Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rock [signed Roche] dated at Niagara on 1 Jan 1797
“Respectfully shews, That your petitioner served four Years and eight months in the Queens Rangers as specified by the annexed Certificates – That you petitioner having now obtained his discharge, and wishes to become a residenter in this province, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such a proportion of Land as your Honor may consider him entitled to, and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Roche” Added note: “NB Your petitioner likewise prays for a Town Lot, as he wishes to build in the Town of Newark [Signed] John Roche” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered 300 acres as a Soldier and a Town Lot in Newark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 72]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Rodolph Roche dated at Niagara on 31 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Rodolph Roch a native of Germany—who served Six years in the German Troops commanded by Genl J Redeisal in the American war. —Respectfully Shews – That your Petitioner having never received any certificate for Land, prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him 300 acres And such Lands as his wife the widow of Wm Newberry late Serjeant in Butlers Rangers & her 4 children by him may be entitled to, they having never recd any- And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Added note: “The Petitioner has also Three children by his present wife, late widow of Wm Newberry” Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jul. Ordered recommended to make up 300 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 1]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Lieutenant in Butlers Rangers dated at Newark 30 May 1796 Upper Canada Land Petition of Rodolph Roche
“The Bearer Rudolphe Roche is married to the widow of the late Serjt Wm Newberry of Butlers Rangers, who was hanged by the Americans on the Mohawk River, during the late War, – he left Four Children One Boy and Three girls one of whom is married to Aaron Stringer [Signed] Ralfe Clench Lt Late Rangers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 1b]
Included in Return of Persons who have been permitted by His Honor the Administrator to occupy Lands during the Recess of the Council dated at the Surveyor General’s Office on 24 Jan 1797 signed by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith
20 Oct 1796 Benjamin Rogers – 200 acres
Read in Council on 24 Jan 1797 and confirmed Initialled “PR” by Peter Russell [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 73]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Rogers, Silversmith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 10 Oct 1796
“Humbly sheweth – That your Petitioner having resided these years in the Town of Newark & still wishes to reside – prays your Honor to be pleased to grant unto your Petitioner one Town Lot – and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray [Signed] Henry Rogers” Read in Council on 13 Oct. Ordered prayer granted for a Town Lot in Newark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 25]
Mentioned in the certificate of William Dickson, J. P. dated 13 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jane Sacheverel
“I do hereby Certify that the Bearer Jane Sacheverel, is the widow of John Sacheverel who served with Captain Brant without Pay during the whole war, along with Archibald Thompson, Daniel Rose and others, —[Signed] William Dickson” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 50a]
On a 1792 map of the Front Concession of Niagara Township included in the Upper Canada Land petition of Samuel Street, Daniel Rose was named on Lot 1. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 162]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Thompson, David Rose, John Chisholm, and the widow of James Park, deceased
“Humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioners firmly attached to the British Government Joined the Royal Standard at an Early period of the late war that during it they suffered every Extremity of Distress, in the Different Expeditions conducted by Captain Brant and the Indians, with whom your Petitioners volunteered the most Dangerous Enterprises. That during a Period of seven years your Petitioners, unpaid, imprisoned and uncloathed, served His Majesty with all the Zeal and Bravery of Britons; That your Petitioners under sentence of Death for joining the Indians have Escaped from the americans; That since the Peace your Petitioners have been settled in this District, and proved themselves as good Husbandmen, and members of society, as formerly that of soldiers – that your Petitioners can bring in the most Incontestable Proofs of these facts, from the Honorable Robert Hamilton and many others if necessary. That from the Peace your Petitioners are all married and have rising families, a List of whom are hereunto annexed; Generous as a British Government is your Petitioners have always looked forward to ask time when those services might be remembered; That time is arrived and your Petitioners will now think them well requitted in such a Grant of Waste Lands of the Crown, as will Render them and their families after them Respectable, and mark that Honor on them, recommended by the Governor General, Lord Dorchester. Your Petitioners have already benefited by the Bounty of Government to a Certain Extant, but Considering the Loss of ability of their farm Property, they [….] that your Honor will take their Cais into your serious Consideration, and be the Government of rewarding Loyalty by granting, or making up to each of your Petitioners Twelve Hundred acres, exclusive of such a Quantity as you in your wisdom may think fit to your Petitioners families, and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will Ever Pray
Archd Thompson, a wife, & 6 children 4 of the Children born before 1790
Daniel Rose, a wife – & 8 Children – 5 Children born before 1790
James Park a wife & 4 Children
John Chisholm, a wife & 4 Children
Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Oct and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered that the Petitioners shall receive each 1000 acres including former grants and such family lands as they make appear to the Surveyor General they are entitled to. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12]
Letter from Ralfe Clench to Andrew Mercer, Executive Council Office, York dated at Niagara on 12 May 1817 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Thompson et al.
