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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 6 6 ^ L • ^^ ' > r-'^^-* * ' ' ' C. THE STORY OF LAURA SECORD AND O^^ CANADIAN REMINISCKNCi.S BV EMMA A. CURRIE WITH PORTRAITS AND ENGRAVINGS TORONTO WILLIAM BRIGGS 1900 176994 Fi;073 Ci :> u 6 ■jf f '5 1 .1- Entered according to Act of the Parliament of C .'' da, in the year one thousand nine hundred, by Emma A. CuKRit it the Department of Agriculture. me :nt m VI J cC^jiAML^o/t^^.^ c/cca^ THIS ROOK IS DEUICATKD TO THE nELOVED MEMORY OF /iBra. Cur3on, WHOSE HIGHEST AIM WAS TO INSPIRE CANADIAN WOMEN TO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. I II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. CH CONTENTS. •%■ ClIAl'TER PAGE Introduction --..... q I. The First Settlers - - . - . - i -> II. The Secord Family, with Documents and ^Vuto- graphs -16 III. The Ingersoll Family, with Documents and Auto- graphs 36 IV. Laura Ingersoll Secord, with Documents and Ai to- graphs 48 V. Reminiscences of 1812 82 VI. St. David's and Vicinity Sg VII. Fort Niagara 98 VIII. Isabella Marshall Graham estabHshes First Boaid- ing School in New York City, and Founder of First Orphan Asylum in the United States - 103 IX. Memoir of John Whiimore, by William Kirby, with Autograph ji- X. The Nelles Family 124 VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER XI. Visit of Prince Erl vard, Duke of Kent - PACE - 126 XII. Two Historic Burnings— Nia^jara and St. David's 129 XIII. Stamford Park - 141 XIV. Recollections of 1 8;:' and 1838 - - 144 XV. Burning of the Stean-er Caroline - - 149 XVI. Samuel Zimmerman - - - - - 152 XVII. The First Fenian Raid of 1866 - - 157 XVIII. Brant Memoranda - - - " - 161 XIX. Letters : Mrs. Thorn - - 165 William Woodruff - - - - - - .67 Mrs. Jenoway - - - - - - 170 XX Past and Present Names of Placer, - 173 XXI An Old Ledger, 1806, 1807, 1808, rlog - - 175 XXII Mrs. Grover, of Seaton Hall, Colborne - 182 XXIII . Conclusion ---■'' - 193 i 4 "*?( ILLUSTRATIONS. - 152 PAGE Laura Ingersoll Secord, with Autograph - FronUsptece - 161 Homestead of Major David Secord, St. David's - - 20 Autograph of James Secord 25 - 165 167 Autographs of Major David Secord and Mrs. Secord - 27 -170 Autographs of Stephen Secord and Anna Secord - - 30 - 173 Home of Laura Ingersoll at Great Barrington, Mass. - 49 - 175 Home of Laura Ingersoll Secord at Queenston - - - 57 -182 FitzGibbon's Headquarters, 1893 59 - 193 Place where the Indians encamped 61 Chippewa Home of Mrs. Secord, where she died - - 70 Present State of Laura Ingersoll Secord's Grave - - 74 Account of Schooling Billey Galley, and Autograph ot Mrs. Backus 75 Letter and Autograph of Major Thomas Ingersoll - - "]"] Diagram of the Battle of Beaver Dams - - - - 78 Source of Four Mile Creek, above St. David's - - - 89 vii Vlll ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Four Mile Creek, below St. David's 93 Autograph of David Secord 97 Fort Niagara in 1888 98 Autograph of Wm. Kirby 123 Arsenal inside Fort George, 1888 - - . - - 129 Magazine inside Fort George, 1888 129 Polly Page (Mrs. David Secord) 139 Stamford Park, 1863 141 Seals attached to Patents from the Crown, 1822 - - 142 Autograph of Ezekiel Woodruff 145 Brock's Monument and Home of William Lyon Mackenzie, at Queenston, 1895 146 Fort Erie, 1890 i59 Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea) 161 Letter of Joseph Brant ------- 164 Fort Mississauga, 1888 170 Bridgewater Mill, in Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park - 174 Leaf from an Old Ledger 176 - 93 - 97 - 98 - 123 - 129 - 129 14: 159 lyo INTRODUCTION. When attention was drawn to Laura Ingersoll Sccord, in i860, it was a great surprise that she had '39 so long been unappreciated and known to so few. 141 Living among many of her husband's relatives for over a quarter of a centur}', hearing constant allusion to those times, it seemed almost impossible that such - 145 heroism should have remained untold and her name e, unmentioned. After reading the newspaper account, 146 inquiry was made of an aged friend whose whole life was spent in St. David's, as to its truthfulness. Quickly came the reply, " It is all true." No details were 161 given, but the answer w^as sufficient confirmation. 164 The excitement of the American Civil War and re- moval from St. David's caused the circumstances to be almost forgotten, but now and then allusions would ■ ^74 come recalling them. When the Woman's Literary - 176 Club was formed in St. Catharines, in 1892, it was my part to prepare one of the papers for the opening of the Club. The historic subject of Laura Secerd was selected, and during the preparation of the paper I found that her ancestors and my own came from the same place. Great Barrington, Mass. Previous to this it had been a custom to spend a week or two 9 \ 10 INTRODUCTION. O' during the summer season in mailing sketches in water-colors of historic places and buildings, of which there are so many in this locality. Some had been previously made in Niagara and vicinity. I con- cluded to make sketches in connection with Mrs. Secord's history, and to gather what information it was possible to gain from her relatives, and those who had seen and known her. Strange to say, no one seemed to know anything of her early life or later years. At historic gatherings I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Curzon, and was greatly impressed by her appearance. Not long before her death some correspondence took place between us. Suffering at that time from ill health, an offer was made to place what memoranda had been collected in her hands, to be used as she saw best. It was my last letter to her, for her death took place soon after. Feeding that what had been collected might be of use, a commencement was made to put them together. A letter was written to the Postmaster of Great Barrington, asking for the address of any of the Ingersoll descendants still remaining there. This letter was placed in the hands of Charles J. Taylor, Esq., and brought a reply from him. Mr. Taylor had written the history of Great Barrington, which has proved of great service. Of this gentleman's kindness to a total stranger, whom he has never seen — the time he has given, the researches he has made in helping through many difficulties — I cannot speak in too grateful terms. i INTRODUCTION. 11 Colonel Dunn and Mrs. Dunn, of Toronto, have also been efficient helpers, in furnishing documents, history, letters and memoranda relating to the Secord family, and to Laura Secord also. The granddaugh- ters of Mrs. Secord, Miss Louisa Smith and Mrs. Cockburn, have furnished information which should have weight with the committee who have the erec- tion of the monument in charge. When it was neces- sary, J. Hamilton Ingersoll. Esq., of St. Catharines, has written manv letters. Miss Woodruff, of Chicago, has furnished much valuable information in regard to her grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs, David Secord, also valuable autographs ; Mr. Henry Woodruff, of St. David's, Mrs. Thorn, of Princeton, and Mrs. Saxon, of St. Catharines, important letters ; Mrs. Norton, of Westfield, Mass., and Mrs. Hitchcock, of Amherst, Mass., have assisted in information regarding the Ingersolls. My old friend, Mr. Kirby, author of " Chien d'Or," has contributed an article upon the Whitmore family, with whom he is connected by marriage, and which is a valuable addition to the history of the early set- tlement of Upper Canada. Miss Janet Carnochan has also given much infor- mation in regard to the local history of Niagara. To Miss Bothwell, of Lockport, and many others who have done much to help me, my grateful thanks are given. The portrait of Mrs. Secord, which is the frontis- V' % 12 INTRODUCTION. piece of this work, is from a plate furnished by Rev. Canon Bull, Niagara Falls South. The late Mr. Joel Lyons, of Chippewa, had a likeness of Mrs. Secord, taken in what year is not known, and from this the plate was made. The likeness of Mrs. Secord which is in " Lossing's Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812," and this are the only ones known to have been made. The autograph of Laura Secord accompanies the likeness. It is the only autograph known to be in existence. In a footnote, page 621, Mr. Lossing says Mrs. Secord wrote to him, February i8th, 1861. In 1867 he speaks of her as being ninety-two years of age, and her men- tal faculties in full play, her eyesight so perfect that she could read witho..t spectacles. Mrs. Gregory, her niece, who saw her in her last illness, and but three days before her death, bears testimony to the won- derful preservation of her mind. To Mrs. Grover, cf Toronto, who has allowed selections to be made from her " Recollections," my warmest thanks are given. When these are published in full, as they will be by her relatives, it is hoped they will receive the attention they so richly deserve. Emma A. Currie. i \ 1^1 X L. ^ CHAPTER I. T//E FIRST SETTLERS. The women of Canada can justly claim that the first Loyalist refugees to seek shelter under the pro- tecting flag at Fort Niagara were women. Dr. Can- nifif, in his " Settlement of Upper Canada," gives the fact that "in 1776 there arrived at Fort Niagara in a starving and otherwise destitute condition five women and thirty-one children, whom the circumstances of the rebellion had driven away." Tradition places their arrival in the month of November. They had come from the banks of the Hudson and the valley of the Mohawk, guided by friendly Indians, to this ark of refuge. Their names were Mrs. Nelles, Mrs. Secord, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Buck and Mrs. Bonar. Of these women but little is known, their names alone being rescued from the oblivion of the past. Of Mrs. Secord we know that her husband and two of her sons were in Butler's Rangers, fighting for that flag which had sheltered and protected their ancestors so many years before. Among the Rangers are found the names of Captain Nelles and Captain Young. Whether they were the husbands of Mrs. 5Jecord's companions is not known. Of Mrs. Secord it is said 13 \ m^k w ^un t^-x 14 THE FIRST SETTLERS. her children were in a wagon. They had escaped with their Hves, bringing nothing with them. Her youngest son ana child, James Secord, was at that time three years old. They were given tents, cloth- ing and food. As the days and months passed away the numbers increased from the Carolinas, Virginia, and the New England colonies. There came a desti- tute host, along the length of the St. Lawrence, to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The population increased in the towns and cities so rapidly that it caused a scarcity in the necessaries of life. In Hali- fax the population rose in a few months from 1,400 to 4,000. And so everywhere, producing suffering and privation. There was not a settlement on this side of the Niagara River when the Revolution com- menced. When it closed, in 1783, there was a popu- lation of 10,000. In 1792 there were four hundred houses in Niagara. From the frontier at Fort Niagara to Detroit, along the river and lake shore, there was a thin fringe of civilization. Many of the refugees waited in New York, hoping, when peace came, to return to their former homes. When New York was evacuated, November 25th, 1783, there arose a wail of despair. Those that could went to England, some to the Bahama Islands. Many that went to New Bruns- wick and Nova Scotia came to Upper Canada when they heard of the fertile soil and milder climate. Twelve thousand left New York at that time. As fast as possible they were given lands, implements and seeds. Grist-mills were erected to aid them. 1 THE FIRST SETTLERS. 15 Fort Niagara was the centre of the hopes, the ambi- tions, the activities of that period. Here, brought at great expense from the old land, were kept those vast supplies of various kinds, which were distributed to the remotest settlements — the munitions of war for themselves and other garrisons, rations and supplies for their Indian allies. The canoes of the Indians, laden with furs from the Upper Lakes, and the bateaux from the Lower Province with their freight, all made this their stopping-place. Councils of war prepared for attack and defence, as the occasion required. Looking now on its crumbling walls, its deserted buildings, its empty fortress, the dismal chambers where the garrison slept within its walls, it is hard to realize its importance one hundred and forty years ago. But it was then the door to the west and to the south, and he who commanded those was entrusted by his sovereign v/ith a j.ossession which required wisdom and strength to keep. Such were the conditions when those women ar- rived. As their friends and relatives followed they settled on the western bank of the river, and with willing hands and brave hearts they turned the wilderness into golden fields and fruitful orchards. What they did in the thirty years of peace proves the intelligence and the industry with which they worked. The founders of the Dominion have left a record which their descendants should hold up to future gen- erations as worthy of everlasting remembrance. |!l|''l ij! chaptp:r II. THE SECORD FAMILY. The ancestor of the Secord family, Amboise Secord, came with his five diildren from LaRochelle, in France, to New Yorl< in 1681. He, along with other French emigrants, founded the town of New Rochelle, in Westchester County, of the same State, about 1689. The name is spelled in various ways. In the original it is Seacard, and pronounced se-kar. Most of the Huguenots sympathized with England dunng the Revolutionary War. The Secords were very numer- ous, and more of that name are found among the U. E. Loyalists and first settlers of Canada than of any other. Great Britain had assisted the Huguenots during theii' persecution in France, had sheltered them in England, had helped them to emigrate to America, and they proved their gratitude by loyal service and great sacrifices during the war. Many gave up every- thing, even life, in the days that tried men's souls. They were a strong, hardy people, generous and hospitable, long-lived also — one of their descendants dying in New Rochelle in the year 1845, aged 105 years. In Canadian annals we find that Peter Secord, living on the Talbot Road, died in 1818 in his 103rd 16 1 ^ year. )'ear u I twent} I the bo ^ The ,, being ■; earl)' mental ' that " of lane I the m( two, a^ rites o law, ar # same." ;? as bel( \ tioners ] spellinj I Si card, I forms.-] \ The \ Rochel i^culty ( Dissen Church [edifice I * The I of 1850, |informati( I t Fioi 1} their serv i imiSl THE SECORD FAMILY. 17 year. He was one (jf the first settlers. The last year of his life he killed four wolves and walked twenty miles to make the necessary affidavit to obtain the bounty. They were hard-working and thrifty, silk-weaving being their principal occupation, and none of the earl)' settlers had titles of nobility.* The Docu- mentary History of the State of New York shows that "in the year 1689 they had dedicated 100 acres of land to the use of the French Church. In 1709 all the members of the Church, with the exception of two, agreed to conform themselves to the liturgy and rites of the Church of England, as established by law, and put themselves under the protection of the same." Among the names are fourteen spelled Sycar, as belonging to the Church, and among the peti- tioners are nine Secords, hardly any two of the nine spelling the name in the same manner. Sycar, Secord, Sicard, Seacord, Se Cord, Seicard are the different forms.f The original PVench Church was founded at New Rochelle as early as 1692. In 1709, from the diffi- culty of obtaining ministers, and being considered Dissenters, all but two persons conformed to the Church of England, and were obliged to erect a new edifice in 17 10. The two who would not conform * The Documentary History of New York State, in the edition 'Sof 1850, Vol. III., and relating to Westchester County, contains muc Jinformation regarding the Secords and their descendants. t From Canadian Archives : "Amable and Pierre De Sicard, stating ^ their services and praying for an allowance." 2 18 THE SECORD FAMILY. \'\. I retained possession of the old church and the loo acres of land which had been reserved for a French church. Others joined them, but the congregation was not large, being always too poor to hire a minister, and receiving no help from the Established Church Fund, they naturally fell under the care of the French Church in New York City, and were known as its Annex in New Rochelle.* Services were performed here occasionally by the minister from New York. Toward the Revolution it fell into decay, and at that time ceased to be used as a church. The edifice was torn down, and the Episcopal Churchy through the courts, obtained possession of the lands, although they were granted for a French church erected, or to be erected. After the war, what remained of the congregation were merged in a Presbyterian church, which still exists. Solomon Secord was baptized in the Annex, show- ing that his parents, descendants of the Badeaus ancestry, still clung to the original French faith. The records are in the church in New York City, and were kept in duplicate in the church at New Rochellc. The compiler says they agree exactly. In Appen- dix I. of the Secord family will be found much valuable genealogical information. James Secord, of New Rochelle, a lieutenant in Butler's Rangers, was * New Rochelle is now a part of Greater New York City. In the old times we find that many of the church members, with their families, walked to New York to attend church, when there was no service at New Rochelle. born THE SECORD FAMILY. 19 i born April 24th, 1732 ; he was probably of the fourth generation. His wife was Madelainc Badeau, a de- scendant of Elias Badea 1, who fled from St. George's, Saintonge, France, to Bristol, England, and from there came to America. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters, most of them destined to take an important part in the history of Canada. Lieutenant James Secord died at Niagara, July 13th, 1784. Tradition says he was buried in the private burying-ground of Colonel Butler. Of the date of his wife's death and place of burial nothing is known. James, their fifth son and youngest child, was three years old when they arrived at Fort Niagara. This son was the future husband of Laura Ingersoll. Major David Secord, the third son, had shown his patriotism and courage from early youth. His father and eldest brother belonged to Butler's Rangers, and we find him in his sixteenth year serving with them during the Revolutionary War till its completion. He was present at Wyoming as sergeant in the Rangers. This expedition of Colonel Butler was to bring away the families of the Loyalist refugees to Fort Niagara. At that time Sergeant Secord, at Llie risk of his own life, saved the lives of three American prisoners who hao abused and killed the wife of Oneida Joseph, an 4 Indian chief, who afterwards settled on the Mohawk ,' Reservation at Brantford, and lived to a great age. ;. Many of the Rangers settled in the Niagara Dis- •| trict, drawing lands as compensation for their services .1 and the homes they had lost by confiscation. Mr. 20 THE SECGRD FAMILY. Secord had 600 acres of land between Oueenston and St. David's. His relatives and himself received large grants in the district also, and in other parts of Canada. He entered largely into business of various kinds. He was surveyor, farmer, miller, besides erecting numerous buildings for mechanics in the village. His first mill was built in 1786. Appendix V. will give .some idea of the variety of his occupations and possessions. He had been in many battles during the Revolution, and thirty years of peace again found him ready to face the enemy. In the battle of Queenston Heights he bore a conspicuous part. In the third and last en- gagement, in the afternoon, when the invaders were being driven back. Major Secord called to those who were rushing down the bank of the river to come back and their lives would be spared. Among those who surrendered he found his wife's father and brother. Another brother of Mrs. Secord, a Mr. Thomas Page, came over before the war, and settled in Pelham ; he was a Quaker. David, eldest son of Major Secord, was taken prisoner, and after some time exchanged. He reached home the day of the battle of Lundy's Lane. