Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Ridout dated at Niagara on 2 Aug 1797
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is desirous to possess a lot in the Town of York, and to improve it in the manner required – She therefore humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to grant her one therein, and as in Duty bound your Petitioner [T Ridout] and wife ever pray—[Signed] Mary Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Aug 1797 and read in Council on 20 Aug 1797. Ordered recommended for a town lot at York. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 22]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Ridout dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 29 Mar 1796
“The Petition of Mary Ridout, late Mary Campbell Daughter of Alexr Campbell – late a Pensioner, and a Loyalist U. E., residing at the Bay of Quinte, Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner presuming herself under the above description entitled to 200 acres of Land, and never having received any, humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant her 200 acres in the Township of York, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Unsigned] No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered settled. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 16]
Second Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Ridout dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 29 Mar 1796 [similar to the first]
“The Petition of Mary Ridout- otherwise Mary Campbell- Daughter of Alexr Campbell – a Loyalist U. E. as per certificates, Respectfully shews That your Petitioner having never received any Land – prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant her 200 acres- in the Township of York or County of York & your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Unsigned] Read in Council in Jul 1796. Ordered recommended to grant the prayer of the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 17]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Ridout dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 21 Dec 1793
“Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner wishes to become an Inhabitant of the Town of Newark, County of Lincoln, humbly requests that your Excellency would be pleased to grant Lot No two Hundred and Seventy nine in the aforesaid Town to him and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray—[Signed] Thos Ridout” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle Miscellaneous 1777-1794, Petition Number 59]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Ridout dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 5 Dec 1796
“The Petition of Thomas Ridout – of the Surveying Department—in behalf of his children – George – Thomas Gibbs – Anne, and Mary Ridout—Respectfully shews That the mother of your Petitioners children, being the Daughter of a Loyalist U. E. (as to the annexed certificate) they, in due time agreeably to His Majestys benevolence to persons of that description will be entitled to receive Lands – That your Petitioner having no other relatives in this country, is desirous of seeing them secured in some future support- He therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to indulge him in such an appropriation of the vacant Lands of the Crown for each of his said children, as to your Honor may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Thos Ridout” Received at the Executive Council on 3 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered the Council in consideration of the Petitioners great attention to his duty in the Surveying Department grant the prayer of the Petition of appropriating two hundred acres to each of his children, George, Thomas Gibs, Anne, and Mary Ridout. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 60]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated 12 Dec 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Ridout
“Mrs Mary Ridout has satisfied the Justices in Sessions [that] she is the daughter of a Loyalist, who adhered to the Un[ity] of the Empire and joined the Royal Standard in America previous to the year 1783. [Signed] Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Sessions, Home District” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 60a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Ridout dated at York (Toronto) on 2 Jun 1797
“The Petition of Thomas Ridout, Register for the County of York & principal Clerk in the Surveyor General’s Office Humbly shews – That your Petitioner from the nature of the offices he has the Honor to hold considers himself as a fixed Inhabitant, and for Life, in the Town of York, and for some time past has looked forward to such residence and to the leaving his possessions in the Town of Newark—That your Petitioner has received a warrant of Survey for a Lot in the aforesaid Town, which he has not located, the Surveyed Lots having been previously occupied – And that your Petitioner has every inducement to build such a House as has been required on front Lots, as well to accommodate his family, which is large, as to suit the permanency of their residence – Your Petitioner therefore prays Your Honor would be pleased to indulge him with the grant of a front Lot, in the projected Town of York – and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Thos Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jun 1797 and read the same day. Ordered recommended for a front lot in York, provided it does not interfere with previous arrangements. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 9]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Ridout of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) dated at West Niagara on 16 May 1797
