Upper Canada Land Petition of James Park dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 28 Aug 1794
“Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner Begs the favour of geting a grant of two Lotts in the Ninth township Lot No 183 Lot No 184 and your petitioner in Duty Bound will Ever pray [Signed] James Park” Ordered granted by the Executive Council on 23 Aug 1794. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1794, Petition Number 29]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Thompson, David Rose, John Chisholm, and the widow of James Park, deceased
“Humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioners firmly attached to the British Government Joined the Royal Standard at an Early period of the late war that during it they suffered every Extremity of Distress, in the Different Expeditions conducted by Captain Brant and the Indians, with whom your Petitioners volunteered the most Dangerous Enterprises. That during a Period of seven years your Petitioners, unpaid, imprisoned and uncloathed, served His Majesty with all the Zeal and Bravery of Britons; That your Petitioners under sentence of Death for joining the Indians have Escaped from the americans; That since the Peace your Petitioners have been settled in this District, and proved themselves as good Husbandmen, and members of society, as formerly that of soldiers – that your Petitioners can bring in the most Incontestable Proofs of these facts, from the Honorable Robert Hamilton and many others if necessary. That from the Peace your Petitioners are all married and have rising families, a List of whom are hereunto annexed; Generous as a British Government is your Petitioners have always looked forward to ask time when those services might be remembered; That time is arrived and your Petitioners will now think them well requitted in such a Grant of Waste Lands of the Crown, as will Render them and their families after them Respectable, and mark that Honor on them, recommended by the Governor General, Lord Dorchester. Your Petitioners have already benefited by the Bounty of Government to a Certain Extant, but Considering the Loss of ability of their farm Property, they [….] that your Honor will take their Cais into your serious Consideration, and be the Government of rewarding Loyalty by granting, or making up to each of your Petitioners Twelve Hundred acres, exclusive of such a Quantity as you in your wisdom may think fit to your Petitioners families, and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will Ever Pray
Archd Thompson, a wife, & 6 children 4 of the Children born before 1790
Daniel Rose, a wife – & 8 Children – 5 Children born before 1790
James Park a wife & 4 Children
John Chisholm, a wife & 4 Children
Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Oct and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered that the Petitioners shall receive each 1000 acres including former grants and such family lands as they make appear to the Surveyor General they are entitled to. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Thompson dated at Niagara on 12 Jan 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner during the late War served in Scotland in the Edinburgh Volunteers, that after the Peach your Memorialist came to this Province and Settled himself in the vicinity of His Relations (who had served in America in the late War) on the Mountain now Township of Stamford. That these Eleven Years past he your Memorialist has lived Quietly and Peaceably on Lot No 41 and 58 – granted him by the Land Board the Ticket for which has been Three years in the Attorney Generals Office, That owing to the Bending of the River St Lawrence [sic: Niagara] fourteen or fifteen Acres appears from the Survey to be a broken front; That it has been generally held, and conceiving that the Broken Fronts were by the Indulgence of Government granted by the Proprietors of such as held the adjacent Lots, Your Petitioner rested perfectly Satisfied under that Persuasion but understanding lately that a Mrs Park has applied to you in Council for the Broken Land in Front of your Petitioners Farm. Your Petitioner therefore not a little astonished at such an unexpected Transaction comes to Your Honor in full Confidence that the Broken fronts as usual may be granted him, as the other Party cannot have the Shadow or Pretext to found any Claim upon the Broken front – Your Petitioner Pledges himself in the veracity of what he has advanced and should it meet Your Honors approbation will make the matter in Question perfectly satisfactory to you. And as in Duty bound Your Petitioner will ever Pray- [Signed] John Thompson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 4 Feb 1797. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to report. Read again on 31 Mar 1797. Ordered that the broken front of No 41 be included in the grant to John Thompson. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76]
Map submission by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith (1797) attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Thompson
