Grand River Branch UELAC Branches Volume 23, Issue 2 Nov 2011 Executive: President: Secretary: Corresponding Secretary: Treasurer: Genealogist: Membership: Paul Gray 37 Manitoulin Crescent Kitchener, ON N2A 3J4 519-893-5631 paul_gray@rogers.com Marilyn E. McMillan 91 Elmhurst Ave. Simcoe ON N3Y 3G1 519-426-3875 m.m.mcmillan@sympatico.ca William Terry 304-4 Oak St Simcoe ON N3Y 3J3 519-428-4177 charles@kwic.com Ellen Tree 114 Delatre St. Woodstock ON N4S 6B9 519-537-7437 jtree7437@rogers.com Cathy Thompson 13 Backus Dr. Box 174 Port Rowan ON N0E 1M0 519-586-3325 cathyanddon@live.ca Alison Smith 1106-10 Highland Crescent Kitchener, ON N2M 5C2 519-742-9659 We shall remember them All interested members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings, which are held March through November each year, USUALLY the third Sunday at 2:30 pm. For meeting details and other information, be sure to visit our website at: www.grandriveruel.ca 2011 Committees Education/Outreach: Eva Brook Donley Liaison: Jack Beamer Librarian: Jerry Tree Newsletter: Sue Hines Privacy Officer: Robert McCarey Project 2014: William Terry/Sue Hines Refreshments: Donald and Carole Bates Chaplain: Rev. James Files Chiefswood Liaison: Doris Marcellus
Branches Nov 2011 Branches Nov. 2009 Page 2 Meetings for 2012 Meetings begin at 2:00 pm with a social ½ hour followed by the formal meeting 2:30-4:30 Maps to meetings enclosed March 18, 2012 Annual General Meeting - and showing of CD Unity of Empire: the Loyalist Settlement in Canada. This was produced by the Bay of Quinte Branch. April 15, 2012 May 20, 2012 The Fegan Home Children June 17, 2012 First Baptist Church 603 Adelaide Street, Woodstock Keith Hudson: The Scrapping Sky Pilot the life of Mr. Hudson's grandfather, the Rev. Robins, who grew up in Port Rowan, as a young man, in Detroit; then hearing the "Call" of God headed West to British Columbia in the late 1800's and founded Churches in Rossland, Golden and serve in Revelstock and Sandon, British Columbia. July 15, 2012 Aug 19, 2012 Sept 16, 2012 Oct 21, 2012 David Faux DNA Study of Adam Young November 18, 2012 This and That February 17, 2012 8:30-4:30 15th Annual Heritage Day Workshop and Celebration Grand River Watershed South Dumfries Community Centre & Arena Crossroads of Conflict, Pathways to Peace; Divided Loyalties Registration is free, but space is limited. Please contact: www.brant.ca or call 519-442-6324 ext 3023 to register. War of 1812 Canadian Military Heritage Museum Brantford Opens March 2012 www.cmhmhq.ca April 30, 2012 to May 1, 2012 Battle of Longwoods - Reenactment Location: Longwoods Road Conservation Area, Middlesex County, ON Price: $6.00 General. Every year, the Upper Thames Military Reenactment Society presents the Battle of Longwoods. Step back in time to March 4, 1814 as British troops attempt to expel American invaders. www.royal-scots.com/id5.html Websites of Interest: Trails of 1812 http://www.trailsof1812.com/ The War of 1812 http://www.warof1812.ca/ The War of 1812 http://www.eighteentwelve.ca/ Looking for a Good Read Strange Fatality The Battle of Stoney Creek, 1812 James E. Elliott The Civil War of 1812 Alan Taylor In the Midst of Alarms Dianne Graves
Page 3 Branches Nov 2011 Let's Colour the Grand River Region RED In June of 2012, we will mark the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. One area that saw fierce fighting was the Niagara region and what has been termed the "bloodiest battle" of that war was fought at Lundy's Lane. Some of our Loyalist ancestors participated in this war. Many saw their sons and grandsons leave their homes and families to join the conflict. Their wives, mothers, sisters and children all took part in this war, perhaps not carrying a musket, but certainly tending the farms, the shops, teaching lessons, operating the mills, etc. As most of us know, Niagara Falls, Ontario has seen a great deal of growth over the years. Some has been positive, some less so. As more and more growth occurred it became clear to some members of the community that the historic sites and landmarks were at serious risk of disappearing, being swallowed up by the many businesses that were springing up everywhere. One women, a teacher from Niagara Falls decided that she could slow this process by buying up properties in Niagara Falls. Although some companies approached her and offered her large sums of money for her land, she held on to it and in 1996, at the age of 93, she donated the land to the city of Niagara Falls with the understanding that it would be made into a park honouring all those who fought and died in battle. The teacher, whose name was Ruth Redmond died three years later at the age of 96. Since that time a number of people have been involved in looking at ways