Upper Canada Land Petition of Major John Smith and David William Smith dated at Niagara on 6 Oct 1792
“Most humbly represents—That the flattering aspect which your Excellencys administration offers to this Province your Memorialists are induced to look for a permanent Establishment under the auspices of your Excellencys Government—May presume therefore to state to your Excellency the grounds on which they most humbly beg leave to crave your Excellencys patronage & Support—Your Excellencys memorialist John Smith of His Majestys 5 Regt has the honour to represent that having early made arms his profession, he has attained after a service of nearly 50 Years the rank before mentioned, having purchased most of the grades to that rank & the commission of Major at an advanced price; that during the period of service before mentioned your memorialist has never been absent on leave from his Regiment, but has constantly attended his several Dutys, among which Services may be enumerated 3 Campaigns in Germany, 3 Expeditions on the Coast of France—Many Years Service in Ireland & Canada—& an actual employment under the Kings Commissions of Major of Brigade, during any nearly the whole Rebellion in America & war in the West Indies—Such latter Services particularly, your memorialist is induced to believe your Excellency, & His Most Gracious Majesty will be kindly induced to consider on a footing with the claims of several objects, & of similar description to your memorialist; who being now far advanced in Years wishes to foster the idea of spending the remainder of his days within the pale of your Excellencys protection & power—Your Memorialist prays therefore that you will be pleased to grant him 5000 Acres in the Township of [blank] or such other portion as your Excellency sees meet, recommending your memorialist to his Majestys Gracious Bounty for the Remainder; if your Excellency in your honourable Council does not see fit to grant the absolute & intermediate object of the memorial—Your Memorialist David William Smith has the honour to represent to your Excellency that he has served near 14 Years in the 5 Regiment; that his Excellency General Clarke has noticed your memorialist, by having honoured him with an appointment of ADQ Mast Genl unasked for on the part of your memorialist—That your Excellency has honoured your memorialist with the temporary appointment of acting Surveyor General—That your memorialist has further become noticed by the Counties of Essex & Suffolk, in being returned to represent them in the House of assembly—Your memorialist further begs leave to represent that he served as Secretary of the Land Board of Hesse, without fee, emolument, salary or reward, for 2 Years, during which time he not only did the immediate Business of the Board, but actually drew 500 petitions for Loyalists, M, L, & others; as well as other concerning business for the objects of the said Boards appointment; & did actually forego the receipt of £1500 fees, for the effectuating the above objects, and the ease & comfort of the poor people of the said Countys of Essex & Suffolk—As your memorialist has no permanent Establishment in life, except a Lieutenancy in a marching Regiment; having nearly attained the middle age of man & with a prospect of a young family to support; your memorialist hopes your Excellency will take the foregoing Circumstances into your Excellencys Consideration, & grant him 1200 Acres of Land in order to make your memorialist respectable therein, & in order to serve the Government in future, by enabling your memorialist to have weight in the said County, which weight & Interest he hereby pledges himself to give & exert towards the support of the Unity of the Empire—Your Memorialists John Smith & David William Smith further presume to state to your Excellency that if it may be deemed prudent by your Excellency in Council to invest your memorialist John Smith, or jointly with your memorialist D W Smith, with a patent for the Township aforesaid, or on the same conditions as to other applicants, they do not hesitate to declare they are ready to enter immediately on the means of procuring good, able & faithful Settlers for the same, from England, Ireland & His Majestys possessions without the treat Lines, under such instructions & Regulations & forfeitures of the said Lands, as your Excellency shall see meet—And as many applications for Lands as may be made to your Excellency individually, & in associate bodys for Townships, can be accommodated in shich township, as well as any other singular & particular Grants, which your Excellency might think proper to order therein—on the other hand—should your Excellency wish to invest your memorialist with a patent for the specific Lands they have applied for only; they will be perfectly grateful & satisfied; & have only to add that by preferring this memorial, they do not wish to interfere in the most remote degree, with any arrangement which you Excellency has suggested; & that whatever may be the fate of this memorial they will be perfectly satisfied with your Excellencys Determination—All which is most humbly submitted by your Excellencys faithful humble servant—[Signed] John Smith, Major 5th Regt, D W Smith” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “N” Bundle 1, Petition Number 159]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 20 Mar 1795
“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner from his attachment to the British Government during the late Rebellion was confined at [Auspus?], & ill treated, that on his arrival in this Country with his Family consisting of a wife, three sons & Five Daughters. He & his Sons, Willm John & Joseph were included in a Petition present to your Excellency by James Wilson & associates & that his Sons in consequence thereof have settled on Land granted them in the Township of Ancaster—That your Petitioner not having yet located any—Humbly prays your Excellency will grant him some Land near Long Point for himself & the remainder of his Family, when the same shall be surveyed, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Smith” Received at the Executive Council on 18 Mar 1795 and read in Council on 4 Jul 1795. Ordered granted when surveyed. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 27]