“Plan of lots on Niagara River (1797) – John Thompson’s &c Copied from the Plan of Stamford [Signed] D W Smith A. S. G.” Map appended showing Jas Park on Lots 21 and 40. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76b, c]
Report of Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 29 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Thompson
“May it please your Honour—In obedience to your Honors reference to me of the 4th February, to report upon the petitions of John Thompson & Hagar Parks; both of the Township of Stamford—The only information I Can lay before your Honor is, part of the plan of the Township of Stamford, the vacant triangle thereon, being the broken fronts in dispute—a paper signed by Archibald Thompson, brother to John Thompson—& an Extract from the Proceeding of the Land board, for the District of Nassau, of the 6th June 1791—before whom it appears this same dispute was, & that they recommended to the Parties, to settle it by Arbitration—All which is submitted to your Honors wisdom—with the original petitions, herwith returned—[Signed] D W Smith [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76c]
Extract from the Proceedings of the Land Board for the District of Nassau held at Niagara the 6th Jun 1791 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Thompson
“Present Col Gordon, Comg the Upper Posts—Lieut Coll John Butler, Robert Hamilton—John Burch—Robert Kerr—John McNabb—} Esquires—Lt Bruyers A. Engineer—Several disputes about Lands—vizt sd Between John Thompson & James Park, [….] recommendation of the Board referred to Arbitration—[Initialled] DWS” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76d]
Testimony of Archibald Thompson of Stamford taken 27 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Thompson
“Says that the Lot now in dispute between his Brother John Thompson & the widow Parks – was given to him Ard Thompson in the year 1782 – by Genl Powell, then Comdr at Niagara & he was mat[lerd] in the Garrison Books by Major Shook, as a Farmer – Then Genl McLean ordered Allan McDonald to run out the said Lot for him (Archibald), and that when his Brother James came out from Scotland – he gave the Lot to him – and when the Land came to be seen over by Mr Jones, the Surveyor, it was found that part of the Lot fell to Peter Thompson & the other to John Thompson, another of his Brothers – James being a Single Man had given up his right thereto to John and Peter—” Archibald Thompson made his mark. “witness T Ridout” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76f]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Hagar Parks dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jan 1797
“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is widow of the late James Parks of Stamford deceased—That your Petitioner’s Husband received during his life time, a certificate for 200 acres of Land in the above named Township, of which, part [thereof] only, has been assigned him; that a small Tract lying in front of the Lots 41 & 58 in the said Township, and originally intended for her said Husband, as by the annexed copies of certificates, yet remains unlocated; your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to grant to her or her son James Parks, Heir of his Father the aforementioned small tract, intended to complete the 200 acres set forth in the certificate, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Hagar Parks made her mark. “witness T Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 4 Feb 1797. Ordered referred to the Acting Surveyor General to report. Read again on 31 Mar 1797. It appearing to the Board that the broken front opposite to Lot 41 properly belongs to that lot – consequently the prayer of this petition cannot be complied with. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68]
Copy of a certificate of Allan McDonald dated at Nassau 21 May 1791 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Hagar Parks
“This is to certify that James Parks was allowed the gore of Land where he lives from Archd Thomsons South Line to where the north and south line come to the Bank of the River Niagara by order of Major Campbell and William Tinling Engineer in the year Eighty Six—(signed) Allan McDonald” This is followed by a sketch of the gore lot. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68a]
Copy of a certificate dated at Fall Mills on 31 Dec 1791 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Hagar Parks
“This is to certify that Major Campbell allowed the Bearer James Parks all that Gore of Land lying in the front of Peter Thomsons & John Thomsons Lot next the river, he proving before Major Campbell & me that he was the oldest settler, and the running the lines had drove him into that corner; the Land he first took up with Ruloph Johnson is the Lot that Archd Thomson now possesses, and the said Roloph Johnson agreed with the said Parks forsaid Parks to take the River Lot & Roloph Johnson the back – the alteration of running the Line has given Archd Thomson two Lots, and left said Parks the Gore only—(signed) John Burch, To the Honble Land Board” Added certificate of Thomas Ridout, Notary Public: “I the undersigned notary do hereby certify, that the above certificates, and Skerches, are true copies from the originals, taken by me at Newark, Province Upper Canada this Seventh Day of January 1797—[Signed] Thos Ridout Noto Pubc” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68a]