“Dear Sir, I enclose you an affidavit of Donald Rose [made] before Thomas Dickson Esqr I called on Mr Chisholm myself and find that there was but no Chil. by his first Wife before the year 1789 but have to say there were by the first & Second Wife before the year 1796—This I suppose is nothing to the […..] I am Dr Sir Yours to Command [Signed] Ralfe Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12e]
Certificate of William Dickson dated 12 May 1817 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Thompson et al.
“District of Niagara} Province of Upper Canada. Personally came before me Thomas Dickson Esqr One of His Majestys Justices assigned to Keep the Peace in the District of Niagara, Mr Donald Rose of the Township of Niagara in this District of Niagara aforesaid, who On oath Deposeth and saith that John Chisholm of the Township of Niagara in the District of Niagara Province of Upper Canada Farmer, an Enrolled U. E. Loyalist who served during the American Rebellion in Brandts Volunteers, has had a Wife and [….] children within the Province before the year 1789. And further the Deponent saith not. Sworn before me at Queenston in the District of Niagara Province of Upper Canada the 12th day of May 1817 a Wife and One inter[….] [Signed] Thomas Dickson JP” Donald Rose made his mark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12g]
Certificate of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dickson dated on 5 Jul 1814 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Archibald Thompson et al.
“I Certify that Daniel Rose of the Township of Niagara has retained his Loyalty during the late war, and that there is not a more loyal family in the province, he had five sons under my command at Chippawa two of whom were wounded on the 5th July 1814 in action [Signed] Thomas Dickson J. P. Late Lt Col. 2nd Lin Militia” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “T” Bundle 2, Petition Number 12i]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Street of Willoughby Esquire dated at York (Toronto) on 3 Jul 1801
“Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner has recd Patent Deeds for Certain Lands in the first Concession of the Township of Niagara, which Deeds do not comprehend all the Lands claimed by him there. When a regular survey was made of said Township in the Year 1787 after the first Concession had been long settled by a former survey, it [was] found to derange those settlers, to prevent [this], the Land board pass’d an order at Navy Hall the 13th Augst 1790 (see voucher No 1) that the first Lines or original survey should hold good on the first concession from Michl Showers No 13 to the Upper end of the Township, and agreeably thereto the settlers hold to the side lines of the original survey as far as to your Petitioners Land, and to the new lines from that to the end of the Township, invariably running back to the 2nd Concession; which brings your petitioner Lott No 3 to a point in rear, and gives the possesser of Lott No 1 28 Chains front & rear contrary to the true intent and meaning of said order of the Land board (See Voucher No 2). In answer to your petitioner the Hone the Executive Council were pleas’d to direct on the 14th Feby 1799 that “if he had any objections to Chisholms line (Lott No 2) to enter his Caveat, which he has long since done and now prays that your Excellency will be pleased to order that the south line of his Lott No 3 be extended (agreeably to the said order of the Land board) as has been done for the other settlers, to the 2nd Concession: or make such other order thereon as in the wisdom of his Excellency in Council shall seem meet And your Excellency’s Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray &c—York July 3rd 1801—[Signed] Saml Street” Read in the Executive Council on 9 Jul 1801. Ordered that the Mrs Street, Rose and Chisholm attend at the Board at the hearing of their respective Caveats on any Tuesday in October. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 5, Petition Number 2]
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 Elizabeth Ross, daughter of Patrick McGaw and wife of James Ross of Clinton Township, County of Lincoln, and District of Niagara dated on 26 Sep 1800
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is the Daughter of Patrick McGaw of the Township of Clinton, aforesaid, a U. E. Loyalist, and wife to James Ross – That she is of the full age of twenty years and has never Received any lands, or any order for lands from the Crown – Wherefore She prays that your Excellency would be Pleased to grant to her Such a portion of the waste lands of the Crown as to your Excellency May Seem Meet, and as in duty bound will Ever pray – ” Elizabeth McGaw made her mark. Elizabeth McGaw made her mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Sep 1800. Patrick McGaw on the List. Read in the Executive Council on 30 Sep 1800. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as daughter of UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 2]
Certificate of Robert Nelles, J. P. dated on 26 Sep 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Ross