“Humbly shews—That in the Patent your Petitioner has received from Government for a Tract of Land granted him in Ancaster, (and herewith respectfully laid before your Honor), there appears to be a Mistake in the seventh Line, and in the following words, “Then again beginning at the north westernly angle” – which should have been written, as your Petitioner presumes, then again beginning at the south westernly angle – and the same description inclosed without the usual words. To the place of beginning; - That your Petitioner having represented the foregoing remarks at the Office of the Attorney General, where the Error appears to have originated, He was directed to lay the same before your Honor in Council—Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to direct such revisal of the aforementioned Deed, to be made, as to your Honors wisdom may seem meet – and that it may issue to your Petitioner in conformity to the Land to be granted – And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Thos Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 May 1797. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 98]
Order of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Ridout
“Thos Ridout applied to the Board setting that in a Grant which has issued to him of 1200 Acres in the Township of Ancaster, there is a mistake in the 7th Line of the words “North westernly Angle” instead of South westernly Angle” The Acting Surveyor Genl being present & stating to the Board, that the word North is so inserted by mistake instead of the word South; Ordered, That the Deed be sent back to the Attorney Genl & that he be directed to erase the word North in the 7th line & to insert the word South in the place thereof” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 98]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Chewett and Thomas Ridout of the Surveyor General’s Department and Establishment
“Humbly Sheweth That some time since, Your Petitioners applied for 50 acres each in the 100 acre Lots of the Township of York, which the Honorable Council were pleased to recommend; but your Petitioners not having then built in the Town your Honor did not approve thereof—That having since both erected Dwelling Houses, in which your Petitioners reside with their Families. Your Honor has been graciously pleased to permit them to locate 50 acres each, in the said 100 acre Lots, which they respectfully pray your Honor in Council to Confirm, and as in duty Bound your petitioners will ever pray—[Signed] Thos Ridout for himself & Wm Chewett” Read in the Executive Council on 7 Mar 1798. Ordered the President order to the Petitioners for fifty Acres each in consideration of their situation in the Surveying Department. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 116]
Riselay 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 1792. [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 Buerger 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]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian Ricely [sic] late of Butlers Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 17 Jul 1796
“Humbly sheweth, That your Petitioner has received 250 Acres of Land in the Township of Bertie, which he has much improved, having never received the remaining 50 acres due him as a Ranger- prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant the same to him, likewise land for his Family, consisting of a wife and two children, And as in duty bound your petitioner will ever pray- [Signed] Christian Ricely” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 7 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 50 acres – it not appearing that petitioner is entitled to family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12]
Land Board Ticket dated 27 Jan 1789 issued to Christian Ricely attached to his Upper Canada Land Petition
“Christian Ricely four ½ Lots—By order of the Board [Signed] J Warren 27 Jany 89 The Lotts all some 100 acres each” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12a]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian Ricely
“That Mr John Warren Acted as a Clerk to the Land board at a Meeting they held at Fort Erie for the Accomodation of the Settlers in that Quarter in the Absence of Mr Frey is Certified by R. Hamilton Member of the L. B.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian Ryseley [sic] a Private in the late Corps of Butlers Rangers dated on 21 Oct 1796
“Humbly Sheweth—That Your Petitioner, is married to Katy Sypes, daughter of Hannah Sypes, who Joined the Royal Standard with her family in the year 1778 – That Two sons served in Butlers Rangers; That her family consisted of three sons and six Daughters, as per Certificate herewith produced. That your Petitioner is Married to one of these Daughters, and has three Children, one of which was born previous to the Year 1789, Your Petitioner therefore Prays your Honor will grant him in right of said wife Two hundred acres & fifty for one Child & as in duty Bound yr Petitioner will ever Pray [Signed] Christian Rislay” Received at the Executive Council Office on 21 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered petitioner recommended for 100 acres as family lands. His wife recommended for 200 acres as the daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 54]
Certificate of Peter Ball, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian Ryseley
“I do hereby Certify that Christian Reysly is Married to a Loyalist Daughter (and had one Child before the year 1787) her Father died before the Rebellion but her Mother came to Niagara in the year 1778 with Nine Children three sons (two served in Butlers Rangers) and six Daughters; and are now all settled in this Province. [Signed] P Ball, J. P.” Added notation: “Mothers name Hannah Sypes” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 54a]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Ritchie Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Nov 1797
