Notes:

. Travis Richard Poole married Anna Maria MONTGOMERY,
daughter of John Wilson Montgomery & Lousia Maria Higgins, on 29 Mar 1871. Anna was born 18 Dec 1852 in Point Coupee Parish, near New Orleans. She died 17 Feb 1927 in Cotulla, Texas.

. Anna Mariah is the daughter of Mariah Higgins & John Willson Montgomery.

Two Montgomery sisters married two Pooles:
Ellen Montgomery married Franklin G Poole &
Anna Mariah married Travis R Poole.

. Anna married Travis R Poole, 1844 - 1907

. Their Children:
Travis Beverly Pool, 1878- 1963
Jonathon Cochran Pool, 1881-1964 &
Kate Braxton Pool Gallman 1866-1992. - - -

Birth:
Alt DOB: 18 Dec 1852

Buried:
Cotualla, La Salle Co., Texas.

Notes:

Montgomery's Tavern just north of Eglinton on Yonge Street:
During the 1837 Rebellion, Abraham Willson, 11 years old & his cousin John Wilson Montgomery were playing on the third floor when his uncle John Montgomery's tavern was set on fire by the rebels. The two boys playing upstairs were spotted & barely escaped the fire.

John & Maria Montgomery's 6 sons are
Richard, Alfred, Edwin, John, George & William Archibald Montgomery.

. 1850 main crops were cotton, corn, rice & sugar cane. West Feliciana Parish was full of large plantations.

. During the Civil War the Union gunboats shelled & destroyed their home in St. Francisville (RoseMont) & their business in Bayou Sara (Cotton Gin) & the utter impossibility of replacing either given the circumstances, the Montgomery family was forced to leave & opted to move to an area less torn by war. They moved to Texas but soon discovered that dealing with raiding Indians was a new problem they had not anticipated & were not prepared for, mainly because all the older boys were away at war.

Photo of John Willson Montgomery: Very health, elderly man, full white beard, tall hat, three piece light checked suit, apparently sitting in a rocking chair. He is a little sad looking perhaps.

Dr. John W Montgomery, son of John & Mary Montgomery, born at Newtonbrook, Ontario, in 1826. Hence he as only 10 years of age when the Rebellion broke out, at which time he & his cousin, Abraham Wilson, were the only persons in the old hotel, the Sickle & Sheaf, owned by his father, when the first cannon shot came through his hime cutting down the 3 chimneys. These 2 lads stood viewing the scene from one of the upper windows; they thought it mere sport until a second shot entered the wing, when they were removed by some of the friends.
After the Rebellion closed, & his after made his escape to the United States, his family joined him at Rochester, NY. Here our subject attended the Collegiate Institute until 1843, when the family returned to Toronto. He entered the private medical school taught by the late Dr. John Rolph, where he graduated in 1874.
During his medical course he was offered, by a vote of his class, the position of Demonstrator of Anatomy, which he accepted. After completing this education, he practiced at Sutton Village*, Ontario, 25 years.
In 1872 he removed to Bell Ewart, Simcoe County, where he remained until 1877, when he received the appointment of assistant superintendent in the Kingston Insane Asylum where he remained 5 years. In 1882 he was transferred to the Hamilton Insane Asylum where he present resides. In his politics he has always been a strong Reformer. His first wife was Josephine Gorham of the City of New York; second Elizabeth Anderson of Hawick, Scotland; this third Charlotte, daughter of William Jones, Esq. of Kingston, Ontario. He has 4 sons & 3 daughters.
Note1: Sutton is a larger town, about an hour's drive (modern) from his home in Bell Ewart, also in Simcoe County. However, he would have to pass through Holland Marsh - PJA

Obituary:
. 1907 Nov 27, Wed. Died at Ripe Old Age.
J. W. Montgomery, aged 92 years [=b.1815] died Sunday at 10 o'clock at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Edmund Pierson.
Deceased was one of the oldest citizens of Falls county, coming here about 50 years ago from Canada*. He resided in what is now the Travis community & reared a large family there. His wife has been dead many years. Mr. Montgomery was possessed of a remarkably bright intellect & rugged constitution. He was an entertaining conversationist & many there are who recall pleasant hours spent in listening to his interesting narratives (sic) concerning an eventful & well spent life.
Until a few months ago he was active & moved about with his accustomed vigor. For most of the time since last spring he has been in doors & much of the time in bed. He had no illness more than extreme age & his taking off was due to that. He was a kind hearted gentleman & his memory will be revered by many friends. The remains were interred at Travis on Monday.
Ref: Marlin Democrat Newspaper.
Note: John Willson Montgomery's say he came to US some 50 years ago: with various interludes back & forth to Canada. - PJA