The Upper Canada Land Petition of John Parker dated at Niagara on 2 Nov 1792
“Shews—That your petitioner is an old soldier & Loyalist & therefore prays yr Excellency to be located on the Chippewa Creek, in the County of Lincoln, which is humbly submitted by [Signed] John Parker” No Executive Council dates or order. Noted for No 12 on Beaver Creek, Gainsboro. Filed 2 Nov 1792. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1794, Petition Number 30]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Mar 1797
“Most Humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioner has paid a debt for John Parks (as will appear by the annexed paper) for which sum of money he was willing to give up his three hundred acres of Land but run off before a Transfer could be procured, consequently the Land Board authorised your Petitioner to locate the said Land, which I hope your Honor will be pleased finally to confirm to me and order the Secretary to give up the grant – and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Jacob Ball” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Mar 1797 and read the same day. Ordered to lie over. Read again on 11 Apr 1797. Ordered that the deed to John Parks be sent for to the Secretary’s Office for the inspection of the Board on Tuesday next. Read again on 11 May. Ordered it appearing to the Board that Jacob Ball is a legal transferee of John Parkes, and has given a valuable consideration for Park’s land, ordered that the deed in favor of Parks be cancelled and another issued in Jacob Ball’s favor as his transfer for the same land described. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77]
Certificate of Peter Ten Broeck attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior
“This is to certify that John Parks was a private Soldier in my Company in the Corps of Rangers during the late war [Signed] Peter Ten Broeck” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77a]
Receipt dated 14 Oct 1790 from Jacob Walker issued to Jacob Ball Senior attached to Jacob Ball’s Upper Canada Land Petition
“Received from Mr Jacob Ball, Eight Pounds & three pence as a debt due me by John Park, as also One pound Seven Shillings, as Constables fees—Oct 14th 1790” Jacob Walker made his mark. Witness [Signed] Wm Dickson” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77b]
Certificate from the Land Board attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior
“The Above Money was paid by Jacob Ball Esqr on the faith of procuring John Parks Land—The Land Board Authorise Jacob Ball Esqr to take up the three Lotts whereof Jo Park was Intitled to—Land Board at Lenox April 12, 1792 [Signed] J Butler, R. Hamilton, Benjn Pawling, Nathl Pettit, John Burch, Robert Kerr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77b]
Land Board Certificate issued to John Parkes dated on 2 Aug 1794 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins) attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior
“The Bearer John Parkes having on the 2 day of August 1794 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Three hundred Acres of land in the Township of [blank] in the District of [blank] We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Newark this 2nd day of August one thousand seven hundred and 94 To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Nassau. [Signed] John Burch, Robert Kerr, John McNabb” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer John Parkes the Lots No 20 & 21 – 9 Concessn in the Township of No 6 in the District of Home containing about three Hundred Acres. Commending on the 20 Mile Creek at the Division Line between No 19 & 20, thence north 18o East Eighty Chains or thereabouts, thence north 18o Eighty Chains or thereabouts, thence north 72o west 70 Chains to the River, thence along the River to the place of beginning.” Marginal notes: “Reduced Ranger [Signed] R. Kerr” “The description in this assignment not being accurate.” Read in the Executive Council on 11 May 1797. No order issued. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77c]
Certificate of the Land Board dated 2 Aug 1794 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior
“The present possessor has permission to transfer the aforesaid lot of three hundred acres of land to Jacob Ball, done at the Board this 2d day of Augt 1794 – [Signed] Robert Kerr, John Burch, John McNabb” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77d]
Report of Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 26 May 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Ball Senior