“That your Petitioner is a Subject of his Majesty that he has served his Majesty as a sailor on board one of His Majesty’s Vessels on Lake Erie that he is now resident in the Town of Newark in the Province of Upper Canada and intends to become a Settler of said Province he therefore prays your honors and the honorable Council will grant unto your petitioner a tract of Land containing as many acres as your honor shall deem meet and your Petitioner is as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Henry Ritchie” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Nov 1797 and read in Council on 30 Jun 1798. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 24]
Certificate of Joseph Winters dated at York (Toronto) on 20 Nov 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Ritchie
“Joseph Winters maketh oath that Henry Ritchie Served on Lake Erie in the Sloop Francis, and was Regularly Discharged – [Signed] Joseph Winters Sworn before this 20th Nov 1797 at York [Signed] John Small JP.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 24b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Hannah Bowman dated at West Niagara on 22 Mar 1797
“Most humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner is the Daughter of Jacob Bowman an U. E. Loyalist, who served during the late American War. That your Petitioner has been in the province since the commencement of the said late War with her said Father, and is of Age—Wherefore Your Petitioner prays that Your Honor may allow her such proportion of Land as to your Honor may seem meet—and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray &c—[Signed] Hannah Bowman” Read in the Executive Council on 21 Mar 1797. Ordered 200 acres as the Daughter of a Loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 122]
Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated on 20 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Hannah Bowman
“I do Cartify that Hanah Bowman is a Daughter of Jacob Bowman a Loylist who was in his Majesty Service During the Late Rebelion in America. Given Under My Hand This 20 March 1797 [Signed] David Secord J P [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 122a]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain William Claus in behalf of Peter Rivan dated at Niagara on 11 Mar 1800
“Humbly Sheweth – That a grant of Land of 200 Acres has been made to Hannah Bowman before her marriage to Peter Rivan, he therefore prays that the Deed for the same may be ordered to be made out in the Name of Hannah Rivan instead of the named of Hannah Bowman. And your memorialist as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] W. Claus” Read in the Executive Council on 1 Jan 1800. Ordered the deed may issue to Hannah Bowman by her present name. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 5, Petition Number 81]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Robertson Hamilton and his brother and step-brothers read in the Executive Council on 17 Jan 1797 [Ed. Note: The first two named, William Robertson Hamilton and John Robertson Hamilton were sons of Honourable Robert Hamilton’s wife Catherine Askin by her first husband Samuel Robertson
“The Petition of William Robertson Hamilton, John Robertson Hamilton, Robert Hamilton Junior, George Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton, James Hamilton and Samuel Hamilton Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners Sons to the Honorable Robert Hamilton were all Born in this Country and do intend to establish themselves for life in this Province. That with Intent to do this with advantage to themselves and the Country, some of them have already received their Education in Britain, and others are now there for that purpose. Convinced that Landed property alone can give them that permanent respectability which their Father has taught them to hope for, —They most respectfuly petition your Honor and Council, for such a portion of the Waste Lands of the Crown as you in your Wisdom may think proper for their purposes, and conformable to the rank which the Family have hitherto held in the Society, and which they with this Aid, will endevour Stedfastly to Maintain. And Your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever Pray. [Signed] William R. Hamilton for self & Brothers” Read in the Executive Council on 17 Jan 1797. Ordered the Board considering the great benefit Mr Hamilton has been of to this infant Colony and the high rank he holds in it, regret they have it not in their power to mark their sense of them by a larger description of lands than twelve hundred acres to each of his sons mentioned in this petition—which are hereby ordered. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 2, Petition Number 135]
Certificate of William Chewett J. P. dated at York (Toronto) on 6 Apr 1803 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Robertson Hamilton and Brothers
“Upper Canada York} Personally came John Robertson of Queenstown, Gentleman, Before me William Chewett Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Justice of the Peace in and for the Home District, who being duly sworn, makes Oath and saith, that Twelve Hundred Acres of Land have been granted the Deponent by His Majesty’s Executive Government in the Township of Walsingham, under the name of John Robertson Hamilton, whereas his proper name is John Robertson and that the Deponent is the same person to whom the said Twelve Hundred acres of Land were Granted. —[Signed John Robertson Sworn before me at York the sixth Day of April 1803} [Signed] W Chewett JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 2, Petition Number 135c]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Robertson Hamilton and his brother and step-brothers read in the Executive Council on 17 Jan 1797 [Ed. Note: The first two named. William Robertson Hamilton and John Robertson Hamilton were sons of Honourable Robert Hamilton’s wife Catherine Askin by her first husband Samuel Robertson