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived. While taking his supper the firing was heard, and, tired as he was, he said, " I must go to father ! " and started on foot for the battle-field, five miles away. Father and son met, grasping each other's hand in a brief welcome, and they fought side by side until young Secord was again taken prisoner, and afterwards sent to Greenbush, N.Y. Major Secord was wounded but nn CT yount ds sent ed but IlOMKSTKAl) ()!•■ MAIUR D.WID Sl-XORD, 1 894. ;i!:'' THE SECORD FAMILY. 21 once in the eight battles in which he was engaged during the Revolutionary War, and it was a supersti- tion among the Indians, who knew his dangers and wonderful escapes, that he bore a charmed life. After the war was over he had for the second time to recommence the busy life which in past years had made him so prominent and so prosperous. For eight years he was a member of Parliament, doing good service for his constituency and country. He deprecated the selfishness of the Family Compact, who by their ill-timed measures were driving a loyal people to rebellion. He supported the reforms which form the basis of our present government. He was too well known to be branded as disloyal, and too sensible to go to the extreme lengths to which Mac- kenzie was driven. Before the rebellion" came he had shown his courage in another form. Robert Gourlay had been one of the earliest Reformers, and one of the first to suffer for his principles. When unjustly deprived of his property he had appealed in vain for justice. Suffering in body and mind, sick and penniless, he stayed in Mr. Secord's house until he could return to Scotland. He was not the man to forget a kindness, and Mr. Secord's daughter told the writer that the first silk dresses she and her sister had were given, with other remembrances, by Mr. Gourlay when he returned to Canada. Mr. Secord was generous and hospitable to a fault ; his house was ever open to His Majesty's troops. In addition to military services, he was Commissioner of High- 22 THE SECORD FAMILY. ways and Bridges, giving his services for the latter without pay. Major Secord was three times married. First to a Miss Millard, who died about a year after her marriage, leaving one daughter, who married Mr. Cummings. His second wife was Catharine Smith, daughter of Elias Smith, by whom he had eight sons and one daughter. His third wife was the widow- Dunn, whose maiden name was Polly Page, sister of the Thomas Page, of Pelham, previously mentioned. She had two sons, Lorenzo and Luther, by her first marriage. It is in connection with Mr. Secord's marriages, and illustrating the times, that the fo low- ing circumstances are given. When there was no resident clergyman who was legally entitled to per- form the marriage service, the resident magistrate, or the commanding officer at a military station, was empowered to do so. The second and third mar- riages were thus made. An Act was passed b}- which those who had been married in this manner, by appearing before the Clerk of the Peace, and making affidavit as to who performed the ceremon}', the time and place, and giving the date of the birth of children, received a certificate which settled al! doubts as to the legality of such marriages. Major Secord made those affidavits, which were registered on the 8th of February, 1832. Rev. Mr. Addison, of St. Mark's, Niagara, records that some were re-mar- ried by him. The marriage register kept by him is instructive and of great value, for the magistrates l refijgt On census w0 THE SECORD FAMILY. 23 seldom kept a record, and if they made any they have been lost. Major Secord's sister, Magdalen Secord, married the Hon. Richard Cartvvright, and was the ancestress of that family which has been, and still continues to be, so prominent in the history of the Dominion. Another sister married Dr. Lawrence, of Savannah, Georgia. The youngest brother, James, married Laura Ingersoll, who fills the most important place in these reminiscences. Major Secord's family was large; the names will be found in Appendix II. His son George was a member of Parliament for many years. From the Scarboro records the following are selected : Isaac Secor came to Canada at the outbreak of the Revolu- tionary War ; came first to Kingston, then moved west, building the first stone mill at Napanee. The Secords of Scarboro were loyal, like those who settled in the Niagara District. The first post-office in the township was on Lot 19, Conces- sion D ; the first Postmaster, Peter Secor, who held the posi- tion from its establishment, in 1830, to 1838. A footnote says, Mr. Secor's sympathy with Mackenzie was what led to this change. Miss Janet Carnochan, of Niagara, has furnished the following, which is evidence of the industry of the Secords, and of the success which had attended their efforts not seven years from the arrival of the first refugees at Fort Niagara : On the 25th of August, 1782, Col. Butler took the first census of the settlement of Niagara. Among the names are % >• 24 THE SECORD FAMILY. rn! il:l I Ivl' Peter Secord — 7 persons, 4 horses, 6 cattle, 14 hogs, 30 acres cleared land, 80 bu. wheat, 60 bu. Indian corn, 6 bu. oats, 100 bu. potatoes. Jno. Secord — 5 persons, 6 horses, 10 cattle, 3 hogs, 27 acres cleared, 50 bu. wheat, 50 corn, 70 potatoes. James Secord — 6 persons, 3 horses, 3 cattle, 1 1 sheep, 3 hogs, 20 acres cleared land, 7 bu. wheat, 100 corn, 30 potatoes. In 1783, among the names are Tho's Secord, 40 acres cleared. Peter Secord, 25 ; Jno., 50 ; Jno. Secord, jr., 10 acres cleared. Authority, Ernest Cruikshank, from Military Papers. The following appears in the Dominion Archives : Companies mustered in November and December, 1783. B. 105 P. 399. Among the names are Silas Secord, Ser- geant ; age 28, his wife 23. James Secord, age 53, his wife 49, 2 sons and 3 daughters. Peter Secord, age 62, wife 40, 3 sons and 2 daughters. Page 395, Bo. 105. Miss Carnochan furnishes this also : " In a narrative of the captivity and sufferings of Benjamin Gilbert and his family, in the possession of Peter A. Porter, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and kindly loaned to me, are found some interesting references to the Secord family, which show them to have been a family of means and ready to help those in trouble. " The Gilbert family were carried off from Pennsylvania by Indians, 25th of April, 1780, and after many hardships several of them reached Fort Niagara and Butlersburg (now Niagara), on the side of the river opposite to Fort Niagara. Abner Gil- bert was with Elizabeth Gilbert. They went to the house of John Secord, an Englishman, who was styled brother of the Chief, having lived with him some time before. Elizabeth was left here, and in July, 1781, tried to free Abner, who now found 1 The : tier," ] the nigt THE SECORD FAMILY. 25 % 4 his sister Elizabeth, and stayed two weeks with her in the house of John Secord, and drew clothing from the King's stores. Elizabeth was very comfortable here. She, with John Secord's wife and Capt. Freyes' wife, went to see the child of Elizabeth Peart (wife of Benjamin Peart (Gilbert, the oldest son of the Gilberts), over a year old, a captive with the Indians. Capt. Freyes' wife I'urchased the child for thirteen dollars. Elizabeth Gilbert lived more than a year in John Secord's family, and became strongly attached to them, calling the mistress of the house 'mamma.' John Secord took her one day to Fort Niagara, where she met six of her relatives. Col. Butler and John Secord procured her release from the Indians (who claimed her) by presents. She then stayed two weeks at Butlersburg with the Secord family, and eventually they reached their lionie." The author of " Old Trails on the Niagara Fron- tier," F. H. Severance, has lately given a full account of the captivity of the Gilbert family. He also relates the following incident of the War of 1812 : " Mr. John Lay, a merchant of Buffalo, was taken prisoner the night that village was burned, December 13th, 1813. The prisoners were marched from Fort Erie to Newark (now Niagara). Many Indians were there. Like the white men, they were celebrating their victory with strong potations. Mr. Lay kne.v a Mrs. Secord who was living in Niagara. He asked to be senf there, and under an escort was sent to her house. The house was surrounded, but Mrs. Secord concealed him in safety until the arrival of his partner from Buffalo under a flag of truce, when he was removed and sent a prisoner to Montreal." (lA^ "C^^^^TZJSk^ ALiU^ KM3M 26 rHE SECORD FAMILY. APPENDIX I. Lieutenant James Secord, of New Rochelle, N.Y., was born April 24th, 1732, and baptized in the Episcopal Church, May 28th. He was probably of the fourth generation. He married Madelaine Badeau, a descendant of Elias Badeau, who fled from St. George's, Saintonge, in F' ranee, to Bristol, in England, and from there came to America. Children of James and Madelaine Secord.* Born. Names. Married. Died. 9 March, 1755, Solomon, Margaret Bowman, 22 Jan., 1799. 20 Aug., 1757, Stephen, Ann or Hannah De Forest, 31 March, 1808. 2 Aug., 1759, David, ist Miss Millard, 2nd Catharine Smith, 9 Aug., 1844. 3rd Widow Dunn, nee Polly Page. 21 Feb., 1762, John, went away, never heard from. 4 May, 1764, Magdalen, Richard Cartwright, 25 Jan., 1827. 21 July, 1766, Esther, unmarried, 4 Feb., 1802. 15 May, 1770, Mary, Dr. Lawrence, Sa- vannah, Georgia. 7 July, 1773, James, Laura Ingersoll, 22Feb.,i84i. * Magdalen and Madelaine arc names often found among the female descendants, and Badeau among the males o*" tbi? branch of the Secord family. Miss Cummir Cath,' John, Sc Mrs. 14 Thef Beaver ( I Rich£ '1 1720. His V They :i. They we ~,'i^ Crinpda k« born at Secord,'*' James, Richard, * Priv: I degree thi Mil ''"" -«7 7:!^TVv t^-*^' K^.-.^>:. THE SECORD FAMILY. 27 APPENDIX II. Children of Major David Secord. Miss Millard, first wife, left one daughter, married to Mr. Cummings. Catharine Smith, second »\-ife, left David, James, Stephen, John, Solomon, (icorge, Robert, Philip, Phtube. Mrs. Dunn, third wife, left Kiall, Elijah, Mary, Elizabeth. /<^ xf^^ .Juc^p^ ^ci^2C^ APPENDIX III. The following is condensed from an article in the Napanee Beaver of May 19th, 1899 : Richard Cartwright, born in London, England, 20th October, 1720. His wife, Joanna, born 9th March, 1726. They are buried in St. Paul churchyard, Kingston, Canada. They were residents of Albany, N.Y., Loyalists, and came to C^ripda about 1790. Their son, Hon. Richaro Cartwright, was born at Albany, February nrn], 1759, and married Magdalen Secord,* born at New Rochelle, May ^ih, 1764 James, 3rd May, 1786, unmarried, died Oct. nth, 1811. Richard, 24th Dec, 1787, unmarried, diedatCharleston, S.C, 4th May, liiii. * Private letters show that Mrs. Cartwright possessed in an eminent 1 degree the kind and generous heart of her ancestors. 28 THE SECORD FAMILY. 'M Stephen Henry, John Solomon, and Robert David, 24th Jan., 1801, Twins. 4th Sept., 1804, Hannah, Dec, 1792, married Capt. Alex. Dobbs, Royal Navy ; died 4th Jan., 1839. Thos. Robinson, 19th Jan., 1799, married Miss Fisher, died 26th June, 1826. died aged 13. married Sarah Hayter Mac- aulay, died 15 Jan. ,1845. married Harriett Dobbs, died 1843. Children of Rev. Robert David Cartwright AND Harriett Dobbs. Two sons who died young. A daughter, Mary Jane, and Pev. Conway Cartwright, Protestant Chaplain of Kingston Penitenil^'-v, Canada. Sir Richard John Cartv/r'ight, born 4th Dec, 1835 ; married, August, 1859, Miss. Frances Law. The Hon. Richard Cartwright, son of the Loyalist, was in partnership at Niagara with the (afterwards) Hon. Robert Hamilton. He settled in Kingston about 1790. Was a mer- chant and forwarder and an extensive mill-owner, one of the earliest magistrates, and was appointed by Governor Simcoe a member of the First Legislative Council of Upper Canada, which office he held at the time of his death. He was also a prominent ofiicer in the Militia, Chairman of the Land Com- missioners for this section of the Province (Napanee). He had grants of 6,000 acres of land, of which a considerable portion was in the locality of Napanee. The land, with water privi- leges, was on both sides of the river. The town of Napanee was built on land which once was his. He obtained the first Government flour mill erected there in 1785. He was a member of the Church of England, and was interested in educational matters. Of Sir Richard Cartwright, now the Minister of Trade and Commerce in the present Government of the Dominion, it is suf- ficient to say his career is well known to the present generation. I ililll;; THE SECORD FAMILY. APPENDIX IV. Dec. I77S. To the Honorable Fredciick Haldimand, Esq., Governor- General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Province of Canada and the Frontiers thereof in America, and Vice-Admiral of the same. The petition of Mary De Forest humbly sheweth : That your Excellency's petitioner, with seven children, have suffered much and are greatly distressed by being plundered of all their effects, and her husband imprisoned, oy the Rebels in Albany, in theyear 1777, occasioned by his Loyalty and Attach- ment to the Interests of Great Britain. And as your Excellency's petitioner, with her children in these distressed circumstances, will become naked for want of clothing and in want of other necessaries requisite in a family, as she has received no other assistance than provisions, Your Petitioner Humbly Requesteth that your Excellency will take her suffering condition into your most serious con- sideration, hoping your clemency will grant them some relief, ,; and your Petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Mary De Forlst. I Endorsed, — The Humble Petition of Mary De Forest to the j Honorable Frederick Haldimand, Esq., &c., &c. Pi ay for relief of her and seven children. i This Mary De Forest is the mother of Hannah (or Anna), \ wife of Stephen Secord. Family of Stephen Secord and Hannah (or Anna) De Forest. Births. Married. Died. 20 Feb., 1785, Richard Robin- son. 30 Dec, 1865 19 April, 1787, unmarried. 3 Jan., 1852 19 July, 1790, Ann Carscallen. 27 July, 1846 Names. i Mary, * James, ;' David, 30 THE SECORD FAMILY. Names. Births. Elizabeth, 7 Mar., Esther Magdalen, I June, William Edwin, 26 Mar., Richard Henry, 12 May, Stephen Alexander, 15 May, Julia Ann, 8 May, Samuel Robison, 18 Dec, Hannah De Forest, wife Oct. loth, 1841. Married. Died. 1793, unmarried. 22 Aug., 1814 (At Napanee) 17915, George Keefer. 7Sept.,i87i 1797, Frances Hoiden. 5 Jan., 1881 1799, Catharine Elizabeth . Stull 7 July* 1866 a| 1801, unmarried. 27 Feb., 1884 1803, Wm. Stull. 13 Jan., 1868 1805, Elizabeth Weaver. 15 Aug., 1875 of Stephen, born July, 1767, died Hannah Secord was buried at the Warner burying-ground, | near St. David's. 'm\ THE SECOND FAMILY. 31 APPENDIX V. When St. David's was burned, 19th July, 1814, these were the losses of Major David Secord : I three-story frame house, which had seven fire-places, three chimneys. It was a hotel, 22 x 80 feet, with stables and out- 1 houses. I stone dwelling, two stories, 24 x 30. I " " " " 24x60. 1 grist-mill, stone and timber, 22 x 40, with appurtenances. Blacksmith shop and tools. New frame barn, 34 x 44, with two fanning mills, and other property. 2 log buildings, 22 x 20. 1000 Ibc. candles, made by contract for British troops, 2s. per lb. 7 horses, 4 cows, 20 fat hogs — from 150 to 200 lbs. each. I new wagon and a large yoke of oxen. The wagon was loaded with furniture. Store of merchant goods, ^500. 50 tons of wheat, which at that time was £Z per ton. 200 sheep and other property. Household furniture and family clothing. In 1817, flour was $10.00 per barrel. 32 THE SECOND FAMILY. !■:;,. > Q W CL, .S O • - a, S 3 8 % hJ g be o a, 05 > G in G 0) 6 O "55 c< (fl G ■§ J3 a 4-* o Wh u o ^3 £ > 3 'S -*-• o 0) Si 1 ■4-* 1 o si. G cu o U W3 H Z w g O Ph o M H N oo o u O tn G o C U o G C 4-1 3 u G _fco c . u G ■*-» d, a! U M 00 G 03 pa Pi (J o ■4-* 4-1 o ■'5 G oj 73 G oJ 00 -^ "3 I — . T3 G O CO G NO o 00 4^ vO o! pa O OJ o G 3 ^ (^ -d 3 U) t/j *j O G . >. 03 G (U 4-( 3 O ■4-* o O •4-* '5 ►III J M »-< 00 1-4 >> 3 G o CO G 01 4-> ri 00 G 3 vO CI 00 Id G o CO 03 O 4-f 4-« '5 1-4 OO 03 -G .G t/i O > C/3 : m™^*^ >,•<-' G-^ O 4-> 4-» '5 M 00 o! u m o u o ,., rt U , -^ "^ -J ►^ kJ -S J 73 ^ -Td G ti - '2 tn C 1-4 M _ H! ^ c/5 _ -d J2 rG l4 4-' 4-" m ■* "^ U^ St M (A O s >. u 4-> N4 00 H4 "a »— » S o 00 a (4 4i4 V4 4> 4-( (/) o VO THE SECORD FAMILY. 33 o 4-* ■4-1 o '5 00 u m O 'J on ;5 -' ui -o V #_j ^ •2 \n S 4-1 O in c o o o -!-• >, ■*-» -t-l o o ■4^ •*-» ■*~i c c c5 "'5 ^ ■'5 >, •a .SP *tn S h-] U o ■'5 o ■4-1 N N *4 H^ 00 oo •^ t-H »~^ O r. o *^\ •4-» ■4-^ •4-J •4-J 4^ a U ' — . -S o ''B 73 a •s N 1^ #k •« o\ N o »M| 00 00 hN HH ^ o rs o • -4-1 >, 4-* S ■*-» J? •4-* •— > J3 -o ^ rC ■'5 '*«* *-» irt NO 00 ^ -4-* s N o 4-1 ■'5 u 4-> o c o Si s CO 1 «> CO c 3 u a S 3 ,S; 1/1 lu rt -• O u J3 (^ ^ I— > ^ 4-» 4-* m Tf ur» :i-5 •J ^ w "^ b« 53 CO r^ ^ ^ W2 < U bo CO 00 M C «n O m in ON bO cJ^S -H'f e (u ^ bo CO f^ P CO lU N e rt ON « en -c^ 2. a. fi in 'J O O u ie. The great age attained by Mrs. Sccord had been years of loneliness and bereavement. Of the large family of brothers, sisters and step-sisters but four survived her. Among those of her husband's rela- tives who had been her companions in the trials of more than three-quarters of a century, there were none remaining. On the 17th of October, 1868, at the age of ninety- three, " Life dropped the distaff from the hands serene, And loving neighbors smoothed the careful shroud, While death and winter closed the autumn scene." " Laura Secord was of fair complexion, with kind, brown eyes, a sweet and loving smile hovering about the mouth. This did not denote weakness. She was five feet four inches tall and slight inform."* Her granddaughter. Miss L. Louisa Smith, says : " I feel a nation's gratitude should have appreciated the noble act of Laura Secord, and have raised a monument to her memory on the spot selected by her husband as their last resting-place." Mrs. Cockburn. Va /: / /A IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 1^ t us, ri^ IIIIM illlltt 2.0 1.8 1.4 II 1.6 y A o ^s A 'A ^ 74 LAURA INGERSOLL SECORD. Mr. and Mrs. Secord are buried in the buryint^- ground at Lundy's Lane. The battle-field was then as now the burying-place. The head-stone of Laura Secord is three feet high and eighteen inches wide, and has the following inscription : Here Rests LAURA, Beloved Wife of James Secord, Died October i/tii, 1868. In Memory of JAMES SECORD, SEN., Collector of Customs, Who departed this life on the 22nd of February, 1841, In the 68th year of his age. Universally and deservedly lamented as a sincere Friend, a kind and indulgent Parent, and an affectionate Husband. A simple wooden paling surrounds the graves.* * Given by Mrs. Dunn. ^ i'rksknt statk ()!• i.aika indkksoll secokd's (;ra\i:, 1900. i V. m 'WW" ii! Mary Charl Harri Hann Laura Charl Appo! Th 1900. Ja, Niagi ^ ■♦•^ i^ai y> Lent LAURA INGERSOLL SFXORD. APPENDIX IX. The Children of James Secord and Laura ingersoll. Name, Married. Died. Mary, Wm. Trumbull, Asst. Sur- geon of 37th Regiment, April i8th, 1816. In Ireland. Charlotte, Unmarried. Harriet, David William Smith, bar- rister, at Queenston, by license, Nov. 23rd, 1824. Hannah Cartwright, Hawley Williams, first ; Edward Carthew, second. Laura, Dr. William Clark, first ; Capt. Poore, second. Charles Badeau, Miss Robins. In 1872, aged 63 years. AppoUonia, Unmarried. At Queens- ton, aged 18. There are thirteen grandchildren living in the present year, 1900. James B. Secord, jun., married Miss Flint ; died in 1899, ^^ Niagara; no children. ^ ■*»^ .^^'•♦a^ «5;'C-*Cc » ^*-'V; V '-^D ^^ ^a^ ^ /^-c^ Lent by Chas. J. Taylor, Esq. 70 LAURA INGERSOLL SECORD. APPENDIX X. Thomas Ingersoll"^ Certain real estate. Deed dated Jan. to f"th, 1793. Acknowledged the same day Samuel Whiting J before Thomas Ives, Justice of the Peace. " In the presence of Laura Ingersoll, Thomas Ives." Book 33, pages 106, 107. Thomas Ingersoll \ Certain mountain lands. His X P^rt to >■ which he owned jointly with Thomas Ives John Whiting J and John Burghart. Deed dated April 20th, 1795. Acknowledged April 21st, 1795, before Moses Hopkins, Justice of the Peace. "In presence of Jared Ingersoll, Heber Chase." April 28, 1795, Mrs. Ingersoll makes a release (on same deed) of all her rights in the property, conveyed as wife of Thomas Ingersoll, " my present husband," and signs her name Sally Ingersoll. [Seal.] In presence of Heber Chase, Laura Ingersoll. LETTER OF MAJOR THOMAS INGERSOLL. r 7P' Lent by Chas. J. Taylor, Esq. I CO k LU Z i I flQ ^oMyJfl ^ s ^ s ^ w 3* V I 10 e 1 a, < (« 5 ^. I I e o LAURA INGERSOLL SECORD. 