“Whereas the late Land Board of the County of Lincoln, did on the 2d day of August 1794, grant a Certificate for 300 acres to one John Parkes, a reduced Ranger, which on the 19 November following, I did assign to the said John Parkes, by allotting him a certain Quantity of land on the 20 mile Creek, & whereas the windings of the said Creek were not then known with due Certainty, This is therefore to cancel the said assignment, bearing date as aforesaid & of number from this Office 398, & in lieu thereof I do assign to the said John Parkes the lots No 20 and 21 in the 8th Concession, & so much of lots No 19 & 20 in the 9th Concession as lays to the northward of the 20 mile Creek in the Township No 6, of Grimsby in the Home District, containing about 300 acres; beginning at the SW Angle of Lot No 21 aforesaid, thence 60 chains, N. 18o E, thence S. 72o E 21 Chains (including one for a road) thence S. 18 W to the 20 mile Creek, thence up along & following the bank of the said Creek westerly (including one chain for a road) nearly to the angle or place of beginning, thence N. 72o W, a small distance to the place of beginning. This assignment is not transferable, except by an act of the Honorable Executive Council, or of the Board for the County of Lincoln—Newark 26 May 1795 [Signed] D W Smith Actg Sur Genl” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77e]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Pawling dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 7 Jun 1794
“humbly sheweth—That Your Petitioner is desirous of transfering Lot No 14 in the third Concession of Township No 7 which is to him granted by certificate from the Land Board of the Home District unto Charles Pettit—Wherefore he prays Your Excellencys Permission to affectuate the above Transfer And Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c—[Signed] B. Pawling” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1788-1794, Petition Number 54]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Pawling dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 5 Jul 1794
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner having located one Thousand acres in part of three thousand acres of Land he is entitled to as a Reduced Captain, prays that your Excellency would be pleased to grant him the remaining two thousand acres in such part of the Province where they may be found vacant—And yr Petitioner as in duty Bound Shall ever Pray” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 8 Jul 1794 and ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 43]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Jesse Pawling dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 5 Jul 1794
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner having received One Thousand acres of Land in part of the Two Thousand he supposes himself entitled to—humbly prays that the remaining One Thousand acres may be located to him in such part of the Province as they shall be found vacant & your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray—” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 8 Jul 1794 and ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 41]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Jesse Pawling dated at Niagara on 27 Jul 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Jesse Pawling- Respectfully shews That your Petitioner came & settled in this Province before the year 1787 with a wife and two children & never received Family Lands- and that his wife is the Daughter of Peter TenBroeck a Loyalist U. E. —Prays your Honor, would be pleased to grant him in behalf of his wife 200 acres of land, or such other quantity of land as to your Honor in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: “I do hereby certify that Mr Jesse Pawling personally applied to me for the above Petition [Signed] T Ridout” Received at the Executive Council on 30 Sep 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct. Ordered family lands granted if not done before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Paxton dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 21 Dec 1793
“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is Desirous of building a House in the Town of Newark and Prays that Lott No 102 be granted to him on the same terms that Lotts are granted to others, and your Petitioner as In Duty bound shall ever Pray—[Signed] Thos Paxton” No Executive Council dates on the Petition. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 3]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Paxton dated at Newark on 20 Jul 1795
