The Simcoe Loyalist. Book Your Calendars

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1 The Simcoe Loyalist Newsletter of the Governor Simcoe Branch of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada. Volume XLIII, Issue #1, January Inside this Issue: Upcoming Events; Sat Feb 11; Wed Mar 1 1 Norfolk Family Roots by Sandy McNamara 2 Dec. meeting goodies; Thx Anne and Erin 3 Christmas Black Creek 4 Anne Neuman President s Message 4 New Bylaws (AGM) & Membership Renewal 5 Hostages to Fortune by Peter C. Newman 5 War of 1812: Major John Button 7 Upcoming meetings: Saturday 11 Feb. 12 noon for 12:30 lunch Potluck Lunch: Arrive between noon and 12:30 for 12:30 lunch. This is a potluck so bring about the same amount of food you would normally eat at a luncheon. Last year there were many desserts and little first course. "Women's Fashion and the Great War" by Diane Reid UE and Sarah Walker With the 100th Anniversary of the Votes for Women and the Great War, take this World War I fashion and historical journey. The Great War changed forever the ideas and fashion for women. Highlights of fashion from the Gilded age to the Great War will be presented. See what the clothing looked like not just in photos or on a table, but on models. Displays will add context and additional details. Another sensory dimension - a musical touch - will bring things to life - maybe have you dancing in the aisles! Diane and Sarah have presented to the branch on former occasions to great acclaim; this one not to be missed. Sarah is a costume maker and Diane does the research and history of the appropriate period. Their collaboration has produced themes that will specifically fit with a theme chosen by the organization's program. Like the one this afternoon. John G. Simcoe. Born in Cotterstock, Northamptonshire, Simcoe entered the army in 1770, and during the American Revolution commanded the 1st American Regiment (Queen's Rangers). In 1791 he was appointed the first Lieutenant-Governor of the newly formed Province of Upper Canada. During his energetic administration, he improved communications, encouraged immigration and founded York (Toronto). In 1796 he returned to Wolford, his estate in Devonshire, England, but during 1797 served as Governor and military commander in British-occupied St. Domingo (Haiti). He commanded the Western Military District, , when England was threatened with French invasion. Appointed Commander-in-Chief of India in 1806, Simcoe died before taking up that post. (Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque at Queen s Park.) Book Your Calendars Next Gov. Simcoe Branch Meetings/Events Regular meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, October to May, at St. David s Towers, in the Community Room, 51 Donlands Ave. at the Danforth, 7:00 pm for 7:30 meeting. Feb 11, Sat., Potluck Luncheon, 1917 clothing Wed Mar 1, Toronto s early Loyalists Wed Apr. 5, Potluck Montgomery Inn Late April? Special meeting north of Toronto More details on later meetings in next issues. The Governor Simcoe Branch preserves and promotes Loyalist heritage with the assistance of a Grant from the province of Ontario. January 2017 Simcoe Loyalist Page 1

"Loyalists of Toronto" by Richard Fiennes- Clinton Although the first significant settlement of York (now Toronto) by Europeans began in 1793 with the move of the capital of Upper Canada from Newark

He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called "Muddy York - A History of Toronto Until 1834".

