Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Senn to Shathuck"


Senn, Joseph

Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn dated at Queenstown on 16 Aug 1797

“Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner served as a Serjeant in the Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieut Col John Butler from the year 1777 untill their reduction in 1784 at Niagara—That your Petitioner’s wife (by whom he had Three Children) was taken and kept Prisoner by the Indians during the greatest part of the late war in whose hands she suffered much from Tommyhaking & torturing—And that neither She nor her Children have ever received any lands in the province—Your Petitioner therefore prays that your Honor will grant her & them such a portion of the waste Lands of the Crown as you in your wisdom may think fit and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Joseph Senn” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Aug 1797. Ordered for the Council by His Honor as he says. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 15]

Certificate of Colonel John Butler Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of a Corps of Rangers dated 24 Jun 1784 and appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn

“This is to Certify that Joseph Senn has served in his Majestys Service as a Noncommissiond Officer For the Space of seven years and Four Months as a true and Faithfull Soldier in Garrison as well as in Campanges and in Consequence for disbanding the Said Corps and troopes According to his Majestys Proclamation therefor the Said Joseph Senn is hereby Discharged having Fuly Received all his pay Cloathing arrears of pay from his first Enlisting to the Present Date of his Discharge as wil apear by his Recipt herof Given From Under my hand this Twenty fourth Day of June 1784—[Signed] John Butler Lieut Col Comandt” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 15a]

Undated Certificate of Joseph Senn dated 8 Jun 1784

“This is to Certyfy that I Joseph Senn have Received all my pay Cloathing arrears of pay from my first Entering in the within Mentioned Corps to the Present Date of my Discharge as witness my hand this 8th Day of June 1784 [Signed] Joseph Senn” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 15b]

Certificate of Captain Andrew Bradt appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn

“This is to Certify that Joseph Senn has Served in my Company as Serjant for the Space within mentioned as a True Brave and Faithfull Loyal Subject and Soldier in his Majesty Service therefor I Recommend him to all person or persons bothe Civil and Military as a True and Honest Man as wittnes my hand this 24 Day of June 1784 [Signed] Andrew Bradt Catptn” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 15b]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]

“The Petition of Joseph Senn – late a Serjeant in Coll Butlers Rangers Respectfully shews—That your petitioner has received three Hundred acres only—Prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him the remg 200 acres due him as Serjeant. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. [Unsigned] Ordered recommended for 200 acres to make up his military lands if not before granted. Referred to the Surveyor General to make the quantity granted to the Petitioner 500 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 64]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn late a Serjeant in Butlers Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 14 Feb 1797

“Humbly shews – That your Petitioner has received his Military Lands, for which he is thankful. That he married Elizabeth Oakam who was unfortunately taken prisoner by the Indians at a very early age, and about the year 1778 was brought in to Detroit, and there ransomed by Colo Depeyster – that she lived as a Servant in Capt Bennets family, of the 8th Regt – and remained in the Garrison of Niagara & Detroit to the End of the war – Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honor would indulge him with a grant of 200 acres for his wife – if it may so please your Honor and as in Duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] Joseph Senn” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 206]

Certificate of Benjamin Wilson Jr. dated at the Township of Bertie on 10 Feb 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn

“I do Certify that Joseph Senn has a wife [and] Two Male Children Late Serjt of Col Butle[r’s] Rangers being an Honeset and Industerous Man [Signed] Benjm Willson jr” Added note at the bottom: “The children after the year 1789” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 206b]

Signer to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Inhabitants of Bertie Township dated at Fort Erie on 20 Oct 1796

