Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Welch to Whitten"
Welch, Thomas
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Welch dated on 4 Jun 1794
“That your Petitioner was duly appointed and Commissioned in June 1783 as Captain of a Company of Associated Loyalists at New York by our present Right Honourable Governor General, then Sir Guy Carleton, which said Company had been Previously Captured with My Lord Cornwallis at York Town in Virginia. That your Petitioner has never been any other than a Sincere and faithful Friend and Subject to the British Government and as Such, Commenced his Services in His Majestys then British Provincial Forces in the year 1759; and Still adhering to his Loyalty, joined his Majestys Standard in the time of the late Rebellion in America and Continued in His Majestys Service until the end of the War. That your Petitioner obtained a Grant for 550 Acres of Land in New Brunswick, as a Reduced Quarter Master in the Provincial Corps of Maryland Loyalists, about Twenty five acres whereof only was fit for Cultivation. your Petitioner therefore most Humbly Prayeth that your Excellency will be pleased to take his Case into Consideration, and Grant to your Petitioner & Family Three thousand Acres or such other Quantity of Land within this Province as to your Excellency shall seem meet and that the same be located on so much vacant Land lying between the mouth of the Chippewa Creek, the head of Lake Ontario, the Indian Lands on the Grant River and Lake Erie and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray. [Signed] Thomas Welch” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered referred to the Surveyor General to assign 2500 acres according to the prayer of the petition. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 1, Petition Number 21]
Certificate of Thomas Welch J. P. dated 31 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Burgess
“The Bearer James Burges, who has resided my nearest Neighbour ever since I resided in this Township, has as far as I can learn, always supported the Character of an Industrious Honest Man, and good Subject. Given under my Hand at Thorold in the 3d Riding & County of Lincoln, in the Home District, Province of Upper Canada this 31st Day of October 1796 [Signed] Thomas Welch J. P.” Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 2, Petition Number 107a]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas and Mary Welch read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul [1796]
The Humble Petition of Thomas Welch and Mary Welch wife of the said Thomas Welch of the Township of Thorold Most Humbly Sheweth. That your Excellency and Honours were Graciously pleased on the 31st Day of May 1794 to grant leave to Hannah Mitchell mother to the said Mary Welch to locate for and in the name of said Hannah Mitchell Two hundred Acres of Land lying and being with the Township of then Sugar Loaf East now Humberstone, as by the Minutes or order of your Excellency and Honours together with the Acting Surveyor Generals Assignment for 190 Acres part of the 200 Acres aforesaid herewith Exhibitted will appear. And whereas the said Hannah Mitchell is since that time To Wit. in September 1794 Departed this life. And whereas the said Hannah Mitchell previous to her Decease did give and Deliver all her money and affects to her three Daughters Mary Welch, Martha Nevill and Elizabeth Nevill, the said 200 Acres of Land and a Small Sum of Money for the purpose of Improving the same excepted which money your Petitioners have expended in Improving the Land so Granted and Assigned as aforesaid and whereas the said Hannah Mitchell Deceased, did in her life time most Earnestly Request and enjoin of your Petitioners to procure to be Granted under the Great Seal of this Province unto Ephraem Cole Mitchell Grandson of the said Hannah Mitchell Deceased the said two hundred Acres of Land which said Ephraem Cole Mitchell is under the Age of Twenty one years, and is residing with your Petitioners. And whereas the said 190 Acres so Given and Assigned as aforesaid, is so much intersected by a Deep Sunken Swamp, that not much, if any more than the one half thereof is fit for Cultivation. Your Petitioners therefore most Humbly Pray That your Excellency and Honors will be pleased to take the Case of their Nephew the said Ephraem Cole Mitchell into Consideration, and order that a Royal Grant of Confirmation may Issue unto the said Ephraem Cole Mitchell for the Lot Number Twenty four in the first Concession of the Township of Humberstone so Given and assigned to the said Hannah Mitchell now Deceased aforesaid and your Petitioners also further Pray that your Excellency & Honours will also be pleased to allow or Order to be Granted to the said Ephraem C. Mitchell the Lot Number Twenty three in the first Concession of the said Township of Humberstone which is equally intersected by the said Deep Sunken Swamp, and your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever Pray. [Signed] Thomas Welch, Mary Welch” Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul [1796]. Ordered if the Petitioners will send the assignment to the Attorney General a deed will issue in course. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 7]
Letter from Deputy Surveyor Thomas Ridout to Thomas Welch Esquire dated 13 Apr attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas and Mary Welch
“Dear Sir – As I am apprehensive my late letter to you has been lost with those from the S. Gen Off: to you & Mr Hambly – I shall by the next opportunity, write you again—I can only add with: that the Council have allowed the prayer of your petition for the Lot in Humberstone which is to issue according to your prayer on returning the adjacent assignment to the Office. I also again inform you that you had better buy a right to cover the Lot in Charlotteville – No 12 & if you wish to lease a reserve, (for none can be granted) – to apply for the Lease by Petition to the Surr & Council—James Russell did not call this a Letter but you may […….] in full Dear Sir [Signed] T Ridout” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 7c]
