Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Bemsley Peters late from England read in the Executive Council on 8 Sep 1793
“Most Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner having arrived last October in this Country have Not Drawn Any Lands, therefore Prays Your Excellency to be Pleased to Grant your Petitioner a Town Lot No [blank] and Two Hundred Acres No 19 first Concession being Part of his Majestys Bounty and your Petitioner in Duty bound Will Ever Pray &c—” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 8 Sep 1793. Ordered a town lot and 200 acres of land in part of his Majesty’s bounty. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 6]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Peters dated at Niagara on 30 Jan 1797
“Respectfully Shews—That your petitioner having been in this province about three Months wishes to take up his future residence he having taken the usual Oaths Subscribed the Declaration that he professes the Christian Religion and Obedience to the Laws, prays your Honor would be pleased for to grant him such a portion of His Majestys waste Lands as your Honor may think proper and your Petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray—[Signed] Wm Peters” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 7 Jan 1797. Ordered when the petitioner has been resided in this Province for some twelve months and produces proper certificates of good behaviour his claim to lands will be taken into consideration. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pitters [signed Peters] received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Mar 1797
“humbly sheweth your honour that your petitioner has made applycation for Land, conformable to his Excellency Majesty’s proclamation and hopes that your honour will order him a Grant of 200 Acres of Land and your petitioner as in duty bound will for your honour always Pray [Signed] William Peters” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 53]
Certificate of Charles Field attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pitters
“This is to certify that the Bearer hereof, William Pitters, has been in here from the States, since last fall, and was employed by Mr James Willson, and at present in my Employ and is very desirous of coming under the British Government [Signed] Chas Field” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 53b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William B Peters dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Apr 1794
“Sheweth That he wishes to obtain a ticket for Lot No 73 in the Town of Newark for the purpose of building thereon—and in duty bound will pray—[Signed] Wm B Peters” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 82]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Birdseye Peters dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 4 Jun 1796
“Respectfully Sheweth That your Petitioner being the Son of the Revd Dr Samuel Peters of London, who, at the commencement of the late unfortunate war between Great Britain & her Colonies, was one of the first loyal Sufferers, compelled to fly his Country, and leave his Family and extensive and valuable Possessions to the Rapacity of a rebellious Mob, in consequence of which your Petitioner will ultimately be the great Sufferer, and as Loyalty and Attachment to the British Constitution are deeply rooted in the Breast of your Petitioner, and intends passing the remainder of his life in His Majestys Province of Upper Canada, therefore prays your Excellency in Council will be pleased to Grant him such proportion or Quantity of land as the nature of his Situation may justly entitle him to—And in Duty bound will pray—[Signed] Wm Birdseye Peters” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered already decided on. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 13]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William B. Peters dated in July 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Wm B Peters—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 Twelve 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] Wm Jarvis in behalf of his Brother in Law W. B. Peters.” No Executive Council dates on the Petition. Ordered recommended for 1200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 52]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William B. Peters for and in behalf of his wife Patty Marvin Peters received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Jul 1797
“Most Respectfully Sheweth That in consequence of a Petition sometime since laid before your Honor in Council you were graciously pleased to grant to the Wife of your Petitioner Six hundred Acres of land, as being the Wife of a Barrister and not as the Daughter of a Loyalist – your Petitioner now humbly prays your Honor in Council may be pleased to investigate her claim to Loyalty and not deny her that right which she has been entitled to from her birth, but encourage that loyal principal which is still so deeply rooted in her frame and Constitution, and which has been the Characteristic of her family from the earliest commencement of the late American War; & that in consequence of so strict adherence to such principle, her Father, Samuel Jarvis, not only was exposed to severe real losses, but many personal Sufferings and Insults; your Petitioner therefore hopes your Honor in Council will be pleased to grant to the Wife of your Petitioner 600 Acres of Land additional to that already granted, not as the Wife of a Barrister, but as the Daughter of a Loyalist – And in duty bound will pray, Wm B. Peters” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Jul 1797. Ordered if the Petitioner will resign the 600 acres already given to his wife as the wife of a Barrister she may have 200 as the daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 24]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Peterson dated at Niagara on 6 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