79 ?> 5 ^ fc* o ^ I3 ^ c "5^ §- L, T ^ heart, which has grown stronger with advancing years. Our aged male friends often rela d their own ex- periences and those of their friends. The description of Colonel Butler and his Rangers was a combination of bravery and cruelty, which was the fascination and terror of my childhood. Years after, when from the lips of those who knew the man, who had been his comrades in war and his neighbors in the better days of peace, we heard the story of his later years, it was to find a different character — a brave soldier, a loyal and useful citizen. An amusing incident was related by an aged friend. When a very young child. Colonel Butler visited at her father's house. Her father had held a commission in the Rangers also. Butler was accompanied by a colored servant who dressed his wig. It was the fashion of the age to have what was called " body servants," and they were generally colored. Colonel Butler wore one wig and carried a second. This was dressed on a blocked head with a painted face. The child entered his room one day when this was standing on the dressing-table, and ran frightened and screaming from the place, telling them "somerie had cut off Colonel Butler's head." It took considerable tim'" and reasoning to convince her that this was not true. Marriage customs sixty years ago had peculiar features. The invitations were written, and had a bow of white ribbon at the left-hand corner. The cere- pre fron men wor refrc oft to dece scarf REMINISCENCES OF 1812. 85 mony was generally in the evening. The bride was attired in white, and was always supposed to wear some simple thing that was borrowed, to bring good luck. At the supper the first piece from the wedding- cake was cut by her. After supper she changed her dress for a silk one. The next day the bride and bridegroom, bridesmaids and groomsmen, with many of their friends, drove to Niagara Falls. The bride wore a long white gauze veil, and afterwards wore this for a few Sundays to church. The evening following the marriage, or soon after, the bridcgn^om's parents gave what was called an "infair" at their home to the bridal guests. An elaborate supper was pro- vided, with cards for the elderly people and dancing for the younger, in which the fathers and mothers joined. The deaths and funerals of that time were also notable family events, with many usages now passed away. The custom of " sitting up " with the dead has only been discontinued a few years. The dead were kept many days before burial, and elaborate preparations were made for the funeral. The family, from the oldest to the youngest, were put in gar- ments of the deepest woe, the whole neighborhood working to prepare the mourning. A table, with refreshments to eat and drink, was laid out the day of the funeral. These refreshments were according to the social rank and financial standing of the deceased. There were long crape bands and black scarfs of various kinds, and gloves for the pall- 86 REMINISCENCES OF 1813. bearers, the physicians, clergymen, etc. The funeral garments went through various stages of grief, taking from two to three years before they could be left off. The diary of Colonel Clark says that the family sleigh was painted black at his mother's death. Attendance upon the sick devolved upon women, for there were no trained nurses. Any woman who, by careful observation, had learned some of the requirements of sickness, was a valued member of the community. There were few women who did not feel it a sacred duty, at all times and all places, to minister to their sick neighbor, undeterred by darkness, by distance or the danger of contagion. Whoever was " handy " in sickness was a frequent topic of conversation. Vaccination had not yet taken the place of inoculation, and whole families were inoculated at the same time, followed wiLh the best preventive results. The late Colonel Clark, of Port Dalhousie, left a diary which contains much useful information regard- ing the times in which his father lived. The volunteers went back to their ruined homes, their wasted fields, to struggle with poverty of which we can form no idea or estimate. The church and the school-house, the minister and the school-master, had disappeared. The children of that generation grew up in most deplorable ignorance. As soon as the struggle for food, clothing and shelter was over, these were the first things that secured attention. There were villages in which there was not a clergy- \ Oi REMINISCENCES OF 18K 87 \ man to be found of any denomination. In sickness those who made any appearance of piety, whether male or female, were called upon to give what spir- itual consolation could be given the dying in the last hour. The writer remembers a lady who came to St. David's, and whose infant was evidently dying. The mother was very anxious that her child should be baptized. An aged woman, who was a Methodist, performed the rite, to the comfort and satisfaction of the about-to-be-bereaved mother. It has been asked why did not England give more aid to those who had so bravely upheld the flag of their common country? There is one answer that should be sufficient. She was gathering her resources for that miighty struggle which culminated in Water- loo and gave peace to the nations for many years. The settlements, commenced so auspiciously, had been put back by the invasion for another half century. Between two English-speaking peoples there were left the wounds which take so many years to heal, and the evil influences which war ever brings. Amid it all, Canadians felt that they had preserved their country and the prestige of that great Empire which had ever been their protector, that England's flag still waved on the ramparts of Quebec and on Queenston Heights, and that " these sons of a mighty mother" would ever be a part of that race whose drum-beat is heard around the world. The only resource of Canada was her fertile lands, and these were as unknown to the world as to herself 88 REMINISCENCES OF 1S13. The tide of emigration from Europe was turned to the nomes offered by the United States. It was that happy period \vhen the) sang — " Come along, come along, make no delay ; Come from every nation, come from every way ; Lands, they are broad enough ; don't be alarmed. Uncle Sam is rich enough to give you all a farm.'' And they did come, until there was no more to give. Canada, unl^,.-- . ■■■: . aV KOUU MILK CKKKK. liKI.OW ST. D.WTD'S, I S94. Ch \l ot col mc an line ma u'a> pU dist con ST. DAVID'S AND VICINITY. 93 and fruit, by picking berries — of which there was a j)rofusion in those clays — and by gatiicring nuts. They were ever ready to do all kinds of jobbing and domestic work. They also made si)lint brooms and husk mats, for whicli a ready sale was found. They were not permitted to attend the school. A white teacher came from Pennsylvania and taught for a shf)rt time among them. To their credit, be it said, the)' did not disturb the melon patch or carry off the l)oultry. They had a small church, and their exer- cises during revivals and at their baptisms drew large audiences. When the attempt to carry Mosely from Niagara to the United States was made, in 1837, the excitement among them was intense. A recollection of that time can never be forgotten. A wagon-load of colored men, driving at furiou.-. .^peed, passed through tlie village. None but the driver had a seat, and the men stood with hands and arms holding one another up. Mo.sely was rescued, and escaped. One of the men, whose name was Maclntyre, returned with a bayonet wound through the check. There was a larger settlement at Niagara Falls. In the days of the early settlement it was not an uncommon thing, in a dry time, for the women to make up a party and go to the Niagara River to wash their clothes. Even at the present time, with jjlenty of streams, many have to bring water from a distance, and the domestic animals suffer much in consequence. The years 1787 and 1788 were notable 94 ST. DAVID'S AND VICINITY. for the visitation of drought and famine, never to be forgotten. When the days of peace came, after the Revolu- tionary Wc was over, the refugees and the settlers brought cuttings of fruit and small trees, as opportu- nity offered, from their old homes, more especially from the Mohawk Valley and Pennsylvania. These were a reproduction of French and German fruits. Thus Cobas Middaugh brought a summer sugar pear which ripened in August, that was most delicious to the taste. The apples have not been surpassed in excel- lence by our modern productions. Pippins and russets were of several varieties. Swayzie Pomme Gris is a native variety of russet. Plurns — the blue, the dam- son, green gage and egg — were abundant. Peaches had not attained the perfection of the present time, but were so plentiful that they were gathered in heaps, and carried in wagons to the distillery. The wild grape grew where it could find a place to climb upon. Dried fruits — such as peaches, plums, cherries and berries — were in every house for winter use. The " paw-paw," now so seldom found, was common then. The old-fashioned flowers were everywhere. Roses grew in abundance, especially the damask and Lan- caster, and a dark double crimson rose. Single and double white roses were common, and a striped rose now seldom seen. A small Burgundy rose, called the button rose, was used as a border. White lilies, crim- son peonies, tulips of every hue, and fragrant pinks were cultivated along with annuals, by the careful ! ; ^7-. DAVIDS AND VICINITY. 95 hands of our ancestors. Each begged and shared with her friends anything new. The conservatory e.nd nursery were then unheard of Part of the semi-annual visitations were from Indians. One aged squaw, named Mary, came from the Tuscarora Reservation, beyond Lewiston, N.Y. It was her custom to enter without knocking and silently take a seat by the fire. Whatever was given her to eat she took without thanks, never sitting at the table. She made no attempt at conversation, nor could she be drawn out to say more than yes or no, and this was generally given with a nod or shake of the head, and an occasional " Ugh." She was always well dressed. Her moccasins were decorated with colored porcupine quills ; a skirt of dark-blue broad- cloth reached nearly to the ankles ; below were leg- gings of the same, embroidered with beads. A calico jacket was fastened from the throat to the bottom with silver buckles about an inch in diameter, as closely as they could be placed. A blanket was worn on the head, and a large basket containing articles for sale, v/ith a strap to go over the head, held the blanket in place. The baskets were of all sorts and sizes, made of splint, and of various colors, aL / bead- work. We were always glad to see her, and she knew she was welcome. She was old when we first knew her, and always walked with a staff. When she came no more, we felt that one of the old landmarks had passed away. The male Indians brought large baskets, also hickory whip-stocks, axe-helves, and 96 ST. DAVIDS AND VICINITY. husk door-mats, and occasionally furs ; but the fur trade was vanishing before the advance of civilization and the increasing number of settlers. The Indian man dressed like the white man, his only peculiarity at that time being that he used a blanket instead of an overcoat and a beaver hat. Such were the Indians of sixty years ago. Now both sexes dress more and more like the white people. The Methodist ministers, who suffered everything in the way of hardship and privation, are first among those whom this age should honor for the noble work they did in evangelizing and educating the people in the remotest settlements. No place was too difficult of access for their visitation. It was necessary, too, for their comfort and respectability, that, as much as possible, the wife should accompany her husband in his ministrations. A minister's wife told the writer that often on their journeyings their washing was done at one place, the wet bundle dried at another stopping-place, and ironed at the third. This was done with her own hands, she taking the soap, the blueing and the starch with her, for often some one or other of these necessaries could not be had. She also said that her needful sewing and mending were done under the same circumstances. They suffered from cold, insufficient clothing and unwholesome food, and their scanty salary was seldom paid in full. A clergyman, eminent in his church, said that his studes were iiiaue while travelling his circuit, his wife driving while he studied ; and when she could ST. DAVID'S AND VICINITY. 97 not go, his children took their turn in driving with him. They were not discouraged, for three of his sons became clergymen. Their frequent change of residence was especially arduous to the wife and family. Many were moved every year, generally at two years, and to live three years in a place was a remarkably happy event. With the years and prosperity came the furnished parsonages, which have lessened the inconvenience of removals. It has been frequently said that the ministers were unlearned men. That, no doubt, was true, but, unlearned t.s they were, they were ever striving to improve themselves, and impressing upon all with whom they came in contact the advantages of educa- tion. The first libraries in the rural districts were the Sunday-school libraries, and the Sunday-school teachers had often to teach the alphabet to the children. Testaments and hymn-books given as re- wards in Sunday-school were, in many cases, the first copies of the Scriptures in their homes. Their parents, perhaps, could not read, and had no means to send their children to the common school. a^^v^. '^ OA-t^ isO^^^ CH/.PTER VII. FORT NIAGARA. " The Indians were ever sensible of the importance of this point. Repeated attempts had been made by the French to get possession. At last, by strategy, they succeeded. A French officer, who had been a prisoner among the Iroquois, became naturalized among them, thereby gaining his freedom. He communicated to the Governor a plan for the French to establish themselves at Niagara. He returned to the Iroquois, pretending love for a nation that was now his own, and asking to brmg his family among them. To do this he must have a house where they could live in a suitable manner, and offering to trade with them from this place. The house was built. As trade grew rapidly, the house extended until it soon became a fortress, which alike awed the Indians and the English." This extract is from a work published in 1760, called a " Military Dictionary," compiled by a mili- tary gentleman, and dedicated by the author, " To the Right Honourable Edward Boscowen, Admiral of the Blue Squadron," etc. Another account, given by F. H. Severance in his " Old Trails on the Niagara River," is corroborative of the attempted settlements. It is the narration of the Chevalier De Trigay for the year 1687, soldier to 98 %f ■ J .;■ . KORT XIACARA I\ 1 88S. FORT NIAGARA. 99 the Sieur De Brissay, Marquis Denonville, Governor and Lieutenant-General in New France. " I was with the troops numbering some hundreds that the Marquis Denonville took through the wilderness into the cantons of the Iroquois, and afterwards employed to build a stockade and cabins at the mouth of the straits of Niagara on the east side, in the way where they go beaver hunting. ' Fort Denonville,' the Sieur De Brissay decreed it should be called. He let none rest day or night until he had made a fortification in part of earth surmounted by palisades. On the plain about the fort were no trees, but some of us went into the forest on both the east and west side of the river and cut the trees. It was hard work getting them up the h'gh bank, laboring in fear of an attack. But in three days w-.; built a pretty good fort with four bastions, where we put two great guns. " We began to build some cabins on the four sides of the square in the middle of it. Duluth and De Tontaye, as the work progressed, left for Detroit, Mackinaw and Duluth, Then the Marquis himself went back to Montreal, leaving loo men, with officers, to hold the new fort. He left on the 3rd of August. The men worked hard, and got up the cabins for the soldiers and a place for the commandant, built a bakehouse and oven and a storehouse, digged a well. Vaudreuil soon followed Denonville. The men were left with insufficient implements and ammunition. The stores proved bad, and the dreadful winter was accompanied by starvation, disease and death. The brave De Troyes, lying on his dying bed, felt his hand grasped by a friendly Miami, who brought relief. The men who had gone out to get wood had been devoured by wolves, for their powder was exhausted. Among the rescued was Father Milet. A spot was marked in the square, and they knelt for mass. An oak was felled, and while the carpenters prepared the cross, Father Milet traced with his own hand the legend, "Regnat, Vincit, Imperat Christus.'' The cross was 100 FORT NIAGARA. raised on the spot where De Troyes and his fourscore comrades were buried. "The friendly Miamis helped, but the Iroquois constantly tormented them. Finally the order came to leave. The pali- sades were torn down, the guns put on board a vessel, and the cabins alone were left standing. On the 15th of September, 1688, they had their last mass. The cross was left standing, but the standards went with the builders of Fort Niagara to Montreal. Previous to this there had been an attempt by La Salle and La Motte De Lassure. They called it Fort Conty, but these had failed. In 1721, Charlevois, in his canoe, came up the Niagara. Four years passed, when the French again attempted, with success, to erect a fort. De Longueuil superin- tended, and a Royal Engineer named De Levy directed the construction. The' stone came from Lewiston, the cut stone from Frontenac, the wood from the west side of the river. The oldest part is 175 years old. It has been enlarged and altered many times." During the Revolutionary War Fort Niagara was the refuge of the LoyaHsts from all directions. The Indians, driven from their homes, flocked here in great numbers. All these had to be fed and clothed, the Loyalists to be housed, and the Indians given ammu- nition to help provide for themselves. 1779. February 12th. September 21st. October. 1,364 drew rations, besides 64 families. Food for 5,036. Though many had been sent away, there were still 3,768 to maintain. Bolton, who commanded for three years at Fort Niagara, wished the Indians whose villages had been destroyed by Sullivan to go to Montreal, and those FORT NIAGARA. 101 who lived near home to return and take care of the corn, for it was impossible to feed all the Indians. Sullivan in his raid had destroyed all but two of the Indian villages, and to Fort Niagara the despair- ing and broken-hearted remnants of the doomed people gathered as their last refuge. Even with the help given, many died from cold and starvation. Governor Simcoe at one time thought of making London the capital of Upper Canada, but when Michigan was ceded by treaty to the Americans he selected Toronto. Newark, with Fort Niagara in American hands, could be no longer thought of as the capital. No other place has a more varied history. Gained by strategy, held by force since English arms took it from France in 1759, it has never been taken by arms from their grasp. Ceded to the United States by treaty, it was handed over to them in 1796. It was re-taken in 181 3, and held until peace restored it in 181 5. Such is the history of Fort Niagara. One of the incidents occurring in 1812 is given in a pamphlet written by a lady who lived in Lewiston. Her father was surgeon at Fort Niagara, and often attended service at St. Mark's Church. She and her sister, both little girls, usually accompanied him. A short time previous to the invasion they were at the church. General Brock walked to the ferry with them. He bade the little girls a kindly farewell, and, shaking hands with their father, said, " I suppose we shall soon have to be enemies." This lady also 102 FORT NIAGARA. says there was a large orchard in front of the Fort at that time. Wind and waves have swept it away. Another tradition, characteristic of the period, is told by Mr. Kirby. Between the officers of Fort George and Fort Niagara there had been many plea.sant social interchanges. Some American offi- cers were dining with their British friends the even- ing that the news came that war had been declared. The news was kept back. When the repast was over, the British officers went with their guests to the ferry. Then the news was told, and, shaking hands, they parted to meet as friends no more. X^'^-'^K. CHAPTER VIII. ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. :in- [This article was compiled from the " Life of Mrs, Isabella Graham," written for the Woman's Literary Club, its object being to stimulate and encourage "higher education among women," to show its value in all the conditions of life to those who are fortunate enough to acquire it, and that no sacrifice is too great to obtain it. Her life shows what it did for her a cen- tury and a half ago, and the enduring influence which it gave.] Isabella Marshall (afterwards Mrs. Graham) was born July 29th, 1742, in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Though her father was one of the elders of the Established Church, who left with Ralph and Eben- ezer Erskine, she was educated in the principles of the Church of Scotland. She had watched with assiduous care her dying grandfather, and in his will he left her a legacy of some hundreds of pounds. Though only ten years old, she asked that the money should be used to give her a thorough education. Her wish was granted, and for seven successive winters she attended the school of a Mrs. Morehouse. Her father rented the farm of Ellerslie, which had been the habitation of the patriot William Wallace. Here her childhood and youth were passed. At the 103 104 ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. age of twenty-three she married Dr. John Graham, of Paisley. About a year after their marriage Dr. Graham was appointed surgeon to the 6oth or Royal American Regiment, and was ordered to Canada, where the regiment was stationed. Mrs. Graham accompanied him, hoping to make a permanent home in America. Dr. Graliam wished to sell his commission and purchase a farm on the Mohawi< River, and Mr. Marshall (Mrs. Graham's father), was to follow and superintend the farm. The voyage occupied nine weeks from Greenock to Quebec. Quebec at that time was a gay and fashion ible place, and during her short stay she formed many pleasant acquaintances. They were soon ordered to Montreal, and here her eldest daughter Jessie was born. An infant son had been left with her mother in Scotland, but he died soon after his mother's departure. Their stay in Montreal was brief. Dr. Graham being ordered to Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario, to join the second battalion of his regiment. Mrs. Graham followed him as soon as possible. Here they lived for over five years, and it was the birthplace of Joanna,^ the second, and Isabella, the third daughter. Her servants were two Indian girls who, under her careful training, became highly useful. Mrs. Graham taught them everything relating to housekeeping, to cook, to take care of her children, to read and to sew. For some time she was the only wife in the fort, but the latter part of her stay saw other ladies, and ISABELLA MARSHAL^L GRAHAM. ion a j)lcasant society, whose friendship for her extended throuf,di life. It was here she met an officer's wife, Mrs. Brown, whose mother was Mrs. Vanbrugh Liv- iiifjstone, of New York. She ever spoke of those years as the hajjpiest of her life. She liad a conge- nial husband, and their circumstances were easy. Mrs. Graham tells of the Indians, and of a chief of the Senecas bringing his sick daughter a long dis- tance for her husband's medical treatment. There was no chaplain or religious service of any kind in the fort, and Mrs. Graham took her Bible to the woods surrounding the fort, to read, to meditate and to pray. Already the newspapers of the day were full regarding preparations for what was to be the Revo- lutionary War. As that part of the regiment was mostly composed of Americans, it was thought best to send them to Antigua in the West Indies. Dr. and Mrs. Graham, their three children, and the two Indian girls, were sent by boat to Oswego, thence through the woods by the trail to the Mohawk River, and to Schenectady in bateaux. Here Dr. Graham left them and proceeded to New York in hopes to sell his commission and settle upon the Mohawk. Mrs. Graham followed, and during her stay in New York made many friends. Dr. Graham did not sell his commission, and they embarked for Antigua, 5th November, 1772, with the regiment. An insurrection was raging among the Caribs in Antigua, and three weeks after their arrival the regiment was sent to the field, Dr. Graham accompanying it. In her letters to 106 ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. him she hopes they will not entail slavery upon their prisoners, and bids him, should any fall to his lot, to set them at liberty. Thus, ninety years before it was abolished by the Civil War had she learned to abhor slavery and speak for freedom. Mrs. Graham sent her eldest daughter, who was only five years of age, to her mother's care in Scotland, to escape bad influences, but before she arrived the grandmother died. This was a great affliction, but she was destined to a greater trial. On the 17th of November, 1773, Dr. Graham was stricken down with a violent fever, and in a few days she was left a widow in a foreign land. Kind friends did all they could in this hour of deso- lation. The widow's weeds assumed at that time were never laid aside, and the style in which they were made, through her long life, was not changed. She was then thirty-two years of age. Though her meaqs were limited and she was urged to sell her Indian girls, she refused to do so. One of the girls died before she left Antigua, the other went to Scot- land with her and married respectably. To the sur- geon of the regiment who succeeded Dr. Graham — a young man who had been helped by her husband — she presented his library and sword. Dr. Henderson, ever af ix, as his means permitted, sent her remit- tances until the year 1795. After the birth of her son she made preparations to return to her native land. Upon her departure Major Brown gave her a letter to the agent in Belfast. No vessel was going to Scotland, so she sailed for this port. This letter, ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. 107 when delivered to the a<^jnt, was found to be intended for her, whereby the officers, as a mark of respect and affection for the memory of her deceased husband, had paid the expenses of her voyage. Her widow's pension was but i^i6 a year. On reaching her home she found that, in addition to the loss of her mother, her father had lost every- thing by becoming security for a friend, and was living in a very small house. His health failing, she assumed the care of her parent. He lived with her until his death, nine years after, receiving the assid- uous care of herself and children. The only income upon which she could rely was ^20 a year. She kept a small school in Cartside for a while, when she removed to Paisley. These were days of poverty and lonelin'jss, for her acquaintances had forgotten her. She had a cow, and made and sold butter. The children fed on the skim milk ; their breakfast and supper was porridge ; dinner, potatoes and salt ; and they were dressed in homespun. A rigid determina- tion to owe nothing carried her through this painful period. Upon the advice of friends, she made a small venture to increase her funds. This was unsuccessful at first, for the vessel in which she had made her con- signment was captured by a French privateer. Her friends proposed a boarding house or a boarding school. After mature consideration, she chose the boarding school, and removed to Edinburgh. A natural magnetism made her friends, whose friend- ship lasted through life. At this time she received 108 ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. the insurance upon her lost venture. She ever made it a point to return borrowed money with interest to those who helped her in her hour of need, and these were people who had loved and honored her husband. The school, through their efforts, became a great suc- cess. People of piety and influence committed their children to her care. Her superior education was of great service. She felt deeply the teacher's responsi- bility. She watched their studies and their spiritual welfare, and to these she added the useful accomplish- ments which fitted them to fill a distinguished place in life, for her pupils were many of them from the highest ranks. A code of laws for their governance was adopted and carried out. When any offence against these laws was committed, pupils held a court, the offender was tried by her companions, they fixed the penalty, and this sentence was submitted to her approval. Thus there was no hasty, arbitrary or capricious punishment. In sickness she watched over them with unremitting care, and no expense was spared to restore them to health. She educated the children of clergymen at half price. As her school prospered, she grew in greatness with it. She insisted that the payments be in advance. She helped by lending money and taking work in return, and asking no interest. Business on correct principles was con- ducted by precept and example. Her school caused constant thought and watchfulness. Her daughters were trained to be her assistants in every way. No false pride prevented her accepting what she could f ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. 109 i not do herself. Thus Lady Glenorchy sent Mrs. Graham's eldest daughter to Rotterdam, paying her expenses and keeping her in pocket money, that she might become proficient in the French language. This Lady Glenorchy was of an ancient family, and had married the Earl of Breadalbane. Together they had travelled on the Continent, and their beauty and accomplishments made them welcome in nearly every court in Europe. He died in early youth, and thenceforward Lady Glenorchy, when the light of her life went out, devoted herself to good in every form. She took the management of her estates, she kept an account of her income, and to what object it was applied. She built chapels for ministers of various denominations ; no good object but had her helping hand. Idleness and pride she could not tolerate. Her charities were not published ; but to be good, and to do good, was her constant aim. She gave liberally during her life, for she believed in spending her money while she lived. After Lady Glenorchy's death Mrs. Graham felt she would like to return to America. We must remember that a woman of Mrs. Graham's character and attain- ments ever made friends, who felt it a privilege to promote her views. We have mentioned before Mrs. Brown, whose husband was in the 6oth Regiment. She, with others, urged her to come to New York. There was no first-class school for young women in America. Lady Glenorchy had left her ;^200, and Dr. Henderson's remittance gave her the means to return. 110 ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. This was done after careful deliberation. She chartered a small vessel, as Algerian pirates swarmed the seas. Into the details of the voyage we will not enter. She landed in New York the 8th of September, 1789. She received a glad welcome from her many friends who felt every confidence in her ability to teach the higher blanches of education. She opened her school on the 5th of October, 1789, with five scholars, and before the month closed she had fifty. A favorable d.i, i^e was soon perceptible in the minds, manners ctra . jcomplishments of the young women committed to her care. In the highest social circles of New York City at the present time, it is considered an honor that their great-grandmothers attended Mrs, Graham's school, and there are frequent allusions made by the descendants of her pupils. Mrs. Graham ever incul- cated religious principles as the only solid foundation of morality and virtue. Her conversation and example were ever an inspiration. General Washington when in New York visited her school, and honored it with his patronage. The venerable Bishop Moore, of the Episcopal Church, never missed an examination. Jessie, her eldest daughter, married Mr. Stephenson, a merchant of New York, in 1790. When her beau- tiful life ended, Mrs. Graham, as she saw her depart, calmly said, " I wish you joy, my darling." The second daughter, Joanna, and the third, Isabella, mar- ried merchants. Her only son, born a few months after Dr. Graham's death, had, under the advice of friends, been left in Scotland to complete his studies, ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. Ill His first instructor was faithful, and he was sent to Edinburgh. Here ' was left, in a measure, to him- self, and, dissatisfied with study, prevailed upon his friends to get him into the merchant service. He was shipwrecked on the coast of Holland, and a friend of Mrs. Graham's took him to his house and enabled him to come to the United States. He remained with his mother for some months. Mrs. Graham thought it was his duty to return to his employers to finish his term of service. She fitted him out hand- somely, and he embarked for Greenock with the son of her pastor, Dr. Mason, who was going to Edinburgh to attend theological lectures. Three months after, she learned a press-gang had boarded the ship. He was saved by a stratagem of the passengers, but his effects were taken. Early in 1792 Mrs. Graham heard that her son had been ill of fever, and after that sub- ject to epileptic fits, which unfitted him for the ser- vice. Mrs. Graham had him carefully provided for, and the gentleman to whom he was apprenticed per- mitting him to leave, she wrote urging him to come home. He wrote her from Demerara, in 1794, stating that he had sailed from Amsterdam in a Dutch ves- sel, which was taken by the French and re-taken by the English. He had arrived at Demerara in the ship Hope, and would return to Europe and to her with a fleet which was to sail under convoy. A vessel named the Hope was captured by the French. What was young Graham's fate was never known, though every inquiry by herself and her sons-in-law was 112 ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. made. Mrs. Graham ever regretted she had not kept him with her, and the advice was given to friends " to ever keep your children about you." Mrs. Graham's school had brought her prosperity and influence. She always gave a tenth for religious and benevolent purposes. Upon the marriage of her daughters she closed the school. A lease of the pro- perty she had taken from Trinity Church Corporation was sold at an advance of i^i,ooo. " Quick, quick," she said, " let me appropriate the tenth before my heart grows hard." Thenceforward her active mind and life were spent in carrying out schemes for good- She helped to form the first Missionary Society in New York. The Methodists and Moravians in An- tigua had been her friends at the time of her husband's death, and she sent £^o to aid their Christian work. In 1/97 -'''"^^ founded a Society for the Relief of widows with small children whose fathers and protectors had died with the yellow fever. Her son-in-law, Mr. Bethune, a member of the St. Andrew's Society, found how inadequate were the society's means. Hi.s wife and her mother started this society, and Mrs. Graham was its first directress. They sent circulars to their friends, and they met at Mrs. Graham's house. It is not possible to enumerate the societies founded by her in those sixteen years which were devoted to the good of humanity. Her son-in-law, Mr. Smith, had purchased a colored man and set him at liberty- " Brother Pero," as he was called by Mrs, Graham, ever had her friendship and help. His Christian ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. 113 principles were recognized by all. She used to read to him and watch over him in sickness. Kvery society had the help of her charity and her business methods. When pestilence came to the city she appealed to her old pupils for their aid and their ministrations. Emulating her example, the}^ went among the dead and the dying. She had taught them to rise above class and creed. We shoulii remember that in those days there were no schools such as at present instruct our youth. To organize day schools, to have her old pupils go among them as instructors to found Sunday-schools and tract societies are but a few of the lines of work. The crowning work was the first orphan asylum in America. Assisted by Mrs. Hoffman, they with only $250 commenced their labors in 1806. In fourteen months they secured land and a larger building, and even this was only fifty feet square. This grew and prospered, and the land on which it stood was sold in 1836 for $39,000. With this, on the banks of the Hudson, was built the beau- tiful Bloomingdale Asylum. Tablets to Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Hoffman, its founders, adorn the walls. She founded a school to assist young women of limited means to a higher education, and her old pupils taught them voluntarily. She formed loan societies, and helped others to materials, paying for the work, when finished. The Hospital and female convicts were helped, and the Magdalen House established. Such was the work of this great teacher. The last time she met her workers, was to form a society " for the promotion of industry among the poor." When the 114 ISABELLA MARSHALL GRAHAM. summons came, she sent for a dear friend, a Mrs. Crystie, to be with her. They had mutually promised that whoever should be first called would be assisted by the other. Surrounded by her children, Isabella Graham died 27th July, 18 14, The noble work of Isabella Graham has been car- ried on by Mary Lyon, Mrs, Emma Willard, and many others. We see its fruit in Mount Holyoke, Vassar, and Wellesley. As a child she saw those scenes so admirably depicted by Sir Walter Scott in " Waverley," when the heart of Scotland, stirred to its depths, made its ineffectual effort for the restoration of the Stuarts. She escaped the Revolutionary War to have the " Father of the Republic " place his relatives under her care to be educated.* Her eyes closed before the war commencing in 1812 had terminated. We can believe that the woman who would not own a slave, who wrote to her husband in the same clear tone, whose sons-in-law followed her example, must have done much to create the principles which led to the extinction of slavery in America. In 1896, at Fort Niagara, when was commemorated the one-hundredth anniversary of the withdrawal of the British flag, among the memories of that day the two who were uppermost in my thoughts were the brave discoverer and soldier, La Salle, and the equally noble woman, Isabella Graham. * At his death she makes this comment : "Great things were said of Washinj;ton, and they were due. A nation blest him while he lived, and with all the form of language lamented his death." CHAPTER IX. MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE, NIAGARA TOWNSHIP, ONT. The late John VVhitmore, Esq., of Lake Road, Niagara Township, Ont, was born 1775, in the Pro- vince of New Jersey, North America. His father, Mr. Peter Whitmore, was a farmer, a man of honor- able character and loyal principles. He had a family consisting of wife, three sons and five daughters. During the revolutionary troubles in New Jersey, Peter Whitmore and two neighboring farmers like himself in principle were harassed and persecuted by the rebels to such a degree that they resolved to leave their homes and move to the frontier settle- ments on the west branch of the Susquehanna, in the Province of Pennsylvania. The three families removed there accordingly sometime in 1776, built houses and commenced clearing the land and farm- ing the wilderness of the Upper Susquehanna. There were many Indians about, but the Whitmore family had no fear of them, being Loyalists and on friendly terms with them, as all being on the same side in the Civil War then raging in the colonies. 