“The Petition of William Robertson Hamilton, John Robertson Hamilton, Robert Hamilton Junior, George Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton, James Hamilton and Samuel Hamilton Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners Sons to the Honorable Robert Hamilton were all Born in this Country and do intend to establish themselves for life in this Province. That with Intent to do this with advantage to themselves and the Country, some of them have already received their Education in Britain, and others are now there for that purpose. Convinced that Landed property alone can give them that permanent respectability which their Father has taught them to hope for, —They most respectfuly petition your Honor and Council, for such a portion of the Waste Lands of the Crown as you in your Wisdom may think proper for their purposes, and conformable to the rank which the Family have hitherto held in the Society, and which they with this Aid, will endevour Stedfastly to Maintain. And Your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever Pray. [Signed] William R. Hamilton for self & Brothers” Read in the Executive Council on 17 Jan 1797. Ordered the Board considering the great benefit Mr Hamilton has been of to this infant Colony and the high rank he holds in it, regret they have it not in their power to mark their sense of them by a larger description of lands than twelve hundred acres to each of his sons mentioned in this petition—which are hereby ordered. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 2, Petition Number 135]
Certificate of William Chewett J. P. dated at York (Toronto) on 6 Apr 1803 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Robertson Hamilton and Brothers
“Personally came William Dickson of Niagara Esquire, Before me William Chewett Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Home District and saith, that he the deponent is well acquainted with William Robertson of Queenstown, Gentleman, That he verily believes the said William Robertson to have been granted by His Majesty’s Executive Government, Twelve Hundred Acres of Land, under the name of William Robertson Hamilton in the Township of Walsingham, in the District of London; whereas his proper Name is William Robertson, and that he the Deponent verily believes him to be the same person to whom the said Land was Granted—[Signed] William Dickson. Sworn before me this sixth Day of April 1803 [Signed] W Chewett J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 2, Petition Number 135d]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joshua Robins of Thorold dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 Jan 1797
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is a Loyalist and suffered for his principles – that he has been several years in the above mentioned Township, which he has very much improved – prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him an addition to the Land he has received (vizt 200 Acres) and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned]. Added notation of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: “I do certify this petition was personally applied for, by Joshua Robins [Signed] T Ridout N.P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 2 May. Ordered the Petitioner has had the proportion granted to settlers. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 98a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Sarah Robins dated at Niagara on 6 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Sarah Robins, of the Township of Thorold – widow, who came into the Province three years ago with three Sons & three Daughters & has never received any Land— 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 she 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 her Four Hundred acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 47]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Christopher Robinson dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Nov 1796
“humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioner, with the most flattering encouragement, was the first to encounter the difficulties & extraordinary expenses of building in the Town of York – That your Petitioner obtained an assignment by which he presumes the faith of the Government was pledged, of a very valuable Lot containing 200 acres within two miles of York having thereon an excellent seat for mills, that your Petitioner was absolutely about to build on said Lot; when the Governor bestowed it on another person, as the declared, from motives of public utility— Therefore your Petitioner as a suffering Loyalist; as an officer of the Government about to reside at York not possessing a foot of land there, and as an individual whose interest has been sacrificed to the public convenience, prays that his peculiarly hard case may move your attention, and that Lot No 12 formerly marked to Willoughby Willard, now deceased, may be granted him as a recompence for the loss of the above lot, and that notwithstanding any prior applications the merit of his pretentions may be considered thereby affording your Petitioner the relief that Justice and good understanding may require- and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] C Robinson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Dec 1796 and read on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered referred to His Honor. Read again on 18 Apr 1797. Ordered deferred coming to any resolution until it is known whether Mr Robinson actually means to settle on No 12 if it shall be granted to him, and whether he has so much land due to him. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 65]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Christopher Robinson read in the Executive Council on 20 Jul 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Christopher Robinson Esqr 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 a lot of land in York 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 20 Jul 1796. Ordered that the prayer of the petition be granted and referred to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 2]