“We the Inhabitants of the Township of Bertie in the County of Lincoln, are Destitute of a Mill, without going a great distance; as there is a Mill Seat at Point Abino in the said Township which has been granted by His Excellency the Governor Simcoe (for the benefit of the Township or County) to Timothy Skinner, and the said Skinner is transferred the same Mill Seat to Isaac Lane [sic: Laing], inhabitant for 3, 4 years or more ago, and no prospect of any preparation for a Mill yet being builded. – We will therefore be very much oblige to Your Honour – that if Your Honour thinks proper, to grant the said Mill Seat to Jacob Crane an Inhabitant, who promises to immediately commence with the building, and to have it finished as fit to go in the Course of a Year. In Expectation of having this Our Humble Request granted Sir We are Your Most Obedient & Humble Servants [Some of the signatures within each of the families on this document seem to have been signed by the same hand] Silas Carter, John Collins, Thomas Baxter, Joseph Palmer, Jos. Rich. Palmer, Stephen Gill, John Gill, Jeremiah Tuttle junior, Jeremiah Tuttle Senior, John Chambers, Con O’Neil, Daniel Alward, Ellexander McQuine, Daniel McQuene, Ellexander McQuien,  James McQuine, John Beringar, Mathias Hone, Mathias Hone Jun, Daniel Alward Jun, Frederick Buck, John Willson, Stephen Middagh, Jacob Haun, Peter Feere, Edward [Noye], Christufful Ritchards, Frederick Sager, Jacob Crane, Jacb Hous, J George [Shumon], Peter Creager, Mical M Beach, Peter Learn, Azaliah Schooley, John Harret, John Cutler, Jehoiada Schooley, Asa Schooley, Joseph Senn, Michael Huffman, Necol Huffman, Jacob Huffman, Fradric Ankarm Crowell Willson, John Garner, Philip Buck, Adam Burwell, Joseph Marsh” Received at the Executive Council Office on 13 Nov 1796 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered dismissed as inadmissible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 135a]

Certificate of John Small dated 7 Dec 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the Inhabitants of Bertie Township

“Personally appeared before me John Small Esqr Jacob Crane and John Johnson maketh oath that they on 6th inst called at Timothy Skinners and asked him what he intended to do about building a mill that he had obtained a permission from the Council to build in the Township of Bertie & he the said Timothy answered – that it belonged to one Lane [sic: Laing], and that the said Lane may build when he thought proper, as he the said Skinner had transferred it to the said Lane – and that he the said Timothy Skinner defyed the Governor & Council, that he had get it & put him the said Jacob Crane likewise, at defiance or any one else who might wish to obtain it – That he had now get it, and that it might lay as it was for ages—Sworn before me the 7th day of Decr 1796 [Signed] John Small J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 3, Petition Number 135]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Senn dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 26 Jan 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous to occupy and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him one therein—And as in Duty bound will ever pray—” Joseph Senn made his mark. “witness T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 31 Jan 1797. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 31]


Servos, Catharine

Upper Canada Land Petition of Catharine and Magdalane Servos dated at Newark on 18 Oct 1796

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners are the daughters of Daniel Servos who serv’d during the American war as an officer in His Majesty’s service. That your Petitioners as such have not yet received any land. Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray That your Honor would be pleased to grant them such quantity as you in your wisdom may think proper. And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. [Signed] Catharine Servos, Magdalane Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 19 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 26 Jan 1797. Ordered 200 acres each as the daughters of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 173]

List of Land Grants attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Catharine and Magdalane Servos

“Mrs Servos Lotts 12-13-14 – 8th Concess – 600 acres; Miss Cath Servos N 8 – 1st Con N 14 – 9th 400 acres; Miss Magd Servos No 12 & 13 – 9th Conn 400 acres Blenheim To be Serched & reported upon to G Lawe [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 173a]


Servos, Daniel

Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Servos received at the Executive Council Office on 20 May 1794

“Humbly Sheweth That Your memorialist located and Settled on Lands on this side the Four Mile in the year 1785 which land fall within the Reserve. Your Memorialist therefore Prays that he may be granted the Lott fronting the house in which your Memorialist now lives, should your Excellency see fit and Your Memorialist will as in duty bound Ever Pray [Signed] D Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 May and read in the Executive Council on 15 Jul 1794. Referred to His Excellency Lt. Gov. Simcoe for further consideration. Read again in Council on 15 Jul. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to show these lands said to be reserved are laid out. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 96]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Servos dated on 2 Jun 1794

“Sheweth That your Petitioner desirous of rendering more convenience to the Inhabitants of Newark by erecting a Mill on the Four Mile Creek a small distance above the One he at present occupys, begs your Excellency will consider of the terms on which the Scite may be obtained from Government, and he will willingly undertake the business if your Excellency [….] gives him a prospect of reimbursing himself of the expenses which must naturally attend the undertaking and your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] D Servos” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 120]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Servos Esquire dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 27 May 1795

“Humley Sheweth—That your Petitioner is desirous to occupy and improve a Lot in the Town of Newark (now vacant) and without any improvement whatsoever thereon, Prays Your Excellency would be pleased to grant him Lot No one hundred and Thirty eight, and yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray—[Signed] D Servos” Read in the Executive Council on 26 Jun 1795. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 63]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Servos dated at Niagara on 4 Jan 1797