115 116 MEMOIR OF JOFIN WHIT MO RE. They were, moreover, quiet, industrious people, who strove to live in the fear of God and with good-will towards whites and Indians. The least thing they expected was to be attacked by any of the Indians, who were continually coming and going on the war- path to fight for the King's cause in the colonies. So far as regards the Six Nations and other loyal tribes they were quite safe. But the rebel Congress had incited a number of the Indian tribes — princi- pally Oneidas and Delawares, with deserters and vagabonds from other tribes — to take up arms for the rebel cause, and these Indians, seeking oppor- tunity in the absence of protection to the Loyalist settlers, committed outrages and murders during the whole course of the war, in which they were aided by bands of white marauders, called " Sons of Liberty " — a bad set, whose career need not be followed out in this memoir. Sometime in the early spring of 1779, a band of Delawares, with some white ruffians disguised as Indians, made their appearance in the woods near the house of the Whitmores. They acted as if not intending any harm, and the family, having been so long accustomed to Indian guests and visitors, felt not the slightest fear of them. Indeed, their daughter Mary had seen and spoken to them at a spring where she had gone to get water, and they spoke to her as if not thinking of any injury. She told her people in the house, but they suspected nothing. Their confidence was rudely broken in the night. MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE. 117 in rht. When the family were all in tlicir beds, the savages suddenly burst in the unprotected door. The family in the house that night consisted of the father, mother, one son grown up, a younger son George, and John Whitmore, four yeiis old, as well as three daughters and a baby not a year old. Peter Whitmore and his son jumped up to defend the house, but they were both instantly shot ; the mother, too, was killed. The children were seized and carried away captives by the Indians, who instantly took to the woods to avoid pursuit. The children were dragged along by the savages, but the baby, which was carried by one of them, cried and wailed so much that an Indian, in order to stop its noise, took it by the heels and dashed its head against a tree, fearing probably that its crying would discover their track to pursuers. The children, when the band encamped^were com- pelled to witness the scalps of their father, mother and brother stretched on hoops and scraped by the Indians for preservation. This shocking sight was ever vividly remembered by Mr. Whitmore, although but four years old when it occurred. Personally he had only a faint recollection of the massacre, but his sister Mary, who was fourteen years of age at the time, remembered everything distinctly. She resided near the Long Sault, Hoople's Creek, near Cornwall, Ont., and related these particulars to the writer of this, on the occasion of a visit which her brother, John Whitmore, accompanied by the writer, made 118 MEMOIR OF JOHN IVHITMORE. her in the year 1850, he not having seen her for seventy years. It was only about 1846 that he discovered where his sister was living, near the Long Sault. She had married a U. E. Loyalist named Hoople, and her descendants are still living at that place. The American Indians are not by nature a cruel people. It is only in war that they act cruelly to their enemies and to their prisoners. Their practices in regard to the latter are in accordance with a code of traditional usages, and to avenge the deaths of any of their own tribal warriors, they torture and kill and burn their prisoners, as many as they have lost of their own tribe. The children of the Whitmorc family were adopted into different families of the Delawares. John and Mary were adopted by an Indian woman who had lost her husband in the war. They were, as was generally the case in such matters, kindly and even affectionately treated in every respect as the Indians treated their own children. John was also regularly adopted into the tribe. He underwent the ordeal of fire, that is, endured the laying on of hot coals upon his inner arm, the marks of which he carried all his life. His ears were pierced for pendants and his nose for a ring, in the Indian fashion. He was declared in council to be a brave boy and worthy of being a mem- ber of the Delaware nation into which he had been adopted. Of course, he and his sister forgot their MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE. 119 own language, and spoke only Delaware when the)' were, after some years, rescued from captivity. Their Indian fo:;ter-mother was entirely devoted to them, and did all in her power to make them happy, and I think did so, for the Indian life of John and Mary VVhitmore was always referred to b\' them as a happy period of their lives. Their foster-mother used to vist John VVhitmore occasionally, and was treated with the utmost respect by him. The other children became separated from John and Mary VVhitmore. One of them, taken by the Oneidas, was afterwards taken from them by the Senecas, and she married Horatio Jones, chief inter- preter of the Senecas on the Genesee River. Some of her descendants, the Joneses, living near Attica, New York, are still there. One son of Horatio Jones by an Indian wife — William Jones — is at the present time head chief of the Senecas, on the Cattaraugus Reservation, New York. The other sister was never heard tell of No trace of her was found after being taken captive. George VVhitmore, the brother of John, was also rescued, and a grandson of his is now living in Jersey City, N.J. John VVhitmore and his sister Mary were rescued from the Indians in 1783 by Captain Daniel Servos, of Butler's Rangers. Captain Servos took John to his home at Niagara, adopted him as his own, and in time gave him his daughter Magdalene to wife, and a share of his large property the same as his own sons. Eliza Magdalene, only surviving daughter of John 120 MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE. and Magdalene VVhitmore, was the wife of Wm. Kirby, the writer of this memoir. John VVhitmore was a man of excellent under- standing and character, of a kindly, cheerful disposi- tion, honorable and just in all the conduct of life. One of the worthiest of men, he deserved the sincere and general respect in which he was held by all who knew him. The character of "Farmer Gay" in the Canadian Idyll of " The Harvest Moon," is taken from John Whitmore, and describes him well. His benevolent heart and Christian principles con- quered in one great trial and temptation of his life, and is worth recording here as a proof of the possi- bility of love conquering the fiercest passion of revenge for great and cruel wrongs. In 1813, when the American army, having taken the town of Niagara, occupied it for near seven months, there was among the Indians who accom- panied their army an old Delaware chief named De Coignee, who had been one of the party which had m.assacred the Whitmore family in 1779. John Whit- more knew him well, and, hearing of his presence in the American army, was fired with a great spirit of revenge to slay him for the murder of his father, mother, brother and baby sister. He came into the town, saw the chief and spoke to him, upbraiding him for the murders. The chief took his words patiently , and excused the act as taking place in war time. But John Whitmore would not accept the excuse. He could not kill the chief in the midst of MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE. 121 the camp, but resolved to take his life on the first opportunity that offered. He learned from some of the Indians that De Coignee was to go at a certain hour on some business to the house of Captain John D. Servos, on the Lake Road, then occupied by an outpost of American dragoons and Indians. He resolved to waylay him on the road and kill him. He accordingly took a musket and bayonet, and went and posted himself in the woods by the roadside where the chief had to pass, and where he could make sure of his enemv. The hour came, but the chief, for some cause, had delayed his departure. John Whitmore sat under a tree, waiting hour after hour for his appearance, and thinking, at one time thoughts of revenge, and afterwards asking himself what it was he was about to do. He thought of his duty to God, who bids us forgive our enemies, yea, even love them. His mind underwent great changes and perturbations. After three hours' waiting in the woods, the resolution to shoot De Coignee melted awa)', and when at last the chief appeared, alone, painted and plumed, John Whitmo" :, asking pardon of God and men for sparing him — if it were wrong to do so — allowed him to pass by unscathed within a few yards, and unwitting of the danger which was so near to him. This triumph of Christian love over justifiable revenge for the deepest of injuries was a source of thankful satisfaction to this good man, who some- times, although only in the bosom of his family, 122 MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE. would refer to it. He lived to a good old age, one of the most successful and prosperous farmers in the district, and died in 1853. His son and family still occupy the old home on the Lake Road. A fine portrait of the good old man is in the possession of his son-in-law, William Kirby. His worthy partner in life, Magdalene Servos, had also been a witness to the murder of her grand- father, Thomas Servos, who was killed by a troop of dragoons sent by General Washington to take him prisoner, dead or alive, as a spirited, active and brave Loyalist — a class of men whom Washington feared and hated and persecuted to the utmost of his power. Tixomas Servos lived at his mills and farm on the Charlotte River, near Schoharie, New York. As an officer of the militia of the province he had served in the French war, and was present at the siege and capture of Fort Niagara when it was taken by Gen. Sir Wm. Johnson in 1759. The Servos murder was a cruel, vindictive act on the part of General Wash- ington, who was ever incapable of a generous feeling towards the Loyalists, wuo were as sincere and con- scientious in their sentiments and opinions as he was himself, perhaps more so. Magdalene Servos was a child in the cradle when her grandfather was nurdered by Washington's dragoons. Four of his sons — ardent Loyalists — were actively engaged in Butler's Rangers and with the Northern Confederate Indians all through the Revolu- tionary War. They served with honor as officers of MEMOIR OF JOHN WHITMORE. 123 the First Lincoln Militia in the War of 1812, and in the rebellion of 1837, when Col, John D. Servos com- manded the regiment. A brave, loyal family on all occasions. Magdalene Servos Whitmore was a worthy daughter of such a family ; a pious, good, quiet, tender wife as ever was ; a woman beloved by all around her. She died in the house of the writer in Miagara, in 1854. This worthy cc^uple are buried in the Servos bury- ing-ground, Lake Road, Niagara Township. Mr. Peter Whitmore, their son, still living, resides in the old home. Such were the men and women who laid the foundations of Upper Canada, and gave it the ever- loyal character and impress of justice and integrity which distinguishes this Province, and, indeed, our whole Dominion. May it last forever. con- was >-/<— r >s when ton's were the ivolu- ers of CHAPTER X. THE NELLES FAMILY. Among the early inhabitants of the Niagara District were the Nelles family. Some were United Empire Loyalists, and others were settlers. There are many of the name of Nelles living in Lincoln, Haldimand and Brant counties. Many of the U. E. Loyalists came from a settle- ment in the Mohawk Valley, from that section called the Palatinate, in memory of the land from which they came. The Palatinate in Europe, which was their home, was a portion of Germany lying on both sides of the Rhine. It had been cruelly devastated by the French during the wars of Louis XIV. Under the protection of Queen |;Anne, about 3,000 emigrants, nearly all Lutherans, were landed in New York in June, 17 10, and lands were assigned them on the banks of the Hudson ; but these not proving satisfactory, they changed until a final settlement was made in the Mohawk Valley. Many of their descendants remain there at the present time. It was here their ancestors dwelt happily and became very prosperous. At the time of the Revolution it 124 THE NELLES FAMILY. 125 was considered the garden of New York State. Two Nelles brothers came in 1710 with the other emi- grants. They had numerous descendants. On the military rolls of New York, from 1776 to 1783, there are no less than fifty-seven Nelles soldiers. The Nelleses had large possessions, and were prosperous in every way. When the church at Stone Arabia was built, six of the Nelleses gave ;^36o, while another built the spire, and another gave the ground upon which it was built. The church still exists. Henry Nelles, a Loyalist, had been obliged to find a refuge in Canada. When a retaliatory expedition was being arranged to devastate the Mohawk VaUey, Henry Nelles stipulated that the church of his fathers should be spared. That stipulation was faithfully kept. During the French and Indian wars prior to the Revolution, the Nelles names showed they did good service. These facts are from a paper by Judge Nelles, read October 17th, 1894, before the Kansas Society. In the "Old Trails on the Niagara River," by Mr. Severance, the name of Capt. Nelles is found as being at Fort Niagara in September, 1781. As before mentioned, Mrs. Nelles's name is the first in the honor roll of the five women refugees of 1776. CHAPTER XI. VISIT OF PRINCE EDWARD, DUKE OF KENT, IN 1791. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and father of Queen Victoria, who was commander of His Majesty's forces in America, resided for some years in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was extremely popular. He had a summer residence about six miles from Halifax, called the Prince's Lodge. All that remains at the present time is a wooden pavilion called the Music Room.* An incident that recalls the fast-fading memories of that period is given in the " Life of the Rev. Jacob Bailey,"*!' who, with his family, were refugees from Maine. Mr. Bailey suffered much from his loyalty. It was through many difficulties and dan- gers they escaped to Halifax. He had a son who was baptized by the name of Charles. It had been the intention of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey that his name should be Hugh Percy, but Mrs. Callahan, the god- mother, seeing so many patriots in the church, was afraid to give the name, and called him Charles, the name of her husband. He was baptized Charles, and Picturesque Canada. ^t Life of Jacob Bailey. 126 VISIT OF THE DUKE OF KENT. 127 always signed his name so. He was a remarkably handsome person, and when the Prince was visiting Annapolis he observed the lad, who, among many others, had assembled to bid him welcome. He inquired who he was, and was so pleased with his person and address that he prevailed upon his father to allow him to be taken under his own care and provide for him. Accordingly the lad was placed in the Military Secretary's office, and was subsequently given a commission in his own regiment (the 1st Royals), where he served with honor until the War of 1812. The regiment was ordered to Canada. He was then a captain high up on the list. Being at Fort Niagara when it was re-taken in 18 13, he was conspicuous for his bravery. He was killed at the battle of Chippewa. The Prince visited Niagara in 1791, and while there went to Niagara Falls. To get a view at that time below the Falls the branches of the trees were cut, to make steps to get down to the water's edge. On his return from the Falls he dined at Queenston with Judge Robert Hamilton. During the famine years of 1787 and 1788* the settlers had been aided by the Commissary Depart- ment, who were now demanding payment. A depu- tation waited upon the Prince, who heard them with sympathy, and ordered the officials to cancel every charge. " My father," he said, " is not a merchant to * Annals of Niagara. 128 VISIT OF THE DUKE OF KENT deal in bread and ask payment for food granted for the relief of his loyal subjects." The Prince spent two weeks at Niagara. Numerous entertainments marked his visit, and the generation of ladies who lived at that period never ceased to relate the introduction they had, and the balls in which they had danced with the Prince as their partner. The people came from the remotest settle- ments to pay their respects to the son of the good King, under whom they enjoyed the protection of British subjects. ted for nerous oration sed to alls in ; their settle- 2 good tion of \. ^S' V! U^ '^.%^m>aJl.'^^^/\^^>^ AkSKNAL IXSIDI-: luKl ( ; KC )K(iK, I S8iS. MAGAZINE INSIDE FORT GEORGE, t888. CHAPTER XII. TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. BURNING OF NIAGARA. i^ajBi Tme burning of Newark (now Niagara) took place on December loth, 1813, under circumstances which produced a hatred long cherished, and a retaliation swift and vindictive. It had been necessary for General McClure to evacuate Fort George. To destroy the fort was not considered sufficient, but the torch was ordered to be applied to the town. The winter of 181 3 set in unusually early. The cold was intense and the ground covered with a deep snow. In the midst of a snowstorm the inhabitants were commanded to leave their homes. Half an hour's notice was all that was given. Those who could do so carried their furniture into the streets, others fled to the country. Mrs. Lowell, the grandmother of the late James Lowell, M.P., rose from a sick-bed, and on horseback went to the Short Hills. Mrs. Dickson, whose hus- band was a prisoner in Fort Niagara with many others, was carried by the soldiers out of her house on a bed and laid upon the snow. Lying there she 9 129 130 TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. saw her home and its contents reduced to ashes, A fine library, for which Mr. Dickson had paid ^600, was also consumed. Scarcely a book was left. The public buildings were destroyed, among them the registry office. A few books withstood the flames. The charred covers and discolored pages bear evi- dence of that day's destruction. St. Mark's Church, which had been used by both parties as a hospital, was also burned, its stone walls alone remaining. Fortunately the home of the rector. Rev. Mr. Addison, was on the lake shore, three miles distant from the town. At an early period the parish records had been conveyed to this place for safety. The mar- riage register of St. Mark's from 1792 to 1832 is valuable as it is interesting, containing much that corroborates the history and customs of the time. Mr. Merritt, in his diary, says : " During the night, by the glare, they discovered Niagara was on fire. As they advanced near the burning town, a sad sight presented itself — heaps of burning coals, and the streets full of furniture. Mr. Gordon's house was the only one left standing. Niagara was in ruins, a heap of smouldering ashes." The attempt to blow up Fort George was a partial failure. The enemy retired in such haste that his tents were left standing. Colonel Murray at once took steps to retaliate for this departure from the usages of war. On the night of December 19th* of the same * One of the traditions of the re-capture is, that when the attacking force entered so unexpectedly, the officers were playing whist, and one asked, "What is trumps ?" The answer came, " British bayonets ! " TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. 