2 "Loyalists of Toronto" by Richard Fiennes- Clinton Although the first significant settlement of York (now Toronto) by Europeans began in 1793 with the move of the capital of Upper Canada from Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake), Loyalists played a role. Richard Fiennes-Clinton has operated an historical walking tour company called "Muddy York Walking Tours" for many years. He is also the recent author of a book on Toronto's early history called "Muddy York - A History of Toronto Until 1834". This presentation will draw on a lot of Richard's research into his published work. April Meetings: Wed. April 5 Potluck at Montgomery Inn. Buy your ticket for the April potluck at the February or March meeting. You will be able reserve or buy by , phone or Canada Post more details to come Late April: We are planning a meeting to be held north of Toronto, probably in late April. Speaker and location are being arranged. Watch for more details. Sandra McNamara: Loyalist Family Roots As advertised, Sandy spoke about her Loyalist families of Norfolk County where she has many roots. To note a couple: Rev. Jabez Culver came from Morris County, NJ and considerable property was owned in Sussex County, NJ near Culver Lake and Culver Gap. At one time, Rev. Jabez Culver was Sandy McNamara (right) and a guest Free street parking in evenings on: a. Strathmore Blvd east of Donlands b. East side of Donlands north of Strathmore c. On Glebeholme east of Donlands a Pastor near Deckertown, NJ at the Beemer Meeting House. During the Revolutionary War, his sympathies were to the British, but to save his property in New Jersey he became Washington s chaplain. Rev. Jabez Culver UE travelled to Newark to consult with Governor Simcoe. In this meeting he was promised land: 600 acres for himself; 400 acres for each married child and 200 acres for each unmarried child. In 1794 he built the first log house in the township on Lot 1, Conc 12, Windham. The land was heavily timbered with Turkey Point being used as a common pasture ground. Rev. Jabez Culver UE became the first ordained preacher of the area. The log cabin Rev. Collver built served as the first house of worship for local Methodists. He was referred to as a Roving Reverend (Circuit Rider) who rode about the country side in an early cart. He is given credit for organizing the congregations at Turkey Point, Windham and Oakland. The Old Woodhouse Church features an original stain glass window dedicated to Rev. Culver. Peter Wyckoff UE 4th great-grandfather. His ancestral home - The Wyckoff Farm house built in has been preserved as the Wyckoff Museum in Brooklyn, NY; the plaque notes it as the oldest structure in New York City. Sandy was thrilled to visit it. January 2017 Simcoe Loyalist Page 2

Peter Wyckoff UE was born 25 Oct 1765 in New Amsterdam, NY in this house. He settled with his wife, Catherine Plato at the foot of the mountain near St. Catharines, Ontario and had three children.

When the youngest child was but three months, in 1797 Peter Wyckoff returned to Long Island on a matter of family business.

3 Peter Wyckoff UE was born 25 Oct 1765 in New Amsterdam, NY in this house. He settled with his wife, Catherine Plato at the foot of the mountain near St. Catharines, Ontario and had three children. Two sons, John and Peter and a daughter Margaret. All his children were born in Canada. His death is somewhat of a mystery. When the youngest child was but three months, in 1797 Peter Wyckoff returned to Long Island on a matter of family business. He was never seen again, and was presumed robbed and murdered as he had collected a large sum of money. Thankyou Sandy for sharing these family histories with us. Christmas Goodies: Thanks Anne and Erin Although Erin organizes tea after each of our meetings, she and her mother Anne go all at Christmas. They not only provide extra special goodies for us to enjoy at tea time, but they also donate several gift items. Tickets are raffled, winning tickets drawn and the lucky ones take home an unexpected Christmas gift. The winners of the raffle prizes shown in upper photo were (front, l to r) Shannon Johnson and Linda Engel. (Rear) James Davidson and Robert Heath. Colin Heath at right rear managed the raffle. Winners: James Davidson, Robert and Colin Heath Shannon Johnson and Linda Engel. Joyce Deyong, Jo Ann Tuskin, Erin Tanner, Richard Poaps, and James Davidson President E. Anne Heath Neuman UE 3399 Vandorf Rd RR#4 Stouffville ON L4A 7X Secretary & Genealogist: Jo Ann Tuskin UE Unit Fundy Bay Blvd Scarborough M1W 3A Newsletter, Program, Sales: Doug Grant UE S George St. Toronto ON M5A 2M Executive for 2016/7: Vice President & OutReach (vacant) Membership Lionel Collier UE Unit 8-B, 256 Jarvis St. Toronto ON M5B 2J Member at Large: Robert Heath UE 15 Patika Ave. Weston, ON M9N 2E Past President, Treasurer Colin Heath UE 114 John St Toronto, ON, M9M 1J Refreshments Erin Tanner 190 Ranleigh Ave. Toronto ON M4N 1X January 2017 Simcoe Loyalist Page 3

Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Diane Reid and Toronto Branch organized a Christmas dinner at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The weather was perfect fresh snow had fallen the evening before.

Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Books for Sale at the December Meeting Proceeds to the UELAC Scholarship Fund Members of both branches and friends arriving.

Where did 2016 go?? Happy New Year to one and All. The Gov. Simcoe Executive wish you the best of health and happiness in 2017. This year's weather is quite different from last year at this time.

They were happy to return home to 50*F temperatures and no snow. We will not have a January meeting so.

