Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Pickard to Powell"


Pickard, Benjamin

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard, James Pickard and Benjamin Pickard received at the Executive Council Office on 21 May 1794

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners have served his Majesty during the late War, in Butlers Rangers, previous to Our being discharged we were allowed to settle on the Four Mile Creek, which falls within the Land, reserved by Government, as your Petitioners located and settled under a Familiar authority with any of the rest of the People settled within the reserve, therefore Prays that your Excellency will be pleased to confirm us in our Possessions, as the lands were Surveyed and a Plan made by Allan McDonell that your Petitioners now have in possession. And your Petitioners will as in duty bound Ever Pray—[Signed] Wm Pickard, James Pickard, Benjn Pickard” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 May 1794. Ordered to be heard on Saturday the 31st of May. No order of Council recorded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 24]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Pickard (signed Pickart) dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 20 Jul 1795

“Most humbly sheweth that your petitioner served His Majesty during the late American War and at the peace sat down near this town on what your petitioner conceived to be a two Hundred acre lot on the four Mile Creek there being only one other Settler on the Creek at the time of such Settlement—That part of the lands so settled upon by your petitioner have since proved to be within the reserved lands of the Crown by which means your Petitioner has only an all front, wanting some acres of an Hundred; —That part of the lands formerly considered as your petitioners was claimed by one John Snow (a person who never dreamed of forming any pretensions, having only sat down on sufferance from your petitioner many years after the land was in the occupation of your petitioner) untill the said John Snow was prompted & guided by one Daniel Servos thro’ the medium of Snow wished to obtain an indirect appropriation of the lands to himself which Scheme so far succeeded that the said Snow obtained grounds of Hopes from your Excellency of having a grant of such lands being Sixty acres—That said Snow is since Dead intestate and without Heirs in this province; —Wherefore your Excellency would consider his case & permit this coming before Your Excellency by himself or attorney with proper Evidence to Substantiate his pretentions to the lands so claimed by Snow—or give such other order thereon as may be efficient of Equity—and in the mean time direct that no appropriations be made of the lands in Contest. Your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c—[Signed] Benjamin Pickart” Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 Jul 1795. No order of Council recorded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 24]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Pickard dated on 17 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Benjamin Pickard late of Butlers Rangers who hath received about 100 acres on the 4 mile creek – Township of Newark – being part of 290 acres granted to Wm James & Benjn Pickard— That your petitioner settled on the lands of the Crown in this Province, & has cultivated and improved the same. That he has taken the usual oaths, & 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 an additional 200 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 12 Jul. Ordered recommended if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 41]

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]


Pickard, Elizabeth

Undated Upper Canada Land Petitioner of Elizabeth Pickard read in the Executive Council on 6 Jun 1799

“The Petition of Elizabeth Pickard Wife of William Pickard, of the four Mile Creek, Township of Newark – Humbly Sheweth, That at a very early Period your Petitioners husband, Joined the British Standard, during the late Dissentions in America, after which your Petitioner accompanied by her husband & Six Children came to Niagara and joined Col: Butlers Rangers; That your Petitioner is Sensible of having thro: her husband received the usual allotment of family lands for her Children, which have been Since Disposed of without your Petitioners Knowledge, and little benefit arising therefrom – In an advanced life, with an Indifferent prospect of Support your Petitioner applys To your honor, for a Personal Bounty from the Crown, in an Allotment of Two hundred acres of Waste Land; —Could your Honor be made sensible of the Exertions of your Petitioner in the late war This Boon will not be Denied and as in Duty Bound Your Petr Will ever Pray” Elizth Pickard made her mark. “W. Dickson (present)” Read in the Executive Council on 6 Jun 1799. Ordered petition rejected. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 62]


Pickard, Elizabeth (Osterhout)

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Osterhout dated at Niagara on 21 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“Petition of William Osterhout – late of Butlers Rangers – (as p his Discharge) Respectfully shews- That your Petitioner is married to Elizabeth, Daughter of William Pickard & that neither he or his wife have ever 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 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 as a discharge Ranger 300 acres of land & to his wife 200 as Daughter of a Loyalist U. E. and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Added notation of Thomas Ridout J. P.: “I do hereby certify that Willm Osterhout personally applied to me for the above petition [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Oct [1796] and read in Council on 8 Oct. Ordered for himself 300 acres as a discharged soldier- and 200 in right of his wife the daughter of a Loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “O” Bundle 2, Petition Number 4]

Certificate of John McGill IGPPA attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Osterhout

“William Osterhout is priviledged for a Deed of One hundred Acres as MC-

Cyrus Anderson in Priviledged for One Deed of Two hundred acres as SUE” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “O” Bundle 2, Petition Number 4b]

Certificate of John Beikie, Deputy Clerk of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Osterhout

“The Name of William Osterhout’s Wife is Elizabeth, Daughter of William Pickard—as expressed in the Petition of William Osterhout which was Read in Council on the 8th October 1796—[Signed] John Beikie Depy CEC To The Surveyor General” Added line of John McGill IGPPA: “DUE for One Deed [Signed] John McGill IFPPA” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “O” Bundle 2, Petition Number 4c]


Pickard, James

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard, James Pickard and Benjamin Pickard received at the Executive Council Office on 21 May 1794

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners have served his Majesty during the late War, in Butlers Rangers, previous to Our being discharged we were allowed to settle on the Four Mile Creek, which falls within the Land, reserved by Government, as your Petitioners located and settled under a Familiar authority with any of the rest of the People settled within the reserve, therefore Prays that your Excellency will be pleased to confirm us in our Possessions, as the lands were Surveyed and a Plan made by Allan McDonell that your Petitioners now have in possession. And your Petitioners will as in duty bound Ever Pray—[Signed] Wm Pickard, James Pickard, Benjn Pickard” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 May 1794. Ordered to be heard on Saturday the 31st of May. No order of Council recorded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 24]

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]


Pickard, John

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Pickard of Niagara received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Nov 1801

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province in the Month of July last with his Family consisting of a Wife and Ten Children all of whom he now has in the Township of Niagara. Your Petitioner has a large Stock with abundance of Farming utensils, Waggons &c &c. Your Petitioner left his home with others to join the British in the 1778 but was unfortunately taken Prisoner and detained. Your Petitioners Father and his two other Sons joined Butlers Rangers and served untill the Peace they have always since been in the Township of Niagara and settled on the Four Mile Creek. Your Petitioner wishing to Settle in this Province with his Family Humbly Prays that Lands may be granted Him such quantity as to your Excellency may appear meet and your Petitioner as in duty Bound will Ever Pray [Signed] John Pickard” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Nov 1801 and read in Council on 24 Nov 1801. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in Markham or Yonge Street. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 5, Petition Number 51]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated at Niagara on 14 Nov 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Pickard