Letter from Thomas Welch to Major Small dated at Thorold on 9 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas and Mary Welch
“Sir I hope that your goodness of Heart will pardon the liberty I have taken in writing to you, seeing I am not honoured with an acquaintance with you sufficient altogether to warrant such a liberty. But when I Inform you Sir that my engagements in the Service of the Publick prevents me from the honour of Delivering the inclosed Papers into your hands in person I am not without hopes of your Pardon. I ask it as a very particular favour sir, that you will be so good as lay the inclosed Papers before the Governor & Council and should there appear any Difficulty in having the Prayer of the Petitioners Granted I shall thank you Sir, to observe to His Excellency and their Honours, that it is altogether on behalf of our Nephew, and the wish of the Deceased we thus act, and should the Grant Issue in the Name of the Deceased, the Children of the Petitioners would be the Heirs to the lands, which is by no means the wish of the Petitioners, and from that Circumstance, I humbly conceive, it will appear that no fraud is intended by the Petitioners. I expect to be at Newark in a week or two, when I will thankfully pay the Fees of the inclosed Petition. I am Sir Your most obedient and very Humble Servant [Signed] Thomas Welch” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 7e]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Welch dated at Thorold on 5 Dec 1796
“Sheweth That soon after the arrival of your Petitioner with his Family in this Province in November 1793 with Moses Nevill and John Neville and their Families, The wives of the said John & Moses being Martha and Elizabeth, both [own] Sisters of Mary the wife of your Petitioner, Your Petitioner was encouraged by His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Simcoe to ask for Six hundred Acres of Land for each of the said two Families. That Elizabeth, wife of the said Moses hath Six Children and Martha wife of the said John Two Children. That the said Moses & John are both Loyal and faithful Subjects to His Majesty and have received each Two Hundred Acres of Land in the Township of Humberstone, and are in the opinion of your Petitioner, in a Condition to Cultivate more than Two hundred Acres each. That both the said Moses and the said John are at this time residing and Improving on their respective allotments in Humberstone aforesaid. Your Petitioner therefore most humbly Prayeth That your Honours will be pleased to take the Case of the said Moses Nevill, and of the said John Nevill into Consideration and grant that they may each receive the Additional quantity of Four hundred Acres, or such other quantity of Land to be Located on so much vacant Land lying within the County of Norfolk, as to your Honours Shall seem meet, And Your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever Pray. [Signed] Thomas Welch” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered deferred till His Excellency’s return. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 81]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Welch and Mary his wife of the Township of Thorold in the County of Lincoln dated at Thorold on 5 Dec 1796
“Humbly Sheweth. That Hannah Mitchell, mother to the said Mary Welch, late of the County aforesaid Deceased had in her life time Assigned to her Lot Number twenty four in the first Concession of the Township of Humberstone Containing about One hundred and Ninety Acres. That the said Hannah Mitchell in her life time at different times expressed to your Petitioners and others, a very great desire that her grand son Ephraim Cole Mitchell might have the said Lot of Land Granted to him, and on her Death Bed requested that your Petitioners would use their best endeavours to procure the Title Grant in his the said Ephraim Cole Mitchells Name, And as the Children of your Petitioners would Inherit, if the Title Grant should Issue in the Name of the said Deceased; and your Petitioners being fearful that their Children at a future period might not be so well disposed as your Petitioners are to do Justice to their Cousin the said Ephraim Cole Mitchell. Your Petitioners therefore most Humbly pray That Your Honours will be pleased to take the Case of the Fatherless Ephraim Cole Mitchell into Consideration and Confirm him the said Lot of Land, and as the said Lot is much injured by an Arm or branch of the great Cranberry Swamp which extends quite across the said Lot so as to render about the one half thereof unfit for Cultivation, that Your Honours will be pleased to Grant unto the said Ephraim Cole Mitchell in lieu of such useless lands, Such a quantity of Land within the said Township of Humberstone as to your Honours shall seem meet, and your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. [Signed] Thomas Welch, Mary Welch” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered the Council cannot interfere with legal rights. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 82]
Certificate of Thomas Welch dated at Thorold on 5 Dec 1796 attached to his Upper Canada Land Petition
“Home District Upper Canada} To Wit I do hereby Certify that an Arm or branch of the Great Cranberry Swamp extends quite across the Lot No 24 in the first Concession of the Township of Humberstone, so as to render about the one half of the said Lot unfit for Cultivation. [Signed] Thomas Welch, J. P. and Deputy Surveyor” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 82c]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Welch Esquire dated on 21 Jul 1797
