Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "McDonell to McEwen"


McDonell, Alexander

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 30 Nov 1793

“The Petition of Alexander Macdonell, James MacDonell, Helena McDonell & Angus Macdonell humbly sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous of building Houses severally in the town of Newark agreeable to the Regulations in that Case provided pray for Lotts No 118 and No 135 & 136 [….] and your petitioner as in Duty bound will pray In behalf of the Other Petitioners And Self—[Signed] A Macdonell” Read in the Executive Council on 30 Nov 1793. Lot 118 granted. The other lots in this petition are reserved. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Mc” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 42]

Upper Canada Land Petition of A. Macdonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 17 Dec 1793

“humbly sheweth That your Petitioner having some time ago petitioned in behalf of the undernamed & self for leave to occupy respectively in the town of Newark, one acre Lot each received a favorable Answer accordingly—Wherefore Your petitioner and the others interested have fixed on Lotts as follows – (to wit)

A Macdonell Lot N. 149

Alex Macdonell Lot N. 192

James McDonell Lot N. 150

Helena McDonell Lot N. 191

And pray that their Locations my be recorded accordingly [Signed] A Macdonell. No Executive Council dates. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Mc” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 39]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 8 Jun 1794

“humbly sheweth That your Petitioner in the course of last Summer, on or about the 5th of September, obtained from your Excellency in Council an order of location for five thousand acres of the waste lands of the Crown, due to your Petitioner, and to the Heirs of the late Captn Allan McDonell—That your Excellency’s Petitioner in consequence of such order, authorised his Brother Angus McDonell to file in a specification of the said tract of land and to receive an assignment thereof from His Majesty’s Acting Surveyor General David William Smith Esqr That accordingly the said Angus McDonell gave in a written requisition and specification of the aforesaid tract of land and prayed for an assignment of the same which requisition was duly registered by the said Acting Surveyor General. That the Acting Surveyor General aforesaid informed your Petitioner’s said agent that an assignment could not be given of those lands untill it became known whether Mr Desjardins, and the French Emigrants as expected to settle in this Province under him, should come to reside in this District, as the aforementioned tract of land was part of a parcel of which the said Mr Desjardins made election for that purpose. That it is now become visible, that the said projected settlement will not take effect in the part of the Province above as alluded to. Wherefore your Excellency’s Petitioner prays that your Excellency will direct the Acting Surveyor General to put your Petitioner in possession of the lands prayed for in the requisition above mentioned, recourse being thereunto had, and your Excellency’s Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Alexr McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Jun 1794. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 48]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander Macdonell [signed McDonell], late Corporal in the Queens American Rangers dated on 11 Jul 1796

“Humbly sheweth that your Petitioner was residing in the Colonies before the Rebellion and early on the breaking out thereof joined the British standard under which he faithfully served until the Reduction of the Army, and the greater part of the time under the Command of Your Excellency. That ten years past he came into this Province where he has since resided. That your Petitioner has only received Two hundred acres of Land. He therefore Prays that your Excellency will please to grant him, the quantity of Land that has usually been granted to reduced Corporals and also such quantity as his wife may be entitled to being the Daughter of a Loyalist. He has further to represent to your Excellency that your Petitioners Father served in the 84th Regiment and resided in the Province after the reduction, but he had only located one hundred acres previously to his death which happened soon after, there being then no more granted to each soldier. Your Petitioner therefore further prays that your Excellency will take this circumstance into your consideration and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Alexander McDonell” Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres to complete his military lands if none granted before—and 200 acres in right of his wife the daughter of a Loyalist and the lands due to his father if none granted before upon producing certificates of the facts alledged. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 6]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell dated at Niagara on 11 Oct 1796

“The Petition of Alexr McDonell in behalf of his Nephew Henerieta [sic] Allan McLean, and his Niece Bell McLean humbly sheweth That they are the Children of the deceased Mrs Henereta McLean, Daughter of a Loyalist, that in all probability this Province will be their future residence, wherefore your Honor’s Petitioner prays for such a portion of land, in their own names, & right as your Honor in your wisdom may deem meet & your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Alexr McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office after 1 Jul 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered 400 acres to Henrietta Allan McLean and Bell McLean nephew and niece of the petitioner. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 57]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 18 Apr 1797

“Humbly sheweth That on the 11th June 1794 the following Petition to His Excellency Lieut. Governor Simcoe was read in Council, Vizt

“The Petition of Alexr McDonell Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner in the course of last Summer, on or about the 5th of September, obtained from your Excellency in Council an order of location for five thousand acres of the waste lands of the Crown, due to your Petitioner, and to the Heirs of the late Captn Allan McDonell—That your Excellency’s Petitioner in consequence of such order, authorised his Brother Angus McDonell to file in a specification of the said tract of land and to receive an assignment thereof from His Majesty’s Acting Surveyor General David William Smith Esqr That accordingly the said Angus McDonell gave in a written requisition and specification of the aforesaid tract of land and prayed for an assignment of the same which requisition was duly registered by the said Acting Surveyor General. That the Acting Surveyor General aforesaid informed your Petitioner’s said agent that an assignment could not be given of those lands untill it became known whether Mr Desjardins, and the French Emigrants as expected to settle in this Province under him, should come to reside in this District, as the aforementioned tract of land was part of a parcel of which the said Mr Desjardins made election for that purpose. That it is now become visible, that the said projected settlement will not take effect in the part of the Province above as alluded to. Wherefore your Excellency’s Petitioner prays that your Excellency will direct the Acting Surveyor General to put your Petitioner in possession of the lands prayed for in the requisition above mentioned, recourse being thereunto had, and your Excellency’s Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. (Signed) Alexr McDonell”