Ontario Land Registry abstract North York Book 13, p65 :
Lot 22, Con 1 East Yonge Street, [Perhaps near Fnch Ave.?]
. 1840 Jun 8, B&S, Alex Montgomery, to John W Montgomery, £1000, North half in al.
. 1845 May 17, B&S, John Montgomery et al, to Bank of Upper Canada, faint x£1249.3.d. South Half xxx.
Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you.- - -

Died:


Buried:
Falls Co.

John married Mariah Louisa HIGGINS on 9 Aug 1837 in New York, New York. Mariah was born on 12 Aug 1818 in London, England; died on 8 Feb 1892 in Marlin, Falls Co., Texas; was buried in Tarver Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mariah is the daughter of Susanna & James Higgins.

Notes:

Married:
Wed.

Notes:

Alexander III is the son of Juda Myers & Alexander Montgomery II.

* Two Willson siblings married two Montgomery siblings:
Alexander Montgomery.III was Rebecca Willson's 2nd husband (& Alexander's 2nd wife: Eliza Bruce, of York, Ontario. )
Alexander's sister Slatira Edith Montgomery married Stillwell Willson, The Younger.

. War of 1812,
1813 Jan 25 - Feb 24. Priv. Alexander Montgomery, Absent without leave. 3rd York Militia, Flank Company.

. 1815 27 Sep, York. This day were married by special license, Alexander Montgomery & Rebecca Smith of the Twp. of York.
by John Strachan. This marriage was solemnized between, Alexander Montgomery & Rebecca Smith. [Widow of David Smith.]
Wit: Wm. Churaun? & Slatira Montgomery [i.e. his sister.]
Ref: Robertson's landmarks of Toronto.

. A record of the Marks of Horn Cattle, Sheep & Swine. York Township:
1816 - Alexr. Montgomery, Jun. Two Holes in the left Ear near the center.

. Alexander Montgomery was falsely convicted of treason during the MacKenzie Rebellion of 1837, escaped to NY & was pardoned by Queen Victoria.

. 1836 - Report 67 of Trustees n W. Dundas St. Road, Amount of Work performed & Money paid, on the Western Turnpike Road, Home District,
Gravelling the ford Road: friend Wilcox, from Stone Road to Montgomery's Inn, £136 cubic yards at Rate of 10 shillings, paid £8. Signed David Gibson, D.P. Surveyor, Toronto, 20 Feb 1837.

. 1838 Aug 22, Ft. Henry (Kingston, ON.), Petition of Wm. Alves for pardon,
Statements of Prisoners, Wm. Alves, born Scotland, 22y [1816], Landed at Quebec with aged parents Aug. 1834, lived mostly London, ON. May 1837 came down to Toronto to procure work as carpenter & joiner’s trade to which I had ben bred, to assist my parents who were in great need, father upwards of 70y. Dec 4 was at work at my take on a building of Mr. John Montgomery’s on Yonge Street, when Mr. McKenzie & Gibson called on me with a party of men going into Toronto to pay a visit to Tories, no fighting, city’s leading men there to received them in a joyful manner. In his youthful inexperience & foolishness I was lead to believe the city men were wait for them. I remained at Montgomery’s with them. The following Thursday Montgomery’s house was burned & in it with my chest of tools, clothes & the little money that I had earned & saved since leaving my parents which I had laid by for them.
On Monday following I was induced to give myself up the the authorities which I did that day, to Captain (Peter) Lawrence. Since which time I have been in prison & my health greatly impaired. If you Excellency will allow me to return to my faithful allegiance & to support my affectionate & despite parents, rest assured I shall hereafter prove myself a devoted & loyal subject & shall at all times study the peace of my fellow men.
Signed, William Alves.
Ref: C6901, 112098-9/ image 1357.
Note: Wm. Alves, b 1816, Forres, Morayshire, Scotland -1852 s/o Janet McHattie & Alexander Alves.