“The Petition of Thomas Welch Esquire appointed Register of the County of Norfolk and acting in the department of the Surveyor General—Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner married Mary Mitchel daughter to a well known loyalist. That your Petitioner last fall presented a petition to your Honor stating this circumstance and which was accompanied by an affidavit of John Pots ascertaining the Land which Petition cannot now be found in the Office—Your petitioner most humbly prays that what portion of the waste lands of the Crown you in your wisdom think proper may be bestowed on his wife – and as your Petitioner has established his Office of Registry on Lot No 12 in the 5th Concession of Charlotteville, that being the most commodious situation he most humbly prays that this may be included in the quantity granted her – And your Petitioner as in duty bound – will ever pray—[Signed] Thomas Welch” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Jul 1797 and read in Council on 28 Jul. Ordered the Petitioner’s wife recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 113]
Certificate issued by the Receiver General’s Office on 6 Apr 1810 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Welch
Mr Hamilton Agent for Mrs Mary Welch has paid into this Office three Pounds five Shillings and two pence Pro. Curry the Patent fee under Regulation of 1796 on 200 Acres of Land ordered her in Council on the 25th July 1797 – £3.8.2 Pro: Cury To John Small Esqr Clerk of the E Council [Signed F. Heward” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 113b]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas and Mary Welch dated at Thorold on 5 Dec 1796
“The Petition of Thomas Welch and Mary his Wife of the Township of Thorold in the County of Lincoln and Home District of the said Province most Humbly Sheweth. That the said Mary Welch one of your Petitioners is the Daughter of a Loyalist, which your Petitioners humbly hope may appear by the Deposition of John Potts, Accompanying this Petition. That your Petitioner being desirous to remove to the County of Norfolk in the Province aforesaid being thereunto called by virtue of a late appointment in the County: Your Petitioners therefore most Humbly Pray That your Honours will be pleased to grant them Such a quantity of Land within the County of Norfolk as to your Honours Shall Seem meet, and Your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever Pray [Signed] Thomas Welch, Mary Welch” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Dec 1796. Ordered proof insufficient. Read again in Council on 12 Apr 1798. Ordered the petitioner permitted to exchange one of the Lots granted him in another Township for the Lot prayed for in the County of Norfolk. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 4, Petition Number 69]
Deposition of John Potts dated on 16 Nov 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas and Mary Welch
“Upper Canada Home District} To Wit On the Sixteenth Day of November Seventeen hundred and Ninety six, personally Came and appeared before me John Burch Esquire, one of His Majestys Justices of the Peace for the District aforesaid, John Potts of thirty two Years of Age, who being first Sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, Deposeth and Saith That he this Deponant was well acquainted with Mrs Mary Welch’s Family who resided in Harford County in the former Province now state of Maryland. That Thomas Mitchell, Father to the said Mary Welch, was to this Deponants Certain knowledge a true friend to the British Government during the late American War. This Deponant further Saith upon his oath aforesaid, that the said Thomas Mitchell in the time of the late war aforesaid, suffered much in his property by fines Trible Taxes &c on account of his Loyalty And further this Deponant Saith not [Signed] John Potts Sworn Before Me the day & date as Above [Signed] John Burch J Peace” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 4, Petition Number 69b]
Weldon, Henry
Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Weldon dated at Niagara on 9 May 1796
“The Petition of Henry Weldon, Lawyer (son of a Loyalist has been who served in Jessups Corps & is settled at Carrilton [sic]) – has never received any Land & has been in the Country 14 years—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. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him in the Long point Settlemt 200 acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” Added notation: “Petitioner also prays for a Town Lot at Newark” Henry Weldon made his mark. [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 May and read on 12 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres if not granted before but not at Long Point. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 4]
West, John
Upper Canada Land Petition of John West dated on 26 Oct 1796
“Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner has served in His Majesty late Corps of Butlers Rangers, as a Private Soldier, has as yet Drawn no lands, as his Majestys Bounty—but has been Marked for a Lot at Long Point Number 17, in 2d Range, on the Surveyor Generals Maps. Prays your Honor to Confirm him in that, and Grant him an additional quantity of one Hundred acres as his Military Lands and as in duty Bound Your Petitioner will ever Pray—[Signed] John West” Received at the Executive Council Office on 27 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered recommended to make up his military lands to 300 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 117]
Upper Canada Land Petition of John West dated on 20 Jul 1797
“Humbly Shews That he has improved on Lot 17 in Walsingham prays a Grant of One Hundred Acres to compleat his Military Land he having served his Majesty in Coll Butlers Rangers during the American War – Your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] John West” Received at the Executive Council Office on 20 Jul 1797. Ordered recommended for 300 acres including former grants. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 148]
Westbrook, Alexander and Sarah
Upper Canada Land Petition of Alexander Westbrook and Sarah Westbrook dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 28 Jun 1794