Extract from the minutes of the Executive Council dated on 4 Jul 1795
“Read. The Petition of John Smith Senr Stating yr Petitioners attachment to the British Government during the late Rebellion that he has a wife & eight children—that he has never located any Lands—therefore prays his Excellency will grant him some Lands near Long Point, for himself & Family when the same shall be surveyed. Ordered That the Petition shall be granted when Surveyed. An Extract from the Minutes [Signed] John Small Ex C” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 50]
Peter Russell, Executive Counsellor to John Small Esq. dated on 9 Jun 1796
“It appearing from Mr Petits certificate that John Smith came into this Province in the year 1786 with a Wife and Eight children he is entitled to family Lands for the same amounting to 450 acres—if he has never received any part of that Bounty before—and being a loyalist he is also entitled to 200 acres and if he can prove that he has served in any Corps to 100 acres in addition—But these Claims must be referred to the Surveyor General [Signed] Peter Russell an Executive Counsellor” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 50a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of the daughters of John Smith of Ancaster Twp. dated at Niagara on 9 Jun 1796
“The Petition of Eleanor – Hannah & Elisabeth Smith of the age of Twenty one years and – Lydia & Anna Smith under that age Daughters of John Smith of the Township of Ancaster – a Loyalist U. E.—as p his Certificates—Humbly sheweth—That your petitioners, presuming themselves, as Daughters of Loyalist U. E. entitled to 200 acres of Land each—Pray your Excellency would be pleased to grant the same to them – And as in Duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] Marginal note with an asterisk referring to Hannah: “*married to Benjn Wintemute” Marginal note referring to Lydia “18 years” and to Anna “16 yrs of age” No Executive Council dates on the Petition. Ordered Eleanor, Hannah and Elisabeth recommended for 200 acres each. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 32]
Copy of a certificate of D Mathews, Mayor dated at the Police Office 29 Jun
“This Certifies that John Smith late of Duchess County having complied with the Commandants proclamation of the 12th July 1779 – is permitted to reside in this City. (signed) D Mathews, Mayor” Added note of Thomas Ridout, Notary Public: “a true copy taken from the original this 9th day of Jun 1796 [Signed] T Ridout, Not. Pubc *printed in red letters excepting the words underlined which are written” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 32a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith Senior of Ancaster a Loyalist UE
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner came into the Province in the year 1786 with a wife and nine children – but has only received 450 acres of Land for his family – as the certificate he before gave in, mentioned only eight Children – which was the number he had living at the time of giving in his petition in June 1795 – altho he brought in 9 which him –but having lost a daughter 18 years of age – in the year 1794 – she was not recond as part of his family who came in with him: prays therefore your Honor would be pleased to grant 50 acres in addition to his family Lands & as in Duty bound yr petitioner will ever pray [Signed] John Smith Sr” Read in the Executive Council on 26 Feb 1797. Ordered recommended for 50 acres family lands in addition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 158]
Certificate of Richard Beasley dated at Burlington Bay on 7 Oct 1796
“I do hereby Certify that Mr John Smith Senr did two years ago loose a Daughter thro Sickness aged eighteen years—[Signed] Richard Beasley” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 158b]
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 4 Oct 1796 signed by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith
21 Sep 1796 John Smith—farm lot
Confirmed in Council on 4 Oct 1796 [Signed] Peter Russell [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 9]
A signer to the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith Esquire received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Jul 1797
“The Petition of Willm Kennedy Smith Esqr One of His Majestys Justices of the Peace—Most Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner being desirous of erecting mills on the big Creek, Township of Bleinham – there being a reserved lot for that purpose, and having lands due him, which can cover it – prays your [Honor] would be pleased for to grant him Lot 3 in the 2nd Concession of said Township – which is the reserved lot that contains the Mill Seat, and your Petitioner as in duty bound ever pray—[Signed] William Kennedy Smith, John Smith Senr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 22 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended that the lot prayed for be not reserved; that it be appropriated to the Petitioner on condition of building a mill by the first of October 1798. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 40]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith received at the Executive Council Office in Mar 1797
“The Petition of John Smith Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner having been appointed Lieutenant in His Majesty’s Militia and served for several Months under the Command of Major Clench, while the militia were embodied at Navy Hall—That your petitioner is Brother to William Kennedy Smith Esqr of Burlington Bay, where your petitioner also resides—Your Petitioner therefore trusts, that your Honor in Consideration of the above, and of his late exertions in executing your Honors Commands, in going to the states, added to his having resided Eleven Years in this Province – your Honor will be pleased to allow him a further grant of His Majestys Lands, to the two hundred acres already received and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Smith” “Witness [Signed] A McNabb” Received at the Executive Council Office in Mar 1797. Ordered to lie over for York. Read in the Executive Council on 14 Feb 1798. Ordered 200 acres in addition under the New Regulations when they shall be established. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 4, Petition Number 111]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith and John Smith dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Apr 1799
“humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioners having acquired an equitable Estate in and to five Hundred acres of Land lying between the Township of Townsend & the Indian Lands being Nos 12. 13. & 14 in the 1st Concn Gore of Land Situate as aforesaid and the original nominee, Moses Mount, being now dead your Petitioners humbly pray for a Title in law to the said Land by the Deed of Grant thereof issuing in the names of your Petitioners, or in that of one of them & as in duty they will pray &c—[Signed] A Macdonell, Atty for Petrs” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 5, Petition Number 90]
Order of the Executive Council on the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith and John Smith
Received at the Executive Council on 23 Apr 1799 “It having been [..]gated to the Board that one Anderson may possibly have equal Equity to the within lands, as the petitioners that they are required to satisfy the Committee, that his Claim is quieted – [Initialled] J E” “Lt Governors office York 8th July 1802 The Clerk of the Council will return the Papers enclosed within this Memorial to the Petitioners, in order that they may be enabled to bring their Claim before the Commissioners By Order of the Lt Govr – [Signed] James Green Secy” “Returned the Papers as ordered 9th July 1802 [Signed] J Small” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 5, Petition Number 90a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith, Cooper dated 24 Aug 1795
“Humbly Sheweth—That your petitioner was an Inhabitant in the State of New jersey and Tolerable well Settl[ed] and that by Reason of his attachment to the Brittish Constitution and the Severe Laws of Said State he Removed him Self with his wife and Six Children into this province in the year 1787 and hath as yett obtained a Grant of only two hundred acres of Land and under his majestys order and the Custom of the Country he Conceived himself intitled to more or – Commonly Calld family Land Therefore most Humbly prays your Excellency will Grant him such further allotment as you in your wisdom May Think he Merrits and as in Duty Bound will Ever pray. [Unsigned] [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 51d]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith dated at Niagara on 13 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins
“The Petition of John Smith – Cooper – from New Jersey who came into the Province in the year 1787 with a wife & Six Children—Respectfully shews, That your Petitioner has only received 200 acres of Land, & not any for his Family— 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 & is ready to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country which he has left. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him lands for his Family 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. Gave a warrant on 12 Oct. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 51]
Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit dated at 40 Mile Pond on 24 Aug 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith
“These Do Cartifie that I was aquainted with the Petitioner John Smith Cooper in the State of New jersey and that he Suported the Charrector of an honest Industress man and Apeared to be firmly Attachd to the Brittish Crown and Constitution which charrector he hath and Still Do the be Loyal in this Country Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 51b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith dated at Niagara on 28 Sep 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of John Smith—late of Butlers Rangers—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 Honor, would be pleased to grant him as a reduced soldier 300 acres of land. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” John Smith made his mark. Added note: “Petitioner has a wife & two children. Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Sep 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered prayer granted on like conditions with other Rangers lately come. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 118]
Certificate of Peter Ball, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 27 Sep 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Smith
“I do hereby Certify that John Smith has Served as a Private soldier in Butlers Rangers in the late War [Signed] P. Ball JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 118b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Smith received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Jul 1795
“Sheweth That your Petitioner is settled on Two hundred acres of Land near to the Fifteen mile Creek, above one half of which your Petitioner has through industry cleared off and now got under Cultivation, your Petitioner is married to the daughter of Harmanus House, who with several Sons served during the whole of the late war in the Corps of Rangers Commanded by Col Butler. Your Petitioner has by this marriage Three Children,. Your Petitioner therefore Prayeth that a quantity of lands may be allowed him for his wife as the daughter of a Loyalist & his Children and should his industry appear worthy Humbly Prays that a grant of Twelve hundred acres may in the whole allowed him & Family or such a quantity as to your Excellency may appear meet and your Petitioner will as in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] Joseph Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Jul 1795. Ordered recommended for 200 acres in right of his wife on producing the required certificate. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 52]