“The Petitioner John Pickard is Son to William Pickard a U. E. Loyalist who with two Sons Joined the Royal Standard and Served in Butlers Corps of Rangers during the American War – The Petitioner came into this Province in July last with his Wife, Six Sons and four Daughters with a good Stock, Farming utensils &c &c &c and is a Man of industry and good fame. [Signed] Ralfe Clench, Lieut Butlers late Rangers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 5, Petition Number 51]


Pickard, Margaret (Dedrick)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Dedrick [husband signed Dettrick, cover page has Tedrick] read in the Executive Council on 7 Apr 1797

Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is wife to Jacob Dedrick a Serjt in the late Corps of Butlers Rangers and Daughter of William Pickard of 4 Mile Creek also a Ranger, and an U. E. Loyalist; Therefore Prays your Honor would take her situation into Your Consideration and Grant her Two Hundred acres of Land and as in duty Bound your Petitioner will ever Pray [Signed] Jacob Dettrick for His Wife Margaret Pickard” Read in the Executive Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Dedrick

“This may certify that I have Known Jacob Dederick of Grantham farmer since the Year 1783: as well as his wife the daughter of William Pickard late of Niagara deceased a UE Loyalist – That the said Jacob Dederick retained his loyalty during the late war and is a faithful Subject to His Majesty- [Signed] Ralfe Clench” Added note: “And that the said Jacob Dedricks wife Margaret is alive and living in the Province [Signed] Alexr Stewart” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42b]

Certificate of Bernard Frey dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Dedrick

“I certify that Margaret Tederick is the daughter of a Loyalist – that I have been acquainted with her many years & that she bears an un[….]tionable character [Signed Bernard Frey” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42c]

Warrant issued to Jacob Tederick attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Dedrick

Granted to Jacob Tederick In right of his wife Two hundred Acres. Order of Council 7th April 1797 [Signed] John Small C E C” Warrant was crossed through with the notation: “This Warrant must issue in the Wife’s Name & is cancelled for that purpose” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 42d]


Pickard, Mary (Rowe)

Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe received at the Executive Council on 20 Apr 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served last American War in Col. Butlers Rangers as a Serjeant till the Reduction of 1783 – That your Petitioner recd three hundred acres of land as pr annexed Certificate, which he has made Considerable improvements on – That your Petitioner has been twice married to Daughters of Loyalists – first to the Daughter of Fredk Smith who died about the year 1793, and afterwards to the Daughter of Willm Pickard who also died about a month ago – Wherefore your Petitioner Humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to Confirm him in the three hundred acres already recd likewise the residue of his Military Lands – and for his two wives deceased – two hundred acres each, as the Daughters of Loyalists and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Rowe” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Apr 1797 and read in Council on 25 Apr. Ordered 500 acres including former grants to complete his military land as a reduced Serjeant. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14]

Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. dated at Stamford on 27 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe

“I do hereby Certify that John Row’s first wife Leah was the daughter of Fredk Smith a Loyalist and also his second wife Mary was the daughter of William Picket a Loyalist. Given under my hand at Stamford this 27th day of March 1797—[Signed] John Reilly J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14b]

Certificate of Alexander McDonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe

“I hereby certify that [John Rowe served as a] Serjeant in Butlers Rangers during the American War, & as such was esteemed by his officers, & beloved by the soldiers – I further certify that as a settler in the Home District he is a respectable man, & to be trusted on any emergency [Signed] Alexr McDonell late Lieut. of Rangers, and Sheriff of the Home District” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14c]

Certificate of Robert Hamilton, J. P. dated at Queenston on 25 Apr 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe

“John Rowe was a Serjeant in Colonel Butlers Rangers for Six years—He Settled at the End of the war in this district & has ever since Maintained a most Respectable Character for Industry Sobriety & Morality. He has been twice Married each time to Daughters of Loyalists—He has never Received more than three hundred Acres from the Land board—His Modesty I verily believe has hitherto prevented his Soliciting for more either for himself or his Family—Queenston April 25 1795 [Signed] R. Hamilton JP.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14d]


Pickard, William

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard, James Pickard and Benjamin Pickard received at the Executive Council Office on 21 May 1794

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners have served his Majesty during the late War, in Butlers Rangers, previous to Our being discharged we were allowed to settle on the Four Mile Creek, which falls within the Land, reserved by Government, as your Petitioners located and settled under a Familiar authority with any of the rest of the People settled within the reserve, therefore Prays that your Excellency will be pleased to confirm us in our Possessions, as the lands were Surveyed and a Plan made by Allan McDonell that your Petitioners now have in possession. And your Petitioners will as in duty bound Ever Pray—[Signed] Wm Pickard, James Pickard, Benjn Pickard” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 May 1794. Ordered to be heard on Saturday the 31st of May. No order of Council recorded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 24]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard Received in the Executive Council Office on 11 Apr 1797

“Humbly shews—that he is an old man, by trade a Mason—wishes to have his farm, & reside in Town to follow his trade—therefore prays your Honor to grant him a town Lot & he will pray—” Wm Pickard made his mark. Received in the Executive Council Office on 11 Apr 1797 and read in Council same day. Noted this petitioner personally appeared before me and declared his intention to become a Settler in Newark. A Town Lot ordered. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 52]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard dated at Four Mile Creek on 10 Oct 1796