The Petition of Samuel Peterson- of the Township of Stamford Farmer, who is married & has three Children, & never received any Land – That your petitioner is desirous to settle on the lands of the Crown in this Province, being in a condition to cultivate and improve the same. That he is ready to take the usual oaths, and to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country which he has left. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him Two Hundred acres of land at Long point Settlement upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 May 1796 and read in Council on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 35]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Petry [signed Petree] dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Jul 1795
“Most Humbly Sheweth that the Petitioner had the Honor of serving in Lieutenant Colonel Butlers Rangers as a Serjeant During the late American War and therefore prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant him such Quantity of Land as may be allowed him as a Serjeant. That the Petitioner has also a wife and Eight children and your Excellency will be pleased to grant him such Quantity of Land for them as your Excellency will see fit. [Signed] Joseph Petree” Added notation: “Petitioner came into the Province in the year 1777—Married in the Province since he came in – ” Another added notation referring to an asterisk following the petitioner’s name: “(23rd March 1803) of Indian Lands, Grand River, County of Haldimand, in the District of Niagara” Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended to make up his lands 500 acres as a Serjeant if not already done. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 14]
Certificate of John Warren, J. P. dated at West Niagara on 1 May 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Petry
“I hereby certify that Joseph Petrie served in the Late Lieut Col: Butlers Rangers, during the American War and that his family before the year 1789, consisted of himself Joseph Petrie, Elizabeth/Wife, Children: Mary, Philip, Abraham, Joseph, Cathrine, Hanah, Elizabeth [Signed] John Warren J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 14a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Petry late of Butlers Rangers dated at Niagara on 8 Jun 1796
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner settled in this Province with a wife and five children, soon after the reduction of the above corps of Rangers—that he located three Hundred acres in the Township of Saltfleet [marginal note: “Lots 23: 3 Con & 22. 23. 4 Con”] and his name is inserted on the Plan thereof – yet never received any certificate for the same. – Your Petitioner therefore prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him the sd 300 acres – likewise 300 acres for Family Lands – they having never been received by him and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 Jun. Ordered recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42]
Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Hilts received at the Executive Council Office on 5 May 1797
“Respectfully Sheweth—That your Petitioner came into the Province about the Year 1779 when very young, and has ever since resided with His Grand Father who served last American war in Col Butlers rangers—That your Petitioner married Elizabeth Price whose Father served in Jersy Volunteers in New York in the American war—Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would allow him such a grant for himself, as likewise for his wife the Daughter of a Loyalist as your Honor may think proper, and as your Petitioner has never received any Lands, either for himself or wife—and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Joseph Hilts made his mark. “Witness A McN” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 May 1797 and read in Council on 16 Apr 1799. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as U. E. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 64a]
Certificate of Peter Ball, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on the Lake) on 10 May 1797attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Hilts
“I do hereby Certify that Joseph Hilts has always behaved himself as a good subject that he Lived in this Neighbourhood Next he Lived in the Neighbourhood for some time with his Grand Father Joseph Petrey and that he now Lives in the township of Louth, on Land of sd Grand Father where he supports himself & Family by his industry [Signed] P. Ball J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 64]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Shell dated at York (Toronto) on 11 Jun 1798
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner and three Brothers, Mark – Frederick – & Christian Shell are lately arrived in this Province with their respective Families, being all married – and have for the present Leased a piece of ground of their great uncle Joseph Petry – in Louth – where they have planted corn, and now are; that your Petitioner, (who formerly lived near two years with Genl Murray – at Quebec, and six years, with Capt Geo. Lawe at Quebec & Bay of Chaleur) – is come forward in his own behalf & that of his Brothers and respectfully prays your Honor for an appropriation of 200 acres each, to be confirmed to them under the new regulations when it shall so seem meet to your Honor – and as in duty bound your Petitioner shall ever pray—[Signed] Henry Shell” Added note: “The Petitioner is known to Robt Nellis Esq: from whom he brought a letter (he supposes of recommendation) which was delivered to the Surr General” Marginal note: “The families consist of – 4- men; 4 – women (their wives); & 12 children [Total] 20” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Apr 1799. Ordered recommended for 200 acres under the New Regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 4, Petition Number 149]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Killman of Stamford in the District of Niagara dated on 4 Nov 1801