“That, the prayer of the above Petition was granted, and your Honor’s Petitioner received the Minutes from the Clerk of the Council, & an assignment of the several Lots from the Acting Surveyor General without any difficulty. That nearly two years after your Petitioner’s being thus vested in his own lands, & those of the Heirs of the later Capt. Allan McDonell, Peter Ten Broeck Esquire attended the Council & produced Certificates granted to him by the late Land Board of Lincoln for lands on the North side of Burlington Bay, being Lots No 7 & 8 and praying to have them confirmed to him. The Council, after having examined Mr Ten Broeks document, came to a Resolution to which your Petitioner begs leave to refer your Honor. Your Honor’s Petitioner being thus doubly received in his own property & that of the Heirs, by two Orders of Council, was by no means uneasy at the claim of Mr Jones for Lot No 10 which was read in Council on the 4th April 1797 and referred to the Acting Surveyor General to Report thereon. That on the 11th of April the Report was made and the matter decided upon without your Petitioners having an opportunity of supporting his right, tho’ he was the ostensible agent for the Heirs of his late Father. That on similar occasions the Council was pleased to have the contending parties before them & previous to the Surveyor General’s Report being proceeded upon. That on that day your Petitioner was attending in his duty at the Quarter Sessions, as Sheriff of the Home District, which prevented his attendance on the Council (till late in the day) & his stating the Order of Council above alluded to. Wherefore your Honor’s Petitioner prays that the order of the 25th May 1796 which is explicit & decided upon all claims may be carried into effect and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Alexr McDonell, son & one of the Heirs of the late Capt. Allan McDonell” Read in the Executive Council on 18 Apr 1797. Ordered referred to the consideration of the Council, when the Caveat of the Petitioner assigning [….] the Lot No 10 to Mr Augustus Jones shall be tried. Read again on 25 Apr 1797. Ordered Mr Alexander McDonell entered before the Board and requested leave to surrender his claim to the above specified Lot No 10 – which may in consequence be assigned to Mr Augustus Jones. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 86]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell dated at York (Toronto) on 1 Sep 1798

“humbly Sheweth That to accommodate a contested claim between Messrs Kerr, Addison, Chisholm & King your Petitioner relinquished his Part of Mr Addison, Lot No 11 in the 3d Concession of Flamboro East, which was sanctioned by your Honor in Council – That in lieu of said Lot No 11 he received the annex’d transfer from Mr Angus McDonell. Your Honor’s Petitioner therefore prays that a Deed may issue in his name for Lot No 13 in the 3rd Concession of York, and as in duty bound he will ever pray [Signed] Alexr McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Sep 1798 and read in Council on 10 Oct 1798. Ordered the exchange permitted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 68b]

Transfer from David Price to Angus Macdonell attested on 24 May 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell

“Home District to wit} Before me Robert Kerr Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Home District personally came Mr David Price and declared for a valuable Consideration he had bargained, sold, granted, conveyed and assigned to Angus Macdonell of Newark, Gentleman, his Heirs and assigns for ever, two Hundred acres of Land of, and out of the quantity allowed to him by the order of His Honor the President in Council and that it is his request Wish & prayer that the deed of the said two Hundred acres of land do issue in the name and to the use of the said Angus Macdonell – his heirs & assigns for ever – being lot number thirteen, 3d Concession Township of York—in part of the proportion of lands of him the said David Price – Declared before me this 24th day of May 1798 [Signed] Robert Kerr” [Signed] David Price” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 68]

Assignment of Deed from Angus Macdonell to Alexander Macdonell dated on 28 May 1798

“I do hereby assign unto Alexander Macdonell of York, Esquire all my Right, Title Interest and claim to the within mentioned Lands – and [do] humbly pray the Honorable the Executive Council to permit His Majesty’s Deed thereof to issue unto the said Alexander Macdonell his Heirs & assigns for ever. As Witness my Hand & Seal this 28 day of May 1798 [Signed] A Macdonell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 68a]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander Macdonell [signed McDonell] dated at York (Toronto) 8 Jan 1798

“Humbly sheweth – That your Petitioner being Assignee of Mrs Elizabeth Thompson for lot Number twenty Eight in the Town of Newark whereof His Majesty’s Deed of Grant has not as yet issued; and having fully paid and Satisfied the original nominee, aforesaid, for her claim upon the said Lot, as the vouchers herewith submitted to Your Honor evince, therefore he humbly prays your Honor that His Majesty’s Deed of Grant thereof may issue in his name – And as in duty bound he will pray &c—[Signed] Alexr McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jan 1799 and read the same day. Ordered recommended that the deed for Lot No. 28 in the Town of Newark issue to the Petitioner. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 242]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexr McDonell, Sheriff of the Home District dated at York (Toronto) on 10 May 1798

“Humbly sheweth—that on the 31st March 1797 your Honor was pleased to appropriate, in the Township of York 200 acres each for the two Judges of the King’s Bench. The Attorney General, the Solicitor General, and the Clerk of the Crown, not to be included in the quantities of land ordered to each of those respective officers. That your Honor’s Petitioner is the only officer of that Court who has not received that additional indulgence in land, tho he is the only one who suffers materially by the proposed division of his District into two separate Bailiwicks. Your Honor’s Petitioner, therefore prays that he may be put on a footing with the other officers of the Court of King’s Bench by receiving an additional Lot of 200 Acres in the Township of York, which will in part remunerate your Petitioner for the loss of almost all his Fees as Sheriff of the Home District—And your Honor’s Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Alexr McDonell, sheriff H. D.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 May 1798 and read in Council on 23 May. Ordered that if the Petitioner has not had any land already located at the Township of York more than one Hundred acres – a farm lot of two hundred acres in the Township shall be granted him in addition to former grants. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 271]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell, Sheriff of the Home District received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Apr 1801

“humbly Sheweth, That early in the month of April 1798, a Person of the Name of Allan McNabb, who had been confined in the gaol of the Home District, under a Copias ad satisfaciendum, effected his escape. That an action has since that period been brought against your Excellency’s Petitioner, by the Creditors of the said McNabb, for the amount of his debt. That your Petitioner has been case in the same, and Execution has issued against his goods, and Chattels, Lands and Tenements for the amount thereof, being £230 Province Currency. Your Excellency’s Petitioner humbly suggests that by the fraudulent conduct of the said Allan McNabb, he has rendered himself unworthy of any further grant of land from the Crown. Wherefore your Petitioner humbly prays, that a Deed for one thousand acres of land, heretofore located in the name of the said Allan McNabb, in part of his Military lands as a Reduced Lieut. in the late Queen’s Rangers, may issue in the name of Petitioner, to enable him in some degree to meet the weight of so heavy a debt and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Alexr McDonell” “Schedule Lots No 5: & 10: – 13th Concession; 4: & 16: 12th Concession; 10: – 11th Concession} Township of Blenheim” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Apr 1801 and read in Council on 8 Apr 1801. Ordered this petition must be addressed to the Secretary of State, in the meantime the deed to be stayed. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23]

