John H. Armstrong

John H. Armstrong was born about 1771 , in the Province of New York, British America , and died April 24, 1848, probably in the Front End of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Canada West , at about age 77. Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Lewis Corners, Granby Twp., Oswego Co., NY. He is the son of Edward Armstrong of Farnworth, Farnworth, a town, a township, a chapelry, and a sub-district in Deane parish and Bolton district, Lancashire , England, and Catherine Unknown, of Unknown .

Mary B. "Polly" Wood was born 1799 - 1800 in Leeds, Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada , and died 1878 in Oswego, Oswego Co., NY, at about age 78. Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY. She is the daughter of Captain John Wood of Brooklyn, Kings Co., Province of New York, and Rebecca Cain (1800 - 1825) (the daughter of Isaiah (Josiah) Cain and Leah (Adams) Cain.

John H. Armstrong (about age 34), a bachelor, and Mary B. "Polly" Wood (about age 15), a maiden, were married by banns, January 2, 1815, in Elizabethtown-Kitley Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada . Witnessed by Tho's. Armstrong, John Kinkaid.

John H. Armstrong and Mary B. "Polly" (Wood) Armstrong had about eleven children:

  1. Edward H. Armstrong: Born about 1817, in Younge Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada ; Died after 1860, in New York. Married about 1847, in Unknown, to Nancy Ann Unknown: Born 1832, in England; Died after 1860, in Unknown.
  2. Jeremiah Frazier Armstrong : Born September 8, 1819, in Younge Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada ; Died January 27, 1911, in Cornwall Division, Stormont Co., Ontario, Canada (age 91). Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Cornwall, Stormont Dundas and Glengarry United Counties, Ontario, Canada. Married January 8, 1844, in in Lansdowne Twp., Leeds Co., Canada West, to Mary Griffin: Born April 8, 1827, in Lansdowne, Leeds Co., Ontario, Canada; Died November 1, 1915, in Cornwall Division, Stormont Co., Ontario, Canada (age 89). Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Cornwall, Stormont Dundas and Glengarry United Counties, Ontario, Canada.
  3. David Wilson Armstrong : Born about 1821 in Younge Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada ; Died February 23, 1895, in Oswego , Oswego Co., NY (about age 75) . Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Married about 1848 in New York, to Eliza Ann Unknown: Born about 1827 in New York; Died after 1892, in Unknown. They had a son, Nelson Ernest Armstrong: Born about 1865, in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., NY; Died September 6, 1951, in Oswego, Oswego Co, NY (age 86). Buried in Riverside Cemetery, Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Also Ellen L. Armstrong: Born about 1849 in New York; Died Unknown. Also David Wilson Armstrong Jr.: Born February 3, 1865, in St. Lawrence Co., NY; Died Unknown. Frederick L. Armstrong: Born about 1852, in New York; Died Unknown. Clarissa A. Armstrong: Born about 1854, in New York; Died Unknown.
  4. Samuel Bolton Armstrong: Born April 19, 1823, in Younge Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada ; Died August 28, 1921, in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI (age 98). Buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Married (1) May 7, 1844, in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., NY, to Mary Feavel: Born May 7, 1823, in Oswego Co., NY; Died July 7, 1851, in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., NY (age 28). Married (2) September 19, 1858, in Oswego Co., NY, to Delilah Matilda Jones: Born March 30, 1841, in New Hartford, Oneida Co., NY; Died August 29, 1902, in Lodi, Columbia Co., WI (age 61). Buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Lodi, Columbia Co., WI. Divorced about 1870 in Sauk Co., WI. Married (3) April 9, 1876, in Baraboo Twp., Sauk Co., WI, to Lois (Coan) (Brown) Wiser: B orn February, 1831, in Michigan; Died June 27, 1906, in Sauk Co., WI (age 75).
  5. Eleanor Sarah Armstrong : Born May 27, 1828, in the Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada ; Died December 4, 1865, in Granby, Oswego Co., NY (age 37). Married April 28, 1848, in Oswego, Oswego Co., NY, to Thomas Feavel III: Born January 21, 1818, in Little Paxton, Huntington Co., England; Died December 4, 1865, in Granby, Oswego Co., NY (age 47).
  6. George Wood Armstrong : Born September 10, 1837, in the Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada ; Died December 13, 1920, in Minetto, Oswego Co., NY (age 83). Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Married (1) 1859 in Unknown, to Mary A. Unknown: Born 1841 in Canada West; Died May 23, 1904, in Granby, Oswego Co., NY (age 63). Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Married (2) May 9, 1907, in Oswego Co., NY, to Orlie Ada (Armstrong) Thompson: Born February, 1859, in Virginia; Died November 8, 1933, in Fulton, Oswego Co., NY (age 74). Buried in Mount Adnah Cemetery, Fulton , Oswego Co., NY.
  7. Clarissa H. Armstrong : Born July 22, 1838, in the Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada; Died May 13, 1917, in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI (age 78). Buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Married June 6, 1855, in Portage, Columbia Co., WI, to Samuel Luther "Charley" Griswold: Born November 2, 1827, in New York; Died November 27, 1912, at his home, one mile west of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI  (age 85) . Buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.
  8. James Delos Armstrong : Born April 26, 1840, in the Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada ; Died October 2, 1922, in Granby, Oswego Co., NY (age 82). Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Married January 5, 1865, in Oswego Co., NY, to Catherine Pennock: Born April 11, 1842, in Leeds Co., Canada West; Died December 7, 1920, in Granby, Oswego Co., NY (age 79). Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY.
  9. John Nelson Armstrong: Born Unknown in Younge Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada ; Died Unknown.
  10. Jane Armstrong: Born about 1852, in Oswego Co., NY ; Died Unknown.
  11. Ebenezer Armstrong: Born Unknown in Younge Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada ; Died Unknown.

After John H. Armstrong died, Mary B. "Polly" (Wood) Armstrong, a widow, may have temporarily adopted a female child:

  1. Rosanna Cottet: Born August 18, 1951, in Little France, Oswego Co., NY; Died February 4, 1931, in Ashland, Ashland Co., OH (age 79). Buried in Saint Francis Cemetery, Oswego Co., NY. She is the daughter of a farmer, Jacob Xavier "Jacob" Cottet of Grandvillars, Territoire de Belfort, Franche-Comte, France,  and Catherine Piguet of Oswego Co., NY. Married about 1865, in Oswego Co., NY, to a Farmer, George Victor Tackley: Born 1842, in New York; Died May 31, 1920, in Hastings, Oswego Co., NY (about age 44). Buried in St. Francis Cemetery, Oswego Co., NY. Lived in Caughdenoy, Oswego Co., NY, in 1880. They had one child: Florence Agnes Tackley: Born March, 1886, in New York; Died March 18, 1941, in Eaton, Madison Co., NY. Buried in North Syracuse Cemetery, North Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY. Married (1) Albert E. Brownell: Born 1883; Died October 12, 1928, in Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY (about age 44). Buried in North Syracuse Cemetery, North Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY. Married (2) Unknown, to Charles Abbuhl: Born Unknown; Died Unknown.

TIMELINE

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841 ; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

1/30/2023

From Kay Koslan

So, I thought about a little more about George Wood Armstrong and what do you suppose was the reason that he put Captain John Wood on that tombstone along with Mary Polly Wood and John H. Armstrong And I do believe that John H. Armstrong died in Canada. George Wood Armstrong put all those postings in all those newspapers because he wanted that land. And if Captain John Wood and John H. Armstrong and Mary Polly (Wood) were buried in Canada, he probably wouldn�t have a good case. So he brought Captain John Wood, a  Canadian citizen, and I�ll bet John H. Armstrong, back to NY. And Mary Polly (Wood) Armstrong was living with her son, James Delos Armstrong, in the 1850 census after John H. Armstrong�s death, while Jeremiah Frazier Armstrong remained in Canada as a Wood Miller, right near where  John H. Armstrong was a Miller.

From freepages.rootsweb.com: Armstrong, John.... East District, Suffered imprisonment in Albany gaol, Soldier Loyal Rangers.

This was in the Way Back in Time. Notice the highlighted:

Isaiah Cain born ca 1737 NY?, married 1762, to Leah Adams: Born 18 August 1738 in Canterbury, Windham Co., Connecticut. Baptized August 20, 1738, in the Canterbury First Congregational Church.
 
Parents: David Adams and Dorcas Paine
1770, Apr. 4 -- Distribution of seven 14-acre parcels which Elisha Paine, late
of Canterbury, deceased, gave to dau. Dorcas Adams, wife of David Adams
and both late of Canterbury, deceased was made to Levi Adams, Abel Adams,
Elisha Adams, Leah Cain (wife of Isaiah Cain) Rebekah Adams; heirs of
Jonathan Adams, deceased, late of Canterbury and heirs of Constance
Reynolds, deceased, late wife of Robert Reynolds.
1777, Mar. 17 -- Isaiah and Leah Cain of Rensselaerwick, Albany Co., NY
sold inherited Connecticut land (17 3/4 acres) in Society of Westminster to
David Adams of Canterbury for 32 pounds (Ackn. in Albany Co. 28 Sept.
1780 -- rec. 26 October 1780) then on 9 Oct. 1780, David Adams sold the
173/4 acres in Canterbury for 34 pounds to Samuel Ensworth of Canterbury.

It appears that Isaiah Cain and his son, David Cain, were also imprisoned and lost land.

http://geneofun.on.ca/ontariocensus/transcripts/pre1851/5111-index.html

OntarioGenWeb's Census Project (geneofun.on.ca)

When you rearrange alphabetically, you lose the additional census information. So, look at the page number in alphabetical order, then go back to the "un-alphabetical" view to see what other census information was collected, like females under 16, Lot & Concession, etc.

It looks like it became Front of Yonge, beginning in 1826. So it appears it was Yonge twp between 1800-1825, then 1826-1832, Front of Yonge, followed by Escott beginning in 1832.