131 attacking and one Dnets!" year, an attacking force of six hundred and fifty men surprised and captured I''ort Niagara. The store- houses, full of clothing and of camp equipage, twenty- seven pieces of cannon, three thousand stand of arms and many rifles fell into their hands, a prize of great value to the captors. Colonel Chajjin and Captain Leonard were taken, and sent as prisoners to Que- bec. Youngstown, Lewiston, Manchester and Buffalo were burned, and the whole American fron*"ier was made to suffer. The revenge of war is more t'^rrible than the cause which produces it. BURNING OF ST. DAVID'S. The burning of St. David's by the American forces, July 19th, 1814, was another of those unjustifiable and indefensible acts which added to the cruelties of the struggle and increased the hatred towards the invaders. It was never defended by the Americans, and the officer at whose command the torch was applied was court-martialed and dismissed from the service. The circumstances as related by Mrs. Sccord, wife of Major David Secord, were verified by her daughter, Mrs. Woodruff, and the husband, Mr. Woodruff, gave additional information. A picket of Canadian volunteers was stationed under the command of Cornet Henry Woodruff near the place now owned by Mr. Fairlie. This point was on the direct road leading to Shipman's Corners (now St. Catharines). Another road led to the same place, striking the main road at the Ten Mile Creek (now 132 TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. Homer). A few rods from Mr. Fairlie's was the road leading to the Short Hills, called the Thorold road, and another road leading to the township of Stamford. An American scouting party attempted to pass through the line, but was warned not to make the attempt, as it would be fired upon. In spite of the warning the party pushed on, and was fired upon. No one was injured, but the horse ':>{ the commanding officer was killed. He made terrible threats of ven- geance, upon which Cornet Woodruff told him " he should be thankful that it was his horse instead of himself" No one thought anything serious would result. Two days after, in the afternoon, notice was given to the people to leave, as the place was to be burned. One cannot describe the surprise and terror with which these tidings were received. The women were busy at their usual avocations. Their husbands and brothers were away. Hurriedly the children were sent to a place of safety, Mrs. Secord directing them to go to her brother's, Mr. Thomas Page, of Pelham. Few had horses, wagons or conveyances of any kind ; mostly all had to go on foot. Mrs. Secord placed some of the more valuable articles of furniture in a wagon, hoping to save them, but she was unable to get them away. Then collecting her own cows and those cf her neighbors, she drove them to Lewis Smith's, a farm about a mile from St. David's. It was near 6 p.m. when she left, and she could see the gleam of the bayonets as the Americans came on the Oueenston road. She said : " During the evening TJVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. 133 we could see the smoke and flames rising from our burning homes. The road was filled with people, and I had hard work to find my children. The next morning my husband was on patrol duty with another officer. As he saw the crowd, ' That looks like my flock,' he said to his companion, and rode rapidly forward to see what was the cause. He soon heard the dreadful story, that his home, the mills and other buildings were nothing but a heap of ashes. We stayed some days in Pelham, and when I came back I found, in pure wantonness, they had destroyed a number of young pigs and burned them in the ruins of our house. This at the time, seemed my greatest loss, for I had depended upon these for winter use." Said Mrs. Sarah Clement (sister of Lewis Smith) : " My bread was about ready for the oven when the word came. A neighbor suggested that the bread should be taken with us, and baked when we reached a place where it could be done. It was turned from the bread-trough into table-cloths, and we started on our way. The afternoon was hot, and the bread kept on rising and escaping from the table-cloths. You could have tracked us by the dough along the road. At last, when I came near a field where there was a pool of water, I climbed the fence and shook the dough into the water as well as I couH. When we returned some days after, the dough was still floating upon the water. I said, ' Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many days.' Sad 134 TJVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. as we were, we laughed." That portion of Scripture and Mrs. Clement have ever been inseparably con- nected. Only one house was left — a house occupied by Mr. Quick. Mrs, Stephen Secord with another woman managed to save an outbuilding. After the fire she repaired another with her own hands. In the country every house was filled to reple- tion, not only with the homeless, but the sick and the wounded. The neighboring places offered help. Ancaster opened its hospitable doors. As we look upon the numerous thriving towns and the populous cities of our day, it is hard to realize that these places at that time had no existence. There is a book by the Rev. John Carroll, which gives some reminiscences of that time which are worth repeating. He says that after Proctor's defeat his mother with her five children, and another family with children, found shelter in a log-cabin, with a bark roof, near the Upper Ten Mile Creek, They made a fire in the grove near the house, and ther*" was an orchard with nearly ripe fruit. Here they stayed for some weeks. As the weather grew colder they moved to St. Catharines, then the Twelve Mile Creek, After this they went to Hamilton in a cart drawn by two oxen, for the use of which they paid $30. Here they lived in a log-house with one room and an open fire, the flooring loose. A sick officer was already there, and, as the children's noise could not be borne, a fire was made outside to warm themselves. This was done TWO HISTORIC BURNINGS. 135 till " warmer quarters " were found, quarters are thus described : The warmer " The sappers and miners dug" places ten feet square, with an entrance at one side by means of a trench, like the descent to a root-house. The roof of slabs rested on the surface of the ground and met in the centre. The only light came from the chimney, which was low and capacious, and a hole i.i the door without glass. If this was left open the snow drifted in, and it had to be shovelled out through the small hole." Such were the quarters where Hamilton now stands. On the retreat from Niagara a sick soldier, lying by the roadside with the ague, asked Mrs. Carroll for a handkerchief to tie around his aching head. She had not this to give him. Then he asked for a string, and she had not even that. Prices of food were very high, and the volunteers often were allowed to return to their homes to sow the grain, then afterwards to reap. Mrs. Secord tells the following : " The Indians were constantly asking for money to buy liquor. It was dangerous to refuse, and more dangerous to give, for a drunken Indian cannot be controlled. One time an Indian demanded money. I told him I had none, though a belt was on my person containing my hus- band's pay, which he had sent to me for safe keeping. He soon raised his tomahawk, thinking to frighten me, but I knew my only safety was to stand my ground. Had I given him anything, there would hav^e been no end to his demands. We had trained our children to obey signals, and they knew when help 'X 136 TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. was needed without speaking." There was no paper money at that time. It was all gold, silver and Brock coppers. Leather stamped and used for change is one of the traditions of the war. Another aged friend says : " A young officer, son of an English baronet, was brought from Niagara to my house in the month of August. He had been severely wounded in one of the frequent skirmishes. There was a man to take care of him, but he suc- cumbed to his wounds on the following day, and was buried in the Presbyterian burying-ground at Stam- ford." The name is unfortunately forgotten. In the private burial-places were buried many whose names are now forgotten. It is one of the saddest features of the private burying-grounds, as they pass from the possession of the original proprietors, that no provision is made that the graves of the dead should be respected. The ploughshare of the new occupant soon levels the spot where the forgotten brave and the ancestors of our country sleep. The old and the new possessors alike share the odium of the desecration and destruction of those sacred spots. It was at the house of this same friend, Mrs. Richard Woodruff, whose kitchen was taken posses- sion of hj the Indians, that a large pig was killed and roasted before the fire. The grease ran across the floor and over the doorstep. She was upstairs attending to her children. As the feast went on, the chief in command came to her, asking, " Had she a mother?" On being told she had, he said, "White TWO HISTORIC BURNINGS. 137 squaw go to mother," for he feared his followers would be uncontrollable. She needed no second warning, and went to her mother. Mrs. David Secord said : " There had been some of our own Indians staying in my house. They had occupied unfinished rooms in the upper part of the house. Unknown to me, when leaving, they put their unused war-paint under some loose boards in the floor. A few days after some American Indians occupied the same place. The loose boards attracted their attention, and the war-paint was soon discovered. With fearful yells they commenced to question and threaten me. Fortunately my young son ran to the American quarters for help. The officer came at once, bringing soldiers with him, and none too soon, for one of the Indians was brandishing his tomahawk. The Indians were taken away and soldiers put in their place. There was a ravine running back of the house we occupied. The front and upper rooms were always taken by the officers and soldiers. We lived in the back part of the house and cellar kitchens. But," she added, " I will say this, the officers were courteous and endeavored to see that we were well treated. Both British and American officers were alike in this respect." Such is war. Is it any wonder that women hate its name? None but women who h?.ve passed through the perils of war can realize what ruin it brings to the home, the wasted life and property, and 138 TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. the aftermath of hatred which always is sure to follow. Said another : " We had long before buried our silver and many articles of value. They were taken up and put in fresh places. Sometimes the place was forgotten. Long years after, the spade and the plough turned up those forgotten treasures ruined and useless." An aged friend said : " One morning a large Ameri- can force marched through St. David's. I sold over $100 worth of whiskey from one barrel before break- fast. I had a barrel of whiskey and a barrel of water, As the whiskey was sold I kept replenishing with water, and towards the last it would not have hurt your conscience to sell a drink of it, for it was so weak it could hurt no one." St. David's never regained the size and importance of former times. Those that owned rebuilt, some on the old foundations, but none as large as before- Many moved away, and though it had breweries' distilleries, furniture manufactory, mills and the other occupations of village life, the grist-mills are about all that at present remain. There was a bank for a short period, and Mackenzie issued his paper here a few times, but in what building has not been posi- tively ascertained. Another incident of that time was related by Mrs. Secord : " I was very ill when my baby was born. The woman who took care of me had the baby on her lap before the fire. She had been warming its feet, 2 to our iken )lace I the ined neri- over eak- ater, with hurt .s so ance le on :fore- ;rics' )ther bout for a ere a posi- Mrs, born. n her feet, i;"vl I'OLLV i-AClK (MRS. DAVID SECORD). (Lent hy Miss \. Wood ni ft.) t t n rn Ii tl a a re TH'O HISTORIC BURNINGS. 139 and, as the baby cried, I tried to waken her. She had gone to sleep. I called in vain, then I got up ; but my poor baby's feet were blistered, and she died in a few days." Such was the life of the women — to toil in the house and in the field, in constant terror for the lives of all most dear to them. Mrs. Secord lived to a good old age, and is buried with others of the honored dead in the graveyard at St. David's. Her portrait is given, one of the noblest women of the olden time. Mrs. Woodruff (daughter of Mrs. Secord) relates that a party of British Indians had a young girl whom they had taken captive. Our hearts pitied her, but we dared not interfere. Where she came from, or her name, we could not learn, but afterwards were told that she had been restored to her friends. Whether this was true or false we never knew, and could only hope it was so. To add to the miseries of that period a set of miscreants who follow in the wake of armies, called " Grey-coats," who were white men disguised as Indians, plundered everything upon which they could lay their hands. The home of the writer was for many years a brick house which had been built upon the foundations of the place burned in 1814. In making some changes a charred beam was brought to view ; it was evidently a relic of the past. In straightening a creek in the rear of the house a 24-pound cannon-ball was found. 140 TIVO HISTORIC BURNINGS. It was a frequent occurrence to pick up balls of various sizes in the neighborhood. The following is copied from Mr. Lossing's " Pic- torial Field Book of the War of 1812," page 815 : " Colonel Stone, of the New York Militia, while out on a foraging expedition, wantonly burned the little village or hamlet of St. David's, a short distance from Queenston. Similar unwarrantable acts caused great exasperation against the Americans. General Brown promptly dismissed Stone from the service, as a punishment for his crime, in accordance with the sentence of a court-martial." Lossing has a foot-note to the above, written by an American officer : " * The militia have burned several private dwellings,' wrote the gallant Major McFarland of the Seventy-third Infantry, who was killed a short time after at Niagara Falls, and on the 19th burnt the village of St. David's, consisting of about thirty or forty houses. This was done within three miles of the camp. I never witnessed such a scene, and had not the commanding Colonel Stone been disgraced and sent out of the army I should have resigned my commission.'' s uf Pic- on a unlet milar the from with y an wrote intry, )n the thirty amp. iding liould STAMFORD I'AKK, 1 863. CHAPTER XIII. STAMFORD PARK. "Stamford Park, the residence of Sir Peregrine Maitland, was built on a range of rising ground which overlooks the country and Lake Ontario for a great distance. Near this spot, by the blowing down of a tree, were found a quantity of human bones. A number of skeletons were found on digging, with Indian beads and pipes ; also some conch shells, shaped apparently for musical instruments, under several of the heads. Other perforated shells were found, such as are said to be known only on the western coast of the continent within the tropics. Brass and copper utensils are also found. The ground looks as if it had been defended by a palisade." — Northern Traveller, 1830. Stamford Park was visited in 1837 by Mrs. Jamie- son, wife of Vice-Chancellor Jamieson. She writes : " It is the only place in Upper Canada combining our ideas of an elegant, well-furnished English villa and ornamented grounds, with some of the grandest and wildest features of the forest scene." Sir Peregrine Maitland, who was appointed Lieu- 141 142 STAMFORD PARK. tenant-Governor of Upper Canada in 1818, while living in Toronto, built a fine summer residence in the township of Stamford. It faced towards Lake Ontario, and was on one of the highest points of land in the township. The building was of brick and stuccoed, and contained twenty-two rooms. The kitchen and servants' hall were in the detached build- ing in the rear, and connected with the main part by a covered way. The trees surrounding the place were planted with an eye to beauty. At the right was the children's garden, and " The Governor's House," as it was called, for many years was a pleasant resort. In the drawing-room were marble mantel-pieces, the carvings being scenes from the Iliad. lii.s circumstance was related by Mrs. Hobson, wafe of Sneriff Hobson, of Welland, and before her marriage Miss Eliza Clow, of St. David's. During the residence of Sir Peregrine and Lady Sarah, they and their children often attended church in what is now the Methodist Church, in St. David's. Their seat was at the right of the pulpit, under the west window. Mr. Richard Woodruff prepared cushioned seats for them. ^Vhen they left Upper Canada, upon Sir Peregrine's appointment as Governor of Nova Scotia, there was a sale of their house-furnishings. Mr. R. Woodruff bought some of the wine-glasses and a small gilt circular mirror. Mr. William Woodruff bought some of the drawing-room chairs. Man}' homes still possess relics purchased at that time. After his departure the place v/as occupied by Mr. ri ("I /', y. f^ :; - o •y) i- o y. - - :: S X STAMFORD PARK. 143 Green, a banker. It passed through various hands, until it was destroyed by fire in April, 1842. A sketch of the ruins was taken in 1863. No vestige of the house now remains. A valuable deposit of sand was found near the site, A short branch of the Grand Trunk Railway was laid to the spot, a derrick and other appliances were erected, and soon the demolition was complete. The children's garden and the trees planted by them were destroyed. The lodge at the entrance \o the grounds is all that remains to remind us of one of the early Governors of Upper Canada. Among the people of the Niagara District, Isaac Brock and Peregrine Maitland were popular names bestowed upon their ons. CHAPTER XIV. RECOLLECTIONS OF 1837 AND 1838. To many the incidents about to be related may- seem trivial, but they were not considered so at that time, and they illustrate the intolerance which over- rides the right of every one to his own opinion. That portion of the Niagara District which was represented in the Assembly of Upper Canada had sent men of Liberal opinions. Major David Secord* at the time of the rebellion was an aged man. The preceding pages have shown the sacrifices made by himself and relatives, the loyal services they gave and were willing to give as subjects of the English gov- ernment. The arbitrary measures of the Family Compact previous to 1837 met his disapprobation, and he took the only legitimate way of condem- nation, by voting as a member of Parliament for reforms. Mr. William Woodruff was also a Reform member, and voted as he believed for the best interests of Canada. He had been in the battle of Oueenston * It was customary at that time to call siiccessful business men "kings." Major Secord was called "King David," and Mr. Richard Woodruff " King Dick." 144 RECOLLECTIONS OF IS.il AND 1S3S. 145 Heights, and served as a volunteer through the War of 1 812. Richard Woodruff,* his eldest brother, was a member at the commencement of the rebellion. He had also as a volunteer been at the capture of Detroit and Chrysler's Farm, for v hich, many years after- wards, he received a medal. These men all lived in St. David's. They had taken the only constitutional way of expressing their disapproval of the high-handed actions of the Gov- ernment of the day. Mackenzie's rebellion met their distinct disapprobation, though they had a personal friendship for the man. Major Secord, as before stated, had given Robert Gourlay a shelter and kindly care for many weeks at his house, when he was sick and friendless, and when no one else dared to do so. St. David's thereafter acquired the name of a " Rebel hole." As the regulars and volunteers passed and repassed on their way to and from Chippew many threats were made, and the hope expressed that the place would be destroyed. In the spring of the year 1838, Mr. Woodruffsf father died at Niagara Falls, N.Y., and was buried at St. David's. His son-in-law, Judge De Veaux, at whose home he died, was at the * " King Dick" commenced his life as a merchant in James Secord's store at ( Kieenston. t Mr. Woodruft's signature ; ^^> 10 146 RECOLLECTIONS OF 1S37 AND 1838. funeral. He was a small man, and how or when the story originated that he was Mackenzie in disguise was never known. But so it was. A detachment from Quccnston was sent to St. David's. Mr. Woodruff's servants were first interrogated, and he was then taken from his bed to Oucenston for examination. Fortunately for himself, he was able to prove that he was not harboring a rebel. Even as late as 1840, when the meeting was held at Queenston for the re- construction of Brock's monument, Mr. Woodruff was not permitted to speak, and the letter published in this volume was written to his friend, Mr. Thorburn, at that time. Another incident of that period may be given. A young man, on the 4th of July, rode on horseback through the village, dressed in a pink cambric jacket, and carrying a lance with pennon, in imitation of the Lancers, which were stationed at Queenston. It was evident that it was the foolish prank of a young man who had taken too much of Canada's curse. He rode up and down the street more than once. It enraged an old pensioner, who went to Queenston and in- formed the officer stationed there that the people of St. David's were celebrating the 4th of July. The officer took some men and marched to the place. His men were halted in front of the Methodist Church, and scouts sent forward to reconnoitre, and see what was going on. Mr. William Woodruff had heard of their approach. Wlien the scouts arrived every en the isguise it from (Iruff's s then nation, 'c that s 1840, the re- uff was ;hed in orburn, en. A r.seback jaclvet, . of the It was [ig man ie roclc mraged md in- iople of r. The ; place, rhurch, e what heard every * tJ 1— ^^-^...'