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner was one of the first Setlers on the four Mile Creek, when the land was all Vacant About Him, had the Promise of Two Hundred Acres, as It was ordered Paid five Dollars to the Surveyor to Run out Two Hundred Acres, when Afterwards Part of said Lands was Reserved for the Crown it Prevented him from Getting Tickets from the land Board for it, when His Excellency Governor Simcoe Granted then lands at what Lays this side of the Four Mile Creek was Granted to others something less then one Hundred Acres left for your Petitioner. I complained to Governor Simcoe He […] me to As Contents I should have my Compliment on the side of the Creek I have Delivered a Petition to his Excellency in Council into the Hands of Mr Small better then a year ago, Have Weeried myself calling on him with Cares and can not Get an Answer and as I understand that the land on the other side of the Creek adjoining mine if Not Prevented, will Now be Granted to one George Caughell, who Neither Served in the late war nor was a setler Near these lands, only of late Purchased a Hundred Acres adjoining it, your Petitioner Humbly Beggs that your Excellency will be Pleased to Take His Case into Consideration and To Him Justice Done and your Petitioner That as in Duty Bound Ever Pray – [Signed] William Pickard” Postscript added to the end of the petition: “NB That you Petitioner is now too old to move into the woods which will be the case if he Can Get no more lands as his improvement will be all Cut into Pieces to Give his sons what land is Granted to them if He Does not Get some wood Land that the can Get their Compliment [Initialled] W. P.” Added note of a Councillor: “Monday, Let him bring his Petition to Council today at 12 oclock” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to report. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 1]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickert [sic] dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Aug 1795

“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner served in the late Corps of Butler’s Rangers with two of his Sons. That your Petitioner brought into the province a wife and Six Children—That your Petitioner was one of the first Settlers on the Stream called the Four Mile Creek and located thereon two Hundred acres of Land—That some new arrangements have Since taken place a Number of later Settlers have crowded upon your Petitioner—and some who never formed any Settlement on the said Four Mile Creek wish to sit down upon Your Petitioners Improvement & altho there is a Sufficiency of unappropriated lands on the west side of the said Four Mile Creek to satisfy the Claims of Your Petitioner & of his two Sons yet an attempt is made to Stint him and them to three Hundred acres, & less, among them all, and at the Same time introduce Strangers on the remaining Lands—Wherefore your Petitioner prays that your Excellency will allow him two Hundred [line lost in the fold] said Four Mile Creek—exclusive of One Hundred acres to each of His Sons—and further that your Excellency be pleased to allow him Such further allowance of land else where as your Excellency may consider your Petitioner entitled to—and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray &c—[Signed] Wm Pickert” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Aug. Ordered the Petitioner having set himself down on the reserved lands of the Crown without authority and being since secured in his improvement with an additional quantity on the west side of the creek, the Committee does not think proper to recommend the prayer of the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 51]

Certificate of Lieutenant Ralfe Clench dated on 18 Aug 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickert

“Wm Pickard served as a Soldier with his Sons in Butlers Rangers dureing the late War. [Signed] R Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 51a]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard of the Township of Newark received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Feb 1797

“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner served in Butlers Rangers during the american war- & has received about 100 acres of Land only being part of about 300 acres granted him and two sons on the four mile Creek – That he brought a wife and six children into the Province in the year 1777—prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him the remainder of his Military and his Family Lands – and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray.” Wm. Pickard made his mark. “witness T Ridout” “300 acres for Self 350 family = 650 from […..] to be deducted the lands he has received.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 10 Mar 1797. Ordered that petitioners military and family lands be made up if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 71]

Certificate of Peter Ball J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 15 Feb 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Pickard

“I do hereby Certify that William Pickard served as a Private Soldier in Butlers Rangers & that he came to Niagara in the year 1778 with a family Consisting of a Wife and six children who are all living & in this Province [Signed] P Ball J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 71b]

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]


Pickard, _______ (Markle)

Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Markle received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Jan 1797

“The petition of Frederick Markle Respectfully Shews That your petitioner served during last War in Colonel Butlers late Corps of Rangers, as Certified by the annexed Certificate and That your petitioner has a Wife and Six children Three of which was born previous to the Year 1789 and likewise his wife is the Daughter of a Loyalist—That your petitioner has only received One hundred acres of Land prays your Honor would be pleased for to grant him him [sic] his residue, and such quantity for his wife and family as your Honor may think proper and your petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray—” Fredk Markle made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 25 Feb 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres to complete his military lands to 300 acres, 200 acres to him as family and 200 acres to his wife the Daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 228]

Certificate of Peter Ball, J. P. dated 12 Sep 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Markle

“I do hereby Certify that Frederick Markel [sic] has served in Butlers Rangers during the Rebellion, was very active and always behaved himself as a good solder [sic] he was several times on recruiting parties in the enemies Country made some acquisitions to the said Corps, at the Reduction he settled at the four mile Creek on only one hundred acres of Land which he has greatly improved and I believe is all the Lands he has Located he has now a family consisting of a Wife & six children, his wife is the Daughter of a Loyalist who served in the above Corps” [Signed] P Ball J. P. a Lieut of the Late Rangers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 228b]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated on 5 Sep 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Markle

“Frederick Marakle who served in Butlers late Corps of Rangers was one of the most active men in the Corps, a brave & willing Soldier, he is married to [the] daughter of Wm Pickard an old Ranger, was [ma]rried before the reduction of the Corps. [Signed] R Clench Lt late Rangers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 2, Petition Number 228c]


Pilkington, Robert

Upper Canada Land Petition of Robert Pilkington dated at Niagara on 25 Oct 1792

“Humbly prayeth That your Petitioner may be permitted to located a Parcel of Land situated between the Four mile Pond and John Secords West Line, bounded on the North by Lake Ontario and running South so as to contain Two Hundred Acres: which will be gratefully acknowleged by your Petitioner [Signed] Robt Pilkington” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 128]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Lieutenant Robert Pilkington dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 30 Sep 1796

“Humbly represents, That your Petitioner as Engineer hath ever readily and chearfully assisted in all Provincial Services. That he hath been very frequently engaged in such by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, and hath always had the honor to receive this Approbation. That your Petitioner was a Member of the Land Board, In which capacity he trusts that he manifested much care in the Promotion of the Welfare of His Majestys Province, by an assiduous attention to the distribution of the Crown Lands. He therefore prays that your Honor will be pleased to grant him such an additional quantity of Lands as in your Honor’s wisdom you may think your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray [Signed] Robt Pilkington” Read in the Executive Council on 6 Oct 1796. Ordered in consideration of Lieut. Pilkingtons many services to this Province as an Engineer and the considerable expenses he has been at in improving and building upon several lots in the Town of Newark, ordered that the 1200 acres heretofore granted to him to make up 2000 acres to put him upon a footing with other officers of his rank who have settled in this Province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 38]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Robert Pilkington dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Mar 1799