“humbly sheweth That your Petitioners are the Son and Widow of a loyalist who served during the War in the Indian department under Captain Brandt. Wherefore they pray for four Hundred Acres of land in the Township of Ancaster in such unlocated parts of the said Township as may be within the disposal of the Acting Surveyor General—and your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray &c [Signed] Alexander Westbrook, Sarah Westbrook” Read in Council on 28 Jun 1794. Ordered granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 1, Petition Number 6]
Westbrook, Andrew
Upper Canada Land Petition of Andrew Westbrook dated on 31 May 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Andrew Westbrook – son of Anthony Westbrook who served with Capt Brandt – during the American war – respectfully shews – That your Petitioner never received any Lands. That he 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. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him Four Hundred acres of land upon the terms and conditions expressed in your Excellency’s proclamation bearing date the 7th day of February, 1792, or such other quantity of land as to your Excellency in your wisdom may think meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.” [Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 7 Jun 1796 and read in Council on 13 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for three hundred acres on producing a certificate for service. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 14]
Westbrook, Anthony
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Benjamin Willson, John Person, Lewis Dedrick, Peter Bass, Anthony Rummerfield, John Finch, Roger Coonut, Anthony Westbrook, Zebulon Shippy, Arthur Newman, Neisor Ellis, and John Carley and Associates (Loyalists) received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Jul 1793
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners are desirous of Settling between Long Point and Turkey Point on the west side of Lake Erie. That your Excellency may be pleased to allot them the lands on the same terms as Granted to others—And your Petitioners in duty bound will ever Pray—[Signed] Benjamin Willson in behalf of himself and associates—NB Anthony Westbrook has taken up his Lands at the same Place” Robert Kerr J. P. underlined the names of Willson, Dedrick, Rummerfield, Finch, Coonut, Westbrook, Shippy, and Newman then notated: “ I can answer for the above men that are marked for good Loyalists & have suffered for their attachment to the King. [Signed] Robert Kerr” Received at the Executive Council Office on 12 Jul 1793 and read in Council on 13 Jul. Ordered granted the 8 marked by R. Kerr of 200 acres each. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 1, Petition Number 23]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Anthony Westbrook dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Jul 1796
“Most Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner entered into the Service in the Year 1777, and served under Captain Joseph Brant to the end of the War, one Month in Prison with Irons on his Hands and Feet, and suffered every hardship that was in the power of the Rebels to inflict, and for his steady attachment & Loyalty to his King, lost all his Lands, Cattle &c and never has got the smallest Compensation for the same, as your petitioner is growing old and infirm, he begs that your Excellency will be pleased to take his case into Consideration, & Grant him such relief as your Excellency in your wisdom may think fit. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever Pray. —[Signed] Anthony Westbrook” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Jun [sic: Jul] 1796 and read in Council on 5 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for 300 acres as a soldier and his family lands if entitled to them. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 1]
Certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 8 Jul 1793
“This is to Certify that the Bearer Anthony Westbrook was at the burning of Warren Bush the fall 1781 – and behaved as a good soldier & faithfull Loyalist, and was unfortunately taken Prisoner on his return home from that Expedition. —[Signed] Robert Kerr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 1a]
Upper Canada Land Petition of Anthony Westbrook dated at Niagara on 3 Jun 1796 [using a pre-printed form with fill-ins]
“The Petition of Anthony Westbrook late volunteer in the Indian Department under Capt Brant & Capt Tyse – Respectfully shews that your Petitioner has a wife & five Children in the year 1785 – & that he never located any Land for himself or them – That your petitioner is desirous to settle on the lands of the Crown in this Province, being in a condition to cultivate and improve the same. That he has taken the usual oaths, and to subscribe the declaration, that he professes the Christian Religion, and obedience to the laws, and has lived inoffensively in the country. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him & family Nine Hundred acres of land at the River Thames 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 14 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 1b]
Westbrook, Haggai
Upper Canada Land Petition of Haggai Westbrook of the full age of 21 years dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 Jan 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is son of Anthony Westbrook, a Loyalist and late of the Indian Department, that having never received any Land prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres in the Long Point Settlement and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] Added note of Thomas Ridout, N. P.: I do certify this Petition was personally applied for by Haggai Westbrook [Signed] Thoms Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr. Ordered proofs of age and good behaviour and competency to cultivate wanting. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 72]
Westbrook, Joel
Upper Canada Land Petition of Joel Westbrook late a Private in Butlers Rangers dated at Niagara on 15 Jun 1796