. 1851 Jun 17, New York. Dissolution. the film of Montgomery Brothers & Co. stands dissolved by the death of Henry Montgomery. All outstanding accounts will be settled by Archibald Montgomery, who alone is authorized to sign the firm in liquidation. The business will be continued as heretofore by the subscribers, under the style of Montgomery Brother,
Signed, Arch'd Montgomery & Alex'r Montgomery.
Who are at all times prepared to make liberal ash advances on consignments of approved merchandise to their friends, Messrs, Jones Brothers; Holderness & Chilton, Liverpool; James Pim & Co. Dublin& Cork. Always reserving discretionary powers of sale where advances have been made, Signed, Montgomery Brothers, July 2.
Ref: Shipping & Commercial List & New-York Price Current, NYC, published 1851.7.9.

* Headford, Markham, August 12th, 1868.
My Dear Mrs. Montgomery.
I received the letter of Rev. Mr. Davis last week informing me of my brother's illness & requesting to see me. I will state that I have been most anxious to go, but on account of the sickness of my wife, I could not start at once. I now write to know if my brother Alexander is still alive, if so I will start immediately, as my wife is now out of danger & I feel that I can leave her with safety. By writing as soon as you receive this you will very much oblige.
Very Truly Yours, John Montgomery.

Ref: Letter from John Montgomery to his sister-in-law, Eliza Bruce Montgomery regarding the ill health of John's estranged brother, Alexander. A grist & woollen mills at Headford Mills, were at Leslie St. south of Major Mackenzie Drive.

Ontario Land Registry Book 13, North York p65 :
Lot 22, Con 1 East Yonge Street,
. 1817 Jun 12, Bargain&Sale, Alfred Barret etux, to Alexander Montgomery, £400, All 190A.
. 1822 Mar 25,B&S, John Montgomery, to Alexander Montgomery, £200, All half share.
. 1827 Jan 15, B&S, Alex Montgomery etux, to John Montgomery Sr, £212, South 95A utility xxfaint ink.
. 1840 Jun 8, B&S, Alex Montgomery, to John W Montgomery, £1000, North half in al.
Note: The use of senior or junior was sometimes used for those living at that time, rather than the father-son relationship. - PJA 2018. - - -

Birth:
Alt DOB: Feb 29, 1788.

Died:
Aged 72 yrs.= b. 1796, however, note he was baptized 1792.

Alexander married Rebekah WILLSON, .1 on 27 Sep 1815 in St. James Anglican Cathedral. Rebekah (daughter of Lieut. John WILLSON, Jur.2 and Sarah LAKERMAN) was born on 31 Mar 1789 in Miramichi, Northumberland Co., New Brunswick; died on 23 Feb 1853 in Agincourt (Scarborough, York Co., Ontario; was buried in Knox Presbyterian Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rebekah is the daughter of Sarah Lakerman & John Wilson, Jur. II.

Rebekah Willson's first husband was David Smith;
Rebekah Willson Smith's second husband was Alexander Montgomery, JR.

Two Willson siblings married two Montgomery siblings:
Alexander Montgomery.III was Rebecca Willson's 2nd husband.
Stillwill Willson The Younger's 2nd wife was Slatira Montgomery.

. 1815 Sep 27, York. This day were married by special license,
Alexander Montgomery &
[ i.e. widow} Rebecca Smith of the Township of York.
by Rev. John Strachan. This marriage was solemnize between us,
Alexander Montgomery & Rebecca Smith.
Witnesses: Wm. Chaurun & Statina Montgomery.
Note1: Rebecca Montgomery's first husband, David Smith was deceased.
Alexander's sister, Statina Montgomery, was a witness.

. UCLPetition 64, S Bundle 8, York, 2 January 1807, Microfilche C2809:
To. Lieut. Gov. Francis Gore,
The petition of Rebecca Smith, of the Township of York, Home District.
That your petitioner is the daughter of John Willson Jr. of Lot 18, West side of Yonge, Twp. of York, a UEL (son of John Willson Senior of Markham).
Your petitioner is married to David Smith. She asks for 200 acres of wasteland of the Crown.
She permits her father, the said John Willson, Junior, to be her agent & to take out the patent.
York, 2nd January, 1807, Rebekah Smith.
Received from herself. Witnessed, J Small, J.P., 2 January, 1807, Town of York., in Land Book G, page 24, Recommended for 200 acres. Warrant Z. 4 ? Sent to Surveyor Generals office, 14 Jan, 1807.