^^-r •- -.J,^-.; iL— «*; ;R0CK.S MONl'.MKNT AND HOMK OF WILLIAM lAON MACKKNZIK, AT (,)rKF,\ST(JN, I.S95. I s; .SI tl \v re fii w; nc he th RECOLLECTIONS OF 1837 AND 183S. 147 house was dark, and the streets quiet, but from behind the curtains many anxious hearts were watch- hvj; fo) the outcome. I\Ir. Woodruff took the officers to his house and treated them, and they returned to Oueenston satisfied that their march had been un- necessary. The writer had American visitors at that time. They went to bed very late, and left as early the next morning as they could conveniently get away. T)uring the winter of 1837-38 the front part of the lousr was closed, and the curtains drawn. A bed wns r lit ''n the sitting-room, our cloaks and hoods on chairs, for a hasty flight, and the children slept in the adjoining bedroom. We took the A^ezu York Amciicmi, published in New York City, and most of our news came that way, and was from one to two weeks old. The usual salutation to visitors or persons on the streets was, " What is the news from the seat of war ? " The super-loyal wore a narrow band of red flannel around their hats. Another fad of that time was long red woollen socks, worn by the men over the boots, and reaching to the hips. One night, when my mother was sitting by her fireside later than usual, she heard a slight tap at the window. Thinking it was a call to go to a sick neighbor, by some one who did not wish to disturb the house, she went to the door. A fjntleman stf.-od there holding his horse by the bridle, who, in an 148 RECOLLECTIONS OF 1S.17 AND 18.18. aj^itatcd voice, asked to be directed the nearest way to the Niagara River. Tlic directions were given, and the inquirer rode carefully away. Who he was we never heard, but whoever he was he escaped, and the circumstance was not mentioned till long after. The Sunday before Moreau was hung (for the exe- cution took place on Monday morning) wagons were passing all the day and night, filled with men, women and children. There were but few carriages in those days. Chairs were placed in the wagons, covered with quilts and blankets. Such was the usual way. A liberal price in money and in land had been offered for a hangman, but none appeared, and the sheriff, most unwillingly, had to perform the duty. Moreau sleeps in the Catholic burying-ground at Niagara. He acknowledged he had been deceived into a useless adventure. Before the invasion from Michigan took place, my mother's relatives informed us such a project was contemplated, and advised us to leave. My father could not leave his business, and my mother preferred to remain with him. Such v/as the way people on the frontier and near it lived in those days — the fear of invasion, and the unjust suspicion which out- weighed and forgot a life of honorable service. ti c| CI a I tlj way ;ivcn, 2 was i, and tcr. ; exe- ^ were /omen , those overed il wa\'. offered sheriff, VIoreau Niagara. useless ice, my ct was father ferred ople on he fear ch out- re CHAPTER XV. BURNING OF THE STEAMER ''CAROLINES Thk destruction of the steamer Caroline chirincr the rebellion of 1837 is one of the oft-quoted inci- dents of that time. Perhaps an account given by one of the participators may not be unacceptable. On Thursday evening, the 29th of December, 1837, A. C. Currie and Walter Wagstaff were doing patrol duty on the Niagara frontier along the river above Chippewa. When returning to Chippewa, and near the bridge which crosses the Welland River (then called Chippewa Creek), they saw a crowd on the bank, and heard a call, " Volunteers for this boat ! " Currie at once dismounted, and gave his horse to Wagstaff to take back to the camp. Offering his services, he was asked if he could row, and replying in the affirmative, was immediately accepted. The party consisted of seven boats, the men armed with pistols, cutlasses and boarding-pikes. They left Chippewa about 1 1 p.m., not knowing their destination, or what they were expected to do. It was supposed they were going to Navy Island, wdiere the patriot army was encamped. They proceeded up the river above 149 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 lU m 122 1^ 12.0 18 1-4 ill 1.6 ^ \;"^' :^v.• "■■. " ■ •■• V- :c v.;,;;,o ,;n :'>',. ■.:A.tH KORT MISSISSAL'CA, IcS,S8. 1;- I- I LETTER OF MRS. J ENOW AY, 171 school. I had one room and boarded with the family, and paid at the rate of a hundred a year. I stopped there until the sixth of June, when I left to join my husband, who was at Queenston, having been ordered from Fort George to erect the fortifications there. I had only been a fortnight there when five thousand of the Yankees landed above Fort Erie. Mr. Jenoway was left to command Queenston and the fortifications he had constructed, but unfortunately our army had to retire after a hard battle, with only fifteen hundred of the British to oppose so many of the enemy. Consequently your brother had to blow up the batteries and make the best of his way to Fort George with his men and guns. Previous to that, about eleven o'clock in the night, I was obliged to make my retreat with the children. When we had got four miles from Queenston, six Indians rushed out of the bush and asked me for my money. The ser- vant was so frightened he durst not speak to them, but I had courage enough to make them understand I was an officer's lady, when they immediately went away. You may easily suppose what a tremor I was in. As we went towards the Twelve, before we got within six miles of it, our servant upset us. Fortunately we had no limbs broken, only much bruised. We were near a Mr. Thompson's, where we staid three weeks, with the Yankees within four miles of us and came a few times within a mile and a half of us. After the Americans had retired to St. David's and Queenston, my dear husband fetched me to Fort George, made the family a present of twenty-five dollars and drove off. My poor little Richard and his brother is, and has been for several weeks past, extremely ill ot che ague and lake fever. 'Tis a second attack of it this time. It is nearly as bad here for that disease as in Walcherine, only not so dangerous. Hannah is well and grows a fine girl, but very backward in her talking. Your brother has pretty good health at present, but is almost hurried off his legs. I assure you that he is so very much employed that I have little of his company, as he has the entire command of the Engineer Department at 172 LETTER OF MRS. J ENOW AY. Fort Mississauga and Fort George. The former is a large new fort, which he had the direction of at the commencement, and considered the largest and most important of any in Upper Canada. Not doubting you will participate in our good fortune, we hope the accompanying order on my brother will be accept- able. (The remainder of the letter is family matters.) Believe me, your affectionate sister, Harriet Jenoway, Address to us- -R. O. Jenoway, Assistant Engineer, Fort George or elsewhere. Upper Canada, America. CHAPTER XX. PAST AND PRESENT NAMES OF PLACES. In the early period of discovery, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the head of Lake Superior was called on the ancient maps the St. Lawrence. Governor Haldimand had first named the district Nassau. Governor Simcoe changed the name to Niagara. He also named the ridge of land from Queenston to Burlington Mount Dorchester, the highest point being at Grimsby. In looking over letters and documents it is found that some places have changed their names more than once. Past Name. Fort Conty .... Fort Denonville West Niagara Onghiara Butlersburg Newark (by Governor Simcoe, New Ark Refuge) Niagara-on-the-Lake - - . . 173 Present Name. I Fort Niagara, N.Y. - Niagara. 174 PAST NAMES OF PLACES. Past Name. Niagara Falls, Ontario, included the present Niagara Falls Park, to- gether with the islands, bridge- water Mills, and w''-^^ was formerly Clifton - - - - Lundy's Lane - - - - Drummondville Drummond Hill Elgin Suspension Bridge - - - - Clifton Street's Grove, sometimes Street's Creek, west of Chippewa, on the Chippewa Creek - - - - Short Hills comprised what is now - J Fort Riall, so named after General 1 Riall / Lawrenceville . . . - Four Mile Creek Present Name. Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls South. Niagara Falls. } Ten Mile Creek and Upper Ten Mile ") Creek - j Twelve Mile Creek - - - - )^ Shipman's Corners - - - - j Suspension Bridge, N.Y., and Man- ) Chester are included in - - - ( Twenty Mile Creek - - - - Forty Mile Creek . . . . Ball's Mills Merrittville Crookston Four Mile Creek Mills Davidsville - . . . St. David's Town Pelham, Font Hill and St. John's. Fort Mississauga. Virgil. Homer. St. Catharines. Niagara Falls, N.Y. Jordan. Grimsby. Glen Elgin. Welland. Chautauqua, Niagara. St. David's. outh. inland ga. N.Y. l!kII)(;i:\VATKR MILL, 1893. In (^iK'L'ii \'ict()iia Ni;ii;aia Falls Park, Niagara. i '-■ CHAPTER XXI. AN OLD LEDGER. In the endeavor to bring back the past, there is often great disappointment in questioning aged peo- ple. We have been told that early impressions are indelible, but when an attempt is made to particu- larize facts and dates, we seem to come upon the impossible. If we ask for old letters, there are but few ; for diaries or records, there are none. It is only fading memories, seldom recalled, that can be gathered, and tangled threads which we vainly try to straighten. In an old ledger, happily saved from destruction, and kindly lent by a friend. Dr. John A. Carroll, of St. Catharines, there are some good reasons for the silence and obscurity of the past. Everything was against the preservation of private or public docu- ments. The price of paper and ink, the high rate of postage, the imperfect ways of communication, the length of time, and last, but not least, the imper- fect education of our forefathers, are a few of the obstacles. Many men could scarcely sign their names. They did not spell correctly. Very few women could write; it was not thought necessary. If a woman 175 LEAF FROM AN OLD LEDGER. OP J/ l^^^^c^^^ M i it 'U f^\^,^','^^^ — — '^' '^^Aji ^^<*>*iC. — /.'^ J>/ /*♦*«> /y- ... tf/^'O-/^ f/. •.// /V / / / . / er/y /' ^^, / 6 z / T (J r // ./ 4 '/f ^ AN OLD LEDGER. 177 1 6 // s. could muster courage to make her mark on some extraordinary occasion, this was considered enough. If the pioneer Hfe was hard for the man, it was still harder for the woman. The ledger of which we write, and from which selections will be made, was the property of Mr. Thomas Dickson, a merchant in Queenston. Queen- ston at that time might be considered the commercial centre of what is now the Province of Ontario. From Queenston were sent the supplies needed in the re- motest settlements. These settlements had no names. The currency of that time was not in dollars and cents. One shilling would be 20 cents of the present time, 20 shillings £\, and 5 shillings $1.00. It is quite necessary this should be remembered as you read the prices of ninety-four years ago. The ledger was from 1806, through 1807 ^^^cl 1808 and part of 1809. The names are mostly of German ancestry^ a few French, some English and Scotch, and not many Irish. Paper, 3/ to 4/6 per quire, j Bible, 12/; Testament, 5/ Sealing wax, 2/6 per stick, j Spelling-Book, 2/6 Almanacs, 1/2, Dutch 2/ j 25 Quills, 4/ ; by bunch, 5/ Lottery ticket, 3/4 j Postage, from 1/6 to 4/ Primer, i/, Pasteboard, 1/3 per sheet. Postage was very high, anywhere from 2/ to 4/, and on foreign correspondence still higher. Whenever it could be done, letters were sent by private hands to save the expense. 12 178 AN OLD LEDGER. The necessities of life were very expensive ; luxur- ies were not much indulged in. Here are some of the prices : Muscovado Sugar, 2/4 per lb. Loaf Sugar, Maple Sugar, Coffee, Chocolate, Pepper, Snuff, Indigo, Yz cwt. Flour, Eggs, Ham, 3/6 1/ 4/ 4/ 5/ 4/ 3/ per oz. 13/ 1/3 per doz. 1/3 per lb. Hyson Tea, 8/ to 10/ per lb. Bohea Tea, 5/ " Salt, 12/ per bushel, ^2 perbbl. Tobacco, 3/ to 6/ per lb. Candles, i8d. " Starch, 2/6 " Ginger, 4/ " Allspice, 5/ *' Nutmegs, i/6apiece. Potatoes, 3/ per bushel. Vinegar, 2/6 per quart. Articles Worn. Printed calico, 5/6 per yd. Flannel, 5/6 Striped cotton, 8/6 " Needles, i /per paper. (Generally sold by the ^ doz.) Stockings, 9/ per pair. Man's fine hat, £■}> 12s. 6d. Bandana handkerch*fs,9/toi3/ Set knitting needles, 1/ Thread, 6d. per spool. Ball and skein thread most commonly used. Sewing silk, 1/ per skein. Brown Holland, 4/6 per yd. Morocco slippers, 10/ per pair. Cotton, 3/ per yd. White vest, ^i 4s. Muslin, 10/ per yd. Cotton handkerchiefs, 3/ to 4/ apiece. Articles for domestic use. Copper tea kettle, ; Iron pot, Frying pan, Shears, Cow-bells, Spade, Skates, Brass candlesticks, per pair, 16/ i8s. Tin canister. 3/ 7/6 Brass tacks. 1/6 per 100 18/ Pudding dish, 4/ 3/6 Whip-lash, 3/ 8/6 Pins, 3/ per paper. 12/ Comb, 4/ 16/ AN OLD LEDGER. 179 luxur- 5ome of 3/ per lb. 5/ " 2 per bbl. 6/ per lb. 8d. " 2/6 » 4/ " 5/ " i/6apiece. )er bushel. per quart. per spool, -ead most per skein. 4/6 per yd. o/ per pair, 3/ per yd. ^i 4s. o/ per yd. 3/ i/6 per loo 4/ 3/ 5/ per paper. 4/ Building materials and tools were very expensive. Nails, Gimlet, White lead, Glass, 7x9, Brick, Locket, Breast pin, SnufF box. Watch key, Watch, Tobacco, 2/ per lb. Qd. 3/ per lb. 1/ per pane. 6/2 per 100 Luxuries £1 6s. 6s. 3s. 3s. £^ I2S. 3/ to 6/ per lb. Lock, Hammer, Screws, Door latch. Chamber lock, 9/ 4/ 2%d. each. 4/ 16/ Ladies' twist a specialty. Digging grave, 6/ Making a cupboard, £1 Folding bedstead, 16/ Cradle, 8/ What they drank. Rum, 14/ per gal., 3/6 per qt. Whiskey, 2/ per qt. Brandy, 16/ per gal. Barrel of cider, £2 Spirits, 16/ per gallon. Wine, 18/ *« «' Port Wine, 18/ " " Teneriffe Wine. Madeira. Beer, per keg, 16/ Sword, sash and belt, £^ 4s. Proportion foradance, ;^i 6s. Wine glasses, 3/ apiece. Windsor soap, 1/6 a cake. Pair of boots, ^3 4s. Silk handkerchief, 13/ Useful Articles. Wash tub, Iron kettles. Brass kettles. Pewter teapot, Mouse trap. Tumblers, Sad iron. Gun powder. Japanned pitcher. Turpentine, Chairs, 12/ from £iio £/^ £2 16/ 6/ 1/6 apiece. 6/ 6/ per lb. £1 3/ per pint. 12/ apiece. 180 AN OLD LEDGER. Medicines. Glauber salts. Turlington. Sulphur — Brimstone. For horse-shoeing, repairiiifr of furniture, freight transportation from Detroit to Montreal, and to every hamlet, pork, beef, flour, everything marketable, were taken in exchange. 'The stores had in stock everything needed for domestic use. Much of the trade was in exchange for articles raised, or of home manufacture. ' 'here are charges for making men's best suits of expensive material and those for common use. As Queenston had other stores, there were supplies for all kinds of vessels, from His Majesty's warships to the fisher- man's bark and the Indian's canoe. One can readily see what were the necessities and what the luxuries of that time. There was gilt-edged china, cut glass and all grades of cutlery. There were medicines and drugs. Brimstone was always necessary, as also pills and ointments. The women were not forgotten, for frequently we see untrimmed bonnets, ribbons, etc., and occasionally thread-lace and velvet. Furniture also, for common chairs were 12/ apiece. There was probably a coopershop, for barrels were in great demand. A blacksmith shop also in connection, as there are charges frequently made for work of this kind. The only difference between the general store of a hundred years since and the departmental store AN OLD LEDGER. 181 •eight every , were ;d for hange ' 'here tensive enston inds of fisher- cad ily ixuries t glass les and so pills :en, for s, etc., Irnitiire re was great tion, as iof this il store il store of the present is, that the wants of that age were less, and there were no bargain days ! Value of currency used one hundred years ago: York currency, $2.50 to the £. Eight York shillings, I2>^ cents, $1.00. Halifax currency, $4.00 to the £. Five shillings at 20 cents to the $1.00. The military accounts were kept in sterling money. Guineas, 21 shillings. Twenty shillings sterling ^i. The money in circulation was English and Spanish gold, Spanish silver dollars and quarters, York shill- ings and sixpences, copper pennies, half-pennies and farthings. Mr. Morris, an old resident of Beamsville, long since dead, gave the following anecdote of the War of 1 81 2. He had served as a volunteer and had fur- nished supplies for the troops. At the end of the war he came to Queen^:ton to receive his pay. He was paid in Spanish silver, which he put in canvas bags and started to walk to Beamsville. Before long the bags became very heavy. They were shifted from one pocket to another in the vain effort to make them balance. The money was at last taken from the bags, and divided in the best manner possible. " It was the first and only time in my life that I ever had too much money." CHAPTER XXII. MRS. GPOVER, OF SEATON HALL, COLBORNE. A FRIEND has placed in my hands certain " Recol- lections " of the school experiences and daily life of Mrs. Grover, of Colborne. The selections from them form a connecting link between the period when the settler had overcome the difficulties of the first settle- ment and the invasion of 1812. It shows how the women of Canada were educated after the war, and what was thought necessary for a finished education. Mrs. Grover's ancestry was from families who were most prominent in revolutionary times, and is an addition to the honored names of the U. E. Loyalists These /ecollections were written for her grandchildren when she was between seventy and eighty years ot age. Mrs. '"rover is the granddaughter of Matthew Goslee and Ann Schuyler mentioned in the following pages. No name stands higher in New York annals than that of her uncle, General Philip Schuyler, the brave soldier and courteous gentleman, of kindly heart to friend and foe, the wise counsellor and the right 182 MRS. GROVER, 0I< COLBORNE. 183 hand of Washington ; the two united by a friendship commencing before the Revolutionary War and end- ing onh- with th^ir lives. Such is the brief record of his noble life. It will, no doubt, be a matter of surprise to find that a woman who had suffered so cruelly in every way as did Ann Schuyler, should choose for a hus- band a Loyalist, and, turning away from all that was pleasant in the life of those days, resolve to share his lot in the Canadian wilderness. Mrs. Grover's recollections commence with the following obituaries. The precise dates are not given : In the Colborne Express, of 1850, appeared the following obituary : "On Monday, the 21st instant, 1850, in the village of Col- borne, at the residence of her son, Ann Schuyler, relict of the late Matthew Goslee, and mother of J. D. Goslee, Esq., in the 88th year of her age. " Mrs. Goslee was a niece of General Schuyler, of Revolu- tionary fame. She was born in Albany, and spent the early part of her life in the United States. She accompanied her husband at the end of the Revolutionary War, in 1783, to Canada, with other Loyalists. They left their home and their all from pure attachment to their sovereign, and suffered all the privations consequent upon settling in a new country. Mr. Goslee died in 1830, since which period the deceased lived with her son (her only child). She retained full possession of her faculties till the last hour of her life." Other obituaries follow, the dates not given : " Elizabeth Hamilton, cousin of Mrs. Goslee, and wife ot Alexander Hamilton, died in Washington on Thursday. The 184 MRS. GROVER, OF COLBORNE. remains were brought to New York City, and the funeral ser- vices took place in Trinity Church to-day at i o'clock. Mrs. Hamilton was the eldest daughter of General Philip Schuyler, born at the old family mansion, Albany ; married to Hamilton in that city, December, 1780. At the time of her marriage Hamilton was aide to Washington, with the rank of lieut.