“Sheweth That Lot Number One in the second Concession of the Township of Grantham containing one Hundred Acres, was given by the Land Board of the District to Thomas Marsh and afterwards transferred by the same Board, for a bona fide consideration to Daniel Cassada of whom your Memorialist purchased the said Lot: as will appear by the Bond of the said Daniel Cassada to your Memorialist, and also a Power of Attorney to take out the Deed. But as the said Thomas Marsh is no longer in the Province, the said Daniel Cassada cannot obtain a regular Title so as to convey the Land in discharge of his Bond, whereby your Memorialist is in danger of losing both his Land and Money: Therefore he prays to surrender His Majesty’s Deed to Thomas Marsh, and that another Deed may issue securing the said Land to your Memorialist. And your Memorialist further sheweth That Lot number One Hundred and Sixty four in the Township of Newark was located by James Merkle of whom John Waterhouse purchased the same, as will appear by certain affidavits made as to that fact; the said James Merkle being now out of the Province. That your Memorialist hath also purchased the said Lot, for a bona fide consideration; and as no Deed hath as yet issued he humbly prays that His Majesty’s Deed may confirm him in the same. Your Memorialist paying the usual Fees on the Deeds, and Your Memorilaist as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Robt Pilkington” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Mar 1799. Ordered referred to the consideration of a committee of the Council. Read again in Council on 26 Mar 1799. Ordered recommended that the Deed of No 1 in the 2nd Conn of Grantham be cancelled and a new deed thereof issued to the Petitioner. Recommend also that the deed for No 164 in the Township of Newark issue to the Petitioner both on payment of the full fees under Old Regulation on both deeds. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1]

Land Board Certificate issued to Thomas Marsh dated on 1 May 1792 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Robert Pilkington (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Bearer Thomas Marsh having on the first day of May 1792 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of One Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No 3 in the District of Late Nassau We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Newark this first day of May one thousand seven hundred and ninety two To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Late Nassau. [Signed] R. Hamilton, Robert Kerr, John McNabb” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Thomas March the Lot No 1 in the 2nd Concessn in the Township of No three in the District of Late Nassau containing one Hundred Acres Twenty Chains by Fifty.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1c]

Notation of the Land Board dated on 18 Jan 1794 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain Robert Pilkington

“The Land Board Consent to the Transfer of this Lott In [name] Thomas Marsh Soldier in the 84th Regt to Daniel Cassady Land Board Jany 18th 1794 [Signed] R. Hamilton, Robert Kerr, John McNabb [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1e]


Plato, Peter

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Plato dated at Niagara on 17 May 1796 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Petition of Peter Plato late of Butlers Rangers who has received 300 acres of Land but having married Gertrude, the Daughter of Cornelius Bowen—a discharged Ranger – (who has not recd any Lands Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him 200 acres in behalf of his wife. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” Peter “Blado” made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 May 1796. Ordered certificate wanted. Received again at the Executive Council Office on 12 Jul. Read in Council on 23 May 1798. Ordered 200 acres to Gertrude (alias) Catharine Bowen, the wife of Peter Plato, as the Daughter of a U. E. Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 44]

Certificate of Henry Bowen dated on 27 Apr 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Plato

“I Henry Bowen, do certify that I am the son of the late Cornelius Bowen late of the Township of Bertie, a U. E. Loyalist, and that Peter Plato has married to my sister Catherine—[Signed] Henry Bowen” “Sworn before me at York this 27 Day of April 1798 – [Signed] D W Smith JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 44b]


Plummer, Rebecca

Upper Canada Land Petition of Rebecca Plummer dated on 28 Mar 1797

“humbly sheweth, That your Petitioner residing in the family of the Revd Mr Addison is desirous of a Grant of the Crown Lands in this province, and humbly begs such a portion may be granted her as your Honor shall Judge proper, And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray &c. —[Signed] Rebecca Plummer” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 31 Mar 1797. Ordered two hundred acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 79]


Point Abino, Inhabitants of

Upper Canada Land Petition of the inhabitants in the area of Point Abino, Bertie Twp. dated at Point Abino on 14 Jan 1797

“The Petition of the underwritten Inhabitants of the place commonly called point Abino in the Township of Bertie—Most humbly Sheweth That Timothy Skinner and one Crane having petitioned your Honor for Leave to build a Mill on Lot No 32 in the Front or water Concession of the said Township, your Petitioners humbly pray leave to inform your Honor, that if such Mill be built it will be ruinous to all the neighbouring Settlers, as it will be the means of laying under water upwards of three Thousand Acres of their Lands Wherefore they pray your Honor against permission to build that said Mill and as in duty bound they will pray &c. [Signed] James Edsal, David Baxter, Robert Stewart, Michael Shirk, Ob. Dennis, Edwd Stooks, and Peter Cruikshanks” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Jan 1797. Ordered referred to the order on Crane’s petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 2, Petition Number 37]


Pollard, Edward

Upper Canada Land Petition of Edward Pollard dated at Montreal on 26 Sep 1775

“Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner with his Family having Resided Eleven Years at Niagara, and being desirous to Establish himself and Carry on a Settlement in the said Province—Your Petitioner humbly prays your Excellency will be pleased to Grant him a Tract of Land on the west side of Niagara River about Eight Miles above where the same Empties itself into Lake Ontario—Beginning on the Bank of the said River on the North side of a Meadow or Swamp situated at the foot of the Great Mountain, thence along the Bank of the said River upwards Four Leagues in Front & Four Leagues in Depth or Back in the Woods French Measure—And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Edwd Pollard” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Sep 1775 and read in Council on 11 May 1778. Notated see order thereon of that day. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 136]


Porter, Lebbeus

Upper Canada Land Petition of David Mills, John Beaman and Lebbeus Porter dated on 19 Jun 1795

“most Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners having explored this Province from Kingston to this place by the way of York, wishes to settle in Newark: and set up as a Sadler, a Nailor and Blacksmith. They are young men Just arrived to the years of manhood and wishes to settle under the British Government. Therefore prays your Excellency will please to Grant them 200 Acres of Land each, in any unlocated part of this province; and a Town Lot each in Newark, but your Excellency Probably will permit them to settle in York this is Left to your Superior wisdom to point out for them—They pray permission to bring in their Stock as Tradesmen, as above noted according to a List which they herewith present to your Excellency. Your Petitioners will ever Pray—[Signed] David Mills, Jno Beaman, Lebbeus Porter” Read in the Executive Council on 22 Jun 1795. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “M” Bundle 1, Petition Number 50]