4 Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Diane Reid and Toronto Branch organized a Christmas dinner at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The weather was perfect fresh snow had fallen the evening before. The scenery was - well, like you would imagine an old-fashioned Christmas. Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Books for Sale at the December Meeting Proceeds to the UELAC Scholarship Fund Members of both branches and friends arriving. Roblin s Mill would make a perfect Christmas Card Anne and Danny Neuman and Victoria Heath in the serving area in the Halfway House at Black Creek. President's Message It is now Where did 2016 go?? Happy New Year to one and All. The Gov. Simcoe Executive wish you the best of health and happiness in This year's weather is quite different from last year at this time. Christmas time was busy at the Neuman's place. We had many family members over for the 25th dinner. Some family members were up here from North Carolina. They were happy to return home to 50*F temperatures and no snow. We will not have a January meeting so... the first meeting of the new year is Saturday, February 11 th in St David's Tower Basement Meeting Room. We gather for the Potluck Lunch 12 noon with a start at 12 :30 pm. Diane Reid UE and Sarah Walker are our guests speakers. They will talk and show us "Women's Fashion and the Great War". This is a meeting not to be missed. Please bring guests with you also. In March we will have our meeting on the first Wednesday of the month... March 1st. Part of this evening time will be set aside for our Annual General Meeting. It is at this time that we elect a new slate of officers who will lead us for the next year. Please come out and support your executive at this time. January 2017 Simcoe Loyalist Page 4

Membership renewals are now due. If you have already sent/given your dues to the Membership Chair, Lionel Collier UE, we thank you. If not, please send your dues to Lionel now.

Anne Neuman UE - President Governor Simcoe Branch UELAC Bylaws Notice is hereby given that a motion to accept revised Bylaws for the Governor Simcoe Branch will be put forward at the Annual General

5 Membership renewals are now due. If you have already sent/given your dues to the Membership Chair, Lionel Collier UE, we thank you. If not, please send your dues to Lionel now. We certainly would not want you to miss out on the UELAC Gazette and our own Simcoe Loyalist newsletter. Looking forward to seeing you at the February 11th Potluck Lunch meeting. Anne Neuman UE - President Governor Simcoe Branch UELAC Bylaws Notice is hereby given that a motion to accept revised Bylaws for the Governor Simcoe Branch will be put forward at the Annual General Meeting to be held at 7:30PM on Wednesday March 1 in the Community Room at St. David s Towers, 51 Donlands Ave. in Toronto. All current members of the Branch are eligible to vote at the meeting. The bylaws were last revised in In 2013 the UELAC revised its bylaws and the current Gov. Simcoe Branch bylaws no longer align with those. The proposed bylaws will resolve that problem. A copy of the proposed bylaws can be requested by contacting the Secretary Jo Ann Tuskin (see page 3) after January 20, Membership Renewal Many people have now renewed their membership for Thank you for helping to make this task easier. If you have yet to do so, please return the enclosed information with your payment. For more information please contact Lionel Collier or Jo Ann Tuskin (see page 3). UELAC Conference 2017 June 22-25, 2017, at the Delta Armoury Hotel in London, ON, co-hosted by London & Western Ontario Branch and Grand River Branch. Details will be forthcoming. In the meantime, mark your calendar. Jo Ann Tuskin and friend Maureen at Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Heritage Village The sheep seemed a little wary of the snow Hostages to Fortune by Peter C. Newman The First Anglo-Canadians. Reviewed by Alastair Browne The American Revolution produced not one, but two countries: the United States and Canada. This book tells of the American Revolution, the settling of Canada, and the subsequent War of 1812 from the Loyalist point of view. The American Loyalists fled to Canada to build what became a new nation loyal to the British Crown. The author, Peter Newman, as he wrote this book, had a British Union Flag, pre-1801 (before the cross of St. Patrick was added) proudly hanging in his study. "Hostages to Fortune" explains the history of Canada's beginnings from the American Revolution onward. It focuses on one family in different stages of the book; the Jarvises from Plainville, Connecticut. Another subject is General Simcoe of the Queen s Rangers, a Loyalist regiment, though he himself was British. January 2017 Simcoe Loyalist Page 5