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is of the age of twenty one years and upwards and is the daughter of Joseph Petrie, who Served his Majesty in a Core of Ranges commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Butler from the year Seventeen hundred and seventy seven to the year Seventeen hundred, and eighty four; and that your Petitioner was born in said Province, and has ever resided in the same; and that your Petitioner has never received any Land, by his Majestys Grant and being desirous to settle and improve a portion of the vacant Lands of the Crown, She humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant her such quantity of Land as his Majesty Benevolence to such Persons of this Description hath ordered And your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever Pray. [Signed] Mary Killman” Signed before me this 4th Day of November AD 1801 [Signed] John Reilly J. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 Nov 1801. The name of Joseph Petrie appears on the U. E. List. Read in the Executive Council on 10 Nov 1801. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as daughter of UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “K” Bundle 5, Petition Number 3]
Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. dated on 4 Nov 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Killman
“District of Niagara Before me John Reilly one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace of the District aforesaid personally appeared the within named Mary Killman, and made oath that she has never received any Lands or order for Lands from the Crown in this Province. Sworn before me this 4th Day of November AD 1801 [Signed] John Reilly J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “K” Bundle 5, Petition Number 3a]
Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. dated on 4 Nov 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Killman
“I John Reilly Esquire one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the District of Niagara aforesaid do hereby certify that Mary Killman the Petitioner is the person she describes herself to be; and has never to my knowledge or belief ever received any Lands or order for Lands from the Crown [Signed] John Reilly J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “K” Bundle 5, Petition Number 3b]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Wilson [signed Willson] dated at Niagara on 17 Jan 1795
“Respectfully Shews – That your petitioner came into this Province the Year 1788 with a wife and four children and received two hundred acres of Land for himself – That your petitioner’s wife being the daughter of a Loyalist, as Certified by the annexed Certificate, prays your Honor would be pleased for to grant him the usual allowance of His Majesty’s waste Lands for his wife and children and your petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray – [Signed] Thomas Willson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 25 Feb 1797. Ordered recommended for 250 acres as family Lands and 200 to his wife as the daughter of a Loyalist. “Thos Wilson 250 Abigail 200” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 85]
Certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 17 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Wilson
“Home District County of Lincoln} This is to certify that the bearer Thomas Wilson, is the son of a Loyalist and is married to the Daughter of Nathaniel Pettit Esquire Given under my hand at Newark in the County & District aforesaid this 17th Day of January & the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and ninety seven—[Signed] Robert Kerr J. P. To Whom it may concern N. B. The bearer came into this Province the year 1788; and brought four children with him [Signed] R Kerr J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 85b]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Bell of Clinton dated at Niagara on 26 Jul 1797
“Humbly shews- That your Petitioner came to this Province in the year 1792 with a family consisting of a wife and nine children- and that his wife is a niece of Natl Pettit Esq. —That having never received any Land, your Petitioner humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such part of the vacant Lands of the Crown, as to your Honor may seem meet and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray – [Signed] Benjamin Bell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Aug 1797 and read the same day. Ordered 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 179b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Hannah Pettit of Townsend in the District of London wife of Isaac Pettit dated in the District of London on 11 Jan 1810
“Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner is the daughter of Reuben Green of Townsend aforesaid a U. E. Loyalist. That She is married to Isaac Pettit And that She has never received any Land or order for Land from the Crown – Wherefore your Petitioner Humbly prays that your Excellency would be pleased to Grant her Two Hundred acres of the waste Land of the Crown in this Province As the daughter of a U E Loyalist And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Hannah Pettit made her mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Jan 1811. Noted the name of Reuben Green appears on the U. E. List. The petitioner has no land by Order in Council. Received at the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on 23 Jan 1811. Ordered referred to the Executive Council. Read in Council on 23 Jan 1811. Ordered the petitioner is recommended for a grant of 200 acres of land as th daughter of a UE Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 9, Petition Number 78]
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: Pettit, Isaac authorized by Paul Averill on 20 Jan; The oath of Allegiance not returned; Lot asked for: Lot 14 Concession 7; For a lot on the original papers.