. 1816 Aug 9 - WILL of John Willson Jur.2, To daughter Rebecca $100 paid equally by John.3 & Stilwell Willson. To granddaughter Sarah Smith be paid $200 and two cows and eight sheep when she arrives at 18 years and also one bed and bedding which in now in the house
Note2: John Willson.2 died 27 Dec 1818.

Note2: Actually John Willson, Junior.2 is a United Empire Loyalist himself as he took part in the Revolution by driving his father's wagon & acting as a guide. - PJA 2009. - - -

Birth:
Ref: Spelling of Rebekah, 2 signatures UCLP.

Died:
(Scarboro is now part of Toronto. )

Buried:
/St. John the Divine, Agincourt (Scarborough), Ontario

Notes:

Alexander is the son of Sarah Lockwood, born 1736 in Greenwich, Conn. & Alexander Montgomery, born c. 1725 in Kilmore, Co. Monagham, Ireland.

. MEMORIAL OF ALEX MONTGOMERY JUNR, That he was taken prisoner when he was making his escape from among the Rebels at at the first, but made his escape with great difficulty & experience, got with the British Lines & afterwards was sen on an Expedition to penetrate within the Rebel Lines; taken taken prisoner & stripped naked of all his clothes, shoes, buckles, cash & suffered 18 months imprisonment & was almost famished with Hunger & Cold, served in keeping the Fort on Lloyds Neck 5 or 6 years from the time he was able to bear arms & have never relied one farthing from Govt. for all his Services & Sufferings.
Signed, Alexander Montgomery, Junr.

. An Account of Losses sustained by Alex. Montgomery Junr., late Spencer Town, Albany Co. & NY, but now Gage Town, NB:
. Real Estate left him & his brothers some underage by the LAST WILL of their honored grandfather, Gershom Locked, late Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Colony of Connecticut, deceased, recorded in court of Probate Lands, £150; Book Debs £8.10;
. In making his escape when he was taken Prisoner, they took his Cash, £16;
. Some time after remade his escape he got within the British Lines & was sent on Gov. Service to penetrate within Rebel Lines; was taken prisoner & stripped naked of all his clothes, case, shoe buckles. Total £110.
. & suffered 18 months imprisonment.

. 1787 Feb 15, Saint John. EVIDENCE ON CLAIM OF ALEX. MONTGOMERY JR., late of NY.
Alex. Montgomery Senr. says his son came here in Summer 1783 went up the River, now settled in Gage Town. He served with Colonel Upham & Colonel Hewlett on Lloyds Neck & on Expeditions in difficult Places almost all the War.
Witness says he had furnished them with money to carry him off within the British Lines.
His son is very ill with a swelling in his arm & could not come to Saint John's. Gersom Lockwoods, father of witness's wife left by Will a Lot of 10 Acres in Greenwich to witnesses's wife. She dying in his lifetime. He added a Codicil that it was to go amongst her children.
XRef: See wife Sarah Lockwood for references to her father's Will.

. CAPTAIN IVES(?), Sworn, speaking of Alexander & Archibald Montgomery they served with his knowledge, came very young to the Army, were very Loyal & good young lads.

. JAMES HAIT, Sworn, Remembers their both serving. They were very active & serviceable, the 2 Montgomery's were mentioned as excellent soldiers. Knew a man at Greenwich by the name of Gershom Lockwood, he was a man of some property.
Speaking of their bravery in boring a French vessel in the [Boston Sound], the number on board were double that of the assailants. The vessel was taken.
Ref: NY Evidence, Vol 25, Pages 316-321.

. UCLPetition 51, M Bundle 51, C2195: MISSING { & possibly misfiled UC Sundries.

. 1806 June 10th - Date when the Petition prepared in this office: Praying to be put upon UE List.
Ref: Upper Canada Sundries C4503, p920.

. 1806 Jul 10 - Alexander Montgomery, Praying to have his name entered on the UE List. It appearing from a document laid before the Council in 1803 & signed by the Chairman of the Court of General Sessions of Peace for Queens County, New Brunswick, that the Petitioner Alexander Montgomery was actually in that Province on 25 Jan, 1813. The Committee is precluded by the Petitioner not being present in this Province with the period prescribed in such cases, from recommending that his name shall be entered on the U.E. List thereof.