Certificate of Benjamin Pawling, J. P. dated on 4 Nov 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Smith
“Upper Cannaday Joseph Smith is marred to A Rangers Daughter that he hath Sarved in his Majesty Sarvis 7 yers [Signed] Benjm Pawling” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 52b]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Christopher Beamer of Louth dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 8 May 1797
“Humbly shews. That your Petitioner has been upwards of Eight years in the Province and is married to Elisabeth, a Daughter of Jacob Smith a Loyalist—who having never received His Majestys Bounty to persons of her description your Petitioner humbly prays your Honor would be pleased ot grant him 200 acres in behalf of his wife, and your Petitioner in duty bound will ever pray.” Christopher Beamer made his mark witnessed by Thomas Ridout, J. P. Received at the Executive Council Office on 9 May 1797 and read in Council on 10 May 1797. Ordered the name of the petitioner’s father-in-law is not on the U. E. List. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle “Misc.” Petition Number 19]
Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit dated 29 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Christopher Beamer of Louth
“I do hereby certify that Christopher Beamer is married to Elizabeth—a Daughter of Jaob Smith—a Loyalist. [Signed] Nathl Pettit. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle “Misc.” Petition Number 19a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Smith dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 24 Feb 1797
“The Petition of Joseph Smith of Ancaster, son of John Smith, late of New York, Loyalist—Humbly shews; That your Petitioner on application to the Late Land Board, was permitted to settle on the Tract now the Township of Ancaster, it being previous to the Survey thereof—That your Petitioners location for 200 acres has been confirmed by an order of Council, but that the Lot whereon he lives having been settled upon before the Survey was made, it has happened, that the greatest part lies in the mountain so that not more than 60 acres of the whole is fit for cultivation – Your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to indulge with the grant of an additional Lot of Land and your petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Joseph Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Feb and read on 17 Mar 1796. Ordered the petitioner at liberty to exchange his lot for another but does not appear entitled to any addition, but he may bring forward his claim again if he can support it better. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 125]
Certificate of James Wilson and Richard Beasley J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 1 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joseph Smith
“This is to sartify that the north half of lost No 48 & 49 second Concession township of ancaster Belonging to Joseph Smith is intirely on the face of the mountain and so broken that I think there is not more than sixty acars of tillable land on the two hundred [Signed] James Wilson, Richard Beasley, J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 125b]
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 4 Oct 1796 signed by Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith
21 Sep 1796 Joseph Smith—farm lot
Confirmed in Council on 4 Oct 1796 [Signed] Peter Russell [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “P” Bundle 2, Petition Number 9]
Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe received at the Executive Council on 20 Apr 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served last American War in Col. Butlers Rangers as a Serjeant till the Reduction of 1783 – That your Petitioner recd three hundred acres of land as pr annexed Certificate, which he has made Considerable improvements on – That your Petitioner has been twice married to Daughters of Loyalists – first to the Daughter of Fredk Smith who died about the year 1793, and afterwards to the Daughter of Willm Pickard who also died about a month ago – Wherefore your Petitioner Humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to Confirm him in the three hundred acres already recd likewise the residue of his Military Lands – and for his two wives deceased – two hundred acres each, as the Daughters of Loyalists and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Rowe” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Apr 1797 and read in Council on 25 Apr. Ordered 500 acres including former grants to complete his military land as a reduced Serjeant. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14]
Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. dated at Stamford on 27 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe
“I do hereby Certify that John Row’s first wife Leah was the daughter of Fredk Smith a Loyalist and also his second wife Mary was the daughter of William Picket a Loyalist. Given under my hand at Stamford this 27th day of March 1797—[Signed] John Reilly J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14b]
Certificate of Alexander McDonell dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe
“I hereby certify that [John Rowe served as a] Serjeant in Butlers Rangers during the American War, & as such was esteemed by his officers, & beloved by the soldiers – I further certify that as a settler in the Home District he is a respectable man, & to be trusted on any emergency [Signed] Alexr McDonell late Lieut. of Rangers, and Sheriff of the Home District” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14c]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton, J. P. dated at Queenston on 25 Apr 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Rowe