   

J ohn H. Armstrong and Mary B. "Polly" (Wood) Armstrong are buried i n Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Other Armstrong families are buried there too. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available .

   

Mary B. "Polly" (Wood) Armstrong. The black and white picture on the left was courtesy of Kay Koslan. The picture on the right is artificially colorized.

Rosanna (Cottet) Tackley died February 4, 1931, in Ashland, Ashland Co., OH (age 79). Buried in Saint Francis Cemetery, Oswego Co., NY.

Syracuse Herald, Syracuse, N.Y., Friday Evening, February 6, 1931

Mrs. Rosanna Tackley, 76, sister of Edith Button of this city, died yesterday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. R. R. Fasig in Ashland, Ohio. She was born in Little France near Mallory. Surviving are another sister, Mrs. Katherine Spence of Little France and six brothers, Julian Cottet of Ira, Charles Cottet of Little France, Henry, Richard and Jessie Cottet of Trootville and James Cottet of Frederick, S.D. The funeral will take place at 9 A. M. tomorrow from the undertaking rooms of Delaney & Hodge and half hour later in St. Matthews Church, East Syracuse. The body will be placed in a vault in St. Agnes Cemetery and burial will take place in the spring in Little France.

John H. Armstrong was born about 1771 to Edward Armstrong and Catherine Armstrong, in the Province of New York, British America, and died April 24, 1848, in Yonge, Ontario, as he can be found there in the 1842 Escott Census (Concession 2, Lot 23). Escott is near the border of Yonge. The census was taken by Yonge but during assessment Escott was separated out. John H. Armstrong brought his family across to NY in 1837, according to his son, Samuel Bolton Armstrong. But it is possible John H. continued to mill lumber in Escott/Yonge and died there. Then when John died, one of his sons. George Wood Armstrong, may have either brought his remains to NY, like George did with his grandfather, Captain John Wood and placed the Memorial gravestone in NY or John H actually died there. (George Wood made a big deal out of exhuming Captain John Wood to NY do it's plausible he would do the same to his father, John, since both men were actually born in NY.)

To understand who John is, we 1st look at Edward, the senior, who was imprisoned in Albany in 1777 during the Rev. War due to his support of the British and released in 1784. Edward became a refugee for his support (per 12 Oct 1784, Haldimand papers and was mustered out by Major Jessup, showing he had a wife and 2 males above age 10 and 2 females under age 10, which means the males could be born on/before 1773 and the females would be born on/after 1773. H-1655; Image 205 https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1655/205

Due to Edward's loyalty he receives land from Lord Dorchester in Province of Quebec, Royal Assgt Number 8; North 5 (Elizabethtown); Lot 17 in 2nd Concession, North Division. H1134; Images 96-97; https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1134/96

7 Nov 1787 Edward and family receive additional land in Elizabethtown (Lots 18 and 19 of the 8th Concession in the Province of Quebec). Elizabethtown later is part of Leeds County, Province of Upper Canada.

John H. remains behind in the Province of New York, perhaps with family and to work as a miller. From 1787-1793, there are no John Armstrong's who enter Lower Canada who would have come from America, either for land petitions or as aliens. There is only a John Armstrong who does enter in 1794. Then a John Armstrong marries Mary "Polly" Wood in Yonge Twp in 02 Jan 1815. The next John Armstrong arrives Jul 1817 from Scotland with a wife and 3 girls and is given land (Lot 17 in 2nd Concession) in Yonge Twp. These two John Armstrong's remain in Yonge Twp for years until John of Jul 1817, moves to Elizabethtown, where he is buried.

On 23 Sep 1794 a John Armstrong enters through St. John's Harbour, Province of Quebec (now called Saint Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, Canada).This is documented in the Lower Canada, Declarations of Aliens - H-1154. Here it states:

"I, John Armstrong do declare that I am Native of the American States, twenty three years old and by trade a Miller, that resided then Six Months Past in Schaghticook (Schaghticoke) in the State of New York, and came into this Province by the way of Lake Champlain, that I am now on my journey to upper Canada to See My Parents given under hand at St. John's this 23rd Day of September 1794." (This would make John Armstrong, born about 1771.) H-1154; Image 168 https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1154/168

The index states it a little differently:
"Date: 23 Sept 1784; Number: 31; Name: John Armstrong; Where Declaration made: St. John's; Before Whom: Pat'k (Patrick) Conroy?, J.P.; Natives of What Place: State of New York; at What time Came into the Province: 23 Sept 1784; General Occupations: miller; Remarks: gone to Upper Canada to his Father". Now we know that John is a miller. H-1154; Image 186 https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1154/186

So it is probably that John knows his father is not well because in 1795 Edward Armstrong, the senior has died. In April 1803, Catherine assigns to John, Lot 17 in 2nd Concession, given by the Crown on 24 Sep 1784:"Catherine Armstrong, relict to the said lately Edward Armstrong akin that acknowledges that she signs the form on the back of this certificate with John Armstrong whom she maketh oath is her oldest son by Edward Armstrong, the original nominee of the one hundred acres of land I bequeath the above certificate shown this day Catheryn X (her mark)" (H-1134, Images 96-97) https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1134/96

13 Nov 1810 Both John and his brother Adolphus of Elizabethtown petition for land. They are recommended for land by the Executive Council in York on 2 Mar 1811 (C-102, Images 949-950). https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c102/950

29 Apr 1819 John Armstrong of Yonge purchases Lot 23, Concession 2 from Lemuel Mallory South of Kings Highway (now Highway 2) in Escott; Abstract index books, ca. 1800-1959; Front of Escott Township; FHL 199524, Image 100; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HX-MS3B?i=99&cat=484272

Over time, John Armstrong of Yonge sells the remaining land, being the eldest son (Lots 18 and 19 of the 8th Concession Elizabethtown) of Edward Armstrong, the senior. Of tying the land to both John and Mary is 18 May 1830 when John and his wife Mary of Yonge sell Lot E 16, 7th Concession in Elizabethtown. FHL 199505; Leeds County (v. K-L) 1825-1831 Deedbook L; Image 451 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLG-V9L4-X?cat=484032

The census and the assessment records are the final justification of who John and Mary are. They are listed on the census records in Yonge, then Front of Yonge and finally Escott. These are all the same location of Lot 23, Concession 2. The 1st Census for Escott occurs in 1833. Through the census years (1819-1842) in Yonge, etc., the family grows and we can correlate the children to John and Mary's family to the same Concession and Lot. Because some children die or are lost in records, it is difficult to pin who is who, except for the boys and girls that survive long term.

In Feb 1842 Yonge Township Census Escott Section page 11, John Armstrong is listed as Non-Proprietor of Real Property of Lot 23, Concession 2 (Perhaps Jeremiah is miller now, as was his brother Samuel.); Occupation: Miller; Number of years in province if not native thereof: 47; Number of natives Canada of British origin: 7;Number of natives of United States of America: 1; Females 5 and under: 1; Females 5-13: 1; Males 5-13: 1; Males 14- 18: 1 (single); Males 21-29: 1 (single); Females married 14-44: 1; Males married 60 and upwards: 1.

This final 1842 record ties John together with Mary where Mary is between 14 and 44, John is over 60, a miller, born in the U.S. and has been in Canada for 47 years. 47 years calculates back to 1794 on which John, age 23, arrives to Canada on 23 Sep 1794 as a Miller to see his parents. This tells us that John was born abt 1771 and not 1795

Kay Koslan

Inscription

J.H. Armstrong

John H. Armstrong was born about 1771 , in the Province of New York, British America .

Edward Armstrong of Elizabeth Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada, was a U. E. Loyalist, and was imprisoned by the Rebels in Albany, in 1777, on account of his loyalty, and remained a prisoner there until the Treaty of Separation in 1783, when he was liberated. Edward Armstrong came to Canada in 1784, and chose his residence in Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada. He died in Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada, in 1795, which was before the formation of the U. E. List. On June 26, 1807, at York, Ontario, Upper Canada, Edward Armstrong Jr., requested that his father, Edward Armstrong, be placed on the List of U. E. Loyalists.  

   

All of the children of Edward Armstrong Sr., and most of the children of Thomas Armstrong, Sr., U. E. Loyalists, were eligible to receive a land grant based upon their fathers' loyalty to the King of England. Thomas Armstrong Jr. was Expunged from the U. E. Loyalist List in 1804 - 1805.

   

On September 24, 1784, Edward Armstrong, his wife, and three children were entitled, through a drawing, to three hundred acres of land, in Lot No. 17, 2nd Concession, North.

   

On June 5, 1790, Margaret "Maggie" (Armstrong) Allen requests 200 acres of land, as a daughter of Edward Armstrong, a U. E. Loyalist. Her petition was received June 6, 1790.

        

On September 23, 1794, John H. Armstrong, a native of the American States, twenty three years old, and by trade a Miller, stated that he has resided the past six months at Schaghticoke, New York, and came into the Province of Lower Canada by way of Lake Champlain. He is on his journey to Upper Canada to see his parents. He made his alien declaration at St. John's.

Fort St. Jean, also called St. John's, is located twenty miles southeast of Montreal, and near the head of navigation from Lake Champlain down the Richelieu River to the St. Lawrence, St. John's occupied a critical position along a historic invasion route.

St. John's Harbour Quebec was a major entry point to Canada from New York and area. It is located on the Richelieu River which flows out of Lake Champlain, and is not far from Montreal. . Many Loyalists and refugee families were housed there while awaiting settlement, and /or being reunited with  men who had taken part or who had come ahead of their families. Theri was a fort there. It would have been a reasonable distance for continued travel to Upper Canada (Ontario) as well, through established routes. Even in 1794 the authorities were careful about who was allowed to enter the Canadas, because of fear of rebellion here. Today it is called Saint Jean sur Richelieu. The government of Quebec allows no non-French naming. 

Edward Armstrong Sr. died 1795, in Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada, at age Unknown.