Post, Jacob

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Post dated at Niagara on 28 Sep 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Jacob Post—late of Butler’s Rangers— 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 Honor, would be pleased to grant him 300 acres of land as a reduced soldier. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Added note: “Petitioner also prays for a Lot in the Town of Newark on which he would build immediately. Petitioner has a wife & four childn” Added notation of Thomas Ridout N. P.: “I do hereby certify that the above petition was made out on the Personal application of Jacob Post- [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Sep 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct. Ordered prayer granted on condition of his producing certificates of his family being in the Province if no lands have been granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 44]

Certificate of Peter Ball J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 27 Sep 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Post

“I do hereby Certify that Jacob Post served as a Private soldier in Butlers Rangers during the late War. [Signed] P Ball J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 44b]


Potts, Jacob

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Potts dated on 7 Oct 1796

“Humbly shews- That your Petitioner has been settled some time in the Province since the year 1789 – and in the Township of Willoughby before the Lands were surveyed, Having been authorised by the Land Board to look out Lands for himself & family – which consists of a wife and six children—that since the survey of the above mentioned Township your Petitioner finds that his Improvements- consisting of a Dwelling House and twenty acres of cleared Land, falls on Lots No 14 & 15- in the 5th Conn on which the name of E. Dean have been since entered- He prays your Honor would be pleased to confirm him in the possession of the said Lot – & also to grant him 200 additional acres- as his Family is large – And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray – [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout N. P. “I do hereby certify that the Petition was made out upon the Personal application of Jacob Potts [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Oct 1796 and read the same day. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to report.” Subsequent order: “The Acting Surveyor General having reported the Petitioner improved under the sanction of the Land Board on Lots No 14 & 15 in the 5th Concession of Willoughby before the appropriation to Ezra Deane – he is to be confirmed in those lots including his improvements. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 18]

Certificate of William Dickson dated on 29 Aug 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Potts

“I do hereby Certify that the Bearer, hereof Jacob Potts, late from Maryland; now of Chipawa Creek, appeared before me this Twenty Ninth day of August 1796, and took the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty and signed the Declaration [Signed] William Dickson JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 18]


Potts, John

Deposition of John Potts dated on 16 Nov 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas and Mary Welch

“Upper Canada Home District} To Wit On the Sixteenth Day of November Seventeen hundred and Ninety six, personally Came and appeared before me John Burch Esquire, one of His Majestys Justices of the Peace for the District aforesaid, John Potts of thirty two Years of Age, who being first Sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, Deposeth and Saith That he this Deponant was well acquainted with Mrs Mary Welch’s Family who resided in Harford County in the former Province now state of Maryland. That Thomas Mitchell, Father to the said Mary Welch, was to this Deponants Certain knowledge a true friend to the British Government during the late American War. This Deponant further Saith upon his oath aforesaid, that the said Thomas Mitchell in the time of the late war aforesaid, suffered much in his property by fines Trible Taxes &c on account of his Loyalty And further this Deponant Saith not [Signed] John Potts Sworn Before Me the day & date as Above [Signed] John Burch J Peace” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 4, Petition Number 69b]


Pound, Daniel

Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Pound dated at Niagara on 26 Jun 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Daniel Pound- Respectfully shews- That he served His Majesty as set forth in the annexed Certificate- & that he has a wife and Six 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 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 & Family upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, such 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 26 Jul and read in Council on 14 Jul. Ordered recommended for three hundred acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 10]

Certificate of Parshall Terry, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Pound

“This is to Certify that the barer Daniel Pound Served His Majesty in the Enginears Department as proved to me by Mr Turvey at Straten isleland From the year 1778 to 1779 and continued in the British Lines During the war and that he Moved into this Provence in 1783 with his wife and three children and hath had three Children since in this Provence [Signed] Parshall Terry JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 10b]


Powell, Anne

Upper Canada Land Petition of Anne Powell dated at York (Toronto) on 5 Jul 1798

“The Petition of Anne Powell wife of William Dummer Powell one of the Judges of the Court of the King’s Bench – humbly sheweth That your Petitioner seeing the probability of being obliged to a future residence in York the Seat of the present Government, is desirous of procuring means to extend the Conveniences of such residence beyond the limits of a single acre & humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to assign to her, in the Town of York, the Lot No 8 at the western Extremity of the Town, immediately in the rear of that assigned to her Husband, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c—for Anne Powell [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Jan 1798 and read in Council on 6 Jan. Ordered that No 8 in rear of Mr Justice Powell’s lot be appropriated to the Petitioner as prayed for. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 4, Petition Number 10]


Powell, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain John Powell of the late Indian Department dated at Newark on 19 Jun 1795

“Most humbly sheweth That Your Excellency’s Petitioner as Captain in the late Indian Department stands entitled to Three Thousand Acres of Land of which Petitioner has only drawn Sixteen Hundred Acres there are therefore Fourteen Hundred acres still to be drawn by the Petitioner—That your petitioner has been made to understand that he would be entitled to receive for his family which is numerous, a certain proportion of Lands—Wherefore your Petitioner prays that your Excellency would be pleased to direct the acting Surveyor General to grant an assignment of the above fourteen Hundred acres of Land in such vacant and assignable part of this District as your Petitioner may make Election of and also a reasonable proportion as your Excellency may in your Wisdom deem your petitioners family entitled to it having been hitherto the established Custom in this part of the province to make an allowance of Lands to the families of Loyalists—And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c [Signed] John Powell” Read in Council on 29 Jul 1795. Ordered to inquire the number of his family. “A wife—years 11 Mary and year 10 William, Wm Powell who d Nov 5th 1795” Read again in Council on 12 May 1796. Ordered granted the remainder of his own lands and one hundred and fifty acres for his family. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 16]

Captain Powell was mentioned in the testimony of David Ramsay added to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Burger Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Aug 1795. [The following is as written by Ramsay]