“John Rowe was a Serjeant in Colonel Butlers Rangers for Six years—He Settled at the End of the war in this district & has ever since Maintained a most Respectable Character for Industry Sobriety & Morality. He has been twice Married each time to Daughters of Loyalists—He has never Received more than three hundred Acres from the Land board—His Modesty I verily believe has hitherto prevented his Soliciting for more either for himself or his Family—Queenston April 25 1795 [Signed] R. Hamilton JP.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 3, Petition Number 14d]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Smith received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Mar 1797
“Humbly Shews—That your Petitioner is Daughter of John Smith, deceased, who served His Majesty during the late American war That your petitioner having never received any Lands, prays your Honor would be pleased to allow her such a grant of Lands as your Honor may think proper, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Mary Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Mar 1797 and read the same day. Ordered 200 acres as the daughter of a Loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 141]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated 10 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Smith
“Mary Smith is the Daughter of John Smith, deceased whose Heirs satisfied the Justices in Sessions that he joined the Royal Standard in America before the year 1783 [Signed] R Clench Clerk of the Sessions” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 141b]
Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Robert Campbell late Serjeant Major in Butler’s Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 8 Jan 1797
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner has received 300 acres of Land—that he has wife and 8 children, 4 of whom were born before the year 1789—and that his wife (Mary) is a daughter of Fredk Smith also of the aforesaid Corps—That having never received the complement of Land due him, or any for his wife and family, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant the same to him, and them—and Your Petitioner as in duty bound will Ever pray—” [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: I do hereby certify that Robt Campbell Personally applied for the above petition—T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 23 Feb 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres Military Lands and 250 acres family lands and 200 acres for his wife as the daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 149]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench, Lieutenant of Butler’s Rangers dated at Niagara on 5 Dec 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Robert Campbell
“The Bearer Mr Robert Campbell joined the Royal Standard in America in the year 1776 and served with a degree of Credit as Serjt Major to Butlers Rangers, is married to the daughter of a Loyalist and had four Children before the year 1789, & has ever since the Reduction of the Corps of Rangers resided in this Settlement, and his Conduct as a Citizen has been such as reflects credit to himself & family Niagara 5th December 1796 [Signed] Ralfe Clench Lt Late Rangers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 149b]
Certificate of Peter Ball J.P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Robert Campbell
“Mr Robert Campbell Married Mary Smith the Daughter of Frederick Smith a Loyalist U. E. Children James, Margerett, Deborah & Mary” Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “C” Bundle 2, Petition Number 149b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Durham dated on 2 Feb 1797
“respectfully Shews That Your Petitioner is the Daughter of Elias Smith, a Loyalist & prays Your Honor will please to grant her two hundred Acres of Land & Yr Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Mary Durham” Received at the Executive Council Office on 24 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as a UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 60]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Mathias Smith of Caistor dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 2 May 1797
“Humbly shews – That your Petitioner came into the Province in the year 1785 with his Son in Law Chris. Whitsell – That your Petitioner had two sons in His majestys Service, during the american war and one of them is now in the Canadian Volunteers that your petitioner has never yet applied for any Land – therefore humbly hopes your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—for Mathias Smith [Signed] Christian Whitzall” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 May 1797. Ordered 200 acres if never been granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 114]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nicholas Smith dated at Niagara on 13 Mar 1797
“Copy. I do hereby certify that I have no claim to lot no 22—4th Concession of Grantham—that I never received a Certificate for it, & that my name being thereon, must be a mistake, as I have improved the Lot by permission of Major Tenbrook, to whom I have given other Lands in lieu thereof—(Signed) Nicholas Smith, witness (signed) Thos Ridout” Initialed by copier D W Smith. No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 10]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Nicholas Smith
Humbly Shewth that your Petitioner served as a Filer in Butlers late Corps of Rangers having joined that Corps in the year 1778, Your Petitioner has located Two hundred Acres of land, for himself, and is married to the daughter of Wm May who also served in Butlers Rangers, your Petitioner by this marriage Four Children, —your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays that the normal allowance of lands may be granted him, his wife & Children or such other quantity as to your Excellency may appear meet & Your Petitioner will in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] Nichls Smith” Written on the reverse: “Nicholas Smith an Old Ranger for his Wife Catherine” and “Catherine Smith Daughr of William May priviledged DUE” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered Recommended to grant 200 acres to the petitioners wife, the daughter of a Loyalist—not entitled to family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 86]
Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Isaac Folluck [sic] and Jonas Laroway Senior received at the Executive Council Office on 17 Mar 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners were Both during the late War, in the Corps commanded by Lieut Colonel Butler, and at the Peace with a a numerous Family each Settled in this Neighborhood, so early as the year 1784. Your Petitioners took possession as the Custom then was of their Lands on the 12 Mile Creek, and have ever since held them only by right of occupancy owing at first in the time of the Land Board to a Spurious Claim of an Individual. In consequence of which the Land Board Declined Granting their Certificate; Since that time your Petitioners rested Quietly on their Possessions, but to their Astonishment find the name of Peter Tenbrook upon the Lotts on which your Petitioners have lived there 12 years. Your Petitioners come to your Honor in full Conviction of your taking into your Consideration their peculiarly hard case and trust that the finess and obstinate Interest[..oness] of an Individual will never succeed in endeavouring to [Gripe] from Poor People as your Petitioners are the hard earned labour of 12 years. To state to your Honor the Circumstances Your Petitioners have to Say that in the Year 1784 your Petitioner Isaac Folluck Settled and took up Lotts No 21 & 22 in the fourth Concession of the Township of Grantham as also Lotts No 1 & 3 in the Third Concession of the Township of Louth—that in Lot No 21 [inserted 22] your Petitioner raised may Crops, Built a House & Barn and sold it for £100 to John Gould—That on No 1 & 3 your Petitioner now lives, has a House & Barn on each and more than 20 acres of clear Land. The name of Nicholas Smith has by some Mistake been Inserted in the Map, but that Man is ready to Declare he has no Claim to it. Still Peter Tenbrook gives your Petitioners much uneasiness by reporting in the Neighborhood that he will drive us from our Possessions and Improvements, on no better Ground, than having his name inserted on the Map—your Petitioner Isaac Folluck some time ago agreed to give up to said Tenbrook half of Lot No 21 [inserted 22] and since makes no Claim to it, the other half is mostly Improved, and has by your Petitioner been sold. John Gould, the Person who purchased from your Petitioner Isaac Folluck has threatened your Petitioner with a Prosecution to obtain a Good Title—your Petitioner Jonas Laroway is in the very same Predicament with your Petitioner Isaac Folluck having Built and Improved these 12 years on Lott No 2 and from the said Tenbrook finds the same Difficulty—If the voice of the Public in that Quarter could reach your Honor, little necessity would be in convincing your Honor of the Justness of our Claim and the overbearing Deportment of a Man who already adjoining has got 1400 acres and would now deprive in their old age Two Men, who with their Descendants now within Twelve Miles of Newark, constitute the number to 60- Vizt Isaac Folluck 49 & Jonas Laroway 11 and all of age in His Majestys Service. Your Petitioners have therefore to pray that Isaac Folluck may be Confirmed in the S.W half of the Lott No 21 [inserted 22] & the Lotts No 1 & 3 in the third Concession Township of Louth, that your Petitioner Jonas Laroway may be Confirmed in His Lott No 2 in said Concession & Township and as in Duty Bound your Petitioners will ever Pray—” Isaac Folluck and Jonas Laroway made their marks. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68]
Report of Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith dated 29 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Isaac Folluck [sic] and Jonas Laroway Senior
“May it please your Honor! In obedience to your Honors reference to me of the 17th of march, to report upon the petitions of Isaac Folluck & Jonas Laroway; as well as upon the Petition of Peter Tenbroeck Esquire, I am to lay before your Honor a plan comprehending the lots in Question—I perceive that Isaac Folluck claims half lot No 21—& the lot No 22, in the 4th Concession of Grantham, & numbers 1 & 3, in the 3d Concession of Louth, containing 350 acres—& that Jonas Larroway claims No 2, in the 3d Concession of Louth containing 100 acres—upon which lots they state to have lived these 12 years—I rather apprehend that Isaac Folluck means No 23 & not No 21—that is to say nukbers 22 & 23 & not numbers no 21 & 22, in the 4th Conn of Grantham, as Nicholas Smith has an assignment for No 21—& Isaac Vollucks name is Entered on No 23—The foregoing 5 lots are claimed by Major Tenbroeckk, for one of them, No 3 third Concession of Louth, he has an assignment, & a description has been given thereof preparatory to his receiving a patent; The lots no 1 & 2 in the third Concession of Louth are filled up by entry of hyis name on receiving the Plans from the land Board, & Major Tenbroeck petitions to receive them in lieu of No 30, in the 5th Conn of Ancaster, which he states to have received by mistake, together with No 30 in the 5th Conn of ancaster, which he prays to exchange for the aforesaid Nos 22 & 23, upone which your Honor will perceive the names of Isaac Volluck & Nicholas Smith, entered from an old plan said to have belonged to the Land Board, but not authenticated—Major Tenbroeck in his petition indeed, asks for No 1 & 2d in the fourth Concession of Louth, which have been assigned to Richard Hainer, but I have no doubt he means the 3d Conn & that the mistake is owing to a deep Broken front (of part of 2 ranges) With respect to the lot of which I apprehend Isaac Folluck claims hereof—Nicholas Smith has certified he has no claim, that he never received a Certificate for it, & that his name being on the Plan must be a mistake, as he improved on the lot by permission of Major Tenbrock, to whom he has given other lands in lieu thereof—Major Tenbrock on the other hand promises, on receiving the Certificate for No 22 in the 4th Conn of Grantham, to allow Nicholas Smith to retain as his sole property on the land he has improved on that Lot; Smith giving him an equal quantity of wood Land on the north Eng of lots No 20 & 21; for which Smith has an assignment—Major Tenbroeck petitions your Honor for family Lands & produces Mr Kerrs Certificate in support thereof for a wife & Six children—All which is submitted to your Honours wisdom, with the original petitions herewith returned—[Signed D W Smith ASG” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68d]