Upper Canada Land Petition of Isaac Pettit dated at Woodhouse on 5 Jul 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That he is the Son of a Loyalist, is now residing in the County of Norfolk an unmarried man has taken the Oath and Signed the Declaration prays for a Grant of Land in the said County to settle upon [Signed] Isaac Pettit” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 46]
Certificate of Samuel Ryerse, J. P. dated on 21 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Isaac Pettit
“I do hereby certify that on the 21st Day of April 1797 Isaac Pettit Twenty Two Years of Age Born in the State of New Jersey professing the Christian Religion by trade a Farmer, Personally appeared before me Samuel Ryerse Esquire one of His Majestys Justices of the Peace in and for the Western District of the Province of Upper Canada, and took the Oath of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration before me Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 46b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Pettit, Bartholomew London, Richard London, George Corman, James Lee and John McDade dated on 29 Jun 1793
“Your memorialist begs your Honours to grant Such lots of land in Township No 7 as are affixed to the following names and your Petitioners as in Duty Will Ever pray—
John Pettit—Lots 19—in 1st & 2d Concession
Bartholomew London lots No 18 & 19—3d Concession
Richard London lots No 16 & 17—3 Do
George Corman lots No 21 & 22—3 Concession
James Lee—lots No 20 & 21—4 Concession
John McDade lots No 27—4 Concession
Do 26—[..] Concession”
“The Land board recommend Certificates to be given to the first four of the above Petitioners—James Lees Claim referred to the Executive Council—John McDade Lotts in dispute. Land board June 29th 1793 [Signed] R. Hamilton, Robert Kerr, Nathl Pettit” The Executive Council ordered granted all but Jno McDade, Second Lot in dispute. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “L” Bundle 1, Petition Number 5b]
Report of David W Smith, Acting Surveyor General
“NB James Lee was located by Mr Jones previous to the Restriction on the Boards—he cannot now obtain his certificate but through the […..] of the Honble the Executive Council—It was his Excellencys wish the Man should be located when he came in—I humbly therefore recommend his obtaining an order in Council for the same—By Request of the Land Board [Signed] D W Smith Actg Sur General” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “L” Bundle 1, Petition Number 5c]
Undated Upper Canada Petition of John Pettit dated in 1794
“Most humbly sheweth that agreeable to His Majestys Intonations on the faith of which Your Petitioner came into this province he stands entitled to three Hundred acres of Land as family lands and has accordingly always understood himself entitled to the same—Wherefore he prays that Your Excellency would assign to him the aforesaid tract of Land and Your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] N Pettit by Desire of John Pettit” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 93]
A signer to the certificate attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Gordon dated at Grimsby on 3 May 1796
“That your Petitioner was an Inhabitant of the State of New Jersey And that in the time of the late war he was known to be a faithful Subject to his Majesty, as he lived in a private place, the persons who came from the British Army to recruit Soldiers staid mutch at his House, he gave them all the assistance in his power to conceal, pilate, & help them off with their men & that by his assistance many very good men were sent to the Army For which he was Prosecuted, Imprisoned, & fined in such a large sum that rendered him unable (when he heard there was a Settlement for Subjects at Niagara) to Remove there with a Small Family or leave them in distress. But sent two of his Children before they ware of age, which are now Settled Inhabitants in this Province. That in the year 1793 he came into this Province with a wife & five Children. And humbly prayeth that your Excellency will grant him Such an allotment of Land as in your wisdom you think he merits. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Peter Gordon” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 2, Petition Number 8]
Certificate dated 9 Oct 1796 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Gordon
“The Subscribers having been Neighbors to the above Petitioner Peter Gordon, do certify that the facts set forth in the above Petition are true & that some of us were of the number of Recruits mentioned therein [Signed] Jacob Wilcox, Henry Buchner, Jacob Wilson, John Pettit. Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit 9 October 1796” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 2, Petition Number 8]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Pettit, Esquire dated at Grimsby on 19 May 1796