Upper Canada Land Petition of James Robinson dated at Niagara on 17 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of James Robinson – late a Private in Butlers Corps of Rangers—who has received 140 acres of Land in the Township of [blank] Western District—Respectfully shews, That your petitioner is settled on the lands of the Crown in this Province, & has cultivated and improved the same. That he has taken the usual oaths, and subscribed the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him the additional 160 acres of land due him as a Ranger. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered prayer granted upon producing his discharge or proper certificate of his having been a soldier to the Surveyor General to whom he is referred. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 46]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Prince alias Robinson dated at Niagara on 4 Oct 1796
“The Petition of John Prince alias Robinson – a Negro (free) late of Colo Butlers Corps of Rangers- as p his Discharge Humbly shews- That your Petitioner has received 114 acres of Land due him as a discharged Ranger (in the Western District) – & prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him the remaining 186 acres, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray – [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout N. P.: “I do hereby certify that John Prince Personally applied to me for the above Petition [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered 300 acres as a reduced soldier if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 24]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Robinson of Stamford dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Mar 1795
“Humbly shews That your Petitioner served His Majesty from the year 1757 [sic] - to 1783- when he was discharged from Butlers Rangers- that he has only received 200 acres of Land whereon he now lives and that he settled with his family consisting of a wife and four children, at the time of the reduction of the above Corps. That having never received his Family Lands, your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant them unto him- also- the 100 acres due of his military Land and your Petitioner as in duty bound will will [sic] ever pray—” Joseph Robinson made his mark “Witness T Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb and read on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 300 acres including the 200 already received and 250 acres in family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 53]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated on 28 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Robinson
“The Bearer Joseph Robinson served as a Private Soldier in Butlers Rangers and at the Reduction of the Corps had a wife & two daughters [Signed] Ralfe Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 53b]
On a 1792 map of the Front Concession of Niagara Township included in the Upper Canada Land petition of Samuel Street, Jos. Robinson was named on Lot 11. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 162]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Cunningham Esquire dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Apr 1799
“Humbly Shews – That from the annexed papers it will appear to your Honor in Council that he is entitled to the Lot No 36 in Township No 1 Nassau and that the same has been confirmed to him by the Land Board – by his obtaining a Certificate from them in his own name for the same in addition to Lot No 11 for which he has got the Deed – The reason assigned by your Memorialist for not also obtaining the Deed in his own name for No 36 was that a description had gone out in the name of Joseph Robison the original Holder and a Deed from him was made out – but was destroyed by fire in the Secretary’s House – that in consequence of that accident your memorialist prays that instead of the Deed being made out again in the name of Robison – your Honor in council will be pleased to direct the same to Issue in the name of your memorialist – And he will pray &c &c [Signed] Archibald Cunningham by his Agt Robt I D Gray” Read in the Executive Council on 23 Apr 1799. Ordered recommended that the deed for No 36 in the Township of Newark do issue to the Petitioner he paying the full fee under the Old Regulations. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 4, Petition Number 113]
Deed from Joseph Robison to William Dickson dated on 3 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson
“Know all men by these Presents that I Joseph Robison, heir to the late Michael Kelly, and who at the advanced age of One hundred years, was supported by me the said Joseph Robison, for upwards of Twelve years, and whereas the said Michael received a Grant of lands from the Honble Executive Council for Two Hundred acres which are Still unlocated and whereas it was found expedient & necessary to Dispose of the right of said two Hundred acres for necessaries & te Comfort of said Michael, and having received such and the value thereof of and from William Dickson of Newark, Merchant, I do therefore hereby give him full power and authority, to apply to the Honble Executive Council, that the Deed for said Two Hundred acres may Issue in the name of said William Dickson hereby renouncing all right title Claim & Interest whatever to said Lands whereon they may be located, or otherways Disposed of—In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this Eighteenth day of June 1798—Witness” Katharine Kelly made her mark “& wife to J. Robison & Daughter to Michael Kelly Deceased” Joseph Robison made his mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1l]
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.