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Andrew Heron dated at York (Toronto) on 4 Aug 1801

Mr Allan McNabb then at Niagara one thousand Acres of land located in the Township of Blenheim as will fully appear by writings herewith and that some time in the year 1799 he applyed to the honble Council that the Grant Might come out in your petitioners name which was refused him owing partly he understood that the Honble Council considered the price too low and that his Wife and Children were to be considered. Your petitioner anxious only to recover what monies he had advanced applyed to Mrs McNabb and offered her what ever the land could be sold for (in the course of a year) over and above the monies advanced by your petitioner with Interest he also advanced her 50 dollars for which She engaged to provide him a grant free of all expences as will appear by writings herewith to empower your petitioner more fully to dispose of the land he received from Mr McNabb, a power of Attorney (pursuant to one She had recd of her husband to Sell said land. Your petitioner is Sorry to find that application has been made to your Excellency in Council last April by Alexr Macdonell Esqr that the said land might be granted him to discharge a debt due to him by the said Allan McNabb which was referred to the Secretary of State and that in the meantime the Grant be stayed in the Attorney Generals office. Your petitioner humble prays that if your Excellency will not order the Grant to come out in his name that every obstruction may be removed that might hinder it coming out in the name of the Original Grantee or if that cannot be done that your petitioners Claim may be lade before the Secy of State Also that the Grant may be Stayed till he is also hear and your petitioner will as in duty bound ever Pray [Signed] Andrew Heron” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23b]

Order of the Lieutenant Governor the petitions of Alexander McDonell and Andrew Heron

Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Aug 1801 and transmitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s office pursuant to His Excellencys order of the above date. Received in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office at York on 6 Aug 1801. “Observations on the Petitions of Mr Andrew Heron & Alexander McDonell Esqr. The Lieut Governor does not mean to interrupt the course which Mr Allan McNabb’s order in Council would have taken had not these Petitions been presented – not intending from any information yet brought before him, to decide or interfere in the premises. The parties concerned however being of course at liberty to take such steps in their respective pursuits, as the Law authorizes. By Order of the Lt Governor [Signed] James Green Secy” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 5, Petition Number 23d]


McDonell, Allan

Upper Canada Land Petition of Allan McDonald [sic], Sergeant late in Colo Butlers Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 12 Jun 1794

“Humbly Sheweth, that your petitioner Joined his Majestys troops early in the year 1778 and Continued in the service until the reducements and during part of his time in the service, was employed by order of Brigadeer Gen Powel, Colo Butler & Lieut Willm Tinling Engineer, and Acting Surveyor—for which he had litle or no recompense—And whereas his Majesty has been graciously pleased to Order a Certain portion of lands to all persons who served in the Army According to their several ranks or stations—and to their families—Your petitioner not having received his compensation of lands for himself and family Humbly prays your Excellency to take his Case into your wise Consideration and order him a Grant of lands for himself & family Consisting of his wife & six sons & two Daughters—And your petitioner as in duty bound Shall Ever pray [Signed] Allan McDonald” Added note of Executive Council Clerk John Small: “Petitioner prays to locate his land at the 16 Mile Creek—J. S.” Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jun 1794. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to locate him 400 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 110]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Allan McDonald late Serjeant in Colonel Butlers Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 10 Aug 1795

“Humbly sheweth That Your Petitioner has received Four Hundred Acres of Land, as part of the 600 His Majesty has been graciously pleased to allow persons of his Description, and that he has a wife & seven Children who have never received any Land—That your Petitioner has made an improvement on Lake Erie—about twelve miles on this side of Pattersons Creek where he has about 10 Acres cleared and that he had permission to go there From Colo Gordon & the Honle Robt Hamilton—Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays Your Excellency will be pleased to grant him 200 Acres adjoining said improvement, and such other addition there for his Family, as to your Excellency may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Allan McDonald” Read in the Executive Council on 17 Aug. Ordered recommended for 100 acres to complete his military lands and 150 as family lands for a wife and two children. Referred to the Surveyor General for the assignment. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 115]


McDonell/Macdonnell, Angus

Upper Canada Land Petition of A Macdonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 8 Jan 1793

“most humbly sheweth—That Your Petitioner considering the erection of good & convenient Saw & Grist mills of great utility to the public and benefit to the Revenues of this province has for some time had it in Contemplation to build mills on a Spot which seems to him very favourable for the purpose to wit on a point of Land laying between the mouth of the Chippewa Creek marked in the inclosed plan A.B. and a small Island in the Niagara River marked C in the said plan. That your Petitioner after making the proper enquiries finds that the ground is in the disposal of the Crown, the Breadth of [Ten] Chains being, for similar purposes reserved upon the Banks of all navigable Rivers & Lakes. That your petitioner has been at pains to examine the Spot—& has procured proper Workmen. That your petitioner is willing to enter into Bonds for building the mills conformably to the desire of Government with respect to time & the number of Saws & pairs of Stones—That your petitioner is willing to pay such Rent for the said Ground as in Your Excellency’s Wisdom it may seem meet to stipulate & prays that your Excellency’s may be pleased to grant him the same upon a perpetual Lease And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] A Macdonell” No Executive Council dates recorded, just the word “obsolete” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 17]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Angus McDonell (signed Macdonell) received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Aug 1797