Mary B. "Polly" Wood was born 1799 - 1800 in Leeds, Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada.

In 1803, Catherine "Caty" (Unknown ) Armstrong c ertified that in 1795 she, along with her eldest son, John Armstrong of the late Edward Armstrong, had signed the transfer of Lot 17 Con 2 Elizabethtown, to James McDonald (1st Heir & Devisee Commission v.6 Eastern Dist Location Certificates, p.74).

       

The May 15, 1802 , Census for Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province of Upper Canada, shows Edward Armstrong is living by himself. John Fletcher and Margaret "Maggie" (Armstrong) (Allen) Fletcher, Theodosius Allen and Parmelia Fletcher are living in Family No. 114, Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada. Fletcher children, Allen Fletcher, Archibald Fletcher, and Jane Fletcher are living in Family No. 114. The Oliver Graham Family, consisting of Mary Graham, Oliver Graham Jr., Martin Graham, Mary Graham, Hannah Graham, John Graham, Sarah Graham, William Graham.

           

The 1803 Census for Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada , shows Catherine "Caty" (Adams??? ) Armstrong is living alone in Family No.158 . John Fletcher, his wife, Margaret "Maggie" (Armstrong) (Allen) Fletcher, Adolphus Armstrong, James Armstrong, Theodora Allen, Weston Allen, Susannah Allen, and Parmelia Fletcher, are living in Family No. 205. West Allen, Hannah Allen, and Abel Allen, are living in Family No. 106. Edward Armstrong Jr. and Phebe Armstrong are living in Family No. 97.

On June 1, 1803, William Cortana and John Armstrong, original nominees, transferred their land in Lot 18, 1st Concession, Matilda Twp., historical Dundas Co., Canada, to Conevett Shaver.

In 1803, Catherine "Caty" (Unknown ) Armstrong c ertified that in 1795 she, along with her eldest son, John Armstrong of the late Edward Armstrong, had signed the transfer of Lot 17 Con 2 Elizabethtown, to James McDonald (1st Heir & Devisee Commission v.6 Eastern Dist Location Certificates, p.74).

   

The 1804 Census for Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada, shows John Fletcher, his wife, Margaret "Maggie" (Armstrong) (Allen) Fletcher, Margaret's mother, Catherine "Caty" (Adams??? ) Armstrong (misnamed Fletcher), Matthew Allen (misnamed Fletcher), Susannah Armstrong "Sally/Anne" Allen (misnamed Fletcher), and Matthew Allen (misnamed Fletcher), are living in Family No. 205.

John H. Armstrong (about age 34), a bachelor, and Mary B. "Polly" Wood (about age 15), a maiden, were married by banns, January 2, 1815, in Elizabethtown-Kitley Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada . Witnessed by Tho's. Armstrong, John Kinkaid.

   

The Province of Upper Canada as it existed about 1800.

Schaghticoke Twp., Rensselaer Co., NY, 1829.

Return of Transfers on described Lands December 5, 1795, prepared by Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith. Grantee: John Fletcher Lots 5 and 6 Concession 4 in Township No. 3 (or Grantham); Transferee: George Woodsly. (Grantham Township Papers 0448).

John H. Armstrong later gives the land to his beloved brother Edward, Jr. sometime after his father dies in 1795 in 7a of which you have placed on your website.

Edward, Jr. signs the Loyalist agreement on June 26, 1807, for 200 acres. He is a Blacksmith in Niagara, in the District of Niagara.

Both Adolphus Armstrong and John Armstrong also apply for 200 acres of land because they are sons of Edward Armstrong, Sr., on November 13, 1810. They are "supposed to be" at least age 21 in 1810, which means both were born on/before 1789 to sign the Loyalist agreement.  

Edward Armstrong Sr. of Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada, was an U. E. Loyalist, and was imprisoned by the Rebels in Albany, in 1777, on account of his loyalty, and remained a prisoner there until the Treaty of Separation in 1783, when he was liberated. Edward Armstrong came to Canada in 1784, and chose his residence in Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada. He died in Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Upper Canada, in 1795, which was before the formation of the U. E. List. On June 26, 1807, at York, Ontario, Upper Canada, Edward Armstrong Jr., requested that his father, Edward Armstrong, be placed on the List of U. E. Loyalists.

In May, 1799, John H. Armstrong assigns to his brother, Edward Armstrong Jr., all of his lands in Elizabethtown Twp., Leeds Co., Province of Upper Canada.

The 1819 Census for Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 2 Males and 1 Female. The 1819 Census for Yonge Twp.,  Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the Adolphus Armstrong household has a total of 2 Males and 3 Females.

The 1820 Census for Yonge Twp.,  Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John and Polly Armstrong household has a total of 1 Adult Male, 1 Adult Female, 1 Child Male, and 1 Child Female.

The 1821 Census for Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 1 Adult Male, 1 Adult Female, 3 Male, children, and 0 Female children.

The 1821 Census for Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 1 Adult Male, 1 Adult Female, 0 Male Children , and 3 Female Children.

The 1824 Census for Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John H. Armstrong household has a total of 0 Male children, 3 Female children, 1 Adult Male, and 1 Adult Female.

The 1827 Census for Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 4 Males under 16, 0 Females under 16, 1 Male over 16, and 1 Female over 16.

The 1828 Census for Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 1 Male over 16, 4 Males under 16, 1 Female over 16, and 1 Female under 16.

A portion of the Supplement for the 1828 Census for Front End of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada. John Armstrong is living in Lot 23, 2nd Concession. 50 acres of uncultivated land, and 10 acres of arable land. He has 2 oxen, and 4 milk cows.

The 1829 Census for Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 1 Male over 16, 4 Males under 16, 1 Female over 16, and 1 Female under 16.

On July 2, 1829, John Armstrong of Elizabethtown, a yeoman (farmer), was granted a Land Patent for 100 acres in R. G. 1, Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada. The North East half of Lot No. 10, in the 4th Concession, of which  14-2/7 acres is allotted for a Protestant Clergy.

                  

John H. Armstrong Land Patent records.

The 1830 Census for Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 1 Male over 16, 4 Males under 16, 1 Female over 16, and 1 Female under 16.

The 1832 Census for Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada, shows the John Armstrong household has a total of 1 Male over 16, 5 Males under 16, 1 Female over 16, and 1 Female under 16.

           

The Edward Armstrong Jr. Land Patent request.

The 1832 Census for the Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., Johnstown District, Upper Canada, shows John Armstrong is the head of household. Living there are a total of: 1 male age 16 and over; 5 males under age 16; 1 female age 16 and over; and 1 female under age 16.

The 1833 Census for the Front of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., Johnstown District, Upper Canada, shows John Armstrong is the head of household, and is living in the E 1/2 of Lot 10, 4th Concession, Escott Twp. Living there are a total of: 1 male age 16 and over; 2 males under age 16; 1 female age 16 and over; and 4 females under age 16.

The 1833 Census for the Escott Twp., Leeds Co., Johnstown District, Upper Canada, shows John Armstrong is the head of household, and is living in the Front of Lot 23, 2nd Concession  Escott Twp. Living there are a total of: 2 male age 16 and over; 4 males under age 16; 1 female age 16 and over; and 4 females under age 16.

According to the Sauk Co., WI, declaration of S amuel Bolton "Sam" Armstrong to become a United States citizen, it appears that John H. Armstrong and his family immigrated to the United States in May, 1837, and landed at the Port of Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., NY.

   

S amuel Bolton "Sam" Armstrong immigration records.

Some historic Oswego Co., NY, land records.

The 1840 U. S. Census taken in 1840, shows John Armstrong is the Head of Household, and is living in Hannibal, Oswego Co., NY. Living there are a total of: 1 male under age 5; 1 male age 5 to under 10; 1 male age 40 to under 50; 2 females age 10 to under 15; 1 female age 15 to under 20; and 1 female age 40 to under 50.

   

A portion of the 1842 Census for Front End of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Province  of Upper Canada. John Armstrong is a non proprietor Miller.

John H. Armstrong died April 24, 1848, probably in the Front End of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., District of Johnstown, Canada West, at about age 77. Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 16, 1850, shows Samuel Armstrong (age 24) born in Canada, is a Brick Maker, and is living in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., NY. Living with him are: Mary Armstrong (age 22) born in Canada; Richard W. Armstrong (age 3) born in New York; and Geo. L. Armstrong (age 5/12) born in New York. Living in an adjacent house are: Thomas Favel (age 58) born in England, a Laborer; Margaret Favel (age 61) born in England; Celia Page (age 19) born in Canada; David Page (ages 19) born in Canada; and William Page (age 1) born in New York.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 1, 1850 shows Thos. Feavel (age 33) born in England is living in the 3rd Ward, City of Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Elenor Feavel (age 22) born in Canada, a Laborer; and Wm. Feavel (age 1) born in New York. Also living there are: Abel Paiyra (age 50) born in Vermont, a Laborer; Dorcas Pairya (age 52) born in Canada;  Mary Armstrong (age 48) born in Canada; Hulda Paige (age 15) born in Canada; Elizabeth Paige (age 9) born in Canada; James Armstrong (age 8) born in Canada; and Geo. Armstrong (age 8) born in Canada.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 16, 1850, shows Thomas Favel (age 58) born in England, a Laborer and is living in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., NY. Living with him are: Margaret Favel (age 61) born in England; Celia Page (age 19) born in Canada; David Page (age 19) born in Canada; and William Page (age 1) born in New York. The Samuel Armstrong family lives next door.

The 1855 New York State Census taken on June 22, 1855, shows Samuel B. Armstrong (age 39) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year, is a widowed Farmer, and living in a frame house, Town of Hannibal, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Richard Armstrong (age 7) born in Oswego Co., NY, and having lived in this town for one year; George Armstrong (age 5) born in Jefferson Co., NY, and having lived in this town for one year; his widowed mother, Mary Armstrong (age 55) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year; his unmarried brother, George Armstrong (age 19) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year, a Labourer; his brother, James A. Armstrong (age 12) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year; and his adopted sister, Jane Armstrong (age 3) born in Oswego Co., NY, and having lived in this town for one year.