“Personally appeared before me Robert Nelles Esqr One of his Majestys justices of the Peace for the District of Niagara the above named Elizabeth McGaw, who being duly sworn on the holy Evangelist of almighty god, Deposeth that she is of the full age of twenty years, and that she never has never Received any lands from the Crown or any Order for Lands from the Crown – Taken & Sworn before me this 26th Day of Sepr 1800 [Signed] Robt Nelles. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 2]
Certificate of Robert Nelles, J. P. dated on 26 Sep 1800 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Elizabeth Ross
“I do hereby Certify that the within named Elizabeth Ross is the Person She Describes herself to be, and that She never has to my Knowledge and belief, received any lands, or any Order of lands, from the Crown—[Signed] Robt Nelles, J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 2]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Ross of Humberstone dated at York on 9 Mar 1801
“Humbly sheweth That Your Petitioner has been three years in the Province, & has been married four years to a Sister of Peter hoff of the above mentioned Township—That your Petitioner has a good wagon a yoke of oxen – 2 milch Cows – several Hogs – a Plow, Harrow & other farming utensils – & having never received any Land, your Petitioner humbly prays your Excellency for the grant of a Lot on Dundas Street, for actual Settlement and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray—[Signed] Johannes Ross” Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Mar 1801. Ordered recommended for a lot on Dundas Street. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 8]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Overholts alias Rott of the Township of Clinton, County of Lincoln & District of Niagara wife of Henry Rott of Clinton, Yeoman dated on 16 Nov 1801
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is the Daughter of Stauts Overholts, of the Township aforesaid a U. E. Loyalist That she is of the full age of twenty one years, and has never Received any lands or any order for Lands from the Crown, wherefore She prays, that your Excellency would be pleased to grant to her Such a Portion of the waste Lands of the Crown, as to your Excellency may Seem Meet, and as in duty bound She will ever pray—” Mary Overholts made her mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 19 May 1802. The name of Stotts Overholt appears on the U. E. List. Read in the Executive Council on 25 May 1802. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as daughter of UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 1]
Certificate of Robert Nelles, J. P. dated on 16 Nov 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Overholts
“Personally appeared before me Robert Nelles Esqr One of his Majestys justices of the Peace for the District of Niagara the above named Mary Overholts, who being duly sworn on the holy Evangelist of almighty god, Deposeth that she is of the full age of twenty one years, and that she never has never Received any Lands or any Order for Lands from the Crown– Taken & Sworn before me this 16th Day of Novr 1801 [Signed] Robt Nelles [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 1]
Certificate of Robert Nelles, J. P. dated on 16 Nov 1801 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Overholts
“I hereby Certify that the above named Mary Overholts is the Person She Describes herselve to be, and that She never has to my knowledge or belief received any lands, or any Order of lands from the Crown—[Signed] Robt Nelles, J. P. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 1]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joshua Pell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 11 Aug 1795
“Most humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner desirous of having Lots No 14, 15, & 16 2d Concession Sugar Loaf East, adjoining his own Lands, upon application to the Surveyor General for said Lots, he was given to understand that one Frederick Rough claimed Lots No 14 & 15. As a non Commissioned officer yr Excellencys Petitioner […..,] learn that Rough ever had a grant for said Lots or ever made application for any Land that in January 1793—then your Petitioner came to look at the said Lots, he found one Aron Doan in Possession, and had that Year Cut grass from off the same. Your Petitioner stating to him the great advantages his leaving those Lots, and Doan not being in Legal Possession, readily gave them up to your Petitioner, he therefore prays Your Excellency, should Frederick Rough not be in Legal Possession of the sd Lots, that the Actg Surr General may have directions to located the sd Lots to Your Petitioner, who will in duty bound ever pray—[Signed] Joshua Pell” Read in Council on 12 Aug 1795. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General for a report thereon. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “P” Bundle 1, Petition Number 48]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Rowe dated at Niagara on 21 May 1796