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner has served His Majesty upwards of Twenty Years in the Naval employ; now commands the Caldwell on Lake Ontario. Your Petitioners Father faithfully served His King and Country on Board the Royal Navy all the Years of his Life whilst capable of serving. —Your Petitioner has Located no Lands in the province and having a Family whom he wish is to see permanently settled, prays your Excellency will grant him 2000 Acres as his Majestys Bounty for his past services in Warfare. Your Petitioner has a Wife and Four children, two of his children are Boys, and if your Excellency may please to Judge his Family deserving of an Allotment over and above the Lands which you seem meet to grant your Petitioner, he will be happy. —Your Petitioner has been informed that there is a Certain part of this Province bordering on Lake Erie which has been reserved for the Accomodation of real Loyalists; and if you may please to conceive him in that line he flatters himself that you will give him a Grant amongst his Friends. —The Place your Petitioner alludes to is the Vicinity of Turky or Long Point Wherefore he prays your Excellency will be pleased to take the Premises into consideration and Grant such relief as through your wisdom may seem Meet, and your Petitioner in Duty bound will ever pray. —[Signed] Thos Paxton” Read in the Executive Council on 3 Aug. Ordered granted 1200 acres for location to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 14]
Peer, Edward
Upper Canada Land Petition of Edward Peer dated at Niagara on 13 Jul 1797
“Humbly shews – That your Petitioner has been Eleven years in the Province, —Has a wife & three children, and has only received about 70 acres of Land, being the front of Lot No 22 – in the Township of Bertie on Lake Erie—Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such addition thereto as to your Honor may seem meet—and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Edward Peer” Received at the Executive Council Office on 13 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 14 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres including former grants. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 42]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Edward Pier of Flamborough dated at York (Toronto) on 17 Oct 1800
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has purchased a considerable Tract of Land, at the Head of Coots Paradise in Ancaster, and a mill site near thereto, on which your petitioner is erecting mills – That being desirous to have a convenient spot on the Creek emptying itself into the said Coots paradise; for the building of a Storehouse and granary; humbly prays your Excellency for a grant of one acre at the north East angle of a tract of Land set apart by Government, for the purpose of Storehouses, upon the said Creek, and as in Duty bound Your petitioner shall ever pray— Edward Pier by his atty [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Oct 1800 and read in Council on 4 Nov 1800. Ordered the Surveyor General is directed to submit a plan of the spot referred to. Read again in Council on 18 Nov 1800. Ordered on reading the Surveyor General’s report, recommended for a Lot at Cootes Paradise. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 5, Petition Number 9]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Peer dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 17 Jul 1796
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner was a Minor at the time of warfare, between America and Great Britain but the firm attachment of his Family to his Majesty, hopes will suffice to remove all Doubts relative to his Loyalty. Your Petitioner begs leave to refer your Excellency to Nathaniel Pettit Esquire’s certificate. Your Petitioner married the widow of Thomas Millard & her former Husband served in Coll Butlers Rangers—Your Petitioner prays a grant for his Wife, and the Lands of her deceased Husband for the use of His Heir and your Petitioner will ever Pray [Signed] John Peer” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Jul 1795. Ordered recommended for 200 acres for himself if not recommended before but it does not appear that his wife has been the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 46]
Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Jul 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Peer
“These Do Certifie that I was aquanted with the Barer John Pere and tho young in the Time of the war between Great Brittain and america had Little to Do in it but was of a family who was well and firmly attached to the Crown and Constitution of Brittion and Since that hath Suported the Character of an honest Industres man Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 46a]
Named in “Report of Persons recommended by Paul Averill, with the Lots subscribed for by them” in Townsend Township, Norfolk County prepared by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated on 5 Apr 1797 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 62]
Grantee: Pier, Stephen W; authorized by Paul Averill on 9 Jan 1797; Oath of Allegiance sworn on 7 Jan [1797] by W. Dickson, Esq; Lot asked for: Lot 3 Concession 5
See a letter from the Surveyor-General of 18 Apr 1811 (sic), filed with township report
Receipt issued by the Receiver General dated at the Receiver Generals Office at York (Toronto) on 18 Apr 1811 attached to the Townsend Report
“Stephen Peer has paid into this Office three Pounds five Shillings & two pence Provl Currency the Pat. Fee on Lot No 3 in the 5 Con of Townsend under Regs of 1796 & one Pound Seven Shillings & Six pence Curry the Surveyr Fees thereon. For the Recevr Genl [Signature illegible] £3.5.2; 1.7.6 [total] 4.12.8 Currency to John Small Esqr Clk of Executive Council” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 62q]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Christopher Pierce (signed Christoffel Peers) of Bertie, yeoman dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 13 Mar 1797