Joseph Robinson – Discharged Ranger 300 acres in Humberstone Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117l]
Signer to the petition of the inhabitants of Stamford Township for a mill attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Timothy Skinner dated 23 Jun 1800
“The petition of the Subscribers (Inhabitants of Lincoln County Stamford Township) – Most Respectfully Sheweth that there is a Great want of Mills at or near the Falls of Niagara. We therefore pray that Timothy Skinner (Senior) may be tolerated to build Said mills Adjoining his own and land and As in duty bound we Shall ever pray [Signed] Thomas Millard, Chas Willson, James Forsyth, Haggai Skinner, Noah Cook, John Hardey, Edwd Lafferty, John Losea, John Durham, Edward Durham, Thomas Millard Senior, John Reilly, Peter McMicking, Jacob Kilman, John McKerlie, John Clow, Adam McNair. Peter Thomson, Paul Cripps, Bri[lrehald] [br]omson, John Thomson, Thomas McMicking, Joseph Robeson his mark, John Chisholm, Donald Rose, James Cooper, Conrad Dorshimer, Patrick Reilly, Benjamin Skinner, Azariah Lamer, William Lundy, Jacob Fonger, William Fonger, Charles Grene, Benjamin Skinner Senor, Ebenezer Skinner, Isaac Chambers, Robert Spencer his mark, James Crawford, Chris Buchner, Henry Ramsey, [fred…] gobalt, Thomas Doan, John Upher, Jacob Upper, George Upper, George Couke, Robert Wilkerson, Benajah Williams, George Keefer, John Hilz, Ezekiel Woodruff, Giles Hall, Hugh Wilson, John Wilson, John Wilson Junr, Johnneal Kelhone, John [….] John Si[lverthorn]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 127d]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Anthony Robison dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Dec 1793
“Humbly Sheweth that your petitioner desirous to become an inhabitant of the Town of Newark humbly requests that your honors would be pleased to grant him Lot No three hundred and twenty four in the said Town at present in Woods and unimproved and your petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &” [Unsigned] No Executive Council dates on the petition, just the word “Granted” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle Miscellaneous 1777-1794, Petition Number 78]
Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Johnson Butler received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Jun 1800
“The Petitioner being desirous of obtaining Grants in his Name for a Lot of Ground in the Township of Ancaster in the County of Lincoln known and described as Lot Number Twenty four in the first Concession thereof and containing two Hundred Acres, Purchased from Walter Slingerland as will appear by agreement between the said Slingerland and your Petitioner – Your Petitioner also Prays that a Deed may Isue in his name for a Town Lot in the Town of Niagara known by Number three Hundred and Twenty four purchased by your Petitioner from Anthony Robison – and Your Petitioner humbly Prays that your Excellency will take the Same into Consideration—And Your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever Pray &c &c [Signed] Johnson Butler” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Jun 1800 and read in Council on 6 Jun 1802. Ordered proofs insufficient. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 5, Petition Number 42]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Robison dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Apr 1794
“Humbly Sheweth that your petitioner supported for some years our Aged Father [sic: father-in-law]—for whom he prays Two hundred Acres His name being Michl Kelly & as same him pray for Two hundred Acres as family Lands for a wife & three children. [Signed] Jos Robertson [sic]” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition, just the word “Granted.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle Miscellaneous 1777-1794, Petition Number 82]
Undated note appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Robison
“Joseph Robirson upon the Mountain 2d Township 200 acres Family Lands 200 a. for his Father in Law Michael Kelly—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle Miscellaneous 1777-1794, Petition Number 82b]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Michael Kelly of Stamford dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Mar 1797
“Humbly shews That your Petitioner is a Loyalist and has been in this Province twelve years but having hitherto lived with his son in Law Joseph Robinson he has never received any Land—That being desirous to occupy 200 acres, your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant the same to him and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Michael Kelly made his mark “Witness [Signed] James Thoes” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb and read in Council on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered Recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “K” Bundle 2, Petition Number 27b]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton dated at Queenston on 17 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Michael Kelly
“I do hereby Certify to the dissolution of the Land Board for this province, the Bearer Joseph Robison, was granted by that for the Home District Two hundred acres of Family Lands & Two hundred acres more for Michael Kelly his father in law- but from their having no permitted Capacity at that time he did no get any for the above lands—Queenstown, January 17th 1797—[Signed] R. Hamilton Member of the Land board” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “K” Bundle 2, Petition Number 27]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton dated at Queenston on 27 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Michael Kelly
“It Consists with my Recollection that the Land board directed a Location of Two hundred Acres of Land to Michael Kelly father in Law to Joseph Robertson- who has been in the Settlement more than Two years—why a Certificate was not granted I do not know—[Signed] R. Hamilton Member late Land board” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “K” Bundle 2, Petition Number 27a]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Bougner [sic: signed Buchner] received at the Executive Council Office on 15 May 1797
“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner is daughter of Joseph Robertson [sic] who served last war in Col Butlers Rangers, and is entered on the U. E. list – and wife of Christr Bougner—Wherefore your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to allow her the quantity of Land generally given to the Daughters of Loyalists, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Christopher Buchner for Margaret Buchner” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 May 1797 and read 26 May 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 201]
Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. dated at Stamford on 15 May 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Bougner
“Do Certify that Margaret the wife of Christopher Buchner is the daughter of Joseph Robison a Loyalist [Signed] John Reilly J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 3, Petition Number 201a]