This Fredrick Burger was the first Settler Between fort Eare and Chipewa Creek. then across the Creek, above a Mr. Risley bought a possession of a lott above mr Risley Capt. Powell also bought a possession of John Sipes after this Capt. Powell took possession of several Back Lotts Between the Lake and this Creek—and below Burger in the front a mr Carrol Came and improved, below Burger and Burger forbid mr Carrol and told mr Carrol that he was too nigh him. Nevertheless he improved. the Land was first surveyed by Allen McDonald, then Burgers Lott was a hundred and Sixty Eight acres—again it was surveyed by Philip fry then Burger was only Left those few Acres of brocken fronts and part of a lott in the 2d and part of a lott in the 3d Concession. burger then Invited Coppers and his wife from fort Slusher to Live Close by him and he gave Coppers a pice of Clear ground to build on and make a garden, and in 1787 Coppers had an improvement in one of the back Concessions and Burger and Coppers had there houses Close together, then Agustes Jones surveyed the Land and Burger was Left only the brocken front. soon after at a land Board held on the mountain Burger and his neighbours was there mr Carrol would have Relinquished his right to Burger providing that Burger would make such another improvement for mr Carrol. But mr Hamelton would not Alow of it. mr Hamelton saw that Burger must pay mr Carrol money for his improvement (But where Could a poor Soulder get money at that time when he owned nothing Larger then a hoge or a dog and he Saved his wheat some years and houed it in with the howe) Colonel Butler Said to Give the poor man his Land But mr Hamelton said that Burger must pay money So Burger Got no Land and it Continued so until the Arrival of his Excellency when Burger memoreld his Excellency which Greatly Offented Colonel Pouel and John Warren Esqr being Burgers Petition Called them and others of the Authorety Land Jobbers, as they were, then the Land Board, again Dispossessed Coppers in Right and put Burger in possession of this Lott the second time. this is the Lott that Burger now petitioners straight back of where he now Lives—I certainly Know that part of what I have wrote is a truth for Burger has showed me papers wrote by Philip fry allotting burger some Back Land which papers burger has yet. I also know that in 1787 that Copers had I suppose three Acres of a Clearence in a back Lott and part of his fence was Brush fence on this incloser Coppers planted and Coppers gave me also Liberty to Plant a bushel of pottatos in his incloser which the people that now Lives there Knows this to be a truth. [Signed] David Ramsay. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 91]

Certificate of John Powell, J. P. dated at Bertie on 14 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Johnston

“To all to whom these Presents shall come, Know Ye that being half Brother by the mothers side to William Johnston late Lieut in the six Nation Indian Department at Niagara, and brought up together with him, and never Knew of any other child of the Late Captain John Johnston of the six Nation Indian Department who died in the Province of Quebec in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven Hundred and Eighty Six—I do hereby Certify that the said William Johnston is the only Lawful Heir to the Estate of the said Captain John Johnston Deceased and I do further Certify that the said John Johnston was appointed Captain in the said six Nation Indian Department in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and seventy and serv’d and bore that Commission untill the End of the War; and have every reason to believe that he never taken up any part of the Lands due him for such services – In testimony whereof I have hereon to set my hand and Seal at Bertie this 14th day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and ninety seven—[Signed] John Powell JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “I” “J” Bundle 3, Petition Number 21b]

Mentioned in a Report dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 30 Dec 1799

“Sir Presuming whenever any difficulty may appear in this Office so that it cannot of itself act with the precision which is requisite – that it should respectfully submit the same to His Excellency in Council – We therefore Sir beg leave to enclose a Land Board Certificate of the late District of Nassau issued to Philip Wintermute the 3d May 1791 for 200 acres of Land, & assigned the same day by Mr Jones the Dy Surveyor for the Lots No 8 & 9 in the first Concession of the Township of Fort Erie (now Bertie) – underneath which is a certificate of W B Sheehan Clerk of the Land Board in those words “these two Lots are to be equally divided between Philip Wintermute, John Powell Esqr & Henry Anguish, who are to have one third each” – On the back of the Certificate are the following words in the Handwriting of the actg Surveyr General “Query, how to be divided” and afterwards in the same hand—Henry Anguish South part, Philip Wintermute – the middle, John Powell – the north part” Agreeably to which partition the said Lots were described by the ag Surveyr General some time in the Summer or Spring of 1797 – and sent to the Attorney Generals Office under Descriptions No 5971 – 5972 – 5973—This morning the above mentioned certificate has been sent to this office by the Atty General with the followg indorsement— “The Surveyor General is requested to prepare a Description of the within Lots entire – if the other parties have any interest, they must seek their remedy agst Mr Wintermute”—We pray you will therefore be pleased to lay the same before the Honble the Council—and are Sir Your most obedt Servant for the ag. Surr General [Signed] Chewett & Ridout [To] J. Small Esqr CEC” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Jan 1800 and read in Council on 21 Jan 1800. Ordered recommended that the deed for the two lots issue to Wintermute. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 56c]

Land Board Certificate issued to Philip Wintermute dated on 12 Mar 1792 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“The Bearer Philip Wintermute having on the 3d day of May 1791 preferred to this Board a Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council for a grant of Two Hundred Acres of land in the Township of No Fort Erie in the District of Nassau We have examined into his loyalty and character and find him duly qualified to receive a single Lot of about two hundred Acres, the oath of fidelity and allegiance directed by law having this day been administered to him by the board, in conformity to the fourth article of the Rules and Regulations aforementioned. Given at the Board at Nassau this 3d day of March one thousand seven hundred and Ninety one To Augustus Jones Acting Surveyor General for the District of Nassau. [Signed] J. Butler, R. Hamilton, B. Pawling, John Burch, John Warren” Certificate of the Acting Surveyor: “I Assign to the Bearer Philip Wintermute the Lot No 8 & 9 in 1st Concessn in the Township of No Fort Erie in the District of Nassau containing Two Hundred Acres Forty Chains by fifty.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 56]

Notation of Walter B. Sheehan, Clerk on the Land Board Certificate of Philip Wintermute

“These two Lots are to be Equally divided between Philip Wintermute, John Powel Esqr & Henry Anguish, who are to have one third each – By the Board. [Signed] W. B. Sheehan Clk” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 56]

Notation on the reverse of the Land Board Certificate of Philip Wintermute

“Query how to be divided” “Henry Anguish South part, Philip Wintermute the middle, John Powel the north part” “The Surveyor is requested to prepare a description of the within lots, entire – If the other parties have any contest they must seek their remedy agt Mr Wintermute [Signed] J White AG Decr 30 1799” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 56b]


Powell, Joseph

Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Powell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 9 Aug 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served His Majesty in the late Corps of Rangers commanded by Lieutt Colonel Butler in the American war, and has resided in this Province ever since the said Corps were disbanded but has Located no Lands; Wherefore he hopes your Excellency will please to grant him Three Hundred Acres to improve upon, and your petitioner in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Josh Powell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Oct 1795. Ordered recommended for 300 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 22]