“Respectfully sheweth That your petitioner has only received 800 acres of land, prays your honor would be pleased for to grant him the residue that he is entitled to as a reduced Officer—That your petitioner has a wife and five children four of which are above 10 years of age – therefore prays your Honor would be pleased for to grant him such quantity of lands for his family as your Honor may think them entitled to, and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] D Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 4 Jan 1797. Ordered that the remainder of the petitioners claim as a reduced Lieutenant be made up to him and family lands for a wife and four children if not granted before for which reference to be had to the Surveyor General. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 139]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 23 Jan 1797

“Captn Daniel Servos had four children before the year 1789. Catharine Servos, Leny Servos, John Servos & Wm Servos} Newark 23d January 97 R Clench [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 139b]


Servos, Jacob

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Servos and Peter J Smith dated on 2 Feb 1793

“Your Petisioners Is antious to Promote the Growing wealth of your Excellencys Government. And Prays your Permition to Look for Sum Propper Plan at or near Torunto To [….] two Mills a grinding and Sawmill on Some Ungranted lands. Your Potisioners, from their long Servature and antious desin of Promoting the good of this infant Coliny will be from inducement to your Excellency to Grant the Prayer in which they will in duty be Bound to pray” [Unsigned] No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 48]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Servos dated on 28 Nov 1794

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served His Majesty during the American War as a Lieutenant in the Six Nation Indian Department and begs leave to inform your Excellency that a Number of his relations and friends now resident in the States (who suffered much by the Revolution are desirous of removing to this Province provided they can be accommodated with Land to improve upon; therefore your Petitioner prays for a Grant of a Township, or a sufficientcy to form a Settlement of Seventy Families. Your Petitioner has no further object in view than to serve the people who has solicited him in this business, most of whom are Farmers and entire strangers to the arts and deceptions Generally practiced by men who are under the description of Landjobers. Should your Excelly be pleased to encourage the settlement proposed, your Petitioner will immediately give the necessary information to the people and go himself this winter to the States to forward their removal and he will ever Pray [Signed] Jacob Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Nov 1794 and read in Council on 4 Nov 1794. Ordered a proportion of land will be granted to all good settlers the petitioner shall bring into the province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 124]

Letter from John Servos to Captain Jacob Servos dated at Warrenstown on 14 Sep 1794 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Jacob Servos

“Dr Brother I received yours of the 4th August And am Exceeding Glad to hare that you Injoy your health as it is Reported hear that your Country is entirely Given to Sickness which is the only thing that I Dread Concerning what you mentioned To me Last Spring, however those families that I mentioned to you in my Last Letter will Sell their property And would already if you had Come at the time you was Exspected or had been Ashured of the Incouragement you Gave Them at that time, however the Season Being far Spent to move this fall I Exspect you hear Still this winter, if you Can Get A Grant for a township I will for my part ashure you thirty Eight familys Besides what Brother Christian Exspects. Should you not Come to See us this winter Don’t faill early in the Spring. No more at present But Remain your most Obedt [Signed] John Servos” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 124a]


Servos, Magdalane

Upper Canada Land Petition of Catharine and Magdalane Servos dated at Newark on 18 Oct 1796

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners are the daughters of Daniel Servos who serv’d during the American war as an officer in His Majesty’s service. That your Petitioners as such have not yet received any land. Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray That your Honor would be pleased to grant them such quantity as you in your wisdom may think proper. And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. [Signed] Catharine Servos, Magdalane Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 19 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 26 Jan 1797. Ordered 200 acres each as the daughters of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 173]

List of Land Grants attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Catharine and Magdalane Servos

“Mrs Servos Lotts 12-13-14 – 8th Concess – 600 acres

Miss Cath Servos N 8 – 1st Con N 14 – 9th 400 acres

Miss Magd Servos No 12 & 13 – 9th Conn 400 acres

Blenheim To be Serched & reported upon to G Lawe [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 173a]


Servos, Philip

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Servos received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Nov 1796

“Humbly Sheweth. —That your Petitioner desirous of settling in this Province prays a Grant of Four Hundred Acres of Land to improve upon. —He begs leave to observe to your Excellency that His Father was killed by the Americans for his unalterable attachment to His Majesty, and the British constitution and his Family severely persecuted for their Loyalty in the American War—and thro’ your Excellencys goodness he hopes to receive the Land as above specified on which he will improve agreeable to the rules made and provided in such cases; and your Petitioner will ever Pray [Signed] Phil: Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Nov 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before. Added notation: “Lot No 15 in the 6 Concession of the Township of Glanford is located under order in Council of 17 Oct 1796 in the name of Philip Servos for which no description has issued. S. G. O. 19 August 1836 [Signed] J. Radenhurst” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 109]