“most humbly sheweth. – That your Petitioner served during the war, in the Corps of Rangers commanded by Col. Butler. — That your Petitioner has been settled in this Province since the End of the war, — & has a wife and two children. —That your petitioner occupies lands in the Township joining fort Erie Township, —as the annexed vouchers will show, Vizt No 12 in the first Concession & Nos 12 & 14 in the second Concession, but having no certificate for the two last lotts prays your Excellency’s order in Council may issue to him, so as he may obtain his deed and as in duty bound he will ever pray. —&c [Signed] Frederick Rowe” Received at the Executive Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended to be confirmed as Petitioner appears to have occupied the lots by proper authority [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 8]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe received at the Executive Council Office 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]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Runnion U. E. received at the Executive Council Office on 2 May 1797
“Humbly shews – That being one of the objects intended to be provided for, by the Order of the 9th of Novr 1789 – Being the daughter of Benjamin Frailick, U. E., (late a Non comd officer in Butlers Rangers) & the wife of John Runnion, by whom she has 2 children—& there being no default in the due Cultivation and improvement of the Lands already assigned to the said Benjamin Frailick, U. E., her father, in the Township of Louth; She prays your Honor to grant her the Bounty usually given to Loyalists Daughters in the like Cases, & in duty bound she will pray—” Mary Runnion made her mark. Added notation of Acting Surveyor General D W Smith: “The petitioner nurses one of my children & Aids in my family, having hitherto behaved herself in Propriety—[Signed] D W Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 May 1797. Ordered 200 acres as the Daughter of a U. E. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Sessions attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Runnion
“Benjamin Frealich has satisfied the Justices in their Sessions, that he adhered to the Unity of the Empire, & joined the Royal Standard in America, before the treaty of Separation in the year 1783—[Signed R Clench, Clerk of the Sessions &c” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 77a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Miss Elizabeth Russell dated at York (Toronto) on 3 Jul 1797
“Humbly prays That she may be permitted to relinquish the Lot No 91 in the rear Division of Block No 3 first Range of Blocks in the Town of York – and to be granted the Lot No 9 in the front of the same Block – And your Petitioner will ever Pray. For Miss Russell [Signed] Peter Russell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Jul 1797. Ordered Recommended according to the prayer of the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 100]
Letter from Peter Russell, Administrator of Upper Canada to Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated at York (Toronto) on 8 Dec 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Miss Elizabeth Russell
“By a Plan I have lately received from the Surveyor General I find that the Lot you have given a Warrant of Survey for to my Sister is not properly described – I therefore return it to you & request you will send me another for Lot No 4 north side of Palace Street, & bounded on the west by Caroline Street, being the west front quarter of Block No 3 – You will likewise be pleased to send me a warrant of Survey for my hundred acre lot, and for my Town Lot No 3 on the South Side of Palace Street being the East Half of Block No 3 – The two to be included in one warrant that I may have but one Deed for my Town & farm Lot. I am, Sir your most obedient Humble Servant – [Signed] Peter Russell [To] John Small Esq. Clerk of the Council” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 100b]
Letter of John Small, Clerk of the Executive Council to Surveyor General D. W. Smith Esqr. dated at the Council Office, York (Toronto) on 8 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Miss Elizabeth Russell
“O. C. 3 July 1797 Sir, You are hereby ordered to Cause a Survey of Lot No 9 in front of Block No 3 first Range of Blocks in the Town of York to Miss Elizabeth Russell—A description of which You will send to His Majestys Attorney-General. That a Deed may be prepared for the same, which must be asked for at the Secretarys Office [Signed] John Small” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 100c]
Order of the Executive Council dated 3 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Miss Elizabeth Russell
“Granted to Miss Elizabeth Russell, Front Lot in the Town of York—O. C. 3 Jul 1797 [Signed] John Small [To] The Attorney General” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 100c]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Elisabeth Russell dated at York (Toronto on 29 Jan 1798