Powell, William Dummer

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell Esquire, First Judge of the Court of Common pleas for the District of Hesse dated at District of Hesse on 14 Aug 1789

“Sheweth That your Petitioner upon his Arrival in the District sought in vain for a Lease or Purchase of a House, but being informed that an Indian Grant of Three Acres in front situate between the Improvements of Alexis Mainsonville Esquire and Bodeine Louis Labadie, heretofore made in ’76 to Ensign Carden of his Majestys’s 60th Regiment of Foot had remained unimproved, was advised to get Possession thereof to build and only delayed his application to your Lordship through the Land Board of the District for permission to occupy untill he could discover what, if any, Disbursements had been made by Ensign Carden on the said Lot, that your Petitioner might state as he now does (without having been able to obtain Knowledge) his business to reimburse Mr Carden. And your Lordships Petitioner further shews that in Contemplation of obtaining such permission He has been admitted to the uncertain occupation of the adjoining house of the said Alexis Maisonville in order to be at Hand to improve the said vacant Lot and render it habitable, and hath actualy incurred a considerable Expense to that End; Wherefore your Lordships Petitioner humbly prays that He may be permitted to locate the said unconceded and unimproved Lot so soon as the Soil may be acquired to the Crown from the Natives—on Reimbursement to Mr Carden of such Consideration as He may have made to the Indians for the same And your Lordships Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray &c &c &c—[Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” Presented to the Board on 4 Sep 1789. No order recorded on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 147]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell Justice of the Court of Common pleas dated at Assomption on 19 Sep 1793

“humbly Sheweth That your petitioner is possessed of a Farm, by purchase, in Assomption where he resides, but on which there is no timber Free for fuel or other necessary uses, a[….] not much felt by your Petitioner while the woods in his rear were waste, but finding that the Township is laid out in Concessions which will leave him no access to the Forest but by Courtesy of Individuals and being also informed the Lots on the Little River near Lake Sinclair are well wooded and commodiously situate for Water Carriage your petitioner humbly prays a Grant of One Lot on the said River being Lot No [blank] now ungranted and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c &c &c [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 148]

Notation of the Land Board dated at Detroit on 23 Sep 1793 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell

“The Board beg Judge Powell to be informed that from the Description of the Surveyor, La Petite Rivier has not been surveyed, tho included in the Order of the Board to him, when he was directed to proceed to the Survey of four other small Rivers in the [….] above [……]fit Vizt The River R[usenan] La Belle Rivier, Riviereaux Rivier and La Riviere aux Roches—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle Miscellaneous 1775-1795, Petition Number 148a]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell late of Detroit dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jun 1794

“humbly sheweth That your Petitioner as one of his Majestys Justices of the Bench in Upper Canada finding it necessary to reside near to the Seat of Government, is about to quit his residence in the Western District improved at a great Expense and subject to much loss: That your Petitioner being desirous of a Farm in the County of Lincoln is informed that the Lots No 6 in Stamford and Nos 93, 94, & 95 in Newark adjacent are unappropriated, and humbly prays that He may be permitted to locate the said Lots No 6 with such portion of the others as your Excellency may deem meet, under such Terms and Conditions as it may please your Excellency to dictate and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” No Executive Council dates. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to report if the lots petitioned for be vacant and in such case to assign the same. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 53]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell dated at Newark on 14 Jun 1794

“humbly sheweth That your petitioner in his late petition for four Lots, designated Lot No 6 in Stamford as unappropriated in the Surveyors plan of that Township, but finds that it has been long located and improved under Certificate of the Land office Board of this District and whereas the other Lots do not contain a convenient Scite for building your Petitioner is desirous to purchase a Lot not quite contiguous, but which may be connected to the three Lots heretofore granted to your petitioner if the Surveyor be permitted to assign to him in Lieu of said No 6, in Stamford, one hundred acres in the Gore, or vacant Space between the Lines of Stamford and Newark; which appears both from the Surveyors Plan & Land office Records to remain ungranted. Therefore your petitioner humbly prays that your Excellency would please to grant such permission to Surveyor and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” This is followed by a map or plan of Powell’s holdings and proposed purchase. Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jun. Ordered granted and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 53d]

Notation attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell

“Mr Justice Powells Petition for Lots 93, 94, 95 with Peter Secords claim read in Council July 11. Secords claim rescinded and granted him in Lieu of those Lots four hundred acres” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 53f]

Letter from William Dummer Powell to John Small, Secretary of the Executive Council dated at Mount Dorchester on 11 Jul 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell

“Sir! Before I was honoured with your official note Mr Attorney General had intimated to me the pleasure of his Excellency that I should attend on him in Council this day on a Claim of Mr Secord, and I had answered Mr White—Since I wrote, I am informed from Mr Peter Secord, that at a late Council in presence of his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I had the honor to be the subject of various testimonials and relations—My predicament is singular—my Information is unofficial and possibly erroneous, yet lest it should appear to his Excellency in Council that my attendance is withheld from apprehension of merited Reproach, I fell myself constrained to this measure, and beg you to inform his Excellency in Council that however inconsistent I think it to meet Mr Secord on the Subject of his Claim to Lands granted and assigned to me, am ready at all times and actively attend to vindicate myself if called upon from any Charge of [….] of Respect to his Majestys Lieutenant Governor in Council—I have the Honor to be Sir, your Obed Servt [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 53g]

Unidentified memorandum dated at Mount Dorchester on 9 Jul 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell

“Mr Powell finding it requisite to remove his family from Detroit, petitioned his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor in Council for four Lots reported to him as vacant in the neighbourhood of Newark—They were granted in the terms of the petition and three of them have since been assigned to him—upon the assurance of the Land Board and of the Acting Surveyor General that no one had been located on them, Mr Powell bought of Mrs Tyce an adjacent Lot to build upon and has erected a House and incurred other Expenses to nearly the amount of One Years Income. Mr Secord to whom the Land has since been granted has three hundred acres adjoining & has made no Improvement on the Land assigned to Mr Powell. His Son has indeed cleared upon the Line about Seven Acres to connect these Lots with two others which He holds by Certificate from the Land Board and to secure a Claim to all—Mr Powell wishes to profit by no mans labours and so told Mr Secord and the Tenant Smith—But he cannot enter into any altercation with them or their Patron Mr Sweezey now that they are possessed of the order of Council which leaves to Mr Powell no Credit from any subsequent accommodation. Mr Powell is willing that his assignment should undergo the most interail exparte Scrutiny—He will not defend it. If any Suspicion of Surprize or other Impropriety rests upon Mr Powell, It must be justified or overruled by the simple Directive of Mr Hamilton who pointed out the Lands as vacant and of the acting Surveyor General who was informed when he made the assignment.” Is followed by a map or plan of the disputed lots. The Three Lotts assigned to Mr Powell and by the Gore connected with that which He bought from Mrs Tyce re unimproved except “7” Seven Acres, which Improvement was made by Secord Junr to connect his two and secure the others—The Strip sold to Smith by Esquire Secord is part of his purchase from P. Secord Senr and of the three Lots assigned to Mr Powell.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 53i]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Dec 1796