“Sheweth that your Petitioner was an Inhabitant in the State of New Jersey, And that in the time of the late War betwixt Great Britain, and the United States of America. Though young he could not Join the Laws & Constitution of sd States, which was of great damage to him. And in the year 1787 he Mooved himself with his wife & four Children into this province. And that as he brought with him four young Persons exclusive of his Children which are now become Settled Inhabitants in Sd province And as he had reason to expect that he Should have more Land Allotted him than those whoom of Late have came. —Your Petitioner prayeth that your Excellency will make him Such further Allotment of Land in Addition to the 200 Acres which he hath already received as you in your wisdom Shall Judge he merits. And your Petitioner further Sheweth that in the year 92 A young Man his Nephew of the name of John Pettit came from the above sd State, And lived with him until he departed this Life, which was in the year 95. And that your Petitioner Administered on the personal Estate. The Sd young man did not in his lifetime make application for Lands—Therefore your Petitioner further prayeth that your Excellency will grant to the Heirs of the Sd young Man the common Allotment of Land. And that the Same may remain in the hands of your petitioner, until the Sd Heirs Shall be capable of enjoying the Same—And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Pettit” Read in the Executive Council on 7 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in addition to the 200 he has received for himself and such family lands as he may be entitled to. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39]
Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit, J. P. dated on 24 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Pettit
“I Do hereby Certifie that I was aquanted with the within Pettitioner John Pettit Esqr in the State of New jersy and that he was Esteemed an Industres honest man and well Affected to the Constitution and Government of Great Brittain and and [sic] that the Facts Sett fourth in his Pettition are True and that the within mentioned young man Deceased bought an Improvement in the Township of Saltfleet and Improved on it before his Death and that he Did Not Dispose of it before he Died. [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 39a]
Certificate of William Dickson, J. P. dated 12 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Pettit
“I do hereby Certify that John Pettit Esquire on this 12th day of Oct 1796, appeared before me, and having on the Holy Evangelists Deposeth that he Came into this Province in the Year 1787, with a wife & four Children [Signed] William Dickson JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 29b]
John Pettit was listed in the Townsend Report of Townsend Township, Norfolk County prepared by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated on 5 Apr 1797 as being recommended by settlement agent Paul Averill but having received locations before, was not accepted by Smith. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 62]
Named in the Townsend Report prepared by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated on 5 Apr 1797 applying for settlement in Townsend Township, Norfolk County but deferred to Jun 1, 1797 [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 3, Petition Number 62]
John Pettit Lot 3 Concession 9
Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonathan Pettit dated on 21 Jun 1794
“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is desirous of becoming a Settler in this province and He requests His Majesty’s usual Bounty of lands accordingly—[Signed] Jonathan Pettit” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 94]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonathan Pettit dated at Niagara on 25 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Jonathan Pettit of Windham nephew of Nathl Pettit who came into the Province in the year 1793 with a wife & five children (yeoman) – respectfully shews— That your Petitioner has never received any Land- but has purchased an improvement of one Bemis who received a verbal permission from A. Pierce to settled in the westernmost Township granted him west of the Grand River. That your petitioner is desirous to settle on the lands of the Crown in this Province, being in a condition to cultivate and improve the same. That he has taken the usual oaths, & is ready 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 in the Township above mentd 400 acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 May 1796 and read in Council on 13 Jul. Ordered recommended for 400 acres if not granted before—but the possession appears to be irregular and cannot be permitted without further enquiry. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 20]
Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit, J. P. dated 24 Aug 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonathan Pettit