“Humbly Prays, That your Honor in Council will be pleased to assign to her the North West Quarter of the Second Block in Front this day given up by Mr Berczy, in addition to the South West Quarter of the same Block formerly assigned to her, and that you will be pleased to order a grant of the two Quarters, being the Western half of the Said Second Block in the front Range of Blocks in the Town of York and adjoining the Eastern half of the said Block in the occupation of Your Honour. Which are humbly submitted [Signed Eliza Russell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Jan 1798 and read the same day. Ordered that the Prayer of this petition be granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 66]
Upper Canada Land Petition of James Russell, carpenter, dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 5 Jun 1795
“humbly Sheweth—That yr Petitioner came from Scotland to America in the year 1776 acting in the capacity of Steward to one of His Majestys Ships—for four Years—That afterwards Your Petitioner continued in the British Army acting as Artificer til the Conclusion of the War. Your Petitioner was Shipwreck’d between Halifax and Shelbourn and in consequence of that misfortune lost all his papers—which would testify his service to Government. May it therefore please your Excellency to grant your Petitioner such a grant of land as Your Excellency may think fit and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] James Russell” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Jun 1795 and read in Council on 20 Aug 1795. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 1, Petition Number 16]
Mentioned in a letter from George Young dated at Niagara on 30 Mar 1796 to John Small Esquire, Clerk of the Council
“Sir I embrace the favorable opportunity of Mr Dickson going to York to mention to you that his Excellency in Council last season was pleased to reward my services in the late war, by granting 600 acres of land hereafter to be located—I have as yet been unable to get this located me in the surveyor Generals office but have now again through your good offices to claim the attention of his Excellency not in wish to be Importunate about more land but in the Indulgence of locating what I have got at or near long point. You will excuse me when I say along with myself, a James Russell who has likewise a grant from the Council an Excellent Mill Wright, with a few others of trade viz Carpenters wish to go together to that country & form a small Settlement of Scotch families to live and which a Mill Stream on their Grant will be a most material Indulgence can this from his Excellencys faver to a set of men whose loyalty will ever be found unquestionable it will received with the most heartfelt Satisfaction and Gratitude & I in the name of many of Countrymen, have to request you will be pleased to [secure] this to our wishes to which His Excellency’s ear and we will with gratitude Remember your attention. I am Sir your very hble Sevt [Signed] George Young. Appended note of John Small, Clerk of the Executive Council: “His Excellency consents that Geo. Young, James Russell should be located at Long Point. Initialed J. S. Ordered to be sent to the Surveyor General to locate the within named people on the place mentioned. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Y” Bundle 1, Petition Number 1]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Russell Esquire, a reduced Captain of the late Royal Garrison Battalion dated on 9 May 1796
“Humbly representeth That the Attorney General having withdrawn his fiat for a Deed ordered to confirm your Petitioner in Lots numbered 4 & five in the first Concession of East Flamborough, granted to him by your Excellency in Council on the 23d of July 1795 as Part of the three thousand Acres given him as a reduced Captain in one of the Regiments serving in America last war; Your Petitioner is withheld from the Possession of such a Portion of His Majesty’s gracious Reward for His Services, very much to the Injury of his private interests—your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Excellency in Council that the Attorney General may be directed to assign his Reasons for withdrawing his Fiat, and, if they appear to be such as may establish some prior claim to these Lands and consequently deprive your Petitioner of them, that the Acting Surveyor General may be ordered to assign to your Petitioner Lots numbered one in the first, second, & third Concessions on the West Side of Yonge Street in lieu there of—And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray” [Unsigned] No Executive Council dates or decision on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 49]
Upper Canada Land Petition of The Honourable Peter Russell dated on 6 Oct 1796
“Stating That under a certain order of Council he was granted about 150 acres, that Quantity being supposed to be contained within certain Limits set forth in a former Petition, & a deed was made out accordingly; but it appearing that the tract alluded to – contains ten acres or thereabouts more than the 150 acres specified. Petitioner prays that another patent may issue for that Quantity—[Signed] Peter Russell” Read in the Executive Council on 6 Oct 1796. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 49c]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Russell Esquire, a reduced Captain of the late Royal Garrison Battalion read in the Executive Council on 20 Jul 1796