“Respectfully shews – That your Petitioner having chiefly resided on the Grand River, now the Ouse, since his discharge, never applied for any Land – Prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him 300 acres of Land in the Township above the Delaware village on the Thames, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” [Unsigned] Read in the Executive Council on 14 Jul 1796. Ordered recommended for three hundred acres upon producing his discharge. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 69]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton J. P. dated at Queenston on 14 Nov 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Joel Westbrook
“That Joel Westbrook was a Ranger discharged from that Corps in 1784 is Certified by [Signed] R. Hamilton J. P. & by [Signed] Solomon Seacord Lieut Rangers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 69b]
Westbrook, John
Upper Canada Land Petition of John Westbrook of Ancaster dated at Newark (Niagara-one-the-Lake) on 1 Mar 1797
“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is a son of Anthony Westbrook, late of the Indian Department- that he is married to a niece of Surveyor Jones- by whom has one child- that he has received 200 acres of Land which he has much improved- and having resided in this Province during part of the American war- & never since left it- prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him an additional lot of Land, or such quantity as to your Honor may seem meet, and Your Petitioner as in duty Bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Westbrook” Received at the Executive Council Office on 2 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered no ground of recommendation. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 95]
Wheeler, Nathan
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathan Wheeler dated at Queenstown on 31 Jul 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner, a native of the State of Boston and by trade a Farmer has resided in this province since the year One thousand seven hundred & Eighty Seven during which time he has always conducted himself as a good British Subject, now wishes to become a settler in this Country, therefore prays that your Honor will grant him such a proportion of the waste Lands of the Crown as you in your wisdom shall think fit – And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray Queenstown July 31st 1797 [Signed] Nathan Wheeler” Received at the Executive Council Office on 31 Jul 1797 and read in Council the same day. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 7]
Certificate of Samuel Street Jr., John Secord and Elijah Phelps dated at Queenstown on 31 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathan Wheeler
“We the Subscribers do Certify that the Bearer Nathan Wheeler has resided at this place and at Niagara Since the year 1787 and that during this period of Ten years he has demeaned himself as a good British Subject—Queenstown, July 31st 1797 [Signed] S Street Junr, J Secord, Elijah Phelps” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 7a]
Certificate of Robert Hamilton, J. P. dated at Queenston on 31 Jul 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathan Wheeler
“Nathan Wheeler has lived with me as a Teamster nearly five years of the above time & have found him a good Servant [Signed] R. Hamilton” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 7a]
Transfer from Nathan Wheeler to Samuel Street Sr. dated on 6 Jul 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Street (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)
“Know all men by these presents, that I Nathan Wheeler of Newark in the county of Lincoln and in the Home District and Province of Upper Canada, am held and firmly bound unto Samuel Street of Newark in the County of Lincoln and District of the Province of Upper Canada, aforesaid, in the sum of one Hundred pounds, good and lawful money of the Province aforesaid, to be paid to him the said Samuel Street his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and for which payment well and truly made, I bind myself, my heirs, executors, administrators firmly by these presents, sealed with my seal, and dated at Newark in the county of Lincoln and Home District of the Province aforesaid, this sixth day of July in the Thirty fifth year of his Majesty’s reign, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five. The condition of this obligation is such that if the above bound Nathan Wheeler shall well and truly within [blank] calendar months, from and after the day of the date of these presents, or whensoever afterwards thereunto required, convey, transfer and assign, by a sufficient and lawful instrument in writing, or deed unto the aforesaid Samuel Street his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, a certain tract or parcel of land, lying, being, and situate in this Province aforesaid, and the same being known and described by the name and description of Lot No. 2 & 3 in the cross concession of the township of Willoughby in the District, and containing Two Hundred acres or thereabouts: of which the above bounden Nathan Wheeler became seized, possessed and invested, by the gift, donation, bounty, and grant of our sovereign Lord the now King, as will more satisfactorily and fully appear by the original deed of gift, or grant thereof, from his majesty now obtained, or hereafter to be obtained, under the great seal of the Province aforesaid, which the above bound Nathan Wheeler promises and binds himself to procure, and afterwards when thereunto required, deliver and surrender into the hands of the aforesaid Samuel Street his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, for his or their better security in this behalf, within six calendar months from the day of the date of these presents, or at any time afterwards when the said above bound Nathan Wheeler shall or may be thereunto required; which tract or parcel of land so above described, and every part and parcel thereof, the