Order of the Executive Council on the Upper Canada Land Petition of Isaac Folluck [sic] and Jonas Laroway Senior
“recd 17 March 1797 Read 17th March 1797. “Referred to the Acting Surveyor General to report the Case. Read 4 April- Having read the Surveyor Genls Report and the parties Volluck and Laroway—and it appearing that the Petitioners have been for 12 years in possession Volluck of Nos 1 & 3 in the 3d Concession of Louth and the SW Half of 22 & the […] of 23 in the 4th Concession of Grantham—and Laroway of No 2 in the 3d Concession of Louth & improved thereon—Ordered that the petitioners be confirmed- Volluck in Nos 1 & 3 in the 3d Concession of Louth and Nos 22 & 23 in the 4th Concessn of Grantham and Larroway in No 2 in the 3d Concession of Louth—including their respective Improvements—and the said Lots to be covered as Part of the Lands granted to them [Initialled] P. R. [Administrator Peter Russell]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “F” Bundle 2, Petition Number 68c]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Othniel Smith dated on 25 Jun 1796
“Humbly Sheweth – That your petitioner was born in the State of New Jersey, and continued there during the late war between Great Brittain and America, and having a great & lasting attachment to the British Constitution, could not join in opposition that was made to them, or give any assistance thereto—on which account he was much hurt in his circumstances by fines & other impositions – and having a large family was rendered incapable of removing to this Country untill this year – and that a few days past he arrived in this Province with a wife and nine children, most of them sons, several of them nearly of mens age, and your petitioner humbly prays that your Excellency will grant him such an allotment of Land as your Excellency in his wisdom may think he merits- and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Othniel Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Jun 1796 and read in Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 93]
Certificate of Nathaniel Pettit dated 26 Jun 1796 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Othniel Smith
“I do hereby Certifie That I was aquaneted with the Barer Othniel Smith In the Stat of New jersey and that his General Charactor was that of an honest Industress man and firmely Attached to the brittish Constitution on acount of which he Suffered Mutch in his Circumstances Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 93]
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
21 Sep 1796 Othneil Smith—farm Lot
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 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 erect 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 Philip Smith of Louth dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 18 Mar 1797
“Humbly shews—That your Petitioner came into the Province in the year 1787 – with a wife and three Children – and has only received 200 acres of Land as a Settler – That his family Lands having never been received, your petitioner humbly prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him two Hundred acres as Lands for his family agreeably to the annexed Certificate—And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” Philip Smith made his mark. “witness [Signed] T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 18 Mar 1797 and read on 24 Mar. Ordered 200 acres family lands if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 182]
Certificate of William Dickson, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 18 Mar 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Smith
“I do hereby Certify that whilst I was bording at Mr Hamiltons Mills on the 12 Mile Creek in the 1787 & 1788 Phillip Smith came into this Province with a wife & Three Children [Signed] William Dickson JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 182b]
Receipt issued by the Receiver General’s Office on 11 Feb 1805 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Philip Smith
“Mr Philip Smith has paid into this office £3.5.2 Being the Patent fees on a grant of 200 acres ordered him as family Lands in Council 24 March 1797 – The Surveying fees to be paid at the Surveyor Generals Office O R – [Signed] Peter Russell R Gen To The Atty General” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 182c]
Mentioned in the Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of George Adams received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Apr 1797
“Respectfully Sheweth—That your Petitioner married the daughter of Elias Smith a U E Loyalist (whom has never drawn any lands – wherefore your Petitioner prays your Honor would allow her the usual quantity of Lands given to daughters of Loyalists and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Geo. Adams” Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Apr 1797 and read the same day. Ordered 200 acres to the wife of the Petitioner the Daughter of a UE Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 2, Petition Number 27]
Certificate of David Secord attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of George Adams
“I do Certify That The Bearer George Adams Married the Daughter of Elias Smith a Loyalist U E Given Under My Hand This 24 Day of April 1797 [Signed] David Secord” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 2, Petition Number 27]
Included in the 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]
Son of Abraham Smith
Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Smith dated on 16 Jun 1795