“Most humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner as Attorney at law having been employed by several of His Majestys Subjects to file Caveats in the Secretary’s office to prevent the Patents for certain tracts of land from issuing until your Honors’ pleasure thereon should be had in Council, finds himself as well as his clients materially aggrieved by the Conduct of the said Secretary who issued such Deeds without any manner of regard to the Caveats filed by your Petitioner to the following Cases your Petitioner more particularly alludes—Oliver Gahagan, against James Ramsay—Donald McDonald against Thomas Hind—That your Petitioner finds himself further compelled to resort to your Honor for Justice in a case more immediately concerning himself and which he finds cannot be procured without your Honors intersession. Your Petitioner being an U. E. Loyalist has the Pledge of the Royal promise to receive Deeds for Lands granted to him by the Crown gratus notwithstanding which, the Secretary of the province detains your Petitioner’s Deed for a Lot of Ground in the Town of Newark under pretence of his being authorized to collect Fees thereon. Wherefore your Petitioner prays that your Honor will cause Justice to be done to him and as in duty bound he will ever pray &c. [Signed] A Macdonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Aug 1797. Ordered the two first charges are unfounded: That relative to the Petitioner’s own deed to stand over for consideration. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Miscellaneous 1788-1798, Petition Number 86]

Cover Page found in the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell

“Angus Macdonell, Ann Macdonell, Helena Wilkinson, James Macdonell Catherine Macdonell} Minutes to be sent by Captn Smith” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 53o]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Angus Macdonell dated on 26 Jun 1796

“Respectfully shews—That your Petitioner having only been assigned, as yet Eight Hundred acres of Land out of twelve Hundred, which it was your Excellency’s pleasure to declare to be his proportion—prays that your Excellency may permit him to locate the remaining four Hundred acres in the County of York. —and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] A Macdonell” Read in the Executive Council on 5 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended to grant the prayer of the petition anywhere in the County of York except on Yonge Street or in the Township of York. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 3]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Angus Macdonell dated on 26 Jun 1796

“Respectfully Sheweth That your Petitioner having been marked down a considerable time ago for a lot of Land in the Vicinity of the town of York, and being now ready to build thereon, and to commence the necessary Improvement immediately prays that he may be confirmed therein – and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] A Macdonell” Read in the Executive Council on 5 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended that the Petitioner be confirmed in Lot N. 7 second concession east side of the Don upon condition of improving the same within one year. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 38]

Request of J. White, Attorney General dated 26 Jul 1797

“Peter Wyckoff Two Hundred Acres of Land in the Township of Louth. Also Two Hundred Acres of Land in Saltfleet. The above lands having been sold to Angus MacDonel Esqr and transferred with the consent of the land board. The Attorney Gl prays that the deeds may be cancelled having been erroneously made out in the name of the above mentioned Grantee. [Signed] J White AG July 26 1797” “In Council July 27. 97 read 27th July Ordered the Deeds be sent for from the Secretary above mentd Confirmed 31st July 1797 [Initialled] P. R.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 1]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Angus Macdonell of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) dated on 25 Aug 1797

“humbly complaineth – That your Complainant is an U. E. Loyalist – yet is refused his Deed for a Lot of Land in the Town of Newark until he pays fees arbitrarily imposed & demanded by the Secretary of the province. Wherefore he Prays for Justice &c. [Signed] A Macdonell” Read in the Executive Council on 28 Aug 1797. Ordered when the Petitioner learns to address this Board with respect he ought to pay to the Executive Government of the Province his petitions may be attended to. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 219]

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell dated at York (Toronto) on 1 Sep 1798

“humbly Sheweth That to accommodate a contested claim between Messrs Kerr, Addison, Chisholm & King your Petitioner relinquished his Part of Mr Addison, Lot No 11 in the 3d Concession of Flamboro East, which was sanctioned by your Honor in Council – That in lieu of said Lot No 11 he received the annex’d transfer from Mr Angus McDonell. Your Honor’s Petitioner therefore prays that a Deed may issue in his name for Lot No 13 in the 3rd Concession of York, and as in duty bound he will ever pray [Signed] Alexr McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Sep 1798 and read in Council on 10 Oct 1798. Ordered the exchange permitted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 68b]

Transfer from David Price to Angus Macdonell attested on 24 May 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander McDonell

“Home District to wit} Before me Robert Kerr Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Home District personally came Mr David Price and declared for a valuable Consideration he had bargained, sold, granted, conveyed and assigned to Angus Macdonell of Newark, Gentleman, his Heirs and assigns for ever, two Hundred acres of Land of, and out of the quantity allowed to him by the order of His Honor the President in Council and that it is his request Wish & prayer that the deed of the said two Hundred acres of land do issue in the name and to the use of the said Angus Macdonell – his heirs & assigns for ever – being lot number thirteen, 3d Concession Township of York—in part of the proportion of lands of him the said David Price – Declared before me this 24th day of May 1798 [Signed] Robert Kerr” [Signed] David Price” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 68]

Assignment of Deed from Angus Macdonell to Alexander Macdonell dated on 28 May 1798

“I do hereby assign unto Alexander Macdonell of York, Esquire all my Right, Title Interest and claim to the within mentioned Lands – and [do] humbly pray the Honorable the Executive Council to permit His Majesty’s Deed thereof to issue unto the said Alexander Macdonell his Heirs & assigns for ever. As Witness my Hand & Seal this 28 day of May 1798 [Signed] A Macdonell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 4, Petition Number 68a]


McDonell, Ann (nee Johnson adopted Fields)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Ann McDonald [sic] wife of Allan McDonald of Gainsborough, Yeoman dated at Niagara on 20 Jul 1797

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is the wife of Allan McDonald of the Township of Newark, Late Serjt in Butlers Rangers, & Daughter of Rebecca Fields & that her Father was a Surgeon in one of the Provincial Regiments in the French war of 1755 – That your Petitioner had three Brothers in His majestys Service during the american war – & that her mothers late Husband George Fields served in Butlers Rangers from the year 1778 to the End of the war – may it therefore please Your Honor to indulge her with a grant of 200 acres of Land and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray – ” Ann McDonald made her mark. “witness T Ridout N. P. The Petitioner has six children” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jul 1797. Notation: Rebecca Fields on the UE List. Read in the Executive Council on 19 Jan 1802. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as daughter of UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 5, Petition Number 144]

Certificate of John Monro, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Ann McDonald

“I John Monro Esquire one of His majestys Justices of the Peace for the District of Niagara Do certify that Ann McDonald the Petitioner is the person she describes herself to be, and has not to my knowledge or belief ever received any Lands, or order for Lands from the Crown—[Signed] John Monro J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 5, Petition Number 144a]