“I Do Certifie that I was aquanted with the above Petitioner Jonathan Pettit in Newjersey and that he was Returned an honest Industress man and well will [sic] affected to the constitution and Government of Great Brittain Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 20b]
Certificate of Alexander McNabb dated at the Secretary’s Office on 22 Dec 1806 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jonathan Pettit
“William Dell has paid into this office, for Jonathan Pettit of the Township of Windham- yeoman, Three Pounds five Shillings and two pence Currency, being the Patent fee on four Hundred Acres of Land – under the Regulations of the 6th January 1796 acted upon this 9th July 1796—for William Jarvis [Signed] Ar McNabb” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 20c]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Nov 1787
“That your Memorialist was appointed by Commission from Governor Franklin a Judge in the Court of Common pleas for the County of Sussex in the Province of New Jersey in the year 1766 which post he filled with reputation to himself and to the satisfaction of the country for ten years till superseded for his attachment to the British Cause which he evinced in the clearest manner on the commencement of that unhappy dispute. That for three years prior to that period he served as a Member in the house of Assembly in that Province. That in the Autumn 1776 he was conjunctly with Colonel Barton included in a Commission to raise a Battalion of men from that Country to serve His Majesty; that their joint endevours for that purpose were very successful and that Colonel Barton carried with him to New York a large body of men thus raised and all well affected to the Cause. That the reasons why your Memorialist remained at home were his being lame and infirm which would in his opinion have rendered him rather a burthen than of any active service to the Cause. That in this situation he was however of very essential service to the friends of Government, whom he aided with his advice and assistance on all occasions in his power, as is fully proved by the united testimony of all who have come from that part of the Country to the British Settlements; which conduct exposed him to the worst treatment from those who became his enemies in consequence of his known attachment to the British Interest. That he was confined a Prisoner from the 4th of April 1777 to the 28th of May 1778, and only obtained his liberty by paying very heavy fines at one time no less that two hundred and twenty Pounds seventeen Shillings and sixpence and by entering into very large bonds for his future behaviour. That these losses amounting at a very moderate computation to upwards of a Thousand Pounds, though ruinous to him in the highest degree have never in any way been made up or compensated for. A State of his losses well attested was sent to Nova Scotia to the Commissioners appointed to examine the claims of the Loyalists but was attended with no effect. That his attachment to the British government is such, and the proceedings of his Countrymen are so disagreeable to him that he has left his former Residence and with several of his neighbors of the same sentiments he is come to Niagara to solicit a settlement where he may enjoy that Liberty and comfort so amply served by the British constitution. That from the Commissions he has borne and been joined in, from his Rank in life, his Services, sufferings, and general Character, he hopes his Prayer to obtain a Captain’s allowance of Lands in this new Settlement will not be deemed presuming or improper—this with any other aid that your Lordship in your goodness may please to confer will ever bind your Memorialist in a grateful acknowledgement [Signed] Nathl Pettit” Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Nov 1787 and read in Council on 4 Dec 1797. Ordered referred to the Committee for Lands. Read in Committee on 29 Dec 1787 and filed 28 Nov 1787. No decision of Council recorded on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 95]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jun 1794
“humbly sheweth—That your petitioner being entitled under an Order from His Excellency the Right Honle Lord Dorchester to Seven Hundred Acres of Land and being now in the Occupation of the same prays for a Ticket of Location accordingly—that two Hundred acres of the above Seven Hundred Acres of Land have been erroneously [minuted] in the map of the 7th Township as if belonging to Daniel Champlin—Whereas of Right the same appertains to Your petitioner having the free acquiescence of the said Daniel Champlin to occupy the Same—And your Petitioner in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 96]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit dated on 12 Aug 1794