to honour her wishes and also to pay tribute to Ms. Redmond. It was suggested that the red geranium, Ms. Redmond's favourite flower, become the symbol of the War of 1812-14. A local MPP brought forward a private member's bill asking for the Province and for Canada to adopt the red geranium as the symbol of this forgotten war. Although I have made several attempts to confirm whether the bills received Royal Assent, I have not been able to confirm this. Regardless, this is a wonderful idea and I would like to encourage every member of Grand River Branch to plant red geraniums next summer. Some communities have already committed to this project. For Sale Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch Vol. II Hard Cover Book $80.00 + $15.00 S&H CD/DVD $25.00 + $5.00 S&H Volume I on CD only $20.00 + $5.00 S&H Sarah s Diary $8.00 + $2.00 S&H Send cheque or money order to Jerry Tree 114 Delatre St. Woodstock, ON N4S 6B9 519-537-7437 jtree7437@rogers.com June 7-10, 2012 Winnipeg, Manitoba Fort Gary Hotel Hosted by Manitoba Branch Kitchener's First Genealogy Fair Doris Lemon and some members of Grand River Branch participated in the first genealogy fair organized by the Kitchener Public Library at City Hall, October 29th. They were surprised at the number of people attending and, especially, the number seeking Loyalist ancestors. Doris Lemon gave a two-part talk "How to do Genealogy" and "Documenting your Loyalist in the UELAC" and Cynthia Stappels outlined helpful websites.
Branches Nov 2011 Branches May 2011 Loyalist Information Given to Ontario Students One Hundred Years Ago Page 4 Branches November N200 Angela E. M. Files In my small collection of early Ontario text books, I have the book entitled: The Ontario Public School History of Canada, Copyright 1910, by Morang Educational Company Ltd., reprinted 1911, 1912 and 1914. My own book is a 1915 edition. (Morang was purchased by MacMillan in 1912) Branches November 2008 There are 27 chapters in this history textbook, beginning with native history and ending with Ontario since Confederation 1897-1919 - and the formation of the Canadian Government. On pages 114-116 of my own textbook are four well-constructed paragraphs as follows: "The United Empire Loyalists. - The American Revolutionary War resulted in a very decided gain to the colony. Many thousands of British colonists, refusing to take up arms against their king, were forced by persecution to seek a new home under British rule. These outcasts became known in history by the honourable name of "United Empire Loyalists". During the war the feeling against the Loyalists was bitted in the extreme. Old neighbours and even relatives regarded them as traitors. After the war was over their property in many states was confiscated. The newcomers were warmly welcomed by Governor Haldimand who, at the close of the war, devoted himself to the task of providing for their settlement. It is estimated that between forty and fifty thousand Loyalists came to Quebec, the greatest movement taking place in the years 1783-1785. By sea to the shores of Nova Scotia, or up the Hudson to the western part of Quebec they came, swelling the population of almost every part of the country. Many settled in Nova Scotia; a smaller number in Cape Breton. In the valley of the St. John River several thousands found a home, and created the province of New Brunswick. A few found their way into the eastern townships of Quebec. The present province of Ontario can trace its beginning to the coming of about ten thousand of these welcome settlers. Upon and about the site of Kingston, in the Niagara peninsula, and even as far west as Detroit, they planted their settlements. It was no slight sacrifice the Loyalists had made. Many had left valuable estates, built up by years of strenuous toil on the part of their ancestors. Many had given up influential positions, as ministers, judges, officials, or landed proprietors. From homes of comfort, in not a few cases, of luxury, they had stepped forth to face a difficult and often dangerous journey, and the hardships and privations of pioneer life in a new country. In the new homes there was but one occupation open to them, namely farming, and for this the majority were quite unfitted. In striking contrast to the unjust treatment which the Loyalists received at the hands of their late fellow-countrymen, was the kindness of the British government in relieving their distress. The sum of sixteen million dollars was voted for their relief. Free grants of land were made, two hundred acres to each Loyalist. Farming implements, food, clothing, and like necessaries were supplied. (Editor's note: It is interesting to see how the myths have been perpetuated) The importance to the country of the arrival