6 Although the Revolutionary Wars was a bloodbath, Simcoe did not tolerate any disobedience or transgressions from his soldiers. Plundering and abusing any civilians was strictly forbidden; he sentenced two of his own soldiers to death for raping an American woman. Written from a Loyalist point of view, the author does give justice to the American patriots in both wars: the revolution and the War of Britain s victory in the French and Indian War in 1763 landed them all the lands in North America, but resulted in an enormous war debt. They expected the American colonists to pay their share. This included the Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, the Currency Act (restricting the printing of money), and many colonists were forced to quarter British soldiers against their will. The climax was the infamous Boston Tea Party. Grievances were expressed, but the British government refused to hear them. Colonists wanted representatives in Parliament, but the British refused. British statesmen willing to redress the grievances of the colonists were in the minority, and were pushed aside by King George III and Parliament. Had they been listened to, the colonists never would have rebelled. But they did in 1775, to preserve their rights as Englishmen. Only a year later they declared their independence. The war is described in detail. It was fierce and bloody, with American turning on American. If one just simply voiced their opinion for the Crown, they were considered traitors and were persecuted. They were lynched, their homes were burned, looted, and sometimes even the women were mutilated. There were no limits to what humans did to one another. The Loyalist reacted in the same manner. America's first Civil War. The author states that America was divided into two groups, but there were really three; one third were Patriots, one third were Loyalists, and one third didn't give a damn. The Loyalists formed regiments and fought just as fiercely as the Patriots. They had help from the Indians, especially the Iroquois. The Patriots fared badly at first; General George Washington lost far more battles than he won. The war could have been won for the British had it not been for the blunder of a few British generals. Also, France stepped in, increasing the Brits' disadvantage even more. Fast forward to Yorktown: the Patriots got their country; the Loyalists were driven into Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Upper Canada forming a settlement called York, now Toronto. A few chapters focus on the hardships of the Loyalists in Canada. Settling of this new land was harsh. They built log cabins, but the winters were cold and bitter. There was a lack of food; many did not survive. Those who did grew stronger, and homesteaded their land. Again, the author does justice for the Americans in the War of There were three main reasons for the war. One, American ships at sea were being impressed by the British Navy, forcing American crewmen onto their ships to serve in the British forces. Two, there were British forts in the American Northwest Territories, supplying Indians with guns and denying American pioneers settlement in the frontier of their own country. Three, the American's wanted to annex Canada, not so justifiable for the Americans. In almost every attack on Canadian soil, the Americans were beaten off by the Loyalists. This is because the Loyalists, due to the climate and the Canadian frontier, were hard core, fierce, and determined never to lose their land to the Americans again. This is Canada's point of view, and from the way they see it, they won the war, with help from the British, by not being conquered or losing an inch of their territory. From the American viewpoint, the U.S. eventually gained complete freedom of the seas and got the British off U.S. soil. Canada was granted independence in 1867 and they have maintained their pride in British- Canadian history. What this book is pointing out is that there was no shame in being a Loyalist for the British in the American Revolution. Beginning in 1830, there was massive immigration to Canada from the British Isles and later Europe, eventually diluting the American Loyalist pedigree in Canada. Immigration continues to this day, but from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The original British-Canadians were Americans. It can be said that had it not been for the American Revolution, Canada today would not exist. January 2017 Simcoe Loyalist Page 6

We first hear of John Button in a land petition dated 1798 in which he is asking for a lot in the Town of York, and 200 acres elsewhere.

War of 1812, Major John Button Around 1810, in response to unrest, John Button (of Markham Twp) organized a group of neighbours and friends into a cavalry unit which came to be called Captain John

