned to the said Benjamin Frailick, U. E., her father, in the Township of Louth; She prays your Honor to grant her the Bounty usually given to Loyalists Daughters in the like Cases, & in duty bound she will pray—” Mary Runnion made her mark. Added notation of Acting Surveyor General D W Smith: “The petitioner nurses one of my children & Aids in my family, having hitherto behaved herself in Propriety—[Signed] D W Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 May 1797. Ordered 200 acres as the Daughter of a U. E. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Sessions attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Runnion

“Benjamin Frealich has satisfied the Justices in their Sessions, that he adhered to the Unity of the Empire, & joined the Royal Standard in America, before the treaty of Separation in the year 1783—[Signed R Clench, Clerk of the Sessions &c” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77a]


Francis, John

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.

John Francis – discharged Soldier 300 acres in Ancaster Township transferred by the authority of the Land Board [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117b]


Frank, Andrew

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Andrew Frank of the Township of Pelham Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Mar 1797

“Humbly sheweth That your petitioner came into the province in the year 1788 Brought with him a wife and four childring [sic] Has been Ever since settled in the Above mentioned Township and Lots 10 & 11 In the 3 Concession and 10 & 11 In the 4 Concession On which your petitioner has Ever since he has been in the province Resided and Has Large improvements there on—your petitioner prays that he May Be secured in the Above Lots of Land and such quantity of Land As your Honor May in his Goodness May Think proper to Grant And as in duty Bound your Petitioner will Ever pray” Andrew Frank made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 21 Mar 1797. Ordered to be confirmed in Lot Numbers 10 and 11 in the 3rd Concession and Lot Numbers 10 and 11 in the 4th Concession of Pelham if vacant and not under other claims, and 50 acres to complete his family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 65]

Certificate of David Secord J. P. dated on 15 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Andrew Frank

“I do certify that the Bearer andrew frank came into the province in the year 1788 Brought with Him a wife and four Childring [sic] Given under My Hand this fifteenth Day March 1797 [Signed] David secord J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 65]

Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated on 15 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Andrew Frank

“I do Herby Certify that the Bearer Andrew Frank hath Taken the Oath to Bare Faith and True Allegiance to His Majesty King George the Third and to Defend to the utmost of his power His Sacred parson Crown and Government Against all parson Whatsoever. Given under My hand this fifteenth Day of March 1797 [Signed] David Secord J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 65b]


Frank, Henry

Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Frank of the Township of Pelham dated at West Niagara on 6 Apr 1797

“Humbly shewet That your petitioner Has been in this province Upwards of Nine years has not Received Any Lands your petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to Grant 200 Acres and as in Duty bound your Petitioner Will Ever pray” Henry Frank made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Apr 1797 and read on 2 May. Ordered 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 54]

Certificate of David Secord J. P. dated at Queenston on 6 Apr 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Frank

“I do Certify that the Bearer Henry Frank Hath Taken the Oath of allegiance to His Majesty King George and that the petitioner Hath Been in this province as stated Above. Given under My Hand at Queenston this 6 Day of April 1797 [Signed] David Secord JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 54]


Franklin, _______ (Baker)

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

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


Freel, Barbara (Cox)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Barbara Cox Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Mar 1797

“Respectfully Sheweth—That your Petitioners Father served in the Forresters from the year 1776 till 1783 and died at Niagara the year following—That your Petitioner is married to Samuel Cox, who likewise served in said Corps, and has two children born previous to the year 1789—prays your Honor would be pleased to grant her such a proportion of his Majestys Lands as your Honor may think proper, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Barbara Cox” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Mar 1797 and read the same day. Ordered 200 acres as the daughter of a loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 83a]

Certificate of George Forsyth J. P. dated at Niagara on 7 Mar 1797

“This Certifies that Samuel Cox was married to a Daughter of the late John Freel, who was a Forrester in Colo Johnson Department, at the Post of Niagara during the late American War, [Signed] Geo. Forsyth J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 83]


Freel, Deborah

Upper Canada Land Petition of Deborah Freel, Widow dated on 9 Jan 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That the Father and Husband of your Petitioner embarked in His Majesty service at the beginning of the American War, the former of whom Died in 1777 on the Fort Stanwix Expedition under General St Leger and the latter in March 1784 previous to the disbanding of the Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lt Coll Butler. Your Petitioner has two Sons almost arrived to the Years of manhood and she conceives them to be the Only Heirs claiming or to claim the Lands which your Excellency may please to grant for their Deceased Grand Father & Father, who Died in His Majestys Service in the late American War as above recited—She Likewise prays a Grant of Land for her Two Sons as likewise her Own Land, she being within the British Lines in Wartime—but never has Located any Lands in the Province. —Your Petitioner will ever Pray—[Signed] Deborah Freel” Received at the Executive Council Office on 13 Jan 1795 and read in Council on 19 Aug 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. The claims for the deceased not being admissible for the reasons already given. Read again in Council on 20 Mar 1797. Ordered 200 acres in addition to her land, [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 77]