Certificate of John Monro, J. P. dated on 23 Dec 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Ann McDonald

“Personally appeared before me, John Monro Esq. one of His majestys Justices of the Peace, Ann McDonald, the within named Petitioner and made oath, that she has never received any Lands or order for Lands from the Crown—Sworn before me this 23d Day of December 1801} [Signed] John Monro J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 5, Petition Number 144a]


McDonell, Catharine

Upper Canada Land Petition of Catharine McDonell dated at Niagara on 30 Mar 1796

“The Petition of Catharine McDonell Daughter of the deceased Captain Allan McDonell of the late 84th Regiment. Humbly represents That your Petitioners Father having been driven from his Possessions by the late American Rebellion, had but little to leave to his family at his Death; Your Petitioner is consequently in great measure depending upon her Brothers for a scanty Support. Your Petitioner therefore most humbly implores your Excellency for a Grant of twelve Hundred Acres of land, to be an assistant provision for her Maintenance, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Catharine McDonell” Read in the Executive Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 1200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 74]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Catherine McDonell (signed Macdonell) dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Aug 1797

“humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is the daughter of a Loyalist and an officer of some Merit during the late American Disturbances. —That your Petitioner is desirous of improving a lot in the Town of Newark—Which she prays may be granted to her and as in duty bound She will ever pray &c – [Signed] Catherine Macdonell” Read at the Executive Council Office on 28 Aug 1797. Ordered an acre lot if no lot has been already granted to the Petitioner. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 187]


McDonell, Chichester

Upper Canada Land Petition of Chichester McDonell Esq. dated at York (Toronto) on 29 Jun 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Chichester McDonald Esqr Lieut in the late Rangers, has recd 500 Acres—Petitioner prays to locate the residue of his Lands in Whitby or elsewhere – 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 fifteen 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. [Signed] C. Macdonell” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered the petitioner will of course be recommended when the Surveyor General can find vacancy as none of Colonel Butler’s Corps can claim settlement in Whitby. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 129]


McDonell, Christian

Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian McDonell dated at Queenston on 2 Jun 1794

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner will be much benefited if permitted to Sell his Improvement on the Lot No 93 front on the Chippaway to Fredk. Steinhoff—And therefor craves your Sanction to his Transfer—[Signed] Christian McDonell Witness to Signature R. Hamilton” No Executive Council dates. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Mc” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 46]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian McDonell (late of Butlers Rangers) of the Township of Gainsboro’ dated at Niagara on 12 May 1796

“Respectfully shews- That your Petitioner’s Father Randal McDonell, was a Serjeant in Butlers Rangers, & located 400 acres in Gainsborough which he considerably improved, and that he died about two years ago without having received Certificates for them—Your Petitioner therefore humbly Prays that the Actg Surveyor General may be directed to Assign him the said Lands & likewise the remaining 100 acres that may have been due to his Father, and as in duty Bound he will ever pray” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 12 May 1796. Ordered to be assigned to Randal McDonell. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 13]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian McDonell dated at Niagara on 18 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

The Petition of Christian McDonell of Gainsborough, late Private in Butlers Rangers Respectfully shews—That your Petitioner has only received 200 acres as a disbanded Ranger- & that his wife Susanna, (Daughter of Adam Bowman of the sd Corps of Rangers) has not received any Land. That your petitioner is settled on the lands of the Crown in this Province, & has cultivated and improved 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 100 acres & his wife 200 acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. Received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Mar 1796 and read in Council on 12 Jul. Ordered certificate and discharge wanted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 20a]

Certificate of William Dickson J. P. dated 12 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian McDonell

“I do hereby verify that Christian McDonald [sic] appeared before me and being duly Sworn made Oath, That he is married to Susannah Bowman Daughter of Adam Bowman late a soldier in Butlers Rangers, and an U E 12th Octr 1796 [Signed] William Dickson JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 20]

Letter from Acting Surveyors General William Chewett and Thomas Ridout to John Small, Clerk of the Executive Council erroneously attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Simon McNabb

“No Order in Council having been lodged to Christian McDonell and Wife [for Lot 97 in Newark], the late Surveyr Genl Mr Smith made no location on the Warrant—Chewett & Ridout” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 23b]


McDonell, Donald

Upper Canada Land Petition of Donald McDonell of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) dated at Newark on 20 Jan 1797

“Humbly sheweth That Your Petitioner being desirous to occupy and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him one Therein, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray.” Donald McDonell made his mark. “witness [Signed] T Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 11 Mar 1797. Ordered prayer granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 248]

Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Angus McDonell (signed Macdonell) received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Aug 1797

“Most humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner as Attorney at law having been employed by several of His Majestys Subjects to file Caveats in the Secretary’s office to prevent the Patents for certain tracts of land from issuing until your Honors’ pleasure thereon should be had in Council, finds himself as well as his clients materially aggrieved by the Conduct of the said Secretary who issued such Deeds without any manner of regard to the Caveats filed by your Petitioner to the following Cases your Petitioner more particularly alludes—Oliver Gahagan, against James Ramsay—Donald McDonald against Thomas Hind—That your Petitioner finds himself further compelled to resort to your Honor for Justice in a case more immediately concerning himself and which he finds cannot be procured without your Honors intersession. Your Petitioner being an U. E. Loyalist has the Pledge of the Royal promise to receive Deeds for Lands granted to him by the Crown gratus notwithstanding which, the Secretary of the province detains your Petitioner’s Deed for a Lot of Ground in the Town of Newark under pretence of his being authorized to collect Fees thereon. Wherefore your Petitioner prays that your Honor will cause Justice to be done to him and as in duty bound he will ever pray &c. [Signed] A Macdonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Aug 1797. Ordered the two first charges are unfounded: That relative to the Petitioner’s own deed to stand over for consideration. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Miscellaneous 1788-1798, Petition Number 86]


McDonell, Elisabeth (Holmes)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Elisabeth McDonell, Grand River dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 28 Jul 1797

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner is the wife of Wm McDonell – of the Township of Gainsborough and Daughter of Asa Holmes a Loyalist U. E., who is returned as such on the List—That having never received any Land your Petitioner humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to grant her 200 acres And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—for my wife Elizth McDonell” Wm McDonell made his mark. “witness Nicholas Cooly, T Ridout NP” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 31 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 93]