“Some Reads of my Sufferings and their Causes from the beginning of the American Rebelion thay Suspected me and often charged me with having a Co[….] Corospondance with the brittish which they could not prov altho I was three times Taken up by order of their Suspicion and carried more than Sixty miles from where I Lived before commitys &c and always obliged to pay Great cost of [….] a certain Joseph Barton who had […….] time Staid at home in the county of Sussex in New jersey The Strongly Mistrusted and a five weeks before that unhappy affair with the hessons at Trentown was with the Brittish at Newark where by the influence of General Skinner he obtained a Commission directed to him and me the purport of which was that we were to give [….] Notice to the friends of Government in the Said County which at that time were Numerous that a Certain Day all were to Report to the Court Recess with such armes as could be collected and to lett up the Kings Standard which from the [possession] of the then broken harted Rebels was Expected itt might be Defended but before that Day arrived the Said affair at Trentown hapened which Gave them fresh Spirits and he (Barton) was obliged to fly to the Brittish and carried said Comission with him and be come a colonel tho he had left with me a writing sighed by a General containing Instructions how to Proceed in case we succeeded Tho they the Rebels Never Got Said Instructions into their hands by Some papers thay found in Said Bartons chest who was afterwards taken prisoner by them Di[……] Some thing of the matter Soone after which I was Taken up and Confined upwards of two month in close Goale thirty miles from home afterward Indited and find two hundred and five pouds and a large cost and also Ajuged one whole years Imprisonment and Suffered all Except six months of which Mr Levegston who was calld Governor Abated by what he cald a pardon but was Little better than a prisoner all the time & Staid in the Countrey. At that time I was Possessed of a Valuable Grist and Saw mill and altho not Actually taken from me the Inhabitants were forbidden by their committee to use them or have aney Dealing with me which was to the same purpose as of taken from me. when I Left that country was obliged to Sell that with all other property I had Left for Less than half value. Shortly after I came to Niagara in the year 1787 the British Commissioners came Captin Walton then commander in the Garreson Sent for me and as he had seen my papers advised me to aply to them for my Losses which I did and was told by Mr Pembiton one of them that he beleved I was Justly intitled to Receive satisfaction but as I had Remaind in the States During the war I did not come with in the meaning of the act of parliament and advised me to petition Lord Dorchester for Lands and Captain Walton was so kind as to convey my Pettition down soon after I Received an order of Counsel for seven hundred acres of Land and have the most of it Located [Signed] Nathl Pettit” Read in the Executive Council on 4 Nov 1794. Ordered to be referred to the Surveyor General and to have a grant altogether of 2000 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 51]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit dated 12 Aug 1794
``Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner by Reason of his Steady attachment To his most Gratious majestye and the british constitution—hath suffered great Loss and that the Lands he hath Received in his opinion are Not Adiquit to what he hath Lost besides Great Suffering and Abuse and Therefore Most Humbly pray a further allotment such as your Excellency may Judge him worthy of and Petitioner as in Duty bound will Ever pray—[Signed] Nathl Pettit” Received in the Executive Council Office on 8 Jul 1794. No order noted on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 95]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit dated on 10 Aug 1796
“Courtland Skinner Esquire Attorney General of the State of New jersey Earley in the Late war in america Joynd the brittish Armey and obtained a Generals Comition he Knowing my Intentions were to Joyn them Sent me by a certain Nathaniel Veal who freaquently went privately for Intelegence that it was Better for me to Stay at home for – after some Time he thought I might be of Greater Servace to them than at present Joseph Barton was nerely in the Same Predicament with me hereing The British armey was at Newark purposing to pass through the provence toward pensylvania went to them and informed how Things Stood in Sussex County and its Vicenety ovtained a Commition which contained his own Home Mine and Robert Allefores wherein we were Directed and Required to Give Notice to all Such Loyelest as we could Depend on that when we Should Received orders for that purpose to Repair to the Courthouse with Such armes and the like as we Could Colect Raise the Kings Standard and from the condition of the then broken harted Rebels it was Sugestd it might be Defended but in a Short Time that unhapie Defeat of the hessions at Trentown on the 26th Day of December 1776 gave the Rebels Such hart in our parts that said Barton who has been too free in Speaking his minde was obliged to flye to the Brittish armey and Took with him the Comistion he had obtained and Served ther During the war a Colonel Tho he had Shown said Comt To me and maney others he left with me instructions how we Should proceed in Said General Skiners own hand writeing and as we had Given Notice to a Great Number of men they Came to us and Entred their Names with us for the purpose above Said [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 146c]