Freel, James

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Freel dated at Niagara on 6 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of James Freel—son of John Freel late of Forresters or Indian Dept. deceased & loyalist U. E.—about Nineteen years of Age- and has never received any Lands—Respectfully shews, That your petitioner is desirous to settle on the lands of the Crown in this Province, being in a condition to cultivate and improve the same. That he is ready to take the usual oaths, and to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country which he has left. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him Two Hundred acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on on 22 Oct 1796 and read in Council on [..] Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 75]

Certificate of Samuel Thompson and Ralfe Clench dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Mar 1797

“We Hereby Certify that James Freel is a Sober Honest Industrios young man and has been Settled here since the year 1781 [Signed] Saml Thompson, Ralfe Clench” Added note of Ralfe Clench: The Bearer James Friel is son to the late John Friel, who served in the Forresters during the late War at this place [Signed] Ralfe Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 75b]


Freel, Peter

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Freel dated at Yonge on 20 May 1796

“Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner previous to His Arrival in Canada (February 1784) did evince his Loyalty and Attachment to His Sovereign by aiding and assisting Scouts sent out into the State of New York, by order of His Excellency General Haldimand, for Intelligence forwarding Dispatches to and from Generals Haldimand and Clinton & for which being Suspected by the Rebels, he was obliged to fly for Protection within the British Lines in the Province of Quebec—Some time after Your Petitioner was sent out by Genl Haldimand, with a Dispatch to be forwarded by the late Doctor George Smyth who then lived in Albany, to Sir Henry Clinton and Sundry other times for Intelligence—In approbation of which Services, he was put on the List of Gentlemen Pentioners, which he enjoyed ‘till the reduction at the Close of the War, which will appear by the Inclosed Certificates of Captain Justus Sherwood and Mr Terence Smyth—For these Reasons Your Petitioner is led to hope Your Excellency will grant him a Subaltern Quota of Land- he having, at the Commencement of the Settlement drew five hundred, which was then conceived a Subalterns Entitlement—which will likewise appear by Captain Sherwoods Certificate- and which Land Your Petitioner been on ever since—Your Petitioner has Six Children which will soon be able to occupy Lands therefore Prays Your Excellency will conceive him an object deserving of his Petition for which he will as in duty bound ever Pray [Signed] Peter Freel” Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jul 1796. No decision recorded on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 37]


Frey, Bernard

Upper Canada Land Petition of Bernard Frey dated 1 Jun 1795

“Sheweth That your Petitioner served His Majesty in the late Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieutt Coll Butler as a Captain; when that Corps was disbanded he settled and improved on 300 Acres of Land in the vicinity of Newark, which is all that he has Located in the Province: Therefore prays a Grant of Twenty Seven Hundred Acres, which will compleat the 3000 which His Majesty has been pleased to grant to Capts of the reduced Corps, and likewise an allotment for his Wife she being within His Majestys Lines during the American War, and your Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] Bernard Frey” Received by the Executive Council on 2 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 11 Jul 1795. Ordered to make up his allowance as Captain. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 1 Petition Number 15]

Certificate of John Butler dated at Newark on 6 Jul 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Bernard Frey

“I do hereby certify that Mr Barnard Frey was a Captain in my Corps of Rangers and remained in the Corps till they were reduced. [Signed] John Butler [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 1 Petition Number 15a]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Bernard Frey late of Butlers Rangers received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Mar 1797

“Most Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner served in Colonel Butlers Rangers during last war, and has recd his military lands as a Captain—That your Petitioner wishing to build in the Town of Newark- prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him a lot in the Town of Newark and your petitioner as duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Bernard Frey” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 25 Mar. Ordered a town lot in the Town of Newark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 62]


Frey, Hannah

Upper Canada Land Petition of Hannah Frey, wife of Capt. Bernard Frey of the four mile Creek, Newark, dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 Feb 1797