The 1855 New York State Census taken on June 22, 1855, shows Exaver Cuttet (age 30) born in France, and having lived in this town for 4 years, is a married Farmer, and living in a plank house, Town of West Monroe, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife, Catharine Cutter (age 24) born in Oswego Co., NY; his male child, Charles Cuttet (age 6) born in Oswego Co., NY; his male child, James Cuttet (age 5) born in Oswego Co., NY; his female child, Rosetta Cuttet (age 3) born in Oswego Co., NY; and his male child, Edward Cuttet (age 2) born in Oswego Co., NY.

The 1855 New York State Census taken on June 15, 1855, shows Thomas Favel (age 37) born in England, is a married Farmer, and is living in in the Town of Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife, Eleanor Favil (age 28) born in Canada; William Henry Favil (age 6) born in Oswego Co., NY; and Thomas Edward Favil (age 1) born in Oswego Co., NY.

The 1855 New York State Census taken on June 7, 1855, shows Edward Armstrong (age 37) born in Canada, and a resident of this town for 7 years, and a Naturalized citizen, is living in the Town of Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife, Ann Armstrong (age 32) born in England, and a resident of this town for 7 years; Theodore N. Armstrong (age 5) born in New York, and a resident of this town for 5 years; Charles A. Armstrong (age 3) born in New York, and a resident of this town for 3 years; and Lezer Armstrong (age 10/12) born in New York, and a resident of this town for 10/12 years.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 17, 1860, shows Edward H. Armstrong (age 44) born in Canada, and with personal estate of $100 is a Shoemaker, and is living in the Town of Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Nancy A. Armstrong (age 38) born in England; Theadore Armstrong (age 11) born in New York; Charles Armstrong (age 8) born in New York; Eleazar Armstrong (age 5) born in New York; Edwin Armstrong (age 3) born in New York; and Sarah E. Armstrong (age 1) born in New York.

By 1860, Rosanna Cottet was back living with her parents in the Town of West Monroe, Oswego Co., NY.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 21, 1860, shows James Armstrong (age 19) born in Upper Canada, is a Boatman and is living in Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Mary Armstrong (age 65) born in Upper Canada, a Domestic; and Rosanna Armstrong (age 9) born in New York. Living next door is the Thomas Favil family.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 21, 1860, shows Thomas Favil (age 42) born in England is a Laborer and is living in Granby,  Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Eleanor Favil (age 31) born in Upper Canada, a Domestic; Wm. Favil (age 11) born in New York; and George Favil (age 3) born in New York. Living next door is the James Armstrong family.

The 1861 Canadian Census taken on January 14, 1861, shows David Armstrong (age 39 at next birthday) born in Upper Canada, and with Episcopal Methodist religion, is a married Shoe Maker, and has a 1 story single family frame house, and is living in Edwardsburg, Grenville Co., Canada West. Living with him are: a married female, Eliza Armstrong (age 34 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; Frederick Armstrong (age 9 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; Clarisa Armstrong (age 7 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; Clarinda Armstrong (age 5 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; Ellen Armstrong (age 3 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; and Samuel Armstrong (age 1 at next birthday) born in Upper Canada, and with Episcopal Methodist religion.

The 1861 Canadian Census taken on January 14, 1861, shows S. B. Armstrong (age 38 at next birthday) born in Upper Canada, and with Episcopal Methodist religion, is a married Miller, and has a 1 story single family frame house, and is living in Edwardsburg Twp., Grenville Co., Canada West. Living with him are: a married female, Delila Armstrong (age 20 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; Richard Armstrong (age 11 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion; and George Armstrong (age 9 at next birthday) born in U. S., and with Episcopal Methodist religion.

By 1865, Rosanna Cottet (age was back living with her parents in the Town of Consatania, Oswego Co., NY.

The 1865 New York State Census taken on June 17, 1865, shows Mary Armstrong (age 66) born in Canada, is a widowed Head of Household, and is living in Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Living with her is her child, Rosella Armstrong (age 12) born in Oswego Co., NY.

The 1865 New York State Census taken on June 17, 1865, shows Thomas Feavel (age 46) born in England, is a widower Head of Household Shoemaker, and Armstrong (age 66) born in Canada, is a widowed Head of Household, and is living in Granby, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Wm. H. Feavel (age 16) born in Oswego Co., NY; George V. Feavel (age 8) born in Oswego Co., NY; Mary M. Feavel (age 2) born in Oswego Co., NY; and Jane Keller (age 18) born in Canada, an unmarried House Keeper.

In 1870, Rosanna Cottet (age 13) was living with her parents in the Town of Consatania, Oswego Co., NY.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 20, 1870, shows J. D. Armstrong (age 28) born in Canada is a Laborer and is living in Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Catherine Armstrong (age 27) born in Canada, who is Keeping House; Mary Armstrong (age 71) born in Canada; James F. Armstrong (age 8) born in New York; Ella Armstrong (age 2) born in New York; and a male Baby Armstrong (age 1/12) born in New York.

The 1875 New York State Census taken on June 1, 1875, shows Thomas Favil (age 75) born in Canada, is a widower Head of Household Farm Laborer, and is living in a  frame house worth $100 in Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his unmarried son, William Favil (age 24) born in Oswego Co., NY, a Farm Laborer; his unmarried son, George Favil (age 8) born in Oswego Co., NY, a Farm Laborer; and his daughter, Mary Favil (age 12) born in Oswego Co., NY.

The 1875 New York State Census taken on June 1, 1875, shows George Armstrong (age 39) born in Canada, is a married Farmer, and is living in Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife, Mary Armstrong (age 32) born in Canada; and his mother, Mary Armstrong (age 76) born in Canada.

Mary B. "Polly" (Wood) Armstrong died 1878 in Oswego, Oswego Co., NY, at about age 78. Buried in Lewis Cemetery, Granby, Oswego Co., NY.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1880, shows David Armstrong (age 58) born in Canada to New York and Canada-born parents, is a married Clock Repairer, and is living at 127 West 12th Street, Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife, Eliza Ann Armstrong (age 53) born in New York to Canada-born parents, and with General Weakness for 11 years, who Keeps House; and his son, Nelson E. Armstrong (age 15) born in New York to Canada and New York-born parents, a Laborer.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1880, shows Frederick L. Armstrong (age 28) born in born in New York to Canada and New York-born parents, is a married Peddler, and is living at 127-1/2 West 12th Street, Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife, Dinah Armstrong (age 19) born in New York to England-born parents, who is Keeping House; and his son, Bertie N. Armstrong (age 4/12 January) born in New York to New York-born parents.

The 1892 New York State Census taken on February 16, 1892, shows David Armstrong (age 70) born in Canada, and a U. S. Citizen, is a Laborer, and is living in the 4th Ward, Oswego, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him is Eliza Armstrong (age 64) born in the United States.

The British Constitutional Act of 1791 officially divided the old colony of "Province of Quebec" into the primarily French-speaking "Province of Lower Canada," and the primarily English-speaking "Province of Upper Canada." Upper Canada was located upriver, closest to the source of the St. Lawrence river.

In 1841, the Act of Union officially united the two Provinces into the single Province of Canada, with the creation of Canada East and Canada West.

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841 ; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

Before the American Revolution, all the 13 Atlantic Colonies south of Canada were loyal to the King of Great Britain - King George III. When the American Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, many of the Loyalists were unable to live peacefully with the Revolutionists, as the Loyalists were thought to be outlaws and traitors. Property was seized, homes burned and some Loyalists were even arrested and imprisoned. Georgia, South Carolina, and New York were the Loyalists' strongholds, with most of the members for the British forces originally from the New York colony. By 1776, about 100,000 citizens were living east of the Ottawa River (Dist. of Quebec) - practically no white settlement had taken place west of the Ottawa River (Dist. of Montreal). The War of Independence went on for several years until 1783.

Thousands of families (mostly farmers) escaped to Nova Scotia (from which in 1784, the Province of New Brunswick was formed) and about 6,000 (lower than was once believed) had immigrated to the Province of Quebec (later known as Quebec and Ontario) - these lands being under British rule. After the disbandment of the various corps which were raised for the King, the officers and soldiers were rewarded grants of land by the British Government. - 10,000 acres for Lieut. Colonels on down to Privates who received 200 acres. They were also provided 3 years supply of clothing and food, also lumber to build homes. The land in the District of Montreal, fronting the St. Lawrence River was surveyed in 1783 and by 1784, fourteen townships (known by number only) were ready for settlement. They were set out approximately 10 miles square and divided into concessions by lines running parallel to the river. The townships, numbered from east to west - 6, 7 & 8 (later named Edwardsburg, Augusta & Elizabethtown) were settled by families of Major Edward Jessup's Corps (Loyal Rangers - raised in 1776); townships 7 & 8 were also settled by the 2nd Battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York (KRRNY) - raised in 1780. These three townships in 1784 had a population of 495 which included women and children. Many of the men whose families were not yet in Canada returned to the United States to gather them in. The settlers who were involved in active military service were given land grants at the river shore. The land inshore went to civilian United Empire Loyalists. By July of 1784, in townships 6, 7 & 8, 50 lots were settled and a number or huts were built in each of the townships fronting the St. Lawrence River. By October, the population totalled 567 residents. The first grist mill to service the whole area was built the same year at Cataraqui (Kingston) which was the only one for 3 to 4 years. In 1788, Sir Guy Carleton (Lord Dorchester) - Governor General of Canada, divided the District of Montreal into 4 districts - from east to west - Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nassau, and Hesse and on July 24th named the townships. From east to west, the townships in the District of Lunenburg were now named Lancaster, Charlottenburg, Cornwall, Osnabruck, Williamsburg, Matilda, Edwardsburg, Augusta, and Elizabethtown. Each district had a land board to award grants of 200 acres which were now being allotted to non-combatant Loyalists, to their sons upon reaching age 21 and to their daughters when eligible or upon marriage. By 1791, roughly 10,000 refugees had settled west of Montreal in the Province of Quebec.