Letter from D. K. Servos dated at Barton on 24 Apr 1833 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Servos

“Dear Sir, Lot Number 15 in the 6th Concession of Glanford, is the lot I mentioned to you on Monday last, that was located by Mr Philip Servos, you will oblige me by getting the deed for the said lot, as soon as you can that I may communicate the same to him. I am Dear Sir Your Obt Servt [Signed] D. K. Servos” Notation of John Hatt, Esqr: “O. C. 17 Octr 1796 O Regs York” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 109a]

Extract from the Minutes of the Executive Council dated 17 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Servos

“Ordered that Philip Servos shall receive a Grant of Two Hundred Acres of Land. Regulations of 9 July 1796.” Added notation of E. Turguand: “No 21 R. G. O. 19 August 1886 – Patent paid £4.12.8 to the Receiver Genl [Signed] E. Turguand” Also signed by Wm H Lee. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 109b]

Certificate of D. K. Servos dated at Toronto on 3 Jan 1837 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Servos

“I certify that Philip Servos who was located on Lot No 15 in 6th Con. of Glanford was at the time resident in the Township of Niagara and that he is still alive [Signed D. K. Servos” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 109c]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Servos dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Mar 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner being the Son of Christopher Servos who was killed in the last American War, wishing to become an Inhabitant of this Province and having drawn Only Two Hundred acres of land Humbly prays Your Honor to grant him such an additional quantity as your Honor in Your Wisdom May think Meet. And Your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray [Signed] Philip Servos” Received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr. Ordered the petitioner’s lands are not granted without especial cause. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 196]

Certificate of Peter Ten Broeck attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Servos

“I do hereby Certify that Philip Servos is the son of Christopher Servos who was killed in the last American war and that he is a Very Industrious hard labouring Man. [Signed] Peter Ten Broeck” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 196a]


Servos, _____ (Cain/Caine)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Cain (signed Caine) dated at Niagara on 23 Jan 1797

“Respectfully Shews That your petitioners wife is the daughter of a Loyalist Christopher Servos and as yet has never recd and Lands, prays your Honor would be pleased for to consider her and allow her a grant of lands generally given to the Daughters of Loyalists & your petitioner will as in duty bound ever pray [Signed] Peter Caine” Received at the Executive Council Office on 23 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 26 Jan 1797. Ordered 200 acres to the wife of the petitioner as the daughter of a Loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 106a]

Certificate of Peter Ball J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 23 Jan 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Cain

“I do hereby Certify that Peter Caine is Married to the Daughter of the Late Christopher Servos who was Killed for his Loyalty in the year 1778 by a party of Rebels [Signed] P. Ball JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 106]


Seyer, Charles

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.

Charles Seyer – Full Fees 200 acres in Oxford Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117m]


Shaffer, John

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Shaffer late of Butlers Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Jun 1795

“Humbly Sheweth—That sometime ago, your Petitioner purchased of another Ranger his right to One Hundred Acres of Land, which transfer was allowed by the Land Board, and afterwards lodged with His Majesty’s Attorney General – Your Excellency’s Petitioner prays the same may be confirmed to him—He also begs to represent, that his Family consists of a wife & eight children—& that he received of Mr Frey a Ticket for Six Lots, of which he has received 200 acres only. Humbly submits to your Excellency that he may receive a grant of what may be due him of the vacant Lands of the Province, or whatever portion may be thought proper, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Shaffer” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Jun 1795. Ordered the Petitioner will get the lands he is entitled to on lodging the certificates in the Surveyor General’s office—The transfer of land by the Land Board needs no confirmation. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68]


Shafer/Shaver, Mary (Haines)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer of Grantham received at the Executive Council on 26 Jan 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is the Daughter of Joseph Haines Senr (a Loyalist) and is married to Philip Shafer & has four Children One of which was born in the year 1788, Your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays that her & Children’s situation be taken into consideration and that the usual allowance of land as granted to People of her description may be extended to her & Children and your Petitioner will as in duty bound Ever Pray” Mary Shafer made her mark” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Mar 1797 and read in the Executive Council on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as the daughter of a UE. Her Husband recommended for 100 acres as family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Sessions of the Peace appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“Mary Shafer is daughter to Joseph Hanse [sic] Senr who has satisfied the Justices in Sessions that he joined the Royal Standard in America before the year 1783 [Signed] R Clench, Clerk of the Session of the Peace” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133]