“Humbly Sheweth, That the Honble Robt Hamilton Esqr having lodged a Caveat in the Secretary’s Office against his issuing a Patent granted to your Petitioner by your Excellency under the Great Seal of the Province for Sixteen Hundred acres of Land in the Township of East & West Flamborough – being in part of three thousand acres granted to your Petitioner in right of his Services as a reduced Captain—and Your Excellency in Council having resolved on the 10th July 1795 that the Certificates given by the land Board of Nassau for to Lieut John Bradt (in whose name Mr Hamilton has entered the above mentioned Caveat) for certain lands in East Flamborough cannot be confirmed for reasons therein given, and your Excellency having in another Council held at Navy Hall the 25th of May 1796 resolved that the Certificates granted by the said Land Board of Nassau to Peter Tenbrook Esqr in the same Township of East Flamborough cannot be confirmed for Reasons therein set forth as larger, and the Said Lieut John Bradt having neglected to appear before the Council to support the Caveat entered with the Secretary of the Province by his Attorney the said Honble Robert Hamilton tho notified regularly thereto by the Clerk of the Council – your Petitioner prays that an order may issue from your Excellency in Council to the Secretary of the Province to withdraw the said Caveat and deliver to your Petitioner His Majestys Grant for the Land Sixteen Hundred Acres of Land in East & West Flamborough aforesaid. Which is humbly Submitted to your Excellency by the Petitioner [Signed] Peter Russell” Read in the Executive Council on 20 Jul 1796. Ordered that the Clerk of the Council issue an order to the Secretary of the Province according to the Prayer of the Petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 52]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Russell Esquire dated at York (Toronto) on 6 Aug 1799
“Humbly Sheweth That the Water Lot, opposite to the Lot No 4 in front of the Town of York – granted to Mr John Dennison & since then purchased from him by the Petitioner, is vacant. He therefore prays that the Said Water Lot may be granted to your Petitioner on such Conditions & Terms as are usually required, and as in duty bound will pray [Signed] Peter Russell” Read in the Executive Council on 6 Aug 1799. Ordered recommended for a water lot of the usual front and depth in front of the lot granted to Mr Dennison. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 31]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Richard Ruth received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Nov 1794
“That your Petitioner Entered into His Majestys Service in the year Seventeen hundred and fifty eight in the then Pennsylvania Provincials, and in that Campaign, did Duty in the Neighbourhood of the Ohio &c &c. That in the fall, or end of the Campaign aforesaid your Petitioner enlisted in a light Corps, then called the Lether Corps or 80th Regt Commanded by the then Colonel Gage, and that your Petitioner Served in the said Corps until the Reduction of Canada was Completed, and Peace taking Place, your Petitioner was Discharged and returned to New Jersey the place of his Nativity. That your Petitioner never received any Lands from Government as a Reduced Soldier, though your Petitioner has been advised that he is entitled thereto. That your Petitioner has always been a faithful Friend and Subject to His Majesty Crown & Government and lost and Suffered much on that account in the time of the late Rebellion in America, and that your Petitioner has resided in this Province for Five years last past. your Petitioner therefore most Humbly Prayeth, that your Excellency will be pleased to take his Case into Consideration, and Grant him Three hundred Acres, or such other quantity of Land in the 10th Township on the Chippawa Creek, as to your Excellency shall seem meet, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever Pray.” Richard Ruth made his mark. Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Nov 1794 and read in Council on 4 Nov 1794. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General for a 200 acre lot. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 1, Petition Number 3]
Upper Canada Land Petition of James Ryan, House Carpenter dated at Niagara on 6 Jul 1797
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province four weeks ago from New Jersies with his family, consisting of a wife and two children (now in Newark) and being desirous of becoming a bona fide settler in the Province, your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres of Land, and a Lot in the Town of Newark or Niagara and as in Duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] James Ryan” Added notation: “John Mucklehone of Stamford is your Petitioners uncle” Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 8 Jul 1797. Ordered to be taken into consideration when the Petitioner means to go on the land. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 23]