McDonell, Helena

Upper Canada Land Petition of Helena McDonell dated at 4 Mile Creek near Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Jun 1795

“humbly sheweth, That your Excellency’s petitioner, previous to the late American war, being settled in the late Province of New York, on the earliest appearance of hostilities, her husband not only professed loyalty, having been the very first individual in America against whom Congress issued a warrant, but appeared openly in arms at the head of upwards of two hundred Highlanders, and kept the field from the beginning spring 1775 untill the ensuing winter, having during that period been the principal instrument of keeping the flame of Rebellion in that front of the Country in suppression against the armed attempts of tenfold numbers, until General Schuyler at the head of five Thousand six Hundred Rebells in the severest part of winter marched against this small party & forced it into a Capitulation, by the articles of which your petitioner’s Husband, his Brother, & four Nephews, were carried into a confinement of several years, & they only of the party. That your Petitioners’ Husband having afterwards joined the Royal Standard with his Brother & brought three Hundred followers with them, many of whom fell in the service. Your Excellency’s Petitioner was left with her two Daughters in the midst of an inveterate & deluded mob, who rendered the name of law & attainders pillaged had of everything, & by a special order from Congress detained her a prisoner, altho flags of truce had been sent for her from New York, and the wives & families of every other loyalist had been permitted to quit the Country freely; nor could she get within His Majesty’s protection but by a dangerous winter’s journey of many hundred miles, in deep disguise, & at the eminent peril of her own & her children’s lives, & to the irrecoverable loss of her health. That your Excellency’s Petitioner was put to great expense in fitting out with provisions, & necessaries, parties going within the British lines, sending intelligence to General Haldimand and maintaining a correspondence with him, and with General Powell while Commanding in the back Posts, as well as in concealing & supporting the Emissaries of Government upon those occasions; for which & for all other losses no compensation has been received, other than her Husband’s pay as an officer. That your Excellency’s Petitioner is ready to verify all those assertions, but means not to […….] as a merit what she always cheerfully considered as a duty; and at her advanced period in life looks still with confidence to the bounty of the Sovereign she has faithfully endeavored to serve; and presumes therefore to pray—That your Excellency will be pleased to grant directions to His Majesty’s acting Surveyor General of this Province to assign to your Petitioner in her own right twelve hundred acres of the vacant lands of the Crown in such part of this District as may be eligible & assignable and your Excellency’s Petitioner as in duty bound never ceases to pray [Signed] Helena McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 24 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 21 Jul 1795. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 111]


McDonell/MacDonell, Hugh

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Macdonell and of Hugh Macdonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 21 Dec 1793

“humbly sheweth—That your Petitioners are desirous of building in the town of Newark agreeable to the Rules and Regulations in such Case provided. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that Your Excellency would grant them to wit to John Macdonell No 197—and to Hugh Macdonell No 196—and Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] No Executive Council dates but noted “Granted” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Mc” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 56]


Macdonell, John (Captain)

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Macdonell (signed McDonell) dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 12 Aug 1795

“Most respectfully sheweth—That your Petitioner has for some time had in View to settle two Townships in this province and finding that he can settle the number of good & loyal Subjects thereon required by your Excellencys Instructions on that subject, as well as comply within the time limetted, with all the other Stipulated Conditions of such Grant he therefore prays—That your Excellency would in your Bounty & Wisdom give to your Petitioner a Grant of two Townships out of the vacant lands of the Crown in this province on the Conditions upon which such Grants have usually been made with which Your Petitioner will strictly and without delay comply and as in duty bound will ever pray &c [Signed] J McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Aug 1795. The Committee cannot recommend the Prayer of this Petition. Approved by His Excellency the Lt. Gov. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 117]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Macdonell (signed McDonell) dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 12 Aug 1795

“The Petition of John Macdonell, as Captain in the late Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieut Colonel John Butler—Most respectfully sheweth That your Petitioner for his Services in the said Corps, during the late american war is entitled as Captain to three Thousand acres of land from the Crown. That your Petitioner has drawn no part thereof as yet except three Hundred acres adjoining the reserved lands round the Town of Newark which three Hundred acres were during the war given to your Petitioner by General Powel then Commanding at this Part of Niagara—Wherefore your Petitioner prays that Your Excellency may Grant him the proportion of Lands due him in respect of the premisses—and as in duty bound he will ever pray &c [Signed] J McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Aug 1795. Ordered recommended that the Quantity of Lands due to the petitioner as a Captain may be granted and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 118]

On a 1792 map of the Front Concession of Niagara Township included in the Upper Canada Land petition of Samuel Street, Jno McDonell was named on Lot 5. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 162]

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of William, James and Benjamin Pickard dated at 4 Mile Creek on 26 Jun 1794

“Humbly Sheweth—That your Memorialists in the year 83 Did Improve the land on the Four Mile Creek the place the[y] Now Live on, Having the Promise from Colonel Butler that we should not be Disturbed in our Possessions—As also by His Directions some time in March in the year 84- before the Rangers was Disbanded We got Allen McDonell who Surveyed 300 Acres of Land for your Memoriliasts, for which we paid him twenty shillings york pr Hundred for His Trouble—Which Land was afterwards Reserved for Government untill an alteration was obtained through your Excellencys Good wishes Towards the wellfare and Due Recompence of His Majesty & Subjects Lot was Disconnected in their Possesions by Government Reserves – We Likewise Improved 200 on the West side of the 4 Mile Creek and Paid Twenty shillings to John McDonell for a Hundred Acres He had Got Surveyed on the West side of the 4 Mile Creek which he Said was too Wet for Him to Live on—In order that we might Get onto our Land in a Body—Some time Ago we were Called before the Honourable Council when we Got all the Incouragement we Could Expect, in Holding our lands – But we Since Learn from Members of the Land Board and others, that we would Get no more than About 250 Acres Between all of us and as your Memorialists understand the land is to be distributed among the Orriginall Improvers your Memoralists Submit their Case Intirely to your Excellencies Superior Wisdom, Doubt, not but your Excellency Will Consider their Situation and Grant them Such Relief as their Just Claims may Merit – and your Memorialists will as in Duty Bound Ever pray—[Signed] William Pickard, James Pickard, Benjn Pickard” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Jul 1794 and read in Council on 8 Jul 1794. Ordered rejected. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 51]