Warrant issued to Philip Shaver attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“Philip Shaver O. C. 28 March 1797 200 acres in right of his wife—& 100 acres famy Lands The Lands located in Burford—not desd The O. C. for both requested & wifes Lands not Known—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133a]

Certificate of Major David Secord and Captain George Lawr dated on 2 Feb 1816 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“This is to Certify that Philip Sheever [sic] of the Township of Grantham- yeoman has During the Late war with the United States exerted himself in Defence of His Country as a Loyal Faithfull and Industrious Subject & good Soldier [Signed] David Secord, Major 2d Lincoln, George Lawr, Capt 1st Ln […] [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133b]

Receipt issued by the Receiver General’s Office dated 3 Feb 1816 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“Philip Shaver has paid into this office the patent & Surveyg. fees on 100 Aces- Under Regs of 1796 £3.5.2 patent fee 1.7.6 Surveyg fee total £4.12.8. For the Receiver Genl [Signed] William Roe” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133c]


Shafer/Shaver, Philip

Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer of Grantham received at the Executive Council on 26 Jan 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is the Daughter of Joseph Haines Senr (a Loyalist) and is married to Philip Shafer & has four Children One of which was born in the year 1788, Your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays that her & Children’s situation be taken into consideration and that the usual allowance of land as granted to People of her description may be extended to her & Children and your Petitioner will as in duty bound Ever Pray” Mary Shafer made her mark” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Mar 1797 and read in the Executive Council on 28 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as the daughter of a UE. Her Husband recommended for 100 acres as family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Sessions of the Peace appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“Mary Shafer is daughter to Joseph Hanse [sic] Senr who has satisfied the Justices in Sessions that he joined the Royal Standard in America before the year 1783 [Signed] R Clench, Clerk of the Session of the Peace” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133]

Warrant issued to Philip Shaver attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“Philip Shaver O. C. 28 March 1797 200 acres in right of his wife—& 100 acres famy Lands The Lands located in Burford—not desd The O. C. for both requested & wifes Lands not Known—” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133a]

Certificate of Major David Secord and Captain George Lawr dated on 2 Feb 1816 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“This is to Certify that Philip Sheever [sic] of the Township of Grantham- yeoman has During the Late war with the United States exerted himself in Defence of His Country as a Loyal Faithfull and Industrious Subject & good Soldier [Signed] David Secord, Major 2d Lincoln, George Lawr, Capt 1st Ln […] [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133b]

Receipt issued by the Receiver General’s Office dated 3 Feb 1816 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Shafer

“Philip Shaver has paid into this office the patent & Surveyg. fees on 100 Aces- Under Regs of 1796 £3.5.2 patent fee 1.7.6 Surveyg fee total £4.12.8. For the Receiver Genl [Signed] William Roe” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 133c]


Shank, David

Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain David Shank and other Loyalist Officers dated at Niagara on 19 Jul 1793

“The Petition of Captain David Shank, Captain Samuel Smith, Captain John McGill, Captain Oneas Shaw, Captain Spencer, Captain Wm Hamilton, Lieutenant Allan McNabb, Lieutenant Arthur H. Brooking, Lieutenant William Mayne Duncanson, Ensign John McGill, & Surgeons David Burns, and James Macaulay—humbly sheweth That agreeable to His Majesty’s Proclamations your Petitioners are severally entitled to certain rated Grants of the Waste Lands of the Crown for their respective Services during the late War in America. That your Petitioners have not as yet received the Complement of lands so due to them as aforesaid. That your Petitioners are desiring of locating a part of the lands to which they stand entitled in respect of their Services as aforesaid, in this District. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Excellency would be pleased to allot to Captain David Shank one Thousand five Hundred Acres of land, and to each and every other of your other Petitioners One Thousand Acres of land in a Township laying immediately behind Burlington Bay the front of which is formed by the North side of His Majesty’s Highway leading from the said Burlington Bay to the River Latranche or New Thames as lately traced by Your Excellencys Directions. And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray &ca In behalf of the Petitioners [Signed] David Burns” Read in Council on 23 Jul 1793. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 4]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Captain David Shank read in the Executive Council on 24 Jun 1794

“humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner is desirous of obtaining a grant of No 33 a Lott of 200 Acres in the Township of York lately minuted for Mr Dainty deceased Your Petitioner asked for this Lott last Fall and hopes a preference may be given him if it should be regranted. [Signed] David Shank Capt Q. R.” Read in the Executive Council on 24 Jun 1794. Ordered granted but to stand over until York petitions are settled. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 103]

Shannon, Daniel

Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Shannon of Stamford, Gent. dated in York (Toronto) on 31 May 1802

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner arrived in this Province upwards of three years ago from the Province of New Brunswick where he received five hundred Acres of Land on account of his services. That he served as an Ensign in the New Jersey Volunteers, as will appear by his Commission herewith. That hde has in this Province a family consisting of a Wife & seven children and Property to the amount two hundred pounds Halifax Currency consisting of Three horses, Six head of horn Cattle, Six Sheep, twelve Swine, a Waggon, Farming Utensils, & Cash. That he is desirous to occupy and improve a vacant Lot of Land of the Crown. That he is prepared & undertakes in case his Petition shall be favorably answered, to pay within three days from the date of the Order of Council into the hands of His Majesty’s Receiver General of this Province as well the whole of the Fees allowed by His Majesty to be charged on the Patent that is to issue, as the Fees of Survey. And Your Petitioner will within the same period produce to the Clerk of the Council the Receiver General’s Receipt for such Fees. And Your Petitioner will also attend the Secretary of the Province within twenty one days from the date of the Order of Council and take out such Deed. Wherefore Your Petitioner prays that Your Excellency may be pleased to Grant him such quantity of the Waste Lands of the Crown as he may be thought worthy of An in duty bound Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] Danl Shannon” York 31 May 1802” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 6, Petition Number 39]


Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Shannon of Stamford dated in York (Toronto on 22 Feb 1816

“Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner is a native of the late Province of New Jersey in the now United States of America. That at the breaking out of the American Rebellion he joined the Royal Standard and served as an Ensign until the Peace, in the 2nd Battalion of New jersey Volunteers. That during the War he was taken Prisoner, with several others, whle on the Recruiting Service, by a Party of the Rebels, and lay in Gaol under Sentence of Death upwards of four months, during which time Your Petitioners sufferings were very great. That at the Peace of 1783 he settled in New Brunswick. That in the year 1800 he removed with a large family to this Province, and has resided ever since in the Township of Stamford. That he only received five hundred Acres of Land in New Brunswick for his Services, and in this Province 200 acres on payment of fees, having come in at too late a period to entitle him to military Lands. That he regained his Loyalty during the late War, and was employed on Secret Service, a Certificate whereof he begs leave to annex, and humbly solicits Your Excellency to favor him with an additional grant of land under the present regulations. An your Petitioner shall ever pray [Signed] Danl Shannon” York 22nd February 1816. Received in the Executive Council Office on 22 Feb 1816. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 12, Petition Number 173]


Shathuck, William

Upper Canada Land Petition of William Shathuck dated on 2 Jul 1793

“The petition of William Shathuck for himself and family. Humbly Sheweth that your petitioner is a Subject of America and wishes now to become a Subject of great Britain therefore Humbly prays that your Excellency will be gratiously pleased to grant him and family four thousand Acres of land in the unlocated Land of the Crown in your Said province at or near Chipaway Creek—and your Petitioner as in duty bound Will Ever pray [Signed] Wm Shathuck” Received at the Executive Council on 12 Jul 1793. Ordered 1000 acres granted to himself and 6 children. A. W. 19 Aug 1797. Later notation: No order to issue for these Lands vide His Excellency the Lieut. Gov.’s answer to William Shattuck’s Petition dated Lieut. Gov.’s Office 14 Mar 1803. Appended Council notation: “William Shathuck & his Family consisting of six Children shall have one Thousand Acres only. Granted 13th July 1793. Mr Small will be good to send the Order in Council to the Atty Genl as no Warrant has ever reached this Office” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 6]

Certificate of John Small dated 19 Aug 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Shathuck

“I certify that William Shattuck [sic] has taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance as required by Law before me, this Nineteenth day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Seven.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 6c]

Certificate of Elijah Phelps dated at Queenston on 20 Aug 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Shathuck

“Received of Major William Shacock [sic] his—Survey one thousand Eakers Land which I will present to the survey General ofis—with in forty days and the Sum when Call for [Signed] Elijah Phelps” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 6d]