Letter from Nathaniel Pettit dated at 40 mile on 15 Oct 1796 addressed to the Honorable D. W. Smith attached to Pettit’s Upper Canada Land Petition
“Honored Sir I made out a Petition and it was Signed by a Number of Respectable names I Though to have waited on you with it but your office at publick times being so Thronged and I Left your place Sooner than I Expected prevented me I left it in the care of Andrew Heron and his father in law who promised to carry it to you for your Inspection and for what you mentioned am Sure Judge Russell will be favourable in that matter was the petition was that So well Done as might be [being] Done in a hurrey hope you will Except the Difficutlty incld Design and [Caress] being Good have enclosed my Declaration which I am Ready and willing to Sware to Every part of if [Heresery] and think the persons who Entred there names for that purpose in some Measure inlisted in the Servace and of Course Joynd the Royal Standard I would not Dista[le] to your Honours but am of opinion that if any thing is Done Lett such magistrate as you think might be Depended on be selected to take the Qualifications of the people as it is to be feared they may admit some unworthy Charretors who are Crept into this Government I meain such as bore arms against his majestye I need Not mention to you that Great hardships of a faithfull Subject lying under the charretor of a Rebel I [..ore] the court Refused severa[l] and admitted others Not so worthey pray Excuse my being so lont and incorrect and am your Humble Servant—[Signed] Nathl Pettit “P. S. Tho the petition did not mention [if] The intent of it is that all woerthy persons might have the benefit of the proclamation and Releved from that [unhop..] apelation of being caled a Rebel” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 146a]
Letter from Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at Niagara on 23 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit
“Sir I take the Liberty of enclosing to your Honor, a Letter I have received from Mr Pettit of the 15th [Ju..] together with his Declarations – in which he states he was included in a Commission with Colonel Barton—I am Sir, with respect, Your Honors most Obedt Servt [Signed] D W Smith [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 146]
Order of the Executive Council dated on 24 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Pettit
“The Many respectable offices Mr Petit has held in this Province and the many manifestations he has given of this Loyalty and probity induce the Board to plan the utmost Confidence in his Declaration of having received a British Commission and acting under it by order of Genl Skinner within the American Lines – The Board therefore orders that Mr Petit shall be considered & admitted to all the advantages of a U. E. Loyalist tho’ he did not actually joint the British Army before 1783” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 146d]
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: Pettit, Uriah authorized by Paul Averill on 24 Nov 1796; The oath of Allegiance not returned; Lot asked for: Lot 7 Concession 10; From memorandum on the original papers.
Upper Canada Land Petition of Uriah Pettit dated at Woodhouse on 5 Jul 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That he is the Son of a Loyallist is now residing in County of Norfolk is a Single man has taken the Oath of Allegiance and signed the Declaration prays for a Grant of Land to settle upon in the said County. —[Signed] Uriah Pettit” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 38]
Certificate of Samuel Ryerse, J. P. dated on 26 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Uriah Pettit
“I do hereby certify that on the 21st Day of April 1797 Uriah Pettit Twenty one years of Age Born in the State of New Jersey professing the Christian Religion (a Farmer) Personally appeared before me Samuel Ryerse Esquire one of His Majestys Justices of the Peace in and for the Western District of the Province of Upper Canada, and took the Oath of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration before me Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 38b]
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 Petty – Full Fee 200 acres in Humberstone Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117l]