McDonell, John (son of Capt. Alexander McDonell)

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Macdonell (signed McDonell) dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 12 Aug 1795

“Respectfully sheweth—That your Petitioner is eldest Son and Heir of the late Captain Alexander Macdonell of the Late Kings Royal Regiment of New York who for his Services during the late American War died entitled to the occupation & Grant of three thousand acres of the waste lands of the Crown. That your petitioners father in part of such Right only drew One thousand acres of land in his life time, thus being therefore Still due Two Thousand acres. Wherefore Your Petitioner prays that Your Excellency will permit Your Excellency’s Petitioner to locate the said Two Thousand Acres of land, in right of his said late Father—and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Aug 1795. Ordered recommended that whatsoever quantity of lands may appear to be due to Capt. Alexander Macdonell of the Kings late Royal Regt. Of New York, that quantity may be granted and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 122]


McDonell, John (Corporal)

Upper Canada Land Petition of John McDonell dated at Niagara on 27 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of John McDonell—late a Corporal in the Rangers Commd by Colo Butler- Respectfully shews, That your Petitioner has a wife & six children – four of whom were born before the year 1788 & never received any Land either for himself or Family. That your petitioner by the authority of the Land Board is settled on the lands of the Crown in this Province, & has cultivated and improved 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 & family 650 acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered Certificate for family lands wanted. Produced his Discharge and the Certificate enclosed. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 89]

Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John McDonell

“I hereby certify that John McDonell served as Corporal in the Corps of Butlers Rangers & settled in the province before the year 1788 – with a wife & four Children—[Signed] John Reilly J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 89b]


McDonell, John Jr.

Upper Canada Land Petition of John McDonell Junior received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Mar 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province the year 1783 with his mother and seven children- That your Petitioners Father served as a Serjeant in Col Butlers Rangers during the whole of the American war, —That your Petitioner having now come of age and taken the usual oath, subscribed the declaration that he professes the Christian religion and Obedience to the Laws—prays your Honor would be pleased to assure him such proportion of His Majestys Lands as your Honor may think proper and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray” John McDonell made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 229]

Letter from the Surveyor General’s Office to John Small, Clerk of the Executive Council dated at York (Toronto) on 11 Nov 1805

“Sir The Inspector General, having certified to me that John McDonell Junr who was granted 200 acres of Land, by an order in Council of the 17th March 1797, is an “S. U. E.” being the son of Corporal John McDonell or McDonald late of Butlers Rangers. I am to request you will be pleased to send the O. C. to the Atty Genl by the Bearer – the O. C was returned to you some years ago – it having then been stayed for payt of Fees or priviledge – I have the Honor to be Sir Yr most […] [Signed] T Ridout S. Gl” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 229d]

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 McDonnell – 200 acres in Wainfleet Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117a]


McDonell/Macdonell, John (brother of Hugh McDonell)

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Macdonell and of Hugh Macdonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 21 Dec 1793

“humbly sheweth—That your Petitioners are desirous of building in the town of Newark agreeable to the Rules and Regulations in such Case provided. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that Your Excellency would grant them to wit to John Macdonell No 197—and to Hugh Macdonell No 196—and Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] No Executive Council dates but noted “Granted” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Mc” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1795, Petition Number 56]


McDonell, John of Wainfleet

Notation dated at York (Toronto) on 31 Aug 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson

“Received form John Small Esquire, a Paper lodged by me, whereby John McDonell binds himself to Daniel Robins, and Daniel Robins to me, for Lot No 49 in Wainfleet which Deed has been Issued to McDonell himself [Signed] William Dickson” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1yyyy]


McDonell, Peter

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter McDonell dated at Niagara on 1 Nov 1796

“The Petition of Peter McDonell of the Township of Gainsborough & late of Butlers Corps – in behalf of his wife Sarah McDonell Humbly sheweth That the wife of your Petitioner is a daughter of Asa Holmes – a Loyalist U. E. as p the annexed Certificate, who having never received any Land – your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres – in right of his wife – and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Peter McDonell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Nov 1796 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered the Petitioner’s wife recommended for 200 acres as the daughter of a Loyalist. A warrant to the Attorney General 29 Jun 1804 to Sarah Dease. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 69]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Peace for the Home District dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 2 Nov 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter McDonell

“The Bearer Peter McDonell is married to the Daughter of Asa Holmes a Loyalist who joined the Royal Standard in America before the year 1783 [Signed] R Clench Clerk of the Peace &c HD” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 69a]

Letter from Sarah Dease to The Honourable Chief Justice Allcock dated at Wainfleet on 11 Jun 1804 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter McDonell

“Honor’d Sir I hereby do myself the Honor to acquaint you that my deceased Husband Peter McDonell drawed 200 Acres of Land for me Lot No 21 in the 2nd Concession of the Eastern Division of Oxford on Thames and that before his Death he sold the said land, which is now the property of Mr Wm Dils, I having given up my Right and Title to it. I do also further Certify that during my widowhood, I give up all claim Right & Title to the said Wm Dils, having Received all Demands in full from him for the same—I have the Honor to be with the Greatest Respect Sir Your Most obedient Humble Servant” Sarah Dease made her mark. Added notation: “NB. I do also further certify that the said P. McDonell deceased sold his Right & Title for 100 Hundred acres of Land, that is on the same Deed with the 200 acres he drawed for me—” Sarah Dease made her mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 69d]

Letter from Chewett and Ridout dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 29 Jun 1804 to John Small, Esq. Clerk of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter McDonell

“Sir, We are unable to return your warrant of the 1 August 1797 – to Peter McDonell in right of his wife for 200 acres, as it is packed away by the Surr General, & has been entered in the Wart Book, but the entry shall be noted, so that it may not be acted upon—she is stated to be the Daughter of a Loyalist – we are Sir Yr most obedt Servants for the Surveyor General [Signed] Chewett & Ridout [To] John Small Esqr CEC” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 69f]

Notation of Chewett and Ridout dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 29 Jun 1804 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter McDonell

“It does not appear that Lot No 21 in the 2nd Concession of the Eastern Division of Oxford (which is entered to “Peter McDonell for his wife”) has ever been described, or reported by the Commissioner on Claims—for the Surr Genl [Signed] Chewett & Ridout” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 3, Petition Number 69g]

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.