Loyalist refugees had been trickling north to the harsh trackless wilderness of Canada throughout the war. The first to arrive reached Fort Niagara in 1776. Others moved up the Hudson River valley and emerged on the St. Lawrence River where they were eventually housed in refugee camps. At war's end the trickle became a flood. Not only did the ex-servicemen from several Loyalist regiments have to be resettled but so did several thousand civilian refugees. The Loyalists who journeyed to the northern shores of the St. Lawrence had many hardships as the only way of travelling was by canoe, ox cart or on foot. There were no roads - they travelled by the rivers and Indian pathways through the woods which were infested with wild animals such as bears, wolves, and cougars. Not only did they have to carry their few worldly possessions of clothing and household goods but had to camp at night by the wayside. They also had to provide food for themselves along the many miles to their destination.

The custom was for a settler, upon locating on his property, to immediately create a shanty or lean-to from the boughs of trees. This would be his only shelter from the weather until the winter set in when hopefully he had his log hut built with help from his neighbours. The huts could be 20 ft x 15 ft, built of round logs for a height of 7 or 8 ft with an elm bark roof - one window and a door with the open stone fireplace serving for both cooking and keeping the house warm. By 1789, the British Govt. was not supplying the Loyalists with rations of flour, pork, beef, salt & butter; they now had to rely on their own resources, often surviving famine and disease. Within a year, the settler was expected to clear and fence 5 acres of land. Their first crops consisted of oats, barley and wheat - they relied heavily on oat porridge. It was in the same year, 1789, on Nov. 9th that Sir Guy Carlton, the Governor General of Canada, wished to honour the men who remained loyal to Great Britain and "joined the Royal Standard in America before the Treaty of Separation in the year 1783," so proposed to the Executive Council that a register of persons falling into this category be prepared. Each person so listed was then allowed to have the designation "U.E." (United Empire Loyalist) after his name. Now, with the inflow of Loyalists, the English settlers demanded their own government, so the Canada Act (31 Dec. 1791) was born dividing the Province of Quebec into two provinces - Upper and Lower Canada separated by the Ottawa River. The first Governor of Upper Canada, Lieut.-Governor John Graves Simcoe on the 16th June 1792 divided the Province into counties then later (1792), the names of the districts were changed (from east to west) - Eastern, Midland, Home & Western Canada.

The rest of A Way Back in Time which features Caintown. It's unclear how the various individuals found each other but one was a Walter Lee Simmons, related to John H Armstrong. Janet Nelson Read visited Walter Lee Simmons. Walter has since passed away and his son has all the information/documents. Walter Lee Simmons recorded the family, and he had the family as John H., so it must be correct. John Nelson Armstrong as a brother to Samuel Bolton Armstrong. It is as follows: Mary "Polly" Wood: Born ca. 1800. Married John H. Armstrong January 2, 1815, Yonge Twp. - Witnesses - Thomas Armstrong, John Kincaid (Rev. Wm. Smart, Presby). Residence - Hannibal, Oswego Co., New York.

Children - George Wood Armstrong (b. 1837), James Delos Armstrong (b. 1840), Jeremiah Frazier Armstrong (b. 1840s), Samuel Bolton Armstrong, John Nelson Armstrong, Clarissa "Clara" Armstrong, Jane Armstrong, David Armstrong, and Eleanor Armstrong.

Died 1878 in Hannibal, Lewis Corners Cemetery, Lewis Corners, Granby Township, Oswego County, New York State.

The British Constitutional Act of 1791 officially divided the old colony of "Province of Quebec" into the primarily French-speaking "Province of Lower Canada," and the primarily English-speaking "Province of Upper Canada." Upper Canada was located upriver, closest to the source of the St. Lawrence river.

In 1841, the Act of Union officially united the two Provinces into the single Province of Canada, with the creation of Canada East and Canada West.

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841 ; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

Canada was founded on July 1, 1867. On this date, the colonies of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia linked to form the sovereign dominion of Canada in a process called confederation. At this time, Upper Canada and Lower Canada became Quebec and Ontario. Therefore the new confederation comprised of four provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. The confederation led to a territorial evolution leading to the incorporation of other parts of British North America into the newly formed entity of Canada to form what is today contemporary Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to be incorporated into the confederation in 1949. For a period of many years since Confederation, Canada has undergone many territorial changes and expansions, eventually forming the current union of ten provinces and three territories.

The formation of Canada and attainment of its independence was a gradual process. Despite the existence of a responsible government in Canada, the United Kingdom continued to claim sovereignty over the land until the end of the World War I. The 1931 passing of the statute of Westminster recognized Canada as equal with the United Kingdom but the country was denied the power to amend its constitution. Dependence on the British parliament in Canada was removed in 1982 after patriation of the constitution. Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state.

Isaiah Cain was born about 1737 in Canterbury, Windham County, Connecticut.

He married Leah Adams in 1762 at Canterbury First Congregational Church. Leah was born about 1738 and was the daughter of  David Adams and Dorcas Paine .

Isaiah and Leah's children may have included:

John Cain (1763, married Amy Robbins),
David Cain (1765),
Rebecca Cain (1765, married  John Wood ),
Jemima Cain (1768, married  Derrick Hogeboom ),
Mary Polly Cain (1770, married  John Hogeboom ),
Catherine Cain (married Jacob Carns (Cairns)), and
Barnabus Cain.

Isaiah Cain was a private during the French and Indian War. In December, 1763 he enlisted in Captain Richard Rea’s Company from Dutchess County, Province of New York.

In 1775, they lived in the Manor of Rensselaerswyck in Albany County New York. The Lower Manor of Rensselaerswyck was called Claverack.

About 1775, Isaiah was a private in the 4th Albany County Militia Regiment � 2nd Rensselaerwyck Battalion under Colonel Killian Van Rensselaer.

In 1777, Isaiah and Leah Cain of Rensselaerswyck, sold their inherited Connecticut land (17 3/4 acres) to David Adams of Canterbury for 32£.

In 1789 they emigrated from New York to the Lunenburg District in Quebec.

They eventually settled in Yonge Township, Leeds County, Ontario.

Isaiah and John Cain were assessed in  Yonge Township in 1805 .

Isaiah died in 1812 in Caintown, Leeds County, Ontario.

 

Captain John Wood was born on October 28, 1739 in New York.

John married  Rebecca Cain  on  March 26, 1789 in Claverack, Columbia County, New York.

John and Rebecca's children may have included:

William Wood (1789, married Mary Woodcock)
Betsey Wood (1791, married Ebenezer Moore)
Christina Wood (1794, married James Watson)
Isaiah Wood (1795, married Huldah Mallory daughter of  Enoch Mallory )
Mary Wood (1795, married John W. Armstong)
Dorcas Wood (married Abel Page),
David Wood (1802, married Emma Jane) and
George C. Wood (1809, married  Elizabeth Churchill ).

Mallorytown , County of Leeds in the Province of Ontario, Canada
David Cain and John Cain personally before me and being duly sworn solemnly swear they knew Capt. John Wood being our brother-in-law came to Canada November seventeen hundred and ninety-four lived joining farm and was not out of the County of Leeds during the remainder of his life he Capt. John Wood died April twenty-eight eighteen hundred and six.......Ira Mallory, J.P.

John and Rebecca's children may have included:

John was captain of a company of the Orange County, New York militia during the American Revoluton. For his service he received land in Cayuga County, New York.


In the year 1779, the Captain was captured by the British at Quebec, put in a dungeon four years and ten days. During the captivity his wife and children came over to Canada, and in 1791, he went in search of them, and finding them settled in  Caintown  in the township of Yonge, County of Leeds, Province of Upper Canada,

John and Rebecca moved from New York to Leeds County in the 1790s.

On October 19, 1801

Petition of John Wood of Yonge Twp., Leeds Co., Johnstown District dated at York -- desirous of improving the reserve lot No. 12 - 3rd concession of Yonge on the terms of leasing offered by Government, and prays a lease may be made in his name. (Source - Archives of Ont. U.C. Land Petitions - RG 1 L3 - Yonge 1801, Leases & Licenses of Occupation/142 - Vol. 556) 

1802 Census

1 man - John
1 woman - Rebecca
2 male -William & Isaiah
4 female children - Betsey, Christina, Dorcas & Mary

In 1804 the household included two sons and five daughters.

April 18, 1806 - Death of Capt. John Wood (age 67) of black measles [Rocky Mountain spotted fever]-- buried at Junetown, Yonge Twp.  The body of Captain John Wood was disinterred (in Canada) by his grandson George Wood Armstrong, and reburied in the Lewis Corners Cemetery, Granby Township, New York.

In 1808 the John Wood, household had five males and seven females.

In 1811 the household had sons and four daughters.

George and John were assessed in  Yonge Township in 1805 .

Mary Wood married John Armstrong on January 22, 1815 in Yonge Township.

Dorcas Wood married Abel Page October 23, 1817 in Yonge Township. The witnesses were Thomas Page and Isaac Cain.

Rebecca Cain Wood died in 1825.

The Leeds County militia records for 1828 - 29 include Isaiah, 34, David, 26, and George Wood, 19.

George C. and George, David, John, and Isaiah were in Yonge in the 1840s.

Not to be lacking in any modern development, Carthage has her own centenarian, Mr. Isaiah Wood was born in 1794, and his 100th birthday was commemorated at the residence of his son, July 21, 1894, by kindly visits from many appreciative friends.

Mr. Wood came of good old Scotch parentage, and seems to have inherited the sturdy characteristics of that race.

His parents removed from Albany county shortly before his birth to Canetuck (Caintown), Canada, 12 miles above Brockville, where his boyhood was spent. Returning to this county with his parents, they settled in St. Lawrence county, and there he grew to man's estate and married.