“Humbly shews, That your Petitioner came into this Province last October, with a wife and two children, and that your Honor, during the recess of Council has been pleased to permit him to located 200 acres in the settlement of Long Point. That your Petitioner being a Loyalist, and having suffered imprisonment, with Capt Vrooman of the militia—he humbly hopes your Honor will be pleased to confirm to him the above mentioned 200 acres, and also to grant him thereto such addition as to your Honor may seem meet – and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Christoffel Peers” Added certificate of Captain Adam Vrooman: “I do hereby certify that the above named Christopher Pierce was imprisoned with me for his Loyalty in Albany Gaol – in the year 1777 – [Signed] Adam Vrooman” Received at the Executive Council Office on 24 Mar 1797 and read in Council the same day. Ordered 200 acres if none granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 67]
Included in Return of Persons who have been permitted by His Honor the Administrator to occupy Lands during the Recess of the Council dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 24 Jan 1797 signed by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith
19 Oct 1796 Christopher Pierce – 200 acres
Read in Council on 24 Jan 1797 and confirmed Initialled “PR” by Peter Russell [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 73]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Abigail Major ordered granted on 16 Aug 1794
“Humbly Sheweth That yr Petitioner is the Daughter of Captain Joshua Pell, a Loyalist UE & prays that You will please to grant her two Hundred acres of Land in the Township of Sugar Loaf East & yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Abigail Major.” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered granted on 16 Aug 1794 and initialed by John Small, Secretary of the Executive Council. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Miscellaneous 1788-1798, Petition Number 63]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonathan A. Pell dated on 25 Oct 1794
“Sheweth That your Petitioner was a Captain in the Militia of the City of New York in the yeare of 1780, then in the Power of the Armies of the King of Grate Britain, that youre Petitioner has ever Since that time, and before, been Faithfull to the British Government, and have never received any Compensation for his Services nor his Property which he lost by the War except his Bounty of Lands in Shelburne in the Province of Nova Scotia which youre Petitioner laid out a large Sum of Money, to Improve the Same, Youre Petitioner remained there with his Family Six Years, after all this time and Expenses, was oblige to leave it, without Receiving a Shilling for it all, on the Account of it Not answering for a Farmer. Youre Petitioner will move his Family in youre Excellencys Province. Prays youre Excellency to Grant youre Petitioner Three Thousand Acres of Land in either of the three Towns Joining Chippawa Fort Erie and Sugar Loaf. Should there not be Sufficient Vacant Land there, Prays to have the Privilege to take it els where, also his Familys Land, for his Wife one Daughter and Five Sons, and Youre Petitioner will ever Pray—[Signed] Jonathan A. Pell” Read in Council of 4 Nov 1794 and on 12 Aug 1795. No order given. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 37]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Pell received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Jun 1795
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is Son of Mr Joshua Pell and being desirous to settle in the Province with his Father & Brothers, Prays Your Excellency will please to grant him one Thousand Acres of the waist lands of the Crown, or any Portion yr Excellency shall be plesed to grant—And Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray. [Signed] Joseph Pell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Jun 1795 and read by the Council on 27 Jan. Ordered to receive an order for 400 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 30]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Pell of Stamford received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Sep 1800