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came to this Province in 1786 with his Father, and now having arrived to the years of Manhood, Prays a grant of 200 acres of Land near his Fathers improvement on Youngs Creek—and your Petitioner will ever Pray—[Signed] Saml Smith” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 65]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Smith received at the Executive Council Office on 26 May 1797
“The Humble petition of Samuel Smith son of abraham Smith of the Township of Charlotteville & County of norfolk most Humbly Sheweth. That His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Simcoe and his honorabl Council were pleased to order to Petitioner Two hundred acres of Land within the County of norfolk aforesaid that Two hundred acres on the plains where your petitioner has made his pitch is not Sufficient for a good farm on account of the Scarcity of Timber and as your petitioner was Encouraged by his Excellency when at Turkey point to petition for an additional quantity your petitioner Therefore most Humbly Prayeth. That your Honour & honourable Council will Be pleased to take his Case into Consideration and Grant to your petitioner such A quantity of additional Land within the County of norfolk as to your honours shall Seem meet and your petitioner as in Duty Bound will Ever pray [Signed] Abrihm Smith [sic]” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 May 1797. No order of Council on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 14]
Certificate of Samuel Ryerse J. P. dated 7 Feb 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Smith
“I do hereby Certify that on the Seventh Day of February 1797 Samuel Smith 20 years of age Born in N york State Professing the Christian Religion Occupation a farmer Personally Came and Appeared Before me Samuel Ryerse one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the western District of the Province of Upper Canada and Took the Oath of Allegiance and Signed the Declaration—Sworn Before [Signed] Saml Ryerse J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle Miscellaneous 1783-1818, Petition Number 14b]
Son of Abraham Smith
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Smith dated on 16 Jun 1795
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came to this Province with his Father in 1786, and prays a Grant of 200 acres of Land on Youngs Creek Contiguous to his Fathers Improvement and your Petitioner will ever pray [Signed] Wm Smith” No Executive Council dates or order on the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 67]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith dated at Niagara on 15 Oct 1796
“The Petition of William Kennedy Smith near the Grand River – & son [of] John Smith Senr of Ancaster a Loyalist U. E. – Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province in the year 1785- and was in His Majestys Service as a blacksmith at the Mohawk Village, five years when he received 200 Acres of Land and settled thereon, as a Farmer, and has considerably improved it; That your Petitioner has been lately appointed a Magistrate for the County he resides in and having a Family; prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such addition to the Lands he has received, as to your Honor shall seem meet, And Your petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray – [Signed] William K. Smith” Read in the Executive Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered the Petitioner recommended to 1200 acres including those already received as a Magistrate. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 2, Petition Number 204]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith Esquire received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Jul 1797
“The Petition of Willm Kennedy Smith Esqr One of His Majestys Justices of the Peace—Most Humbly Sheweth—That your Petitioner being desirous of erecting mills on the big Creek, Township of Bleinham – there being a reserved lot for that purpose, and having lands due him, which can cover it – prays your [Honor] would be pleased for to grant him Lot 3 in the 2nd Concession of said Township – which is the reserved lot that contains the Mill Seat, and your Petitioner as in duty bound ever pray—[Signed] William Kennedy Smith, John Smith Senr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 22 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended that the lot prayed for be not reserved; that it be appropriated to the Petitioner on condition of building a mill by the first of October 1798. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 40]
Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith and John Smith dated at York (Toronto) on 23 Apr 1799
“humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioners having acquired an equitable Estate in and to five Hundred acres of Land lying between the Township of Townsend & the Indian Lands being Nos 12. 13. & 14 in the 1st Concn Gore of Land Situate as aforesaid and the original nominee, Moses Mount, being now dead your Petitioners humbly pray for a Title in law to the said Land by the Deed of Grant thereof issuing in the names of your Petitioners, or in that of one of them & as in duty they will pray &c—[Signed] A Macdonell, Atty for Petrs” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 5, Petition Number 90]
Order of the Executive Council on the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Kennedy Smith and John Smith
Received at the Executive Council on 23 Apr 1799 “It having been [..]gated to the Board that one Anderson may possibly have equal Equity to the within lands, as the petitioners that they are required to satisfy the Committee, that his Claim is quieted – [Initialled] J E” “Lt Governors office York 8th July 1802 The Clerk of the Council will return the Papers enclosed within this Memorial to the Petitioners, in order that they may be enabled to bring their Claim before the Commissioners By Order of the Lt Govr – [Signed] James Green Secy” “Returned the Papers as ordered 9th July 1802 [Signed] J Small” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 5, Petition Number 90a]