- colonelj and had just completed his twenty-fourth year. Mrs. Hamilton survived her husband over fifty years. Both she and her sister Catharine were cousins of Mrs. Goslee, whose obituary we publish to-day." Mrs. Grover copies from an old register the follow- ing marriages, celebrated in 1780 : " Married in Albany, Elizabeth Schuyler, eldest daughter of General Schuyler, to the gallant Hamilton,* aide to General Washington, with the battle guns of the Revolution firing a salute, and Liberty Bell ringing a merry peal." Again, two years later : " The marriage of Ann, niece to General Schuyler, at the old Manor House in Albany, to Matthew Goslee, a soldier of the Revolution, took place on the nth day of August, 1782." " Catharine, the second daughter of General Schuyler, married Colonel Cochran, and settled in Oswego. She visited Mrs. Goslee, and at her death the funeral sermon was printed and sent to Mrs. Grover's mother." " Mrs. Hamilton lived to be ninety-six years old. They had no children. Their graves are in Trinity church-yard, New York. Mrs. Goslee's mother died when she was quite young. Her father and only brother were killed at the same time, fighting on the Revolutionary side. General Washington, before those troublous times, had been god-father to her cousins, EHzabeth and Catharine Schuyler, and herself." *Alexander Hamilton, killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, Vice-Presi- dent of the United States, July nth, 1804. MRS. GROVER, OF COLBORNE. 185 There are many anecdotes connected with these " recollections." One that Hamilton and Aaron Burr came together to General Schuyler's, and were given a cup of coffee by the sisters, Hamilton saying, as he took the cup, " May the Lord preserve you." In an old letter of Kate Schuyler's she says, " I have cut Aaron Burr, never to speak to him again." An anecdote of Washington and General Wayne is given, very characteristic of both. Washington asked General Wayne if he could storm Stony Point and take it from Clinton, who had strongly fortified it. " I will storm hell if you will plan it. General," was the reply. " Try Stony Point first," said Washington, solemnly. Wayne did, and took it on the evening of July i6th, 1779. Mrs. Grover gives a selection from an old song, popular in 1776, evidently written to show the Mother Country how well the colonists lived : " On turkeys, fowls and fishes Most frequently they dine ; With gold and silver dishes Their tables always shine. " Wine sparkles in their glasses, They spend the time away In merriment and dances In North America." Mrs. Grover describes the scene where her errand- mother, seated on the fence under a cherry tre^'e saw her father and brother, with a company of volunteers 186 MRS. GROVER, OF COLBORNE. march to their last battle, and heard her brother's parting words, " Look out you don't fall, Sis ! " Through the afternoon, from this position, she listened to the boom of the cannon, and saw their defeat. She then ordered a colored man, their slave, to saddle two horses and secrete them, until needed, in a hickory grove near by. Her friends were rushing past, telling every one to save themselves, for the British were ■ 'ctorious and were burning their homes and driving off *' 'jir cattle. They saw the burning barns and knew their homes would soon follow. Her father's last letter had told that her uncle, General Schuyler, was stationed in the Jersey woods. With her attendant she rode night and day to put herself under his pro- tecting care. While passing through a wood on the second day they saw tents in the distance, and hur- ried on till stopped by a sentinel with the command, " Dismount." The girl was suspected of being a spy. She stood on the ground and began to tell her pitiful story, while the slave was trying to disengage an enormous horse-pistol from his garments. Just at that time a young officer came riding up, and she noticed that his red coat showed one sleeve gone, and the place supplied by a blood-stained bandage. She knew at once that she was in the enemy's camp, with the evidences of battle surrounding her. She was weak and faint for want of food, and wearied with her long ride. The officer sent for food and wine, and told the colored man to put up his pistol, " for the young lady will come to no harm. Is she your mis- i MRS. GROVER, OF COLBORNE. 187 rother's SI )) IS ! listened defeat. o saddle hickory t, telling ish were riving off nd knew ler's last yler, was ittendant r his pro- od on the and hur- ;ommand, ing a spy. her pitiful ngage an Just at , and she gone, and age. She :amp, with She was d with her wine, and I, *' for the ; your mis- tress, and who i he? " he asked. " Yes, massa ; she is my mistress, IViiss Annie Schuyler. The Britishers have killed my massa and Mr. Philip, then burn us up, and we run away to find my missus' uncle. We thought he was in these woods ; guess we're mis- taken." " My God ! " exclaimed the officer, " a niece of General Schuyler in this wood with no protection but this slave ! " He begged her to take the food. When she had done so he assisted her to remount her horse, and, leading the way, gave the necessary directions, following which, a few hours after, she found herself with her uncle at his headquarters. From there she was sent to the old Schuvler mansion near Albany, and remained with her cousins until her marriage, which was from his house and with his approval. It was there she again met the officer who had shown her such considerate kindness in those hours of bereavement, defeat and danger. Scarlet riding-habits were the fashion of that time. The one worn on that memorable day was afterwards made into a cloak with a chapeau, long used during her Canadian life, and the saddle is now in Mrs. Grover's possession. Matthew Goslee was the name of this brave man, who afterwards became her hus- band. His family lived in Maryland, and six brothers served in the Continental Army. He served under Cornwallis, and was in the 33rd Foot, participating in many battles of the Revolution. He was with Corn- wallis in his unfortunate campaign, and was amc ig those who gave up their swords at the surrender of 188 MRS. GROVE R, OF COLBORNE. A) Yorktovvn, October nth, 1781. He ever referred to this as the most unhappy day of his life. Mr. Goslee owned a plantation and fifty slaves. These were confiscated at the close of the war. The plantation was bought in by his brothers and offered to be restored if he would return and live there. He chose, however, the life of the Loyalists along with his faithful wife, Ann Schuyler. Mr. Goslee settled near Colborne, and had 1,000 acres of land. The log-house was built among the pines to protect it from the heat of summer and the cold of winter. They lived the old story of the settler's life in its earliest days ; the log-house with its immense fire-place and the large logs piled upon each other. Here the Indians, hungry and almost naked, slept before the fire. In Matthew Goslee's house they ever found help and shelter. The only son and child of Matthew Goslee married at twenty-one the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist, and settled beside the old homestead, only a stream dividing them. They had three daughters and one son. One of the daughters was Mrs. Grover. She was born and lived for many years in her grand- father's house, and was ever asking from both her grandparents " stories about the war." They will not be given here, as they are familiar to the readers of American history, and corroborative of what has been so often told. She tells of her dress of striped linen, spun and woven by her mother, the stripe MRS. GROVER, OF COLBORNE. 189 rred to slaves. •. The offered •e. He ig with d i,ooo Dng the and the of the ise with ed upon I almost IGoslee's married list, and stream and one 2r. She • grand- )oth her will not ;aders of hat has striped le stripe brown, colored from the bark of the butternut tree. " Grandfather made me shoes from cloth." The main road ran past her grandfather's house, with the " forest primeval " on each side. In summer they went in an ox-cart when not on horseback ; in winter with a sleigh. Mrs. Grover's school life com- menced with her grandfather taking her to the school, which was a log building and kept by a young man whose name was Daniel Cummings, a member of the Bcptist Church. Mr. Goslee would put the child on horseback, hang her lunch basket on the horn of the saddle, and lead the horse to the school, coming for her at four o'clock. There she learned her A B C's, but " never mastered the multiplication table ! " She was sent to an American boarding-school when twelve years old, much against her grandfather's wishes, where she stayed a year without coming home. At that school Harriet Beecher, afterwards the celebrated Mrs. Stowe, graduated the same year. Many Canadians were there. She gives some of her studies — geography, history, rhetoric, philosophy, mythology. With the others she made a drawing of the map of the world, which pleased her father very much. She made a drawing, also, of a mourning piece with a large tombstone and a lady standing under a weeping willow. While absent the beloved grand- father died. He could never be prevailed upon to visit the United States. On her return home she came partly by the stage coach and the Erie Canal to I 190 MRS. GROVE R, OF COLBORNE. Rochester, and then crossed the lake to Presqu' Isle, where she was met by her father and taken home. The following year the young student was taken to York (now Toronto) to the school of the Misses Purcell and Rose. This was in May, 183 1, her father giving her a ring engraved with her initials and $25 for spending money during the term. The school was under the patronage of Lady Colborne, whose husband was Governor at that time. She gives the names of the teachers, and the persons attending the school, who were the daughters of the leading people in Ontario. " Miss Purcell was like a mother to us, and the school life was happiness and perfection." She tells of an invitation from Lady Colborne for the school to attend a bazaar, and for which a holiday was given. " On the day appointed we marched down the street, two teachers in front, two behind, and the boarders two by two between them. The soldiers of the 71st Highlanders lined the corridors and room where the bazaar was held, and their band gave such heavenly music. I was fifteen then, and had never seen soldiers dressed in this manner, and I felt my face redden as I saw the bare knees. Their bearskin caps, too, surprised me. The tables were beautiful. Lady Colborne was at one, and her sister, Miss Young, at another. The young ladies at the dififerent tables wore white dresses, and small black silk aprons with pockets. Sir John was present, walking up and down the hall and leading his little daughter by the hand. I knew he had been at Waterloo, and I thought of Washington, Cornwallis, and the people I had heard grandfather talk about." Our narrator met at (.♦■her times two ladies in deep mourning, one a Miss Shaw, the fiancee of General I MRS. GROVE R, OF COLBORNE. 191 [u' Isle, )me. s taken Misses r father md $25 : school , whose ives the ding the \ people er to us, faction." 2 for the holiday treet, two 'o by two lined the heir band lad never ce redden surprised IS at one, ladies at Dlack silk g up and hand. I shington, k about." in deep General Brock, who wore black to the day of her death, and a Miss Givens, " who was engaged to a son of Sir Peregrine Maitland by his first wife. This gentleman went to England for his health, and died on the return trip. Miss Givens lived to be ninety-one years of age, faithful to the love of her youth. I never forgot that beautiful day in June, and can see it still." Mrs. Grover's house in Colborne, in after years, was named, in memory of those pleasant days, " Seaton Hall," Sir John Colborne having become Lord Seaton. The recollections do not say what was studied in the Toronto School, but there were " pencil drawings, wonderful embroideries, with shaded silks to imitate engravings, and still more wonderful samplers." They had a French dancing-master, but the waltz and the polka were unheard of After her return home at Christmas time there were private theatri- cals, her brother figuring as David, and a very tall serving man as Goliath. They had an ancient piano, and her brother had a guitar for serenades. Mrs. Grover tells of a trip to New York with her father and mother, driving from her home to Brigh- ton, taking tea at Preiqu' Isle, and leaving there by steamer for Charlotte, the port for Rochester, United States. They stayed there two days, visiting places around the city. From there they went by the Erie Canal to Albany. The boat was drawn by three horses abreast, and they thought it a most delightful way of travelling. 192 MRS. GROVER, OF COLBORNE. ** Twenty miles this side of Albany we saw the first railroad and enjoyed the change ; then on a floating palace from Albany to New York. . , . New York City was a wonder to us. I supplied myself with everything new. Father took us to the Park Theatre. We heard Tyrone Power, who was afterwards lost on the ill-fated President. Father hired a private carriage and we drove about the city, Brooklyn and various places on Long Island Sound. We were in New York six weeks, and greatly admired the character of the people. While in New York we were present at the farewell of Fanny Kemble to the stage, and were fortunate in having good seats. The play was ' The Wife,' and the Opera House and all other places of amusement were closed, as every one wished to hear the talented actress for the last time. The house was full, and she acquitted herself worthy of her fame before the assembly of beauty and fashion. The excitement of feeling was of the most intense nature. Smiles, tears, wit, applause congregated there to give a dazzling effect to the whole. Many who had never entered a theatre before flocked to hear the great Kemble and his daughter as she took her farewell. At the end they came forward, and Mr. Kemble said, ' We bid you farewell,' amid the waving of handkerchiefs, fans, play bills, etc. After our return father sold his land and moved into Colborne. My sister went to school in Montreal, my brother to college. My father bought a horse for me, and I ever used the Revolu- tionary saddle." Well might Mrs. Grover say : "Those lives were noble in their missions, strong in their fortitude, sublime in their patience, and tenderly humane in unselfishness and neighborliness. Often my grandmother, after her own duties for the day were ended, would carry a pine torch and wave it to protect herself from wild animals while going through the woods to a neighbor whom sickness or death had visited. It may be these are better times, but the more we catch the spirit of those days the nearer we shall be to nature's God.*' t railroad ace from a wonder ther took who was • hired a iklyn and slew York B people, of Fanny )od seats. [ all other ;d to hear I full, and assembly 'as of the igregated who had t Kemble end they farewell,' c. After -ne. My ;ge. My Revolu- j in their amane in dmother, 1 carry a animals :kness or s, but the lall be to CHAPTER XXIII. CONCLUSION. It has been the aim „f the writer in these Reminis- cences to recall the hi^jh character of the mothers of th.s Domm,on. They were indeed worthy helpmeets of the men who levelled the forests and cleared the broad acres of their new home. With unwearied pat.ence these women shared their varied toils ■ with qu.e, fortitude endured the separation from kindred and the homes oftheir youth to bear with them the lardsh.ps and the isolation of the settler's life with a oyalty and courage always rising to meet whatever the occasion and duty demanded There is no place that is not rich in local history. It IS the duty of those who live among the men and women who made it, to gather their story and pre- serve the,r traditions before they are lost forever that the names of these worthy pioneers shall not be for gotten and their services to the country remain un- appreciated. .A great statesman said, that "people who never look back to their ancestors will Z look forward to posterity," and it is good advice for the past and the present. Strangers visiting amon,. us have noticed this forgetfulness. ^^ 193 194 CONCLUSION. Mrs. Jamieson, the wife of an early vice-chancellor, came to Canada late in the year 1836. She had two objects in view — to see Niagara Falls, and to study for herself the characteristics of our Indian tribes. She did both. It was her privilege to meet the Indians under conditions seldom offered to anyone. She staid amon^ them and saw the better side of the best men and best women of their race. She bears witness to the disabilities under which the Indian lived — the vain effort to escape the temptations set for him at every step, by the pernicious example of the white man, and victimized by the covetousness which robbed him of his lands for the most meagre compensation. Her keen observation saw other things, for she com- mented upon the political life and the mistakes of that stormy period. More than these, she saw with honest indignation the position of Canadian women, and with what silent fortitude they bore their lot. Mrs. Moodie and Mrs. Traill came to Canada in 1832. The remainder of their lives were spent in this Province. They have given to the world their experi- ences as settlers in " Roughing it in the Bush " and " The Backwoods of Canada." They helped our literature, and did much to make our country known in the old land from which they came. They, too, bear witness to the industry and kinaness of our women. Let us not forget, as we recall the memories of the dying past, the tribute due to the living present. History is repeating itself before our ex'es. The Doukhobortsi, now making homes for themselves and their children on the prairies of the great North- West, CONCLUSION. 195 may show the same gratitude t(j the friends who brought them across the seas, as did the Huguenots and the homeless sufferers of the Palatine. Their women, who, yoked together, with relieving ranks, turned the sod of the fertile prairies, arc also training their sons and daughters to be our helpers and de- fenders in the years to come. On every hand women are working in the " strife for truths which men believe not now." Thrf)Ugh many difficulties and much opposition women can now enter the open doors of the University and Col- leges to that higher education which men and women alike need. Both have a common interest in the great questions of the day. An intelligent comprehension of these questions is not above woman's capabilities, nor are they un needing of her help. Women rise or fall as thc)' understand the duties which the age brings ujion them. While they choose their vocation in life the\' should remember with gratitude the patient years of study, the unobtrusive and undaunted courage, with which Miss Martin has won this right for herself and others. The story of Laura Sccord is again presented to the public with the hope that the time has arrived when our people will unite to erect a monument worthy of the courage and patriotism it will repre- sent. But for Mrs. Curzon Miss Secord's name would have only been a foot-note in history. In rescuing her name from oblivion she gave an inspiration which it is our duty to perpetuate.