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is proprietor of Lot No 190 on the Niagara River between the Mills of the late Mr Burches’s and Mr Robt Randall Mill – about half a Mile distance from each other—Yr Petitioner prays Yr Excellency permission to Erect a Grist Mill and Saw Mill, on the River Niagara in front of his Lands, not interfering with [any] of other Mills – yr Petitioner begs leave to lay before yr Excellency his proposal – & the expense he shall be at in Erecting those [Sd] The Saw Mill to be 44 foot by 30. The Grist Mill 40 feet Square. The Saw Mill will be on a New Construction, that he can saw 6000 feet of Boards pr day – and he engages that the sd Mill go in June next. The Grist Mill he engages shall go in Two Years – The Expense of the two Mills he estimates at 7000 Dollars – as follows – The [Ri]ging and Erecting the Saw Mill 1500 Dollars; Planking 500; The Grist Mill 5000 [Total] 7000 Dollars – The above Mills will be on that construction that they will go at all Seasons—& yr Petitioner in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Joseph Pell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Sep 1800 and read in Council on 2 Sep 1800. Ordered the Petitioner must specify the spot asked for: he must state the security he proposes to give for completing the works within the proposed time, which security must be in £250 currency. Notice of this application must be given to the proprietors of Burch’s & Canby’s mills. Further consideration postponed. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 5, Petition Number 21]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joshua Pell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Jun 1795
“humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has received seven hundred acres, agreeably to his Certificate signed by Mr Secretary Motz—under an order of yr Excellency in Council of the 17th of January 1793. Yr Petitioner further Prays Your Excellency to grant him five hundred Acres in addition to make altogether twelve Hundred Acres—And yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray—[Signed] Joshua Pell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 27 Jun. Ordered that he shall have 500 acres in addition to make altogether 1200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 28]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Joshua Pell received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Jun 1795
“That Your Petitioner having viewed the west side of Niagara river between Chippawa and Benjamin Canbys mills, and find there is a convenient Place for Erecting Iron works such as a Good forge and furLACe To make hollow ware and Iron, which Your Petitioner Conceives will be of Great use in this Government and as he Conceives said place not been Granted by Government to any person for that purpose Prays that Your Excellency will Please to Grant him a Grant of the same and One Acre of Land on the Reserved lands for the use of the Garrison at Chippawa To build dwelling house for The Conveniency of the people Carrying on the works as Your petitioner perceives there is no Land to be Purchased near said place, and also to take Iron Ore wherever Your petitioner can find it, with paying the Owner of the same Land there damages and he will make the necessary preparations for building There on and Your Petitioner will Ever pray—” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 27 Jun 1795. Ordered inadmissible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 29]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joshua Pell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 11 Aug 1795
“Most humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner desirous of having Lots No 14, 15, & 16 2d Concession Sugar Loaf East, adjoining his own Lands, upon application to the Surveyor General for said Lots, he was given to understand that one Frederick Rough claimed Lots No 14 & 15. As a non Commissioned officer yr Excellencys Petitioner […..,] learn that Rough ever had a grant for said Lots or ever made application for any Land that in January 1793—then your Petitioner came to look at the said Lots, he found one Aron Doan in Possession, and had that Year Cut grass from off the same. Your Petitioner stating to him the great advantages his leaving those Lots, and Doan not being in Legal Possession, readily gave them up to your Petitioner, he therefore prays Your Excellency, should Frederick Rough not be in Legal Possession of the sd Lots, that the Actg Surr General may have directions to locate the sd Lots to Your Petitioner, who will in duty bound ever pray—[Signed] Joshua Pell” Read in the Executive Council on 12 Aug 1795. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General for a report thereon. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 48]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Pepin dated on 24 Oct 1796
“Respectfully Shews That yr Petitioner has been in Province many Years & never drawn any Land, being desirous of Settling and improving some Prays yr Honor for such Quantity as yr Honor may think proper to grant & yr Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever Pray – ” Joseph Pepin made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 24 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered referred with other Canadians to the lower Province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 56]
Certificate of George Forsyth J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Pepin
“The Bearer Joseph Peppin has been these Five or Six years Battoing in our Employ at the Chippaway and with Mr Crooks and Mr [….] [……] in the Ferry Boat. [Signed] Geo: Forsyth J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 56b]