. A record of the Marks of Horn Cattle, Sheep & Swine. York Township:
1804 Oct 30th, Alexl. Montgomery - A hole in the near ear & a Nick in the under side of the off year.

. 1813 Apr 13 - York. Duncan Cameron, Esq. Chairman, Donald McLean Esq., Justices of our Lord the King assigned to Keep the Peace in the Home District, (York). The commission opened & read the Sheriff returned the Prescript. The Grand Jury were called & Sincerely sworn as follows as viz: 1. John Scarlet, Foreman 4. Martin Snyder 5. Samuel Heron 6. Robt. Marsh 8. Richard Lawrence. 11. Alexr. Montgomery 12. Jacob Coomer (Cummer) Cornelius Anderson 14. James Miles 15. John McAught 16. Henry Vanderburgh 17. James Foulton 18. Abraham Johnson (Yonge St. neighbors) Jury were charged by the Chair. Petty Jury adjourned 12 o'clock.
Ref: City of Toronto Archives, MS 251 Reel 1.

WAR of 1812
. 1812 Dec 29. Capt. Thos. Ridout's Company: Alexr. Montgomery & Wm. Marsh, Joined 29th for relief of Fort York company.
War of 1812, Muster 3rd Regiment of York Militia
Under Capt. Duncan Ridout: Private Alexander Montgomery.
1815 Jany 24, Alexr. Montgomery Jun, Two Holes in the left Ear near the center

* 1814 May 15, York Muster Day: Privates John & Alex Montgomery of Capt. Ridout's Company, who were captured at York on the 27th April, 1813. Signed. Lt Col. W. Chewett, 3 Yk Militia, 1814.5.15.
Note2: It is not apparent if this is the senior or junior Alexander Montgomery. Also present in Ridouts Company were Richard Heron, Jos. & Thos. Johnson, John Willson, Jr, Jos. Shepard, Wm. Hill, Saml. Finch, James Everson, Danl. Cummer, Wm. Hollinshead. - PJA.

1814 May 28, York. Appointed Alexander Miontgomery Junior as Constable.

A Record of the Marks of Horn Cattle, Sheep & Swine. For the Inhabitants of the Townships of York:
. 1816 - Alexr. Montgomery Jun, Two Holes in the left Ear near the center.
Ref: York, Upper Canada Minutes of Town Meetings, Toronto Ref. Library.

. UCLPetition 204, M Bundle 14, p746, C2206.
To Sir Pergrine Maitland, Petitioner Alexander Montgomery, Junior, York Twp., yeoman, native of New Brunswick, Son of Alexander Montgomery of Yonge Street who removed to this Province from NB upwards of 20 years ago [1804.] He has a wife & 5 children, (3 Boys & 2 girls); served in Militia during the late War, taken the Oath of Allegiance. That being of ability & delirious to improve a location of case lands.
Signed, Alexander Montgomery, Jur, York 24th Nov, 1824.
In Council 24 Nov 1824, Recommended as a settler for 200 Acres. WDP. Order issued 27 Nov., 1824.

. 1832 Jan 2 - A spectacular phenomenon or pageant in the streets of York, on connected with the troubles of the time, must be mentioned. It was a demonstration to celebrate the second return of Mr. Mackenzie, after expulsion adopted description given by himself in his Sketches. A procession was formed at the Red Lion Inn, on Yonge Street [near Bloor St.] - Price's or Daniel Tier's [Beef Steak & Beer House] where the hustings [events] were.
In front of it was an immense sleigh belonging to Mr. Montgomery, which was drawn by 4 horses, carried between 20 - 30 men & 2 or 3 Highland pipers. From 50 to 100 sleighs followed, & between 1 - 2000 of the inhabitants. The procession passed by the Government House, from thence to the Parliament House, thence to Mr. Cawthra's, & then to Mr. Mackenzie's own house, giving cheers at each of these places. One of the most singular curiosities of the day." it is added, was a little printing-press, placed on one of the sleighs, warmed by a furnace, on which a couple of boys continued, while moving through the streets, to strike off their New Year's Address, & throw it to the people. Over the press was hoisted a crimson flag, with the motto, 'The Liberty of the Press.'
On the apex of Mr. Montgomery's pyramidal sleuth, stood the hero of the day himself, wearing the golden chair & medal presented to him a free hours previously, at the Red Lion.
Ref: Memoirs of the four Decades of York, Upper Canada, Henry Sacking, 1880.