above bound Nathan Wheeler has sold, transferred, assigned, made over, leased and released, and does hereby sell, transfer, assign, make over, lease and release, forever, unto the aforesaid Samuel Street his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, for and in consideration of the sum of Twelve pounds N. Y. C. to him the above bound Nathan Wheeler in hand paid, the receipt whereof he the said above bound Nathan Wheeler does hereby acknowledge and accordingly does further promise and bind himself to put, maintain, guarantee and defend forever him the aforesaid Samuel Street his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, in the peaceable and undisturbed possession of the aforesaid tract or parcel of land so sold, in as ample and perfect a manner, and under the same restrictions and limitations only as the said original deed of gift or grant from the crown can put, maintain and defend him the above bound Nathan Wheeler therein. Then, and in that case, this obligation to be null and of no effect, or otherwise to be and continue in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed, and Delivered on the day, and in the place as above. [Signed] Nathan Wheeler in the presence of [Signed] Joshua Fairbanks, Allen C Wilmot” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 4, Petition Number 16o]
Power of Attorney from Nathan Wheeler to Samuel Street dated on 6 Jul 1795 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Street
“Be it remembered that I Nathan Wheeler do hereby empower and appoint [blank] my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to assign and consign to the within mentioned Samuel Street His Heirs or assigns my Deed for the within mentioned Land, whenever it shall be Granted by Government, and fully to comply with the Intention of the within Instrument as amply as if I were personally present, Ratifying and confirming it by my own Signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at Newark this Sixth day of July In the year of our Lord one Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety five—[Signed] Nathan Wheeler In Presence of [Signed] Allen C Wilmot, Joshua Fairbanks” Cover page: “Nathan Wheeler to Samuel Street} Assignment of 200 acres Land 6th July 1795. Read in the Executive Council on 7 Jul 1798. Ordered transfer permitted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 4, Petition Number 16p]
Named in a schedule of lands transferred to Samuel Street dated on 5 Jul 1798 attached to his Upper Canada Land Petition
[Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 4, Petition Number 16a]
Nathn Wheeler 200 acres in Willoughby
Whitcomb, Nathaniel
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Witcomb [signed Whetcomb] received at the Executive Council Office on 15 May 1797
“Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner has resided in this Province for these three years past, and has never drawn any land—That your Petr has taken the Oaths and subscribed the Declaration, Wherefore prays your Honor would be pleased for to allow him a location of 200 Acres and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Nathanil Whetcomb” Received at the Executive Council Office on 15 May 1797. Ordered deferred for character. Read in Council on 29 Aug 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 4]
Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated on 14 May 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Witcomb
“I do Cartify That the Bearer Nathanel Witcomb Hath Taken the oath of allegiance to his Majesty King George the Third &c. to Defend to the utmost of his Power his Sacred parson Crown and Government against all Parson what Ever—I also Cartify that the Bearer Hath Been upwords of three years In this province Given Under My Hand This 14 Day May 1797 [Signed] D Secord” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 4b]
Certificate of David Secord, J. P. dated on 15 May 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel Witcomb
“I do Cartify That the Bearer Nathanel Witcomb Was upwards of Twelve months In my Servis and all that Time Behaved Like a Good Honest industrous Man—Given under my Hand this 15 Day of May 1797 [Signed] David Secord” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 4c]
White, John
Order of the Executive Council dated 20 Dec 1797 (No petition attached)
“At the Motion of the President ordered that 1200 acres of Land be granted to Mrs White Wife of the Attorney General - & 1200 acres to [….] to his three Children viz Elenor White, Charles White, & William White [Signed] Peter Russell” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 146]
White, Nathaniel
Upper Canada Land Petition of Nathaniel White, Farmer dated at Niagara on 12 May 1796
“Respectfully shews That your Petitioner has resided 11 years in the Province & has a wife & two Children – that he has received a Magistrate’s recommendation for 200 acres of Land in the County of Lincoln, but not having yet located them – prays your Excellency would be pleased to direct the Actg Surveyor General may assign him the same in the Settlement of Long Point & your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” Read in the Executive Council on 12 Jul [1796] Ordered not recommended. Called on 10 Jan 1797. Ordered to be laid before the Council. Read again in the Executive Council on 4 Apr 1797. Ordered 200 acres if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 98]
White, Patrick
Upper Canada Land Petition of Patrick White dated on 22 Oct 1796
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner has come into this Province last Summer—is about six Years from Ireland has a wife & 2 children, has taken the oath of allegiance & signed the Declaration, wishes to Improve the waste Lands of the Crown, Therefore Prays your Honor would Grant him such a Quantity as your Honor may think meet and as in Duty Bound Your Petitioner will ever Pray [Signed] Patrick White” Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 26 Jan 1797. Ordered 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 92]