“Humbly shews- That your Petitioner is a sister of Edward McMichael of the Settlement of Long Point, who served His Majesty during the american war as did also another of her Brothers, who was made a prisoner, and died in prison- That your Petitioner and her mother during part of that war (her father having died previous thereto) lived on the Susquehana and there rendered assential services to distressed Loyalists—that in the year 1778 your Petitioner came into this Province and afterwards married her present Husband who was a Capt in Butlers Rangers—by whom She has one Child born in 1789—That her said Husband has recd the whole of his military Land but having no claim to family Land except it may be for his wife—Your petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant her 200 Acres in her own right and as in duty bound she will ever pray—[Signed] Hannah Frey” Read in the Executive Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered petitioner must produce a certificate of her being a daughter of a U. E. Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 67]

Certificate of John Warren J. P. and George Forsyth J. P. dated at West Niagara on 24 Feb 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Hannah Frey

“We hereby certify that Mrs Frey came into this Province in the year 1778, her maiden name at that period was McMichael—[Signed] John Warren, J. P., Geo: Forsyth J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 67b]

Certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Hannah Frey

“I do hereby certify that Hannah Frey is the Daughter of a Loyalist one of her Brothers died in the service, & the other Edward Macmichael is settled at Long Point. Given under my hand at Newark this 20th Day of March 1797. [Signed] Robert Kerr J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 67c]


Frey, Philip

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Lt. Col. John Butler dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioner has long occupied the Lots No. 9 & 10 in the 8th Concession of the Township of Louth, having purchased of Phil. Frey &c their right thereto. That your Petitioner has erected a mill on said Lots and made other considerable improvements thereon, as well as on Lot No. 8 in the 1st Concession of the Township of Pelham which adjoins the aforesaid Lots. That the name of Phil Frey &c appears on said Lots, but they never received any certificate or grant for the same. Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays the aforesaid three Lots of Land may be granted him & that the surveyor General be authorised to insert his name in the place of Phil. Frey &c in the Plan thereof, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray.” [Signed] John Butler. Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Jul 1795 and ordered referred to His Excellency. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 87]


Fris, Adam

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Linneberry, Christopher Linneberry, Adam Fris, George Book, William Mingle, Peter Zimmerman, Adam Simmerman, and James Dawdy Junior dated on 28 Jun 1794

“humbly sheweth—That your petitioners on the faith of His Majesty’s proclamation have lately come into this province to settle therein—that your petitioners having accordingly made Application to the Acting Surveyor General of this province were directed to make enquiry and Search for such ungranted Lands as they would wish to sit down upon. That your petitioners in consequence of such directions have pitched upon a tract of Land being and laying between the twenty mile Creek and the place commonly called the Hurricane—in the County of Lincoln—the said Tract of Lands being immediately bounded in Front by the northermost concession line of the Survey of Mr Lewis Grant Deputy Surveyor and running thence North—and bounded to the west by the Lands of James Conolly on the place commonly called the upper Settlements on the Twenty mile Creek—Wherefore Your petitioners, who are now all on the Spot pray for a Grant of two Hundred Acres each and as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Peter Simmerman for Self and associates” Read in Council on 28 Jun 1794. Ordered granted and referred to the Surveyor General to locate. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 19]


Frost, Edmund

Upper Canada Land Petition of Edmund Frost dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake)on 17 Aug 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served his Majesty during the American War in Canada; Four Years of which he was a Corporal in the Corps commanded by Major McAlpine and two years in Major Jessups Corps; he has Located Three Hundred acres of Land in this Province, and as he was ever firmly attached to His Majesty and in almost all the Battles with General Burgoyne, hopes your Excellency will please to give him an Additional Grant of 200 Acres or such further relief as thro’ your Goodness may seem meet; and your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] Edmund Frost” Received at the Executive Council Office on 19 Aug 1795 and read in Council on 20 Aug 1795. Ordered recommended for 100 acres in addition when he produces his discharge as a Corporal. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 1, Petition Number 34]


Fultz, Martin

Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz – of the Township of Clinton, Yeoman dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 13 Apr 1797

“Humbly shews—That your Petitioner on presenting the annexed certificate at the Surveyor General Office, a few days since, was informed it wanted the Surveyors Signature to complete the assignment—That Your Petitioner has lived for many Years on the Lot set forth in the certificate, as well as on the Broken front thereof – on all of which his name is inserted on the Plan – He therefore humbly prays the said Lots number 12 in the 1st & 2d Concession of Clinton, with the broken front, may be confirmed to him, and Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Unsigned]” Added notation of Thomas Ridout N. P.: “written on the personal application of Martin Fultz, Newark 13 April 1797—T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Apr 1797 and read in Council on 10 May 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in Clinton with the broken front. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 20c]

Land Board Certificate issued to Martin Fults [sic] dated on 10 Oct 1791 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins) attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz

“The Bearer Martin Fults having on the 10th day of February 1791 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Two Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No 5 in the District of Nassau We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Nassau this 10th day of February one thousand seven hundred and Ninety One To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Nassau. [Signed] J. Butler, Peter Ten Broeck, R. Hamilton” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Martin Fults the Lot No 12 in 1st & 2nd Concessn in the Township of No 5 in the District of Nassau containing Two Hundred Acres. Twenty Chains by fifty” Read in the Executive Council on 11 May 1797. No order issued. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 20]

Receipt issued at the Receiver Generals Office on 15 Feb 1805 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz

“Christian Stickley has paid into this office £3.5.2 Being the Patent fee on a Grant of 200 Acres for Martin Fultz ordered in Council May 11th 1797 for Lot No 12 in the 1st & 2d Concession of Clinton with the Broken front. The Surveying fees to be paid at the Surveyor Generals office. [Signed] Peter Russell, Receiver General To The Clerk of the E. Council. Warrt issued 15 Feb 1806” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 20a]

Letter from Attorney General Thomas Scott dated on 15 Feb 1806 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz

“Sir, Please to inform the bearer Christian Stickley if there is a Land Board Certificate in your Office in favor of Martin Fultz for Lots No 12 in the 1st & 2nd Conn with a small broken front on Lake Ontario in the Township of Clinton. —[Signed] Thos Scott [To] J. Small Esquire” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 20e]

Letter from Attorney General Thomas Scott dated on 15 Feb 1806 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz

“Please inform the Bearer Christian Steckly if there is a description that has passed your office for Lot No 12 in the 1st Con: & Lot No 12 in 2d Con: of the Townp of Clinton [Signed] Thos Scott [To] Surveyor Genl” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 20f]

Notation of Acting Surveyor General Thomas Ridout dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 15 Feb 1806 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz

“No Description has ever issue in the name of Martin Fultz for Lots No 12 in the 1st & 2d Concession with a small broken front on Lake Ontario in the Township of Clinton containing about 260 acres – but the name is returned on the Quebec Plan for those Lots. For the Surveyr Genl [Signed] Thos Ridout, SGO 15 Feb 1806” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 20g]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz received at the Executive Council Office on 4 May 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province in the 1789, and brought with him a wife and four Children – That your petitioner has rec’d a lot for 200 Acres, but when surveyed, it contains only about 250 [sic] Acres—Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased for to allow him such a grant for himself in addition to what he has recd and likewise for his wife, and four Children as your Honor may think proper, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Martin Fultz made his mark. “Witness [Initialled] A McN” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 May 1797 and read in Council on 10 May 1797. Ordered the Petitioner appears to have received 250 acres which are 50 more that he is entitled to. He appears entitled to 250 acres as family lands. He is consequently recommended for 200 acres as family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 19]

Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit dated at 40 Mile Pond on 20 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Martin Fultz

“[This may] Certifie That the Barer Martin Fultz came into this province in 1789 and Brought with him a wife and four Children and Settled and is Now Living in the Township of Clinton Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 3, Petition Number 19b]


Furlow, Cornelius

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Cornelius Furlow received at the Executive Council Office on 20 May 1798

“Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner joined the Royal Standard in the year 1777 and served as a Private Soldier in Butlers Rangers dureing the war, was discharged at the Reduction of said Corps in 1784. —Upon being disbanded your Petitioner returned to his Family in the States consisting at that time of a Wife & three Children. Your Petitioner and family now consisting of a Wife and seven Children wishes to become Settlers in this Province – Therefore Humbly Prays that this situation may be taken into Consideration & that your Honor will be pleased to allow them the usual quantity of Land as granted to people of their description, or such other quantity as to your Honor may appear meet and your Petitioner will as in duty bound Ever Pray” Cornelius Furlow made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 May 1798. Ordered Petitioner’s family not in the province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 4, Petition Number 6]


Furlow, Jacob

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Furlow received at the Executive Council Office on 28 May 1798

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner joined the Royal Standard in the year 1777 and served as a Private Soldier in Butlers Rangers dureing the war, and was discharged at the Reduction of said Corps in 1784.—Upon being reduced Your Petitioner returned to the States where he had left his wife and five Children destitute of assistance. —Your Petitioner having now provided for his Children wishes to become with his wife an inhabitant of this Province. Therefore Humbly Prays that your Honor may be pleased to grant your Petitioner & wife the usual quantity of lands as is granted to People of their definition & Your Petitioner Will Ever Pray” Jacob Furlow made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 May 1798 and read on 30 May. Ordered the petitioner’s family is not in the Province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 4, Petition Number 45]