. 1843 November 17th - Dated this day, PURSUANT to a Degree of the Court of Chancery, made in a cause of Stillwell Willson & Wife, against John McIntosh, Richard Montgomery & others, the Creditors of Alexander Montgomery, late of the City of Toronto, Gentlemen, deceased (who died in or about the month of May in the year 1841,) are by their Solicitors, on or before the 15 Feb. next, to come forth in & prove their debts before John Godfrey Spragge, Esq., the Minister of the said Court, at his Chambers, In Toronto, or in default thereof, they will be excluded the benefit of the said Decree. J G Spragge.
Ref: The Canada Gazette, Pg. 1064. Notice repeated 10 Jan 1844.

Notes4: Upon Alexander's death in 1841 & his leaving his estate to several in family but the land was to go to Richard Montgomery. Stillwell & Statira Willson then brought a suit along with others in family against Richard & others concerned.

Toronto History:
. On July 30, 1793, Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe landed at Toronto Bay to supervise the planing of a garrison & town. Thus the arrival of the Montgomery family in 1798 (as well as the Marsh family) was not coincidental, but part of the general shift of population. In the fall of 1798 Alexander Jr., with his family, moved to Toronto, then known as Little York. Statira Montgomery Dodge, writing for her mother, Sarah Montgomery Marsh, claims that Alexander Montgomery Jr. was a good friend of the governor.

When the Montgomery's arrived, the town had approximately 250 people. Ironically, York was largely settled by Americans. Most of these Loyalist Americans settled in farming townships on Yonge Street.

The first record we have of the family is in1804 in March of that year their daughter, Sarah married William Marsh Jr., who was employed as a blacksmith in his father's shop on Yonge St.  
In 1812 Alexander & his son John managed to find themselves in the thick of the war with the Americans. At the time they were in Kingston bringing provisions by boat when they spotted the American invasion fleet. In an effort to warn Toronto of the impending invasion, John Montgomery along with his brother-in-law William Hill & other men began a forced march of 65 miles to reach the town before the enemy.
. 1813 April 27, a strong American force raided the town. The British retreated to Kingston & in the next few days the public buildings were looted & the Parliament Buildings were burned. Thus, records that might fill in the details of kinsman's life were lost.
. 1820 Alexander & his son, John, built a tavern on the east side of Yonge St. near Finch Ave. This was a two story frame building & it was called, the Bird in Hand".
. 1827 - A heated disagreement between father & son resulted in the building being cut in half, literally! From top to bottom & front to back, the building was sawed in half & John retained the southern half as an inn. The argument father & son had may have been political. Initially Alexander belonged to the old guard conservative faction &, John Montgomery became associated with the liberal left wing of the day. Later the 2 reconciled their differences but another son, Alexander III, split with the family over these disputes.

. 1837 Toronto City Directory, Taverns: Yonge Street Road, commencing new Montgomery's Tavern to the end of the Township, 1st Con. East & west, on Yonge Street
[i.e. before the Toll Gate at Montygomery's]:
Montgomery, Con 1, Lot 1.
Jacob Comer, Con 19, Thos Humberstone, C1, L11. Johnston, Richd. C1, L5; Lawrence Peter, C1, L7, Wm. Marsh, C1, L15, Thos. Sheppard, C1, L15. Watson, James, C1, L25.
Yonge East Side: Thos. Johnston, Con 3, L24, James Johnston C3, L23, Johnston John C3, L20.
Yonge West Side: Thos. Johnston, Con 3, Lot 22.

. 1803 - Lot 10, Con 2 ESide Yonge St, Alexander Montgomery. VERIFY WHICH ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY.

Ontario Land Registry Book 13, North York p65 :
Lot 22, Con 1 East Yonge Street,
. 1797 May 27, Patent, Crown, to Richard Lippincott, All 190 Acres.
. 1817 Jun 12, Bargain&Sale, Alfred Barret etux, to Alexander Montgomery, £400, All 190A.
. 1822 Mar 25,B&S, John Montgomery, to Alexander Montgomery, £200, All half share.
. 1827 Jan 15, B&S, Alex Montgomery etux, to John Montgomery Sr, £212, South 95A utility xxfaint ink.
. 1840 Jun 8, B&S, Alex