Certificate of William Dickson, J. P. dated 22 Oct [1796] attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Patrick White
“I do hereby certify that on this 22d day of October Patrick White of Newark appeared before me William Dickson Esquire one of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for the Home District, and took the Oath of Allegiance and signed the Declaration [Signed] William Dickson JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 92a]
White, ______ (Bradt)
Mentioned in the undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Christian Bradt received and read by the Executive Council on 17 Aug 1795
Humbly Sheweth That your Peitioner came into this Settlement in the year 1785, is married to the daughter of Isaac White an old Ranger, your Petitioner has by this marriage five children—has located one hundred acres of land—Your Petitioner therefore humbly Prays that his situation may be taken into Consideration and that one hundred acres may be granted him for himself, and that the accustomed allowance may be made for his wife & Children & Your Petitioner will Ever Pray. [Signed] Christian Bradt” Petition received and read by the Executive Council on 17 Aug 1795. Recommended for 100 acres in addition & when he produces the required certificate of his wife being the daughter of a Loyalist 200 acres more for her. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “B” Bundle 1, Petition Number 62]
Whitehead, Thomas
Upper Canada Land Petition of Thomas Whitehead dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake on 13 Oct 1796
“That your Petitioner served fifteen years in the 37th Regt of foot being wounded in the service and Discharged in Nova Scotia being Desirous of becoming a Resident in this Province prays your Honor to grant him such Lands as your Honor in your Wisdom shall think meet or such Quantity As is usual to a man of his Description and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray—[Signed] Thomas Whitehead” Received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Oct 1796 and read in Council on 9 Jan 1797. Ordered the Petitioner to produce his discharge. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 119]
Whiting, Samuel
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Whiting received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Mar 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner came into this Province in the month of February last, and wishes to [take] up his future residence in this Province, he having taken the usual oaths Subscribed the declaration that he professes the Christian Religion & obedience to the Laws prays your Honor would allow him such a grant of His Majesty’s Lands as to your Honor may seem meet, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Saml Whiting” Received at the Executive Council Office on 22 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 24 Mar. Ordered when the Petitioner has been in the Province twelve months his Petition will be attended to. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 114]
Whitmore, Wells
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Wells Whitmore received at the Executive Council Office on 31 Mar 1797
“Respectfully Shews—That your Petitioner came into this Province upwards of four Years ago, as at Yet has never Drawn any lands—That your Petitioner has taken the Usual Oaths, Subscribed the Declaration that he professes the Christian Religion and Obedience to the laws, prays your Honor would be pleased to allow him such a proportion of His Majesty’s waste Lands as your Honor in your wisdom may deem proper, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Wells Whitmore” Received at the Executive Council Office on 31 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 4 Apr. Ordered 200 acres if never granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 113]
Certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 1 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Wells Whitmore
“I do hereby certify that the bearer Wells Whitmore, has been in this Province these four Years, that about four years ago he belonged to my company of Militia, in the 2nd Battalion, has assisted to build Canbys Mills, worked as a Carpenter in the Town of Newark afterwards went to York—That he is a good Workman, sober, and Industrious [Signed] Robert Kerr J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 113b]
Power of Attorney from Wells Whitman to Samuel Street Jr. dated on 6 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson
“Know all men by these presents that I Wells Whitmore of Queenstown in the Home District of the Province of Upper Canada, Carpenter, am held and firmly bound unto Samuel Street Junr of Queenstown in said District & province merchant in the Same of Two Hundred pounds lawfull money of said Province to be paid unto the said Samuel Street or his certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators or assigns, to which payments well and truly to be made, I bind myself myself my Heirs, Executors & administrators firmly by these presents sealed with my seal, dated the Sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety Seven and in the thirty seventh of his Majesty’s reign—The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounden Wells Whitmore or his heirs shall well and truly give and confirm unto the said Samuel Street Junr his Heirs and assigns a good and indefeasible Title, to Two hundred acres of Land granted unto him, the said Wells Whitmore, by our Sovereign Lord the King, within the Said Province as per minutes of Council bearing date the fourth day of April, year & date as above written, and which Two hundred acres of Land to be by him the said Samuel Street located; And also shall and will until such Title as above written and executed permitt and suffer the said Samuel Street his Heirs and Assigns peaceably & quietly to have, hold Occupy, Possess and enjoy the same without any interruption, disturbances or denials whatsoever by him the said Wells Whitmore his Heirs, Executors and administrators or any other person claiming by, from or under him, them or any of them, or by their means rights title in procurement, or pay unto the said Samuel Street The sum of One Hundred pounds lawfull money, then this obligation to be void and of no effect selse to remain in full force & Virtue—[Signed] Wells Whitmore Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of [Signed] [M]ahel Wyman, Thomas Clark” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1hhhh]