Certificate of George Forsyth, J. P. dated at Niagara on 5 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Ryan
“This Certifies that the Bearer James Ryan has taken the Oath of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration In person at Niagara 6th July 1797 [Signed] Geo: Forsyth, J. P. [To] The Surveyor Generals Office” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 23b]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of James Ryan received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Aug 1797
“Humbly Sheweth – That your petitioner has settled in this Province with his family, and wishing to follow his Trade as a Carpenter, prays for a town lot at York and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] James Ryan” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Aug 1797 and read on 30 Aug. Ordered not recommended for York but may have a town lot in Newark. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 24]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Eunice Ryckman dated at Barton on 25 Aug 1796
“The petition of Eunice Ryckman, widow and Relict of John Ryckman late of Schenectady in the State of New york—Humbly Sheweth That the Loyalty of her family was such as to induce in [part] of it to join the King’s Troops in the said province in the late Late american Revolt, her oldest Son, John Ryckman having served in the capacity of Lieutenant during the same; which, with the uniform attachment of your petitioners family to the British Government, induced them to move themselves and affects, about two years since, into the said Province for the purpose of settling on the Lands of the Crown, her said husband then being and she still being in a condition to cultivate the same but, that by the hand of Death some months after his arrival, he was taken away; – That your petitioner professes the Christian Religion and has lived inoffensively in the country from which she came and prays your Honor would be pleased to consider her situation and grant her the quantity of Land, which, had she not been bereft of a Husband, would have fallen to the family through him, together with such other quantity of Land on her account as in your Honors wisdom may seem just and meet, and she, as in duty bound, will ever pray &c—[Signed] Eunis Ryckman” Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Nov 1796 and read in Council on 12 Jan 1798. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 61]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Ryckman received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Oct [1796]
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served during the late American War as a Lieut in the Six Nation Indn Dept. Your Petitioner has hitherto neglected applying for the whole of the lands entitled to, therefore Prays that a grant for the quantity yet unlocated by him may be granted, – And your Petitioner further begs leave to represent that he is married to the Daughter of a Loyalist, and has One Daughter born before the year 1783, and now in this Province, therefore Humbly Prays that their situation may also be taken into Consideration and that the quantity usual to be granted to People of their definition may be allowed them. And your Petitioner will as in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] John Ryckman” Received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Oct [1796] and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered to produce his Commission. Read again in Council on 12 Jan 1798. Ordered recommended for 2000 acres including former grants as a Subaltern. His wife also recommended for 400 acres as daughter of Subaltern UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 70]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated on 14 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Ryckman
“John Ryckman has satisfied the Justices in Sessions that he adhered to the Unity of the Empire before the year 1783 and joined the Royal Standard in America, is married to the Daughter of a Loyalist & had one Daughter before the year 1783 and is now in this District [Signed] R Clench, Clerk of the Peace &c” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 4, Petition Number 70a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Rickman [sic] and her Son Cornelius C. Rickman dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 12 Mar 1795
“humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being the Daughter of a Loyalist came from the United States in the Year 1785, to reside in this Country, that Your Petitioners Husband from whom through ill usage she has been long Separated (took up two hundred Acres of Land in the 8th Township not being entitled in his own right to more, but one Hundred Acres of Family Lands being Allowed by the Late Land Board to your Petitioner, is now Claimed by her husband Cornelius Rickman, who she has heard has it in Contemplation to dispose of the same as Vacant Lot to another Person) he already having the quantity Generally Assigned to one Person. Your Petitioner therefore Prays your Excellency will Please to grant her & Child the Said Lot & Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray [Signed] Margaret Rickman” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered to lie over for further information. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 29a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Ryckman daughter of the late Arent Bradt dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Feb 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner having been Twelve years in this Province and having drawn no lands Humbly prays your Honor to grant her such a quantity as your Honor in your wisdom may think meet. And your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray [Signed] Margaret Ryckman” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb 1796 and read in Council on 15 Mar 1797. Ordered 200 acres as the daughter of a Loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 71]
Certificate of James Muirhead, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Margaret Ryckman
“I do hereby Certify that Mrs Margaret Ryckman is daughter of the Late Mr Arent Bradt a Loyalist – [Signed] J. Muirhead J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 71a]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Andrew Bradt late Captain in Butlers Rangers dated at Niagara on 6 Oct 1796
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner is married to Rachel daughter of John Ryckman a Loyalist U. E. & prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 Acres—His Majestys Bounty to persons of her Description and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray—[Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: “I do hereby certify that Capt Andrew Bradt applied personally to me for the above Petition [Signed] T Ridout N. P. Received at the Executive Council Office on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered 200 acres in right of his wife the daughter of a Loyalist if not granted before on producing to the Surveyor General the required certificate. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 59]
Mentioned in the Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Springer received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Jul 1797
“Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner’s Father lost his life last war in His Majesty’s Service and left your Petitioner destitute almost of every Support—That your Petitioners eldest Brother served likewise in Col. Butlers Rangers—Wherefore your Petitioner prays for such quantity of land for himself, and for his wife (the Daughter of Jon Rykman, Loyalist UE)—as your Honor in your Wisdom may think proper, and your Petr as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Springer” Received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Jul 1797 and read in Council the same day. Ordered the Petitioner and wife recommended for 200 acres each. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 9]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Depue, Yeoman of Barton, District of Niagara dated at York (Toronto) on 16 Feb 1801
“Humbly sheweth – That your petitioner is son to John Depue, deceased – Your petitioner, therefore humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to permit the patent or Title Deed for the Land belonging to the said John Depue and devised by will to your petitioner to issue in the name of your petitioner—and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Richard Beasley—Attorney for the Petitioner” Received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Feb 1801. Ordered the will to be produced. Read again in Council on 9 Jun 1801. Ordered this petition cannot be granted as it appears that part of the lands devised did not belong to the testator and that the lands which belonged to him were devised equally to the Petitioner and Mrs. Ryckman. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 5, Petition Number 13]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Rymal, Farmer dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 12 Oct 1796
“Humbly sheweth – That your Petitioner having a Wife and one child, – has drawn two Hundred acres of Land – prays your Honor to be pleased to grant unto your Petitioner such an additional Quantity, as your Honor in your Wisdom shall think meet and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray – [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Oct and read in Council on 13 Oct 1796. Ordered no reason adduced in support of his request. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 2, Petition Number 28]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Rymal dated on 26 Apr 1794
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner has been in possession of Lotts No 21 in the 4th Concession and Lotts No 20 & 21 in the 5th Concession Township of Barton containing Three hundred acres, on which your Petitioner has made considerable improvements, and no other Claimants to said Lotts, therefore Prays that said Lotts may be assigned to him & his family. And Your Petitioner will as in duty bound Ever Pray [Signed] William Rymal” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle Miscellaneous 1777-1794, Petition Number 151]