7 We first hear of John Button in a land petition dated 1798 in which he is asking for a lot in the Town of York, and 200 acres elsewhere. He says he has been in Upper Canada since the 6th of February last and we know that the petition was made from Crowland Twp in Niagara County, where he says he has relatives that have been long settled in the Province. He shortly had various pieces of property in Markham Township, York County, eventually acquiring 300 acres in Concession 4 lots 14 and 15, where Buttonville cemetery now is located. War of 1812, Major John Button Around 1810, in response to unrest, John Button (of Markham Twp) organized a group of neighbours and friends into a cavalry unit which came to be called Captain John Button s Troop of Markham Dragoons (aka Button s Troop). This was the first troop of cavalry raised in Upper Canada and was attached to the North York Regiment of Militia. The Troop performed admirable service in York, Niagara, and Detroit. John s son Francis, about 18 at the time, was one of the despatch [sic] riders between York and Kingston. A number of the Troop were taken prisoner in 1813 when the Fort at York fell to the American Troops. Following the war, the troop did not disband, but was active during the 1837 Rebellion and the Fenian Raids in Tradition has it that command of the regiment was passed on to the eldest son. At some point, they became known as D Squadron of the Governor General s Body Guard which is now known as the Governor General s Horse Guards. Captain John Button gave a lot for a church and school to the local Methodists in 1830; he divided part of his land into 1/4 acre lots and convinced his neighbour across the road to do the same, and so in the late 1840s / early 1850s we find the beginning of the village of Buttonville come into being. As part of the celebrations for the War of 1812, the Federal government had a program of recognition for those who saw service during the War of Judi Tomlinson, cousin of Jo Ann Tuskin, organized a ceremony at Buttonville Cemetery for the Official Unveiling of the War of 1812 Veteran Plaques for Major John Button and his son Colonel Francis Button. Jo Ann and Patrick Tuskin with Governor General s Horse Guards This ceremony took place on Saturday 25 June 2016, a beautiful sunny day. The City of Markham provided tents, tables, chairs, flags and planters with red geraniums (the flower of remembrance for the 1812 War) both for the podium and for the grave sites. Remarks were given by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham; Lorne Smith, City of Markham Historian; Ruth Burkholder, Genealogist; and Jo Ann Tuskin UE, descendant of John and Francis Button. Also participating were representatives from the Governor General s Horse Guards, including Trooper Kevin Joyce, also a descendant of John and Francis Button.

Following the unveiling ceremony, refreshments were provided during a time to socialize and review the Button family information and artifacts provided by Judi and Jo Ann.

As a representative of the Family, I thank you for participating in this special ceremony of Honour and Remembrance for John Button and his son Francis, ancestors of many of us and the reason we are

You have heard from Ruth Burkholder a brief history of John Button and his contributions to Markham and Ontario militarily, politically and socially.

8 Following the unveiling ceremony, refreshments were provided during a time to socialize and review the Button family information and artifacts provided by Judi and Jo Ann. Acknowledgements: information provided by Ruth Burkholder. Remarks by Jo Ann Tuskin UE During the Ceremony Mayor Scarpitti, Councillors, Guests, Friends, and most of all, Family! As a representative of the Family, I thank you for participating in this special ceremony of Honour and Remembrance for John Button and his son Francis, ancestors of many of us and the reason we are here. The red geranium is the flower of remembrance for the War of 1812, and I thank the city for providing them here today. You have heard from Ruth Burkholder a brief history of John Button and his contributions to Markham and Ontario militarily, politically and socially. From this small community our family has spread across Ontario and out into the world. What I don t tell my students when I do History presentations, is, that when I was in school, History was boring, until I started on my family tree. I had not made much progress with my Munro family until a classmate, also working on her Munro family, came in to class exclaiming that she had Buttons everywhere! I knew I had Button cousins also, did some research, and we literally put our family trees together like a jigsaw puzzle and discovered that we are 3 rd and 4 th cousins! That s when I found that my family was involved with early Ontario History and that made it personal. Now, we have real connections to the events of 200 years ago it is not just pictures and stories in books. Now the names on tombstones belong to real people that are connected to me and the events of that long ago war had an impact on my/our family. Now we can come to know these ancestors of ours we have their pictures, their letters, their signatures and their legacy of service to the community and the country. We have the town, the Troop and our family. We see what can be achieved with Councillor, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Jo Ann Tuskin, Councillor Last Remembrance Day, a cousin brought a wreath of remembrance to John Button s grave marker and a note that I would like to share with you now: This Remembrance Day wreath is dedicated to Major John Button who was a big part of Canadian history. I have just been reading all about you recently and I am very proud of all your accomplishments. You have provided us with a rich family history. I'm very proud to be a Canadian. Sincerely, Theresa Ormisher This is our family. We will remember them. Jo Ann and her family determination and vision; and we can carry on their legacy of service and contribution to our own local communities and organizations, and to our Country. Thank you Jo Ann (left), City of Markham Dignitaries and Button Family descendants

American Revolut ion Test

American Revolut ion Test 1. * Was fought at Charlestown, near Boston * Took place on Jun e 17, 1775 * Was a victory for the British Which Revolutionary war battle is described above? a. The Battle of