Transfer of Power of Attorney from Samuel Clark Jr. to William Dickson dated on 21 Jun 1798 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson
“Whereas Wells Whitmore did on the sixth day of April one Thousand seven hundred and ninety seven assure to Samuel Street Junior by his Bond, a right to Two hundred acres of Land having received the same from the Honble The Executive Council of this province, and Whereas also Adam Crysler, did also assure by Bond dated the Twenty ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and Ninety six, unto Messrs Clark & Street merchants Queenston, a right to two hundred acres of Land, then at that time unlocated; now know ye, that having sold the said four hundred acres of Land, or the right thereof unto William Dickson of Newark Merchant for valuable consideration, we hereby place him in all respects in our place, and authorise him to apply to The Honble The Executive Council, that the said rights may be established in his right, and that the Deed may issue for both, to the said William Dickson hereby renouncing forever all claims to the same. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seals at Queenston this Twenty first day of June in the thirty eighth year of His Majestys reign – & in the thirty eighth year of His Majestys reign – & in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred & Ninety eight [Signed] S. Street Junr Clark & Street. Sealed & Delivered in the presence of us Thomas Cooper, Joseph Lickers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1gggg]
Receipt from Wells Whitmore to Samuel Street Jr. dated on 6 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson
“Received this Sixth day of April one thousand seven hundred and Ninety Seven of and from the within named Samuel Street Junior Ten pounds Two Shillings lawfull money of the Province, being in full consideration of the within Two hundred Acres of Land Sold by me to him—I say received by me [Signed] Wells Whitmore Witness [Signed] [M]ahel Wyman, Thomas Clark” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1iiii]
Whitney, Peter
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Whitney filed in September 1796
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner born in Nova Scotia, Prayeth that your Excellency will be pleased to grant him & his wife such quantity of land as to your Excellency may appear meet, and your Petitioner will as in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] Peter Whitney” No Executive Council dates on the petition but notated “gave a Wt 1 Oct. Ordered Recommended for 200 acres if a resident and not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 26]
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Whitney received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Feb 1797
“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner is married to Margaret Hanse, the daughter of Joseph Hanse Senr a Loyalist. Therefore Humbly Prays that such quantity of lands as are normaly granted to People of her description may [be] allowed her and your Petitioner will as in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] Peter Whitney” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 25 Feb 1797. Ordered petitioner’s wife recommended for 200 acres as the daughter of a Loyalist. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 94]
Certificate of Ralfe Clench appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Whitney
“Peter Whitney is married to Margaret Hanse daughter to Joseph Hanse Senr who satisfied the Justices in Sessions that he adhered to the Unity of the Empire in America before the year 1783. [Signed] R Clench Clerk of the Sessions” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 94a]
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.
Peter Whitney – for wife Daughter to a UE. 200 acres in Burford Township [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “H” Bundle 4, Petition Number 117e]
Whitsell, Christian
Mentioned in the 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]
Whitten, James
Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of James Whitton [signed Whitten] received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Jan 1797
“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner came from England during the late American War with his Father, who was a Serjeant in the 20th Regiment and lost his Life in the Battle of Still Water. That your Petitioner hath ever since remained in Canada, and for several Years last hath been in the Service of the Engineer as Carpenter. That your Petitioner having at all times behaved himself as a good Subject, and purposing to reside in this Country, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him such a portion of Land as in your Honor’s wisdom may appear meet [Signed] James Whitten” Received at the Executive Council Office on 26 Jan 1797 and read in Council on 4 Feb 1797. Ordered 200 acres as a settler and 200 acres in addition for Petitioner’s services at the Miamis. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 101]
Certificate of Robert Pilkington dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 26 Jan 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Whitton
“The Petitioner has been Two Years in my Service, and as my Master Carpenter while on Duty at Fort Miamis acquitted himself highly to my satisfaction [Signed] Robt Pilkington, Lieut Royal Engineers” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 101]