of the United Empire Loyalists can hardly be overestimated. At their coming, two provinces, afterwards known as New Brunswick and Upper Canada sprang into being. Influenced by a feeling of hostility towards the people who had driven them from their old homes, the newcomers proved a constant barrier to the designs of the United States upon their northern neighbours; and later, during the War of 1812, many of them laid down their lives in the defence of their new homes. In the development of the country, socially, intellectually, and politically, they largely shared. Men and women who had sacrificed ease and comfort to preserve their loyalty, were the best material out of which to build a nation. Looking back from to-day we find that of the men who have taken part in the great movements of Canadian history many were of Loyalist stock. The people of the Maritime Provinces are justly proud of the names of Wilmot, Howe and many others, while in Ontario those of Ryerson, Robinson and Cartwright are equally a source of pride. To this honour roll belongs the name of the Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant, the brother-in-law of Sir William Johnson whose fidelity to the cause of Britain won for his tribe a reserve in Western Ontario, where to-day the name of Brantford recalls the memory of an Indian Loyalist." Branches May 2009 A Small Request Please let Bill Terry know if you are aware of any special occasion that would warrant the Branch sending a card to someone. Please provide any details, along with where and to whom the card should be sent 304-4 Oak St Simcoe ON N3Y 3J3 519-428-4177 charles@kwic.com
Page 5 775555 Branches Nov 2011 One Free 2013 Membership Grand River Branch UELAC will be offering ONE free 2013 membership to ONE member who RENEWS their 2012 membership by 31 December 2011. The 2012 Membership Application, cheque, and envelope postmark must be dated by 31 December 2011 or earlier and the payment must be received by Membership Chair Alison Smith UE by 10 January 2012. Names of all those who have paid their 2012 Membership by 31 December 2011 will be placed in a box and ONE winning name will be drawn at the 18 March 2012 meeting. If the winning name is normally a Branch Only member, then Grand River Branch will cover a $15 Branch Only or a $55 Individual Grand River membership. If the winning name is normally part of a Family membership, then Grand River Branch will cover $55 of the membership and the family is responsible for paying the remaining $30 for a Family membership. New memberships are not eligible for this draw, since it is for membership renewals. A RENEWAL is a 2011 paid member renewing their membership for 2012. A NEW member is anyone who did not pay their 2011 Grand River Branch membership. Winning membership is not transferable. We are eagerly looking forward to the majority of members renewing their 2012 membership by 31 December 2011, since all 2012 memberships are due by January 2012. GOOD LUCK TO ALL. Alison Smith UE - Membership Chair An Irish Airman Foresees His Death I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above; Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love; My country is Kiltartan Cross, My countrymen Kiltartan's poor, No likely end could bring them loss Or leave them happier than before. Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, Nor public men, nor cheering crowds, A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death. W.B. Yeats (1865 1939)
Branches Nov 2011 Page 6 775555 Conference 2011 - a glimpse Branches May 2009
Page 7 775555 Branches Nov 2011 Grand River Branch United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada 2012 Membership Application Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms Address: Town/City Prov/State Postal/Zip Code Telephone with Area Code: Email Address: Loyalist Ancestor(s): _ Citizenship: Canadian ; American ; Other: Membership Type: REGULAR ASSOCIATE AFFILIATE (Circle appropriate one.) Fees: Single $55.00 (American Funds if mailing address is USA) Family: (2 persons or more at the same address) $85.00 (American Funds if USA) Fees after June 30 th : Single $35.00 Family $57.50 Fees: Branch Only $15.00 (Individuals belonging to another Branch of the UELAC first.) Signature: Date: Please include this form and make the cheques or money orders payable to: Grand River Branch UELAC and mail them to: Ms. Alison Smith Grand River Branch UELAC 1106-10 Highland Crescent Kitchener, ON N2M 5C2 please call Alison Smith at: 519-742-9659 if you have any questions about your membership Website: www.grandriveruel.ca
Branches Nov 2011 Page 8 775555 Branches Nov 2009 First Baptist Church 603 Adelaide Street Woodstock Friendship House 452 Grey Street, Brantford, Ontario