“humbly Sheweth That by order of the Governor of Quebec in Council your Petitioner on his own prayer received an assignment of three thousand Acres of Land in Hawkesborough consisting of Lott No 13 & 14 on the second third fourth and fifth Concession and No 12 in the Sixth Concession, of which assignment the rear Lots are unfit for Settlement, wherefore your Petitioner Prays that the Surveyor General may be required to assign to your Petitioner Two thousand acres in some other part of the unconceded Lands of the Crown in the said Province in lieu of so many in the said Township of Hawkerbury and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” Added note of Peter Russell, Administrator of Upper Canada: “The Exchange prayed for permitted – To be confirmed in the first Council [Signed] Peter Russell To the Acting Surveyor General” Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Dec 1796. Ordered the exchange permitted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 62]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell dated Upper Canada on 2 Jan 1796

“The Petition of William Dummer Powell one of the Justices of the Court of King’s Bench in the said Province Sheweth That your Petitioner being about to undertake a Voyage to Europe is desirous of leaving his numerous family assured of such participation of the royal Bounty in the waste Lands in this Province as to your Honor and the honourable Council shall seem fitting, and humbly submits his prayer that a Grant of Twelve hundred acres of the said waste Land may be severaly made to his wife Anne, his Sons, John, Grant, Jeremiah and Thomas and his Daughters Anne Elizabeth and Mary Boyles in whose behalf your Petitioner humbly offers to your Honors Consideration Ten years of zealous Care and exertion for the Prosperity of the Colony and a life of unceasing Loyalty to the King and Constitution – and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray &c [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 3 Jan 1797. Ordered that Warrant of Survey shall issue for twelve hundred acres to the wife of the Petitioner Mrs. Anne Powell, and the same Quantity to each of his seven children. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 74]

Order of Council dated 3 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell

“Read the Petition of Wm Dummer Powell Esqr Justice of the Kings Bench for this Province Praying for a grant of Twelve Hundred Acres of Land to his wife and each of his Children, Except one Son who has already received a donation of Land on his personal application. In consideration of the Petitioners actual station in the Province, and ten Years Zelous Care and labour to promote its Prosperity & Happiness as also a life of unceased Loyalty to the King & Constitution The Council unanimously accede to the Prayer of this Petition, as the Petitioner was one of the first American Loyalists who adhered to the Unity of the Empire and from a conviction of the propriety of thus distinguishing the high and important office which the Petitioner holds in this Province, & of marking their sense of the Ability and Zeal with which he has conducted himself in it for several years; It is therefore ordered That Warrant of Survey shall issue for twelve hundred Acres to the wife of the Petitioner Mrs Anne Powell, & the same Quantity to each of his seven children—[Signed] Peter Russell” Added list of children: “John Powell, Grant Powell, Jeremiah Powell, Thomas Powell, Anne Powell, Elizabeth Powell, Mary Boyles Powell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 74b]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Elmsley, Chief Justice of the Province

“Humbly Sheweth That in the Plan of the Township of York, a Part Lot is set off for each of the three Judges of the Court of King’s Bench – but no farm lot is set off except for the Chief Justice. Your Petitioner therefore prays on behalf of Mr Justice Powell & the unappointed Judge, that Farm Lots may be appropriated for them in that Township, subject to such conditions as may be thought proper And Your Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] J Elmsley C. J.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 31 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 31 Mar 1797. Ordered that the Surveyor General appropriate in the Township of York farm lots of 200 acres for the two Judges of the Kings Bench, and the Solicitor General, Attorney General and [….] of the Crown, if not granted before – and that to be included in the quantity of land ordered to each of these respective officers. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “E” Bundle 3, Petition Number 31]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell, Justice of the Court of Kings Bench dated at York (Toronto) on 9 Nov 1797

“humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being obliged, by the removal of the said Court to the Town of York, occasionally to reside there, and unable to procure chambers for hire, will be constrained to build a House for his Accomodation, and prays that your Honor would please to assign him such vacant Lot in York as to your Honor may seem meet, taking leave to submit his wish that it may be the last front Lot at the west End of the Town, if He may be exempted from the restriction of erecting a House of the Dimensions required by a resolution of Council for the Front Street which your Petitioners Circumstances will not permit him to engage for at Present – And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray &c &c [Signed] Wm Dummer Powell J. B. R.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Nov 1797 and read the same day. Ordered to lie over until His Honour comes to Council. Read again on 16 Nov 1797. Ordered that the vacant front lot asked for by Mr. Justice Powell be assigned to him. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 3, Petition Number 52]


Powell, William Dummer, Jr.

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell Junior received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Oct 1796

“Respectfully shews That your Petitioner has been for some time a Settler in this Province, that he now belongs to the Surveyor General’s Department; and never having received any Lands in this Province, prays for such a grant as, to your Honor shall seem sufficient—[Signed] W D Powell Junr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered 1200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 2]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell Junior dated at Newark on 18 Jun 1796

“Respectfully shews That your Petitioner being appointed Register for the County of Lincoln is desirous to erect a House at Newark prays Your Excellency would be pleased to grant him a Lot in said Town and as in Duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] W D Powell Junr” Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jul. Ordered recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 56]

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dummer Powell Junior read in the Executive Council on 4 Feb 1797

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner being warned by the Surveyor General to prepare to remove to York upon the shortest Notice is desirous of erecting an House there for his reception- and prays your to grant him a Town Lot in York for that Purpose and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] W D Powell Junr” Read in the Executive Council on 4 Feb 1797. Ordered when the office moved to York. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 72]