Peter McDonnell – UE 400 acres in Oxford Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117m]


McDonell, William

Upper Canada Land Petition of William McDonald [sic] of Caistor dated at Newark on 14 Dec 1796

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner is son of Serjt McDonald [sic] late of Butlers- and is married to Elizabeth, a Daughter of Asa Holmes a Loyalist – that having never received any Land your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to [give] to him 200 acres- also 200 acres in right of his wife, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” Wm. McDonald made his mark. “witness T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered Petitioner recommended for 200 acres as UE but must produce proofs as to his wife. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 264]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Peace for the Home District dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 13 Dec 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William McDonald

“The Bearer William McDonald is the Son of a Loyalist, who served a Serjt in Butlers Rangers during the late American war. Newark 13th December 1796 [Signed] Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Peace HD.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 264b]


McDonell, ______ (Simmons)

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Asa Simmonds [signed Simmons] dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 Feb 1797

“Most humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner has lately come into this province to become a settler therein, is married to the Daughter of John Macdonald a staunch loyalist and has a family of young children—That a number of Families connected with your Petitioner by the ties of Kindred or other mutual connections, are preparing to emigrate into this Province, in the Spring and will add to the Population & industry thereof. Wherefore your Petitioner Prays that your Honor may order him such allowance of Land as in your Honors Wisdom may seem meet – and as in duty bound he will ever pray &c—[Signed] Asa Simmons” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 4 Feb 1797. Ordered 200 acres on the petitioner bringing his family into the Province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 150]

Certificate of John McDonall appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Asa Simmonds

“By Virtue of His Excellency, J G Simcoes written Instructions to me given – I do hereby recommend the above Asa Simmonds as a desirable Settler and moral man and in consideration of himself – wife and family – presumes that he will be considered as deserving of four Hundred acres of Land—[Signed] John McDonall” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 150]


McDougall, Nancy

Upper Canada Land Petition of Nancy McDougall widow of the late Duncan McDougall received at the Executive Council Office on 9 Oct 1796

“Respectfull shews- That some time last year His Excellency Lieutt Governor Simcoe in Council, was pleased to grant unto her said Husband on his personal application 2,000 Acres of Land – viz: 1200 to himself & 800 acres, to his two Eldest Sons John & Nicholas. That your Petitioners Husband, on his way Home, unfortunately took sick and died- without having signified his intentions respectg the distribution of the before mentioned Lands to his Family- That your Petitioner purposes to remove into this Province with her Family, & prays your Honor would be pleased, in confirming the grant to her two Eldest sons of 400 acres each; to grant the remaining 1200 acres, jointly to her three other Children Nancy, Daniel & Sarah McDougall, and your Petitioner, as in Duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] Added note in the margin: “Niagara 20th August 1796 – at which time the Petitioner was at the House of Jacob Ball Esq. – but could not be long absent from her Family” Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 Oct 1796. Ordered the prayer of this petitioner be provided for by the Legislature. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 130]

Certificate of Thomas Ridout, Notary Public appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nancy McDougall

“I do hereby Certify that Peter Ball Esqr applied to me for the within Petition in behalf of Mrs N. McDougall, then residing at his Fathers’ Jacob Ball Esq. [Signed] Thomas Ridout N. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 130a]


McEwen, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John McEwen dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 2 Jul 1795

“humbly Sheweth—That yr Petitioner desirous of settling in the Town of Newark prays yr Excellency will please to grant him Lot No Two hundred and Twenty four in sd Town, having a frame ready to put upon the same & yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John McEwen” No Executive Council dates recorded on the petition. Ordered a town lot granted on the usual conditions and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 6]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John McEwen of Queenston dated at York (Toronto) on 10 Feb 1798

“Humbly sheweth that your Petitioner having a vessel which is chiefly employed between the above named Place & York, he is very desirous of possessing a Lot in the last mentioned Place, pray it therefore please your Honor to grant him a Lot therein for immediate Improvement and Your petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John McEwen by His atty Thos Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Feb 1798. No order of Council recorded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Mc” Bundle Miscellaneous 1792-1816, Petition Number 42]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John McEwen dated on 7 Dec 1796

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous to occupy and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him one therein—and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: “written on the personal application of John McEwen [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Jan 1797. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 213]

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Bender of the Township of Stamford in the District of Niagara yeoman dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Dec 1800

“Humbly sheweth. That your Petitioner is in equity So poss[ess]ed of Lot number Twenty one in the second Concession and of half number Twenty in the third Concession of the Township of Walpole in the District of London by purchase of John McEwen as by the Bonds hereunto annexed will more fully appear. Your Petitioner further states to your Excellency that Michael Wardell the Original proprietor of the aforesaid Lands is now in the United States, and that your Petitioner is entirely barred from obtaining a legal title for the same. Your Petitioner therefore Humbly prays your Excellency will take his case into consideration and order his Majesty’s Patent to Issue in his name. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Philip Bender” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Dec 1800. Ordered there is no proof that Michael Wardell has left the country. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 5, Petition Number 98]

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Bender of the Township of Stamford in the District of Niagara yeoman dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Dec 1800

“Humbly sheweth. That your Petitioner is in equity Possessed of Lot number Eighteen in the Third Concession of the Township of Townsend in the District of London by purchase of one John McEwen as by the Bond hereunto annexed will more fully appear. Your Petitioner further states to your Excellency that John Thompson the original proprietor of the aforesaid Tract of Land is now in the united states, and that your Petitioner is entirely barred from obtaining a legal Title for the same. Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays that your Excellency will take his case into consideration and order His Majesty’s Patent to issue in his name. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Philip Bender” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Dec 1800. Ordered there is no proof that John Thompson has left the country. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 5, Petition Number 99]