He lived in the vicinity of Hammond and Morristown until 1857, when he moved to Michigan After four years he came to Deer River, to reside near his son, Mr. John B. Wood, now of Carthage, who from that time has made him the recipient of the most constant care. His health is fair, though sight and hearing are much impaired. His mind is yet bright and active.

 

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841 ; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

New York Land and Property at Family Search

New York Church Records at Family Search

 

 

 

       

Captain John Wood received Land Patents in Onondaga Co., NY.

Four Armstrong siblings, including, left to right: Clarissa H. "Clara" (Armstrong) Griswold, possibly Jeremiah Frazer Armstrong, Samuel Bolton Armstrong, and possibly George Wood Armstrong, before 1917. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan, who found this photo among the effects of her great-grandmother, Cora Adella (Armstrong) (Abbey) Thompson.

Extract from "Brockville Recorder & Times" -- 15 August 1905

"Going away back to the time of the religious strife between Catholics and Protestants in Germany, in the year 1530, a family from thence named William, James and Elizabeth Wood came to New York. William married an English lady, by whom he had a son John, who became a baker by trade. This John, the baker, also married, and among his sons was one John, who became proprietor. The hotelman reared a family, one of whom was John Wood, who was a U.S. pioneer and later became Capt. John Wood in the Continental army in New York. He married there and had a son and daughter, William and Betsey. She afterwards was Mrs. Ebenezer Moore. In the year 1779, the Captain was captured by the British at Quebec, put in a dungeon four years and ten days. During the captivity his wife and children came over to Canada, and in 1791(4), he went in search of them, and finding them settled in Caintown in the township of Yonge, County of Leeds, Province of Upper Canada, he never returned to live in the States but became subject to Great Britain, and being of a somewhat jovial turn of mind, often said he would flog a son of his who would refuse to become a British subject. His children are William, Betsey, Isaiah, David, Mary, Hafey and George.

Mary married John H. Armstrong whose son George W. began about 18 years ago to search for evidence in the case of his grandfather, Captain John Wood, regarding Governmental bounty for his services in the U.S. revolutionary war, and for which he had never received remuneration. He had been very successful in obtaining important evidence, and is hopeful of securing a sum from the funds of Uncle Sam. The military commissioners at Washington, D.C. have acknowledged this much."

1901 -- (The body of Capt. John Wood was disinterred by his grandson George Wood Armstrong, and reburied in the Lewis Corners Cemetery, Granby Twp., Oswego Co., N.Y.)

Ancestry.com 1840 United States Federal Census

Name, Residence(City,County,State)

Thomas Favel , Houndsfield, Jefferson, New York (Page?)

Free White Persons, Including Heads Of Families

Males:

Under 5--
5 & under 10--
10 & under 15--
15 & under 20--
20 & under 30--2 (Born 1810-1820) (Edward and Thomas Jr.?)
30 & under 40--
40 & under 50--1 (Born 1790-1800) (Thomas Sr.?)
50 & under 60--
60 & under 70--
70 & under 80--
80 & under 90--
90 & under 100--
100 & upward--

Females:

Under 5--
5 & under 10--2 (Born 1830-1835) (Celia?)
10 & under 15--1 (Born 1825-1830) (Caroline?)
15 & under 20--2 (Born 1820-1825) (Female)
20 & under 30--
30 & under 40--
40 & under 50--
50 & under 60--1 (Born 1780-1790) (Margaret?)
60 & under 70--
70 & under 80--
80 & under 90--
90 & under 100--
100 & upward--
-----------
I wonder if Celia was also a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Favel, married to David Page??

1850 Census, Hounsfield, Jefferson County, New York, Page 151 (B), Enumerated August 16, Dwelling 421, Family 421, Lines 38-42

Thomas Favel, Age 58, Born abt 1792 England, Laborer

Margaret Favel, Age 61, Born abt 1789 England

Celia Page, Age 19, Born about Canada

David Page, Age 19, Born about Canada

Next Page, Line 1

William Page, Age 1, Born about New York
----------------
1850 Census, City of Oswego Ward 1, Oswego County, New York, Page 28?, Enumerated July 24, Dwelling 440, Family 524, Lines 4-10

Edward Favel, Age 30, Born abt 1820 England, Laborer

Louisa Favel, Age 27, Born abt 1823 New York

Stephen Favel, Age 8, Born abt 1842 New York

Margaret Favel, Age 7, Born abt 1843 New York

Thos Favel, Age 4, Born abt 1846 New York

Edward Favel, Age 3, Born abt 1847 New York

Marone Favel, Age 3 Months, Born abt 1850 New York
----------------
Could this Thomas be a son of Thomas Sr. and Margaret?, and brother to Edward?

1850 Census, City of Oswego Ward 3, Oswego County, New York, (Page 424 212B), Enumerated August 1, Dwelling 487, Family 536, Lines 3-12

Thos Feavel, Age 33, Born about 1817 England, Laborer

Elenor Feavel, Age 22, Born abt 1828 Canada

Wm Feavel, Age 1, Born abt 1849 New York

Abel Paign (Paige), Age 50, Born about 1800 Vermont

Dorcas Paign (Paige), Age 52, Born about 1798 Canada (Female)

Mary Armstrong, Age 48, Born about 1802 Canada

Hulda Paige, Age 15, Born about 1835 Canada

Elizabeth Paige, Age 8, Born about 1841 Canada

James Armstrong, Age 8, Born about 1842 Canada

Geo Armstrong, Age 14, Born about 1836 Canada
---------------
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyjeffer/vrechoun.htm

VITAL RECORDS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY,
1847, 1848, and 1849
TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD

HOUNSFIELD GROOMS

GROOM --Cleaveland, Malon, 16, Hounsfield
BRIDE --Favel, Caroline, 17, Hounsfield
OFFICIAL --Rev. E.G. Townsend
DATE -- Dec 16 1847
--------------
1850 Census, Adams, Jefferson County, New York, Page ?, Enumerated August 17, Dwelling 718, Family 726, Lines 21-23

Mahlon Cleveland, Age 18, Born about 1832 New York

Caroline Cleveland, Age 20, Born about 1830
(Indexed born in Connecticut), Looks like Ca (Canada?)

Julia Cleveland, Age 1, Born about 1849 New York
--------------
1860 Census, Township of Spring Lake, Ottawa County, Michigan, Page 8, Enumerated June 2, Dwelling 78, Family 60, Lines 17-23

Mohlon W. Cleveland, Age 28, Born about 1832 New York, Carpenter

Caroline Cleveland, Age 30, Born about 1830 Canada, Wife

Julia Ann Cleveland, Age 11, Born about 1849 New York

Alphonso W Cleveland, Age 8, Born about 1852 New York

Orvil S Cleveland, Age 6, Born about 1854 New York

Sarah A Cleveland, Age 2, Born about 1858 New York

Willett H Cleveland, Age 3.12, Born about 1860 Michigan

NEXT FAMILY, Dwelling 79, Family 61, Lines 24-27

Henry W Cleveland, Age 24, Born about 1836 New York, Shoemaker

Phebe Cleveland, Age 21, Born about 1839 New York, Wife

Ella Cleveland, Age 6, Born about 1854 Illinois

John Cleveland, Age 2, Born abt 1858 Michigan
--------------
1870 Census, Oshkosh Ward 4, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Page 38, Enumerated June 25, Dwelling 296, Family 300, Lines 9-17

Mahlon Cleveland, Age 37, Born about 1833 New York, Ship Carpenter

Coraline (Caroline) Cleveland, Age 39, Born about 1831 Canada, Keeping House

Alphonso Cleveland, Age 17, Born about 1853 New York, Ship Carpenter

Orville Cleveland, Age 14, Born about 1856 New York, Ship Carpenter

Sarah Cleveland, Age 11, Born about 1859 New York

Willet Cleveland, Age 9, Born about 1861 Michigan

Edward Cleveland, Age 6, Born about 1864 Wisconsin

Clifford Cleveland, Age 4, Born about 1866 Wisconsin

Daisy M Cleveland, Age 1, Born abt 1869 Wisconsin
--------------
1880 Census, Lake, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Page 39, Enumerated June 16, Dwelling 242, Family 252, Lines 8-11

Mahlon W. Cleveland, Self, Age 49, Born about 1831 New York, Father born Connecticut, Mother born Massachusetts, Farmer

Caroline Cleveland, Wife, Age 50, Born about 1830 Canada, Parents born England, Keeping House

Edward Cleveland, Son, Age 17, Born about 1863 Wisconsin, Father born New York, Mother born Canada

Clifford Cleveland, Son, Age 13, Born about 1867 Wisconsin, Father born New York, Mother born Canada
--------------
1900 Census, Township of Omro, Village of Omro, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Enumeration District 131, Enumerated June 20, Sheet 9 A, Dwelling 224, Family 227, Lines 13-18

A W Cleveland, Head, Age 47, Widow, Born November 1852 New York, Father born New York, Mother born Canada (English), Carpenter

Mahlon Cleveland, Father, Age 68, Married 53 Years, Born January 1832 New York, Father born Massachusetts, Mother born Massachusetts, Carpenter

Caroline Cleveland, Mother, Age 69, Married 53 Years, 10 Children, 7 Living, Born October 1830 Canada (English), Parents born England, Immigration Unknown

Adelle Cleveland, Daughter, Age 12, Born December 1887 Minnesota, Father born New York, Mother born Wisconsin

Julia Cleveland, Daughter, Age 10, Born November 1889 Minnesota, Father born New York, Mother born Wisconsin

Mabel Webster, Servant, Age 20, Born October 1879 Wisconsin, Father born Wisconsin, Mother born New York
----------------
Thomas, Ann, Edward, Laura, and Thomas are indexed under Farle (Page 26), and continued on (Page 27), is Stephen, Lydia, Joshua, Edward, Joseph, Margaret, Laura, and Emma, indexed under Favel. This is all one family listed on 2 pages under 2 dwellings.

Was Ann the same person as Margaret? or was she a second wife to Thomas?

1860 Census Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, 5th Ward, July 17, Page 26, Dwelling 970, Family 862, Lines 36-40 & Page 27, Dwelling 971, Family 863, Lines 1-8

Page 26--

Thomas Farle, Age 75, Born about 1785 England, Occupation: Farm Lab

Ann Farle, Age 72, Born about 1788 Maryland

Edward Farle, Age 44, Born abt 1816 Canada, Occupation: Bill Poster

Laura Farle, Age 41, Born abt 1819 New York

Thomas Farle, Age 15, Born abt 1845 New York, Occupation: Farm Laborer

Next Page 27--

Stephen Favel, Age 19, Born about 1841 New York, Occupation: Farm Lab

Lydia Favel, Age 18, Born about 1842 Illinois (Indexed as Iowa)

Joshua Favel, Age 8 Months, Born about 1859 Wisconsin

Edward Favel, Age 13, Born about 1847 New York

Joseph Favel, Age 11, Born about 1849 New York

Margaret Favel, Age 7, Born about 1853 Wisconsin

Laura Favel, Age 4, Born about 1856 Wisconsin

Emma Favel, Age 2 Months, Born about 1860 Wisconsin
-----------------
I think I may also have found Ann Feavel, wife of Thomas Feavel, (born 1785 Maryland) living with the Helsor family in the 1870 census. Lovina Helsor was not married to Thomas Feavel yet, and Thomas is not listed here, but..........

1870 Census Burlington, Racine County, Wisconsin, Enumerated June 4, Page 23 (a.k.a. 205), Dwelling 177, Family 172, Lines 13-21

Indexed under Helson

Joshua Helsor, Age 59, Born about 1811 Pennsylvania, Farmer

Martha Helsor, Age 50, Born about 1820 Ohio, Keeping House

Levina Helsor, Age 25, Born about 1845 Illinois

William Helsor, Age 19, Born about 1851 Iowa

Martha Helsor, Age 15, Born about 1855 Michigan

Joshua Helsor, Age 13, Born about 1857 Wisconsin

Stephen Helsor, Age 10, Born about 1860 Wisconsin

Sarah Helsor, Age 7, Born about 1863 Wisconsin

Ann (Fravel) Feavel, Age 81?--Born about 1789? Maryland

Indexed as Ann Fravel, age 31, born abt 1869 Maryland

 

 

 

Our lines intersect with Edward M. Feavel and Josephine Jero (might have been married twice since I also have a Josephine Page married to Edward M. Feavel). We should compare if you are interested. I might note that Josephine's parents were Israel Jero and Sicillia Feavel.

I also have an Ida May Feavel (daughter of Edward M. Feavel and Josephine Page) married to Andrew Charles Winegarden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Emeline Jero was born 26 Sep 1867 in Shiocton, Outagamie Co., Wisconsin, and died 5 Aug 1947 in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., Wisconsin. She was the daughter of 2. Israel H. Jero Sr. and 3. Siscilia Feavel. She married Maylon S. Winegarden 18 Jun 1883 in Arpin, Wood Co., Wisconsin, son of Andrew Winegarden and Unknown. He was born 13 Jan 1858, and died 26 Feb 1925.

   
   

 

Ahnentafel, Generation No. 2

 

2. Israel H. Jero Sr. was born 1812 in E. Canada, and died 1876 in New York.

 

3. Siscilia Feavel was born 1 Mar 1831 in Oswego Co., New York, and died 23 Feb 1913 in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., Wisconsin. She was the daughter of 6. Thomas Feavel and 7. Margaret Lane.
   
  Children of Siscilia Feavel and Israel H. Jero Sr. are:
  i. Josephine M. Jero was born 24 May 1851 in New York, and died 10 Oct 1915 in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., Wisconsin. She married Edward M. Feavel Abt. 1871. He was born 9 Feb 1847, and died 14 May 1913.
  ii. Israel H. Jero Jr. was born 6 Sep 1855 in New York, and died 21 Jan 1934 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wood Co., Wisconsin. He married Sarah Jane Helser 12 May 1879 in Shiocton, Outagamie Co., Wisconsin, daughter of Joshua Helser and Martha Miltida Clinger. She was born 15 Sep 1862 in Milwaukee Co., Wisconsin, and died 10 Jan 1940.
  iii. Thomas Jero was born 6 Sep 1857 in Stoles Corner, Jefferson Co., New York, and died 25 Oct 1931 in Beloit, Rock Co., Wisconsin. He married Roselee Beltzor Abt. 1880. She was born 14 Jun 1860, and died 15 Mar 1926.
  iv. Cecilia Jero was born 1862 in New York, and died 1924. She married Joshua George Myron Helser Abt. 1878 in Wood Co., Wisconsin, son of Joshua Helser and Martha Miltida Clinger. He was born 29 Oct 1856 in Milwaukee Co., Wisconsin, and died 4 Mar 1944 in Beloit, Rock Co., Wisconsin.
  v. Irvin Henry Jero was born 28 Jul 1864 in Genesee Co., New York, and died 4 Oct 1946 in Wenatchee, Chelan Co., Washington. He married Eva Louise Firman 27 Jan 1884 in Sigel, Wood Co., Wisconsin , daughter of Jacob Benjamin Firman and Margaret Mc Carthy. She was born 19 Sep 1860 in Deerfield, Dane Co.,Wisconsin, and died Jul 1928 in Wenatchee, Chelan Co., Washington.
1. vi. Emeline Jero was born 26 Sep 1867 in Shiocton, Outagamie Co., Wisconsin, and died 5 Aug 1947 in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., Wisconsin. She married Maylon S. Winegarden 18 Jun 1883 in Arpin, Wood Co., Wisconsin, son of Andrew Winegarden and Unknown. He was born 13 Jan 1858, and died 26 Feb 1925.
  vii. William Jero was born Jul 1869 in Wisconsin . He married Emma Carrick 1888. She was born Aug 1867.
  viii. Edwin Jero was born 1872 in Wisconsin , and died 18 Oct 1888 in Vesper, Wood Co., Wisconsin.

 

Ahnentafel, Generation No. 3

 

6. Thomas Feavel was born 1797 in Little Paxton, Huntingdon, England.

 

7. Margaret Lane was born 1800 in Little Paxton, Huntingdon, England.
   
  Children of Margaret Lane and Thomas Feavel are:
  i. Ann Feavel was born 18 Sep 1819 in Oswego Co., New York.
3. ii. Siscilia Feavel was born 1 Mar 1831 in Oswego Co., New York, and died 23 Feb 1913 in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., Wisconsin. She married Israel H. Jero Sr. Abt. 1850. He was born 1812 in E. Canada, and died 1876 in New York.

 

 

 

 

The History Of Upper And Lower Canada

 

Upper and Lower Canada were formed by the Constitutional Act of 1791 in response to the wave of United Empire Loyalists moving north from the United States into the French-speaking province of Quebec following the American Revolution (1765-1783). The result was the division of the old Province of Quebec into two colonies, Lower Canada to the east and Upper Canada to the West, each with their provincial legislatures. While Lower Canada retained the seigneurial system, language, and religious institutions of Quebec, Upper Canada developed on a model of British society.

New Settlers Arrive

In the wake of the American Revolution, United Empire Loyalists fled northwards to the Province of Quebec, followed by other English-speaking settlers. By 1790 the influx of new settlers numbered about 10,000. The territories they settled were already occupied by Indigenous peoples, including the Wendat, Tionontatehronnon, and Algonquin. The Loyalists, guided by Sir Frederick Haldimand, settled primarily along the St. Lawrence River in the area of Kingston, along the shores of Lake Ontario by the Bay of Quinte, and around the Niagara Peninsula. While Quebec had been established as a British colony with the Treaty of Paris (1763) and the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the majority of the population remained French-speaking. The English settlers, however, brought with them their own political and religious ideals, and tensions soon arose between the two groups. One key issue was that of land ownership. The Province of Quebec had established a seigneurial system that awarded parcels of land to nobles and religious communities, who then allotted pieces of the land to tenants in return for farming the land. Used to the freedoms they had held in the Thirteen Colonies, the new settlers wanted instead to own their lands in their own right. Similarly, they pushed for representative government, a British system of parliament, and British civil law. Religion was another point of tension. While the Roman Catholic Church was the established Church in Quebec, the new settlers looked to establish their Protestant Church.

In the years prior to the division of Quebec into the Canadas, Britain had hopes that floods of English settlers would anglicize Quebec. Prior to the Loyalist wave, the floods did not materialize. The Quebec Act of 1774 had restored the Catholic Church in Quebec, and the old French civil law, reversing the Royal Proclamation of 1763. The Canadiens were not ready to give up their recently restored privileges.

A New Province

The solution arrived at was the division of Quebec. The British Constitutional Act of 1791 officially divided Quebec into the primarily French-speaking Province of Lower Canada, and the primarily English-speaking Province of Upper Canada. Each province established its own government, with an appointed lieutenant-governor, executive council, legislative council, and elected representative assembly. While Lower Canada retained the seigneurial system, language, and religious institutions of Quebec, John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, was determined that the new province would be a model of British society.

Defining �Upper� And �Lower�

The territory of Lower Canada extended west from the Ottawa River to the Great Lakes, south of Rupert's Land. Lower Canada extended east from the Ottawa River to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, including what is now Labrador.

The terms �upper� and �lower� refer to the relative location of each province along the St. Lawrence River, which hints at the importance of rivers as highways for travel in the period. Upper Canada was located nearest the source of the St. Lawrence, �upriver�. In contrast, Lower Canada was closest to the mouth of the St. Lawrence, �downriver� (traveling with the current).

Upper Canada

With the establishment of Upper Canada, the seigneurial system of Quebec was abolished in favor of British freehold land tenure. Established as the official Church of the province, the Anglican Church received preferential treatment, for instance being granted large tracts of land as clergy reserves, "for the support and maintenance of a Protestant Clergy.�

Simcoe established British civil law and trial by jury, established the provincial capital at York (Toronto), and left a legacy of road building and town planning. Promises of free land drew more immigrants to the province. By 1811, the population of new settlers was almost 90,000.

In the early nineteenth-century, control of the province fell to the �Family Compact,� a small Conservative group, loyal to the British Crown. They were chosen from the friends of the lieutenant-governor and appointed to prominent roles within the government. The Family Compact was known for its corruption, granting government positions in return for favors of financial or political support, and preferential treatment of friends and supporters. But they were also �progressive industrialists,” promoting building programs and public works. But their aggressive hold on power, confined to a select elite few, fed political tension.

The War of 1812 was a defining moment for Upper Canada, which generated patriotic myths and heroic figures such as Laura Secord, Sir Isaac Brock, and Tecumseh. The war also strengthened ties with Britain, and immigrants flowed from Britain into Upper Canada in place of the American immigrants whom the war had halted.

As Upper Canada grew, it struggled economically, and by the 1820s had fallen into chronic debt. The province also lacked in infrastructures such as schools, hospitals, and local government. The government�s failings and corruption all contributed to the 1837-1838 rebellion. Early attempts to push through political reform, led by those such as Robert Baldwin, were moderate and unsuccessful. William Lyon Mackenzie took charge of the reformers in 1837 and left them into armed revolt against the government. The rebellion was defeated, but reform would follow.

Lower Canada

The Act of 1791 did not put an end to tensions in what was now, Lower Canada. While the majority of the population remained French-speaking, the British imposed English as the official language. The House of Assembly was divided between the English-speaking Tory Party, and the French-speaking Canadian Party, the House majority. Similarly, two political papers, The Quebec Mercury and Le Canadien voiced the interests of the English merchants and the Canadiens, respectively. Gradually, English began to take over as the language of business; by 1831, 45% of Quebec City�s population was English-speaking, and by 1842 they made up 61% of Montreal’s population.

Lower Canada appeared to thrive as the population boomed, growing from 110,000 in 1784 to 330,000 in 1812. Fur trade and commercial agriculture continued to dominate the economy. The timber trade grew rapidly after 1806 as demand rose, in part to meet the needs for shipbuilding. By 1832, however, the economy was in crisis. The declining price of furs and wheat resulted in a sharp decline in production, and many farmers were reduced to subsistence farming. The Province fell into chronic deficit importing wheat from Upper Canada. By the early nineteenth century, overpopulation had led to land scarcity and an increasing rural population, fueled in part by British immigrants, which contributed to class struggle.

These events and conflicts helped to fan the growing nationalism sentiments which came to a head in the Patriot insurrection of 1837-1838. The subsidy crisis, attributed to the �ch�teau clique�, the problem of customs duties between Upper and Lower Canada, and rising ethnic tensions all added fuel to the fire. Tensions boiled over in 1837 and rebellion broke out, �Patriots� taking up arms against the English army. Poor organization proved fatal to the rebellion, and the English response was swift and decisive. In response to the rebellion, Sir John Colborne appointed a special council to govern Lower Canada in place of the House Assembly until 1841.

The  Act Of Union

In 1838, Lord Durham, sent to report on the rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada, condemned the �political cliques�, the Family Compact and ch�teau clique�. He advocated for the establishment of responsible government and the amalgamation of Canadas into a single Union, as well as the assimilation of the French  Canadiens . In 1841, the   Act of Union  officially united the two Canadas into the single Province of Canada.

 

 

John H. Armstrong was born about 1771 to Edward Armstrong and Catherine Armstrong, in the Province of New York, British America, and died April 24, 1848, in Yonge, Ontario, as he can be found there in the 1842 Escott Census (Concession 2, Lot 23). Escott is near the border of Yonge. The census was taken by Yonge but during assessment Escott was separated out. John H. Armstrong brought his family across to NY in 1837, according to his son, Samuel Bolton Armstrong. But it is possible John H. continued to mill lumber in Escott/Yonge and died there. Then when John died, one of his sons. George Wood Armstrong, may have either brought his remains to NY, like George did with his grandfather, Captain John Wood and placed the Memorial gravestone in NY or John H actually died there. (George Wood made a big deal out of exhuming Captain John Wood to NY do it's plausible he would do the same to his father, John, since both men were actually born in NY.)

To understand who John is, we 1st look at Edward, the senior, who was imprisoned in Albany in 1777 during the Rev. War due to his support of the British and released in 1784. Edward became a refugee for his support (per 12 Oct 1784, Haldimand papers and was mustered out by Major Jessup, showing he had a wife and 2 males above age 10 and 2 females under age 10, which means the males could be born on/before 1773 and the females would be born on/after 1773. H-1655; Image 205 https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1655/205

Due to Edward's loyalty he receives land from Lord Dorchester in Province of Quebec, Royal Assgt Number 8; North 5 (Elizabethtown); Lot 17 in 2nd Concession, North Division. H1134; Images 96-97; https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1134/96

7 Nov 1787 Edward and family receive additional land in Elizabethtown (Lots 18 and 19 of the 8th Concession in the Province of Quebec). Elizabethtown later is part of Leeds County, Province of Upper Canada.

John H. remains behind in the Province of New York, perhaps with family and to work as a miller. From 1787-1793, there are no John Armstrong's who enter Lower Canada who would have come from America, either for land petitions or as aliens. There is only a John Armstrong who does enter in 1794. Then a John Armstrong marries Mary "Polly" Wood in Yonge Twp in 02 Jan 1815. The next John Armstrong arrives Jul 1817 from Scotland with a wife and 3 girls and is given land (Lot 17 in 2nd Concession) in Yonge Twp. These two John Armstrong's remain in Yonge Twp for years until John of Jul 1817, moves to Elizabethtown, where he is buried.

On 23 Sep 1794 a John Armstrong enters through St. John's Harbour, Province of Quebec (now called Saint Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, Canada).This is documented in the Lower Canada, Declarations of Aliens - H-1154. Here it states:

"I, John Armstrong do declare that I am Native of the American States, twenty three years old and by trade a Miller, that resided then Six Months Past in Schaghticook (Schaghticoke) in the State of New York, and came into this Province by the way of Lake Champlain, that I am now on my journey to upper Canada to See My Parents given under hand at St. John's this 23rd Day of September 1794." (This would make John Armstrong, born about 1771.) H-1154; Image 168 https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1154/168

The index states it a little differently:
"Date: 23 Sept 1784; Number: 31; Name: John Armstrong; Where Declaration made: St. John's; Before Whom: Pat'k (Patrick) Conroy?, J.P.; Natives of What Place: State of New York; at What time Came into the Province: 23 Sept 1784; General Occupations: miller; Remarks: gone to Upper Canada to his Father". Now we know that John is a miller. H-1154; Image 186 https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1154/186

So it is probably that John knows his father is not well because in 1795 Edward Armstrong, the senior has died. In April 1803, Catherine assigns to John, Lot 17 in 2nd Concession, given by the Crown on 24 Sep 1784:"Catherine Armstrong, relict to the said lately Edward Armstrong akin that acknowledges that she signs the form on the back of this certificate with John Armstrong whom she maketh oath is her oldest son by Edward Armstrong, the original nominee of the one hundred acres of land I bequeath the above certificate shown this day Catheryn X (her mark)" (H-1134, Images 96-97) https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_h1134/96

13 Nov 1810 Both John and his brother Adolphus of Elizabethtown petition for land. They are recommended for land by the Executive Council in York on 2 Mar 1811 (C-102, Images 949-950). https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c102/950

29 Apr 1819 John Armstrong of Yonge purchases Lot 23, Concession 2 from Lemuel Mallory South of Kings Highway (now Highway 2) in Escott; Abstract index books, ca. 1800-1959; Front of Escott Township; FHL 199524, Image 100; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HX-MS3B?i=99&cat=484272

Over time, John Armstrong of Yonge sells the remaining land, being the eldest son (Lots 18 and 19 of the 8th Concession Elizabethtown) of Edward Armstrong, the senior. Of tying the land to both John and Mary is 18 May 1830 when John and his wife Mary of Yonge sell Lot E 16, 7th Concession in Elizabethtown. FHL 199505; Leeds County (v. K-L) 1825-1831 Deedbook L; Image 451 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLG-V9L4-X?cat=484032

The census and the assessment records are the final justification of who John and Mary are. They are listed on the census records in Yonge, then Front of Yonge and finally Escott. These are all the same location of Lot 23, Concession 2. The 1st Census for Escott occurs in 1833. Through the census years (1819-1842) in Yonge, etc., the family grows and we can correlate the children to John and Mary's family to the same Concession and Lot. Because some children die or are lost in records, it is difficult to pin who is who, except for the boys and girls that survive long term.

In Feb 1842 Yonge Township Census Escott Section page 11, John Armstrong is listed as Non-Proprietor of Real Property of Lot 23, Concession 2 (Perhaps Jeremiah is miller now, as was his brother Samuel.); Occupation: Miller; Number of years in province if not native thereof: 47; Number of natives Canada of British origin: 7;Number of natives of United States of America: 1; Females 5 and under: 1; Females 5-13: 1; Males 5-13: 1; Males 14- 18: 1 (single); Males 21-29: 1 (single); Females married 14-44: 1; Males married 60 and upwards: 1.

This final 1842 record ties John together with Mary where Mary is between 14 and 44, John is over 60, a miller, born in the U.S. and has been in Canada for 47 years. 47 years calculates back to 1794 on which John, age 23, arrives to Canada on 23 Sep 1794 as a Miller to see his parents. This tells us that John was born abt 1771 and not 1795

Kay Koslan

Inscription

J.H. Armstrong