Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Wilson to Winterbottom"


Wilson, George

Upper Canada Land Petition of George Wilson dated at Niagara on 5 Jan 1797

“Respectfully Shews—That your petitioner came into this province 1792 and received the donation of Land usually granted to British Subjects. That your petitioner has a wife and two children for which he has never received any land prays your honor would be pleased for to allow him such a portion of Lands for his family as your Honor may think them entitled to, and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—likewise if your Honor would be pleased for to allow him a Town Lot in the Town of Newark [Signed] G Wilson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 3 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 25 Feb 1797. Ordered the petitioner has received all the land he appears entitled to but may have a Town Lot. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 74]


Wilson, Henry

Power of Attorney from Henry Wilson to William Dickson dated on 3 Jun 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson

“Know all men by these Presents that Henry Wilson, Tanner in Newark being possessed of a Warrant of Council for Two Hundred acres of Land, and whereas I have sold the same to William Dickson of Newark Merchant – who has located the said Two Hundred acres in the Township of Walsingham— I do therefore nominate constitute and appoint him the said William Dickson to be my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to ask and receive from the Secretary of this Province of upper Canada, my Title Deed for the same whenever it may be ready to be Issued, hereby Ratifying and Confirming whatever my Said Attorney may lawfully do therein. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this third day of June in the year one thousand seven Hundred and ninety seven—[Signed] Henry Wilson In Presence of [Signed] W. Crooks [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1pp]

Deed from Henry Wilson to William Dickson dated on 3 Jun 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of William Dickson

“Know all Men by these Presents that I Henry Wilson, Tanner in Newark, Home District of the Province of Upper Canada am held and firmly Bound unto William Dickson, of Newark, Merchant in the Sum of One Hundred pounds good and lawfull money of the Province aforesaid to be paid to him the said William Dickson, His Heirs Executors & administrators, and assigns, for which payment well and truly paid I bind myself, my Heirs, Executors, & administrators firmly by these Presents, Sealed with my Seal and dated at Newark in the County of Lincoln & District of the Province aforesaid this third day of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety Seven. The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above Henry Wilson, shall well and truly, within Six Calendar Months from and after the day of the Date of these presents or whensoever afterwards when thereunto required convey transfer and assign, by a sufficient Instrument or Deed unto the aforesaid William Dickson his Heirs Executors administrators or assigns a Certain Tract or parcel of land lying being & situated, and the same being Known & Described by Lot number thirteen in the fourth Concession of the Township of [sic] and containing Two Hundred acres – or thereabouts, of which Tract or Parcel of land, the within Bound Henry Wilson became possessed of by the gift of our Sovereign Lord the King, as will more satisfactorily appear from the original Deed of Gift to be hereafter granted under the Great Seal of the Province, which the above bound Henry Wilson promises and binds himself to procure, and after deliver unto the Hands of the said William Dickson His Heirs, Executors, administrators or assigns, for His or their Better Security within the space of Six Calendar Months from the day of the Date of these presents, which tract or parcel of land so above described and every part thereof the within Bound Henry Wilson has sold Transferred, assigned, made over, leased and Released and does hereby sell, transfer, assign over Lease and Release forever unto the said William Dickson His heirs, Executors administrators and assigns for and in Consideration of the Sum of Ten pounds lawfull money to him the above bound Henry Wilson in Hand paid, the Receipt whereof the said above bound Henry Wilson does hereby acknowledge and accordingly does further promise and bind himself to put Maintain Guarantee, and Defend forever him the aforesaid William Dickson 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 can put, maintain and Defend him the above Bound Henry Wilson 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, & Delivered on the Day & in the place as Within [Signed] Henry Wilson In the Presence of [Signed] W. Crooks” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “D” Bundle 4, Petition Number 1tt]


Wilson, Hugh

Upper Canada Land Petition of Hugh Wilson dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Feb 1797

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner is Son of John Wilson late Serjt in Butlers Rangers of the age of 22 Years – and having never received any Land – prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 acres and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—” Hugh Wilson made his mark. “witness T Ridout” Received at the Executive Council Office on 24 Feb and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as UE on producing proof of being of age. Read again on 25 Apr. Ordered the Petitioner having behaved insolently to the Board, ordered that no petitions from him shall be received or lands granted. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 71]

Signer to the petition of the inhabitants of Stamford Township for a mill attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Timothy Skinner dated 23 Jun 1800

“The petition of the Subscribers (Inhabitants of Lincoln County Stamford Township) – Most Respectfully Sheweth that there is a Great want of Mills at or near the Falls of Niagara. We therefore pray that Timothy Skinner (Senior) may be tolerated to build Said mills Adjoining his own and land and As in duty bound we Shall ever pray [Signed] Thomas Millard, Chas Willson, James Forsyth, Haggai Skinner, Noah Cook, John Hardey, Edwd Lafferty, John Losea, John Durham, Edward Durham, Thomas Millard Senior, John Reilly, Peter McMicking, Jacob Kilman, John McKerlie, John Clow, Adam McNair. Peter Thomson, Paul Cripps, Bri[lrehald] [br]omson, John Thomson, Thomas McMicking, Joseph Robeson his mark, John Chisholm, Donald Rose, James Cooper, Conrad Dorshimer, Patrick Reilly, Benjamin Skinner, Azariah Lamer, William Lundy, Jacob Fonger, William Fonger, Charles Grene, Benjamin Skinner Senor, Ebenezer Skinner, Isaac Chambers, Robert Spencer his mark, James Crawford, Chris Buchner, Henry Ramsey, [fred…] gobalt, Thomas Doan, John Upher, Jacob Upper, George Upper, George Couke, Robert Wilkerson, Benajah Williams, George Keefer, John Hilz, Ezekiel Woodruff, Giles Hall, Hugh Wilson, John Wilson, John Wilson Junr, Johnneal Kelhone, John [….] John Si[lverthorn]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 127d]


Wilson, Jacob

A signer to the certificate attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Gordon dated at Grimsby on 3 May 1796

“That your Petitioner was an Inhabitant of the State of New Jersey And that in the time of the late war he was known to be a faithful Subject to his Majesty, as he lived in a private place, the persons who came from the British Army to recruit Soldiers staid mutch at his House, he gave them all the assistance in his power to conceal, pilate, & help them off with their men & that by his assistance many very good men were sent to the Army For which he was Prosecuted, Imprisoned, & fined in such a large sum that rendered him unable (when he heard there was a Settlement for Subjects at Niagara) to Remove there with a Small Family or leave them in distress. But sent two of his Children before they ware of age, which are now Settled Inhabitants in this Province. That in the year 1793 he came into this Province with a wife & five Children. And humbly prayeth that your Excellency will grant him Such an allotment of Land as in your wisdom you think he merits. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Peter Gordon” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 2, Petition Number 8]

Certificate dated 9 Oct 1796 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Peter Gordon

“The Subscribers having been Neighbors to the above Petitioner Peter Gordon, do certify that the facts set forth in the above Petition are true & that some of us were of the number of Recruits mentioned therein [Signed] Jacob Wilcox, Henry Buchner, Jacob Wilson, John Pettit. Certified by [Signed] Nathl Pettit 9 October 1796” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 2, Petition Number 9]


Wilson, James

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Wilson, late of Ancaster now of Niagara

“Respectfully shews That Your Petitioner has received 450 acres of Land, which is almost wholly improved – that he came into the Province in 1784 & has a Family: That having some time since personally mentioned to His Excellency the Lieut Governor his wish to apply for an additional Grant of Land, His Excellency was pleased to recommend him to bring forward a Petition and to say he had, in Council, a power to extend his grant to Twelve Hundred acres – your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 750 acres in addition to what he has received and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray – [Signed] James Wilson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Sep 1796 and read in Council on 8 Oct 1796. Ordered being desirous of […..] the promises of His Excellency the Board does not judge themselves at liberty to reject the prayer of this petition. Ordered therefore on that consideration alone that the land granted to the Petitioner be made up 1200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 34]

Certificate of Deputy Surveyor Augustus Jones dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 29 Sep 1796 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of James Wilson

“I do hereby certify that I was present and heard His Excellency Lt. Governor Simcoe say to James Wilson, that he in Council Could extend his grant to twelve Hundred Acres, and recommended him to [….] a Petition—[Signed] A. Jones D. P. S.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 34]


Wilson, James (of Humberstone)

A signer to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the inhabitants around Sugar Loaf (Humberstone Township) dated at Newark on 30 Mar 1793

“The Petition of the Inhabitants settled round the Point called Sugar Loaf above Fort Erie Humbly Sheweth—That near one hundred Families are now Settled in that Quarter on Lands not yet Surveyed Subject from this Circumstance the many inconveniencies attending this Situation, particularly to disputes about Limits & encroachments the one on the other—Therefor most humbly Supplicating your Excellency will have the Goodness to order a Survey to be made of their Lands, with such dispatch as you in your wisdom may think fitt—And your petitioners as in duty Bound Will ever pray &c—[Signed] Abrm Laing, Joel W Morris, Wilson Doan, Elija Doan, Nathan Havens, Joseph Havens, Azalia Schooley, Johoiadah Schooley, John Harret, John Cutter, Peter Cairn, Amos Morris, James Wilson, Samuel Wilson, John Braley, William Cook, Asa Schooley, Christopher Richards, James Edsall, Daniel Forsyth, Michael Shark, James Edsel, Christian Troyer, Jason Millard, Dan Millard, Heart Smith, Thomas Millard, Titios Doan, Enos Doan.” Read in Council on 10 Jul 1793. Ordered that directions be given to the Surveyor General to carry it into execution as soon as possible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 1c]

Notation of the Land Board dated on 30 Mar 1793 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the inhabitants of Sugar Loaf

“We do Certify that the Persons described in the above Petition are in general Sober & Industrious Settlers & as such deserving any Favors his Excellency the Governor may think proper to confir respecting the prayer of the Petition. [Signed] R. Hamilton, J Butler, John Burch” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 1b]

Mentioned in an undated Letter from Acting Surveyors General Chewett & Ridout to John Small, Clerk of the Executive Council appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Elijah Doan

“In answer to your letter of the 7 Instant, accompanied by Elijah Doans Petition—who appears to be recommended for a patent of Lots No 12 & 13 in the 6 Concession & 12 & 13 in the 7 Concession of Crowland—“provided it does not interfere with any others right”—We beg leave to inform you that the Lot No 13 in the 6 Concession & the northeast part of No 13 in the 12 Concession containing 200 acres have been described for him No 5292 under a magistrates Recommendation—& that his name is on the plan for Lot No 12 in the 6 Concession—as asked by him—but that Lot No 12 in the 7 Concession is claimed by Wilson Doan & James Wilson as pr Report of the 16 August last—We return the petition & have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedient Servant, for the Surveyr General [Signed] Chewett & Ridout.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “D” Bundle 1 Petition Number 29a]


Wilson, James (of Newark)

Upper Canada Land Petition of James Wilson dated at Niagara on 7 Aug 1793

“Humbly represents That your Petitioner wishing to establish himself in the Town of Newark, humbly prays he may be permitted to Erect himself a House on Lot No [blank] in the said Town, the said Lot being at this Time without any Improvement thereon. for him [Signed] Robt Pilkington” Read in Council on 7 Sep 1797. No 392 [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “D” Bundle 1 Petition Number 35]


Wilson, John (of Crowland)

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Wilson of the Jersies now of the Township of Crowland dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Jul 1795

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner was zealously attached to the British Government during the late war in America & that he assisted the Friends thereof, to the utmost of his Power, which can be certified by Nathl Pettit Esqr and others – That your Petitioner came into this Province in the year 1785, and has since received two Hundred acres in Crowland, prays your Excellency would be pleased to grant him an addition thereto of the vacant Lands of the Crown, and your Petitioner, as in Duty bound will ever pray – [Signed] John Wilson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 10 Jul 1795. Ordered not recommended. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 8]


Wilson, John (of Thorold)

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Wilson dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 6 Aug 1795

“The Petition of John Wilson, of the Township of Thorold late Serjeant in Butler’s Corps of Rangers Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner served in the above Corps during the American War, and has received the 600 acres His Majesty has been pleased to allow non-commissioned officers – That your Petitioner has a wife and Eight Children – and presuming he may be entitled to Lands for his Family – humbly prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant them such a portion as to your Excellency’s wisdom shall seem meet—And your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] John Wilson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Aug 1795 and read on 11 Jul [1796]. Ordered recommended for family lands if on producing the required certificate the petitioner appears entitled to them. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 43]

Upper Canada Land Petition of John Wilson of the Township of Thorold, late Serjeant in Colo Butlers Corps of Rangers dated at Niagara on 5 May 1796

“Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner settled in this Province immediately after his Discharge in the year 1783 – and that his Family then consisted of a wife and Six Children – that he has located 500 acres in the ninth Township whereon he lives but has never got a certificate for the same, or received any Lands for his Family—Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to direct that the Surveyor General may assign the 500 acres located by him in Thorold – and to grant him an additional 350 acres for his wife & family—And your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall Ever pray—” [Unsigned] Ordered recommended for family lands if he appears entitled on producing the required certificate – referred to the Surveyor General to be recommended where he has located his Military Lands if practicable. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 44]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Wilson

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served as a Serjeant dureing the late War in Butlers Corps of Rangers, and has a Wife and Six Children which he brought to this place, in the year after the war, your Petitioner therefore Prays your Excellency to take his & familys situation into Consideration, and that your Excellency would be pleased to grant him & family the usual quantity as to your Excellency may appear meet & your Petitioner will Ever Pray [Signed] John Wilson” No Executive Council dates on the petition. Ordered “Settled” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 70]

Certificate of Peter Ball, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 7 May 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Wilson

“I do hereby Certify that John Wilson Served his Majesty in the Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieut Colo Butler and that he had a Family Consisting of a Wife & Six Children before the year 1783 and is now settled in this Province [Signed] P. Ball J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 70a]

Signer to the petition of the inhabitants of Stamford Township for a mill attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Timothy Skinner dated 23 Jun 1800

“The petition of the Subscribers (Inhabitants of Lincoln County Stamford Township) – Most Respectfully Sheweth that there is a Great want of Mills at or near the Falls of Niagara. We therefore pray that Timothy Skinner (Senior) may be tolerated to build Said mills Adjoining his own and land and As in duty bound we Shall ever pray [Signed] Thomas Millard, Chas Willson, James Forsyth, Haggai Skinner, Noah Cook, John Hardey, Edwd Lafferty, John Losea, John Durham, Edward Durham, Thomas Millard Senior, John Reilly, Peter McMicking, Jacob Kilman, John McKerlie, John Clow, Adam McNair. Peter Thomson, Paul Cripps, Bri[lrehald] [br]omson, John Thomson, Thomas McMicking, Joseph Robeson his mark, John Chisholm, Donald Rose, James Cooper, Conrad Dorshimer, Patrick Reilly, Benjamin Skinner, Azariah Lamer, William Lundy, Jacob Fonger, William Fonger, Charles Grene, Benjamin Skinner Senor, Ebenezer Skinner, Isaac Chambers, Robert Spencer his mark, James Crawford, Chris Buchner, Henry Ramsey, [fred…] gobalt, Thomas Doan, John Upher, Jacob Upper, George Upper, George Couke, Robert Wilkerson, Benajah Williams, George Keefer, John Hilz, Ezekiel Woodruff, Giles Hall, Hugh Wilson, John Wilson, John Wilson Junr, Johnneal Kelhone, John [….] John Si[lverthorn]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 127d]


Wilson, John Jr.

Signer to the petition of the inhabitants of Stamford Township for a mill attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Timothy Skinner dated 23 Jun 1800

“The petition of the Subscribers (Inhabitants of Lincoln County Stamford Township) – Most Respectfully Sheweth that there is a Great want of Mills at or near the Falls of Niagara. We therefore pray that Timothy Skinner (Senior) may be tolerated to build Said mills Adjoining his own and land and As in duty bound we Shall ever pray [Signed] Thomas Millard, Chas Willson, James Forsyth, Haggai Skinner, Noah Cook, John Hardey, Edwd Lafferty, John Losea, John Durham, Edward Durham, Thomas Millard Senior, John Reilly, Peter McMicking, Jacob Kilman, John McKerlie, John Clow, Adam McNair. Peter Thomson, Paul Cripps, Bri[lrehald] [br]omson, John Thomson, Thomas McMicking, Joseph Robeson his mark, John Chisholm, Donald Rose, James Cooper, Conrad Dorshimer, Patrick Reilly, Benjamin Skinner, Azariah Lamer, William Lundy, Jacob Fonger, William Fonger, Charles Grene, Benjamin Skinner Senor, Ebenezer Skinner, Isaac Chambers, Robert Spencer his mark, James Crawford, Chris Buchner, Henry Ramsey, [fred…] gobalt, Thomas Doan, John Upher, Jacob Upper, George Upper, George Couke, Robert Wilkerson, Benajah Williams, George Keefer, John Hilz, Ezekiel Woodruff, Giles Hall, Hugh Wilson, John Wilson, John Wilson Junr, Johnneal Kelhone, John [….] John Si[lverthorn]” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “R” Bundle 5, Petition Number 127d]


Wilson, Mary (Bradt)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Mary Wilson dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 17 Jan 1797

“The Petition of Mary Wilson, wife of John Wilson late Serjt & Daughter of John Bradt, a Loyalist Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner, presuming herself to be the Description of persons, entitled to his Majesty’s gracious Bounty of 200 acres of Land, prays your Honor would be pleased to grant her the same, and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray—” Mary Wilson made her mark. “witness T Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 1 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr. Ordered proofs wanting. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 73]

Certificate of James Muirhead J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Mar 1797

“This is to certify that John Bradt came into this province in the year 1786 and remained thru this year [Signed] J. Muirhead J. P.” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 73b]


Wilson, Mary (Garner)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Garner received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Apr 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner served last american war in Col. Butlers late Corps of Rangers—and at the reduction of 1783 was reduced with said Rangers—That your Petitioner’s Father also served in Col. Butlers Rangers till the conclusion of the war, and at the reduction went to lower Canada where he shortly afterwards died – he leaving to Your Petitioner sole Heir to all his effects, and assigned him the lands he might be entitled to for his Services—That your Petitioner also married the daughter of John Wilson a U. E. Loyalist, who has never drawn any lands—Wherefore your Petitioner humbly submits to your Honor’s Consideration for to allow him his Fathers military lands, likewise such a proportion for his wife as your Honor in your Wisdom may deem proper, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray [Signed] John Garner” Received at the Executive Council Office on 5 Apr 1797 and read in Council the same day. Ordered 200 acres to the Petitioners wife the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 3, Petition Number 19]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 19 Apr 1797 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of John Garner

“Mary Garner wife to John Garner is daughter to John Wilson deceased whose Heirs satisfied the Justices in Sessions that he adhered to the Unity of the Empire & joined the Royal Standard in America before the year 1783. Newark 19th April 97 [Signed] R Clench, Clerk of the Sessions &c” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “G” Bundle 3, Petition Number 19a]


Wilson, Peggy (Smith)

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Hart Smith received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Apr 1797

“Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner is married to the daughter of John Wilson (deceased) whose Heirs proved to the satisfaction of the Justices of the Home District in Jt Sessions assembled that he joined the Royal Standard in America before the year 1783 and adhered to the unity of the Empire. Your Petitioner has Six Children, three of whom was born before the year 1789. Your Petitioner therefore Prays that his wife & Children may be allowed the usual quantity of land as granted to People of their description & your Petitioner as in duty Bound will Ever Pray [Signed] Hart Smith” Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Apr 1797 and read in Council on 10 May. Ordered 200 acres to Peggy the wife of the Petitioner as the Daughter if not granted before. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 193]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 23 Apr 1797 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Hart Smith

“Hart Smith a Loyalist is married to the Daughter of John Wilson (deceased) a Loyalist. Both their Loyalty has been proved to the Satisfaction of the Justices in Sessions [Signed] R Clench” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “S” Bundle 3, Petition Number 193]


Wilson, Samuel

A signer to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the inhabitants around Sugar Loaf (Humberstone Township) dated at Newark on 30 Mar 1793

“The Petition of the Inhabitants settled round the Point called Sugar Loaf above Fort Erie Humbly Sheweth—That near one hundred Families are now Settled in that Quarter on Lands not yet Surveyed Subject from this Circumstance the many inconveniencies attending this Situation, particularly to disputes about Limits & encroachments the one on the other—Therefor most humbly Supplicating your Excellency will have the Goodness to order a Survey to be made of their Lands, with such dispatch as you in your wisdom may think fitt—And your petitioners as in duty Bound Will ever pray &c—[Signed] Abrm Laing, Joel W Morris, Wilson Doan, Elija Doan, Nathan Havens, Joseph Havens, Azalia Schooley, Johoiadah Schooley, John Harret, John Cutter, Peter Cairn, Amos Morris, James Wilson, Samuel Wilson, John Braley, William Cook, Asa Schooley, Christopher Richards, James Edsall, Daniel Forsyth, Michael Shark, James Edsel, Christian Troyer, Jason Millard, Dan Millard, Heart Smith, Thomas Millard, Titios Doan, Enos Doan.” Read in Council on 10 Jul 1793. Ordered that directions be given to the Surveyor General to carry it into execution as soon as possible. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 1c]

Notation of the Land Board dated on 30 Mar 1793 appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of the inhabitants of Sugar Loaf

“We do Certify that the Persons described in the above Petition are in general Sober & Industrious Settlers & as such deserving any Favors his Excellency the Governor may think proper to confir respecting the prayer of the Petition. [Signed] R. Hamilton, J Butler, John Burch” [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “S” Bundle 1, Petition Number 1b]


Wilson, Susannah

Upper Canada Land Petition of Susannah Wilson dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 28 Apr 1797

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner is the Daughter of John Wilson, of the Beaver Dam, Township of Thorold – a Loyalist U. E. as by return of the Magistrates—and being of the age of 21 years, and having never received any Land – prays your Honor would be pleased to grant her 200 acres as allowed to persons of her description—And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray – for Susannah Wilson [Signed] John Wilson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 28 Apr 1797. Ordered certificate of age wanting. Read again on 16 May 1797. Ordered proof of age being adduced recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 56]


Wilson, William

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of William Wilson received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner though young in the time of the late Rebellion in America, has from causes hereafter to be mentioned always entertained the greatest ideas in favor of the British Government. That your Petitioners Father, as well as the whole of his family and connections in Maryland were during the late Rebellion in America, True & faithfull Friends to the British King and Government and suffered very much on that account by Trible taxes and other burthens laid on them by the violent party—That your petitioners Father being a principle sufferer by these means has in a very material manner affected your Petitioners interests and as your Petitioner but very lately has been informed of the liberal donations of Lands in this Province offered to Loyal subjects, and the constant attention paid by your Excellency and Honors, to honest and Industrious Loyalists which considerations induced your petitioner to visit this Province with intention, if permitted by Government, to become a setler here, and as your Petitioner is able to carry on the Farming business upon an extensive scale. That your Petitioner most humbly Prayeth your Excellency and Honours will be pleased to take his case into consideration and grant him One thousand acres of Land within this province and that the same be located on so much vacant Lands lying in the Townships of Humberstone, Wainfleet & Crowland, or in some one of them, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. —[Unsigned] Received at the Executive Council Office on 29 Jul 1795 and read in Council on 29 Jul 1798. Ordered two hundred acres. Later notation: The petitioner having rejected the bounty of Government in a disrespectful manner (as reported by the Clerk of the Council ought to be excluded from it in future—Council Chamber 19 Aug 1795. By order of the Committee. P. R. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 1, Petition Number 10]


Windecker, Elisabeth (Young)

Mentioned in the Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Young dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 16 Jul 1795

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner Zealously served His Majesty in the American War as a Serjeant in Colonel Butlers Rangers—Seven years and Four Months he was on Actual Duty and begs leave to refer your Excellency to a certificate herewith delivered signed by his Commanding Officer – At the commencement of the War your Petitioners Father was dragged to prison His House Barn Barracks &c &c all burned by the Rebels and the Family reduced to the greatest distress—Your Petitioner and Three Brothers came to Niagara and served during the War, and at the conclusion thereof your Petitioner by an invitation from the Indians settled on Grand River, where he made large improvements; but thinking his situation imperminent removed the last spring to the Township of Barton and has began to improve: Your Petitioner has a Wife and Eight children, & the parents of his wife were at Niagara during the War, her Father in actual service: Wherefore your Petitioner prays that your Excellency will please to consider the unshaken Loyalty of all his Fathers Family, and for his own service as a Serjeant, grant him 500 Acres of Land and [a] further grant for his Family as through your wisdom and Goodness may seem meet, and your Petitioner will ever pray – [Signed] Daniel Young” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Y” Bundle 2, Petition Number 5]

Certificate of Richard Beasley J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Young

“I do certify that Elisabeth Young wife of Daniel Young of Barton is the Daughter of Henry Windecker of Butlers Rangers—[Signed] Richard Beasley” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Y” Bundle 2, Petition Number 5b]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench dated on 14 Oct 1796 attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Daniel Young

“Mr Daniel Young joined the Royal Standard in America and served during the late American War as a Serjeant in Butlers Rangers is married to the Daughter of a Loyalist and had one Child before the year 1783 [Signed] Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Peace &c” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “Y” Bundle 2, Petition Number 5c]


Windecker, George

Upper Canada Land Petition of George Windecker dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Feb 1797

“The Petition of George Windecker Son of Henry Windecker—late of Butlers Rangers—Humbly sheweth—That your Petitioner is a married man & hath two children & that he had two Brothers-in Law in the Service; —That he has never received any Land, and being lame and unable personally to attend, has requested his father to sign this petition, praying Your Honor would be pleased to grant him 300 acres of Land—and as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray—[Signed] Henrey Windecker for George Windecker” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 11 May 1797. Ordered to wait for the UE List. Later Council order: Henry Windecker is on the UE list. Ordered recommended for 200 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 44]


Windecker, Henry

Upper Canada Land Petition of Henry Windecker of the Township of Bertie—late of Butlers Rangers dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Feb 1797

“Humbly shews That your Petitioner having received about 250 acres only of his military Lands – prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him what further quantity may be coming to him in that capacity—And that having never received any family Lands – prays your Honor would also be pleased to grant him such as he may be entitled agreeable to the annexed certificate – and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Henrey [sic] Windecker” Received at the Executive Council Office on 6 Feb 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered recommended for 400 acres i. E. 50 to make up his Military Lands and 350 family lands. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 77]

Certificate of John Reilly, J. P. dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 3 Feb 1797

“I do certify that Henry Windecker served during the American War in a Corps of Rangers Commanded by Lieut Col Butler that he had a Wife and six Children in this province before the year 1789 Given under my hand at Newark this 3d day Feby 1797 [Signed] John Reilly JP” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 77b]


Windecker, Mary (Anger)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Frederick Anger Junior dated at Niagara on 26 May 1796 (using a pre-printed form with fill-ins)

“Petition of Fredk Anger Junior—son of Fredk Anger—late of Butlers Rangers Respectfully shews—That your Petitioner has recd 200 acres of Land—that he is married to Mary the Daughter of Henry Windecker of the above mentioned Corps of Rangers who has never any—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. Prays your Excellency, would be pleased to grant him in behalf of his wife 200 acres of land 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] Ordered by the Executive Council the petitioner’s wife’s land will be granted when the proper certificates of her being the daughter of a Loyalist is lodged in the Office. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “A” Bundle 1, Petition Number 37]


Windecker, Sarah (Sypes)

Upper Canada Land Petition of Sarah Windecker dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 25 Jul 1797

“humbly sheweth That she is Daughter of Jacob Sypes a U: E: Loyalist, that she has never received any land. She therefore humbly prays that your Honor would be pleased to grant her such a portion of land as to your Honor may appear meet, & as in duty bound she will ever pray, for Sarah Windecker [Signed] John Ketson” Received at the Executive Council Office on 25 Jul 1797 and read on 28 Jul. Ordered recommended for 200 acres as UE. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 124]

Letter from John Ketson to Alexander McDonell, Clerk of the Executive Council attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Sarah Windecker

“Sir please to Give the warrant for Sarah Sipes wife of George Windecker to Mr John Smith Senior, and oblige Sir your humbly Servant [Signed] John Ketson [To] Allexander McDonell C: C E C” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 3, Petition Number 124a]


Winger, Johannes (John )

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of John Winger [signed Johannes] received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Mar 1797

“Respectfully Shews—That your petitioner came into this Province about the Year 1789, and never received Lands as yet in the Province—That your Petitioner settled on some lands at the Short Hills, but the Hurricane laid waste the lots they then occupied, and obliged your Petitioner to buy one hundred acres from Prshall Terry Esqr where he now resides—Your Petitioner brought In a wife and five children in the Year 1783 [sic] into the Province – your Petitioner therefore prays your Honor would be pleased to allow him such an allotment of Lands for himself, wife, & family as your Honor may think proper and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray—[Signed] Johannes Winger Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Mar 1797. “Administered affirmation of allegiance the same day” Read in Council on 31 Mar 1797. Ordered 200 acres to the Petitioner in his own right and 300 acres for family lands if not granted before or lands before granted to be made up to that quantity. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 100]


Winny, Cornelius

Upper Canada Land Petition of Cornelius Winny dated at Niagara on 10 Jun 1796

“humbly Sheweth – That your Petitioner has served during the American War as a non commissioned Officer in the Corps of Rangers. —and since the peace has been in business as a merchant—That your Petitioner as yet received no Lands from the Crown – prays for such allowance as it may be your Excellencys pleasure to grant—and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &ca—[Signed] Corn: Winny” Read in Council on 14 Jul. Ordered the Petitioner does not reside within the Province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 29]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Cornelius Winny received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Mar 1797

“Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner forsook his friends, his family & his Home at the age of Eighteen years, and joined the Royal Standard at this place in the year 1779. Your Petitioner then inlisted in Butlers Rangers, and served as a Non Commissioned officer untill the Peace, dureing the War, your Petitioner was sent round the Lake by land with Genl McLeans dispatches to the Commander in Chief, and in the year 1785 was again sent down by Major Campbell then Commanding at this Post, in the year 1794 being about to remove from Buffaloe Creek to this side of the Water, was defired by Major Littlehales to remain where I was in order gain information and to endevour to keep the Indians firm in their attachment to the British as Governor Simcoe had reason to apprehend an invasion of the British Territory by Genl Wayne. This request your Petitioner as a Loyal Subject readily complied with and in consequence continued trading with the Indians until now, and should long before have removed hither, but being obliged to give great Credit amongst the Indians it takes much time to collect, & was your Petitioner once more to remove from amongst them would never be able to collect one tenth part of his out standing debts, this would much injure your Petitioner in his circumstances and is the sole cause of his remaining at Buffaloe Creek at present, but hopes in a little while to remove over, with considerable property and to Farm with spirit. The above is a true narrative as to the situation of your Petitioner, who Humbly Prays that his situation may be taken into Consideration and that a Grant of Twelve hundred Acres of land, may be assigned him, or such other quantity as to your Honor may appear meet and your Petitioner will as in duty Bound Ever Pray [Signed] C Winny” Received at the Executive Council Office on 16 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 17 Mar 1797. Ordered reserved for His Honour’s consideration. Read again on 21 Mar 1797. Ordered 600 acres to the Petitioner and confirmed by deed when he becomes a resident within this province. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76]

Certificate of Ralfe Clench appended to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Cornelius Winny

“The above named Petitioner Cornelius Winny served in Butlers Rangers, the late American War, was much respected by his officers (as a Non Commissioned Officer) being zealous active and brave and ever behaved as a good Soldier [Signed] Ralfe Clench Lieut” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 76a]


Winterbottom, Samuel

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Winterbottom read in the Executive Council on 4 Jul 1795

“Sheweth—That your Petitioner has served faithfully and humbly of a Sum of five Years and four months in the Royal Artillery under the Command of Colonel McBean and was discharged at his own Request—That Your Petitioner has since served three years on Lake Ontario as a Seaman, but his time & Servitude being near Expired, he wishes to become a residenter of this Province, and clear such Lands as your Excellency in Council may think fit—That your Petitioner having a Wife and four Children renders it cumbersome to be removing from place to place—That your Petitioner under these Circumstances hopes your Excellency will be so good as to take his case into consideration And your Petitioner shall ever pray [Signed] Samuel Winterbottom” Read in the Executive Council on 4 Jul 1795. Ordered recommended for 400 acres. [Upper Canada Land Petitions NAC “W” Bundle 1, Petition Number 59]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Winterbottom dated at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on 17 Nov 1796

“Humbly shews—That your Petitioner served formerly in the Royal Artillery, & having a wife and four children- received 400 acres of Land – that he has also served three years in the Marine Department of this Province, and is regularly discharged therefrom – that intending to be a bona fide resident in the Province he prays your Honor would be pleased to allow him the same additional quantity of Land as granted to persons in the Marine Department & that he may be permitted to locate the same in Murray- and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray—” Samuel Winterbottom made his mark. “witness Thos Ridout N. P.” Received at the Executive Council Office on 11 Mar 1797 and read in Council on 7 Apr 1797. Ordered no person can receive lands in more than one capacity, [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 2, Petition Number 93]

Undated Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Winterbottom received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Nov 1800

“Respectfully Sheweth That your Petitioner having duly and truly served the term, limited by Government in the Marine Department on Lake Ontario Petitions you will be pleased to grant him Two Hundred Acres of Land, in what part of the Province you shall be pleased to appoint and a Town Lot in the Township of Newark in the Home District. Your Petitioner hopes you will be pleased to grant him his request as in Duty bound shall ever pray [Signed] Samuel Winterbottom” Received at the Executive Council Office on 14 Nov 1800. Ordered recommended for 200 acres and a Town Lot in Newark. Revised 9 Mar 1802. Ordered it appearing that the Petitioner has been guilty of a fraud in making two applications for land after having received all that was intended for him. Recommended that the order on this petition and also on that of Aug 30, 1797 be rescinded. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 4]

Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Winterbottom dated at Niagara on 30 Aug 1797

“most respectfully sheweth That your Honors Petitioner has a Wife and four Children, two of them Born before the year 1789 and that your Petitioner’s wife is the Daughter of Sergt Bowers of the 53d Regt who served the whole of last war in this Country. Therefore Prays that your Honor may be pleased to grant his family such lands as your Honer in your wisdom may seem fit. Your Petitioner has received his lands for his Services in the Royal artillery last War, & on the Lakes since the year 1784: and your Honor’s Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever Pray [Signed] Samuel Winterbottom” Received at the Executive Council Office on 30 Aug 1797 and read the same day. Ordered recommended for 300 acres for his services on the Lakes. Revised 9 Mar 1802 and rescinded – See proceedings of that day. [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 78]

List of children and certificate of Robert Kerr, J. P. attached to the Upper Canada Land Petition of Samuel Winterbottom

“Elesebth Born 14 Augst 17[..]; George Born 8 Feby 17[..]; Samuel Born 11 Feby 1792; Pamela Born 11 Novr 1794”

“I believe the above to be a just statement of the ages of Samuel Winterbottom’s children [Signed] Robt Kerr” [Upper Canada Land Petitions LAC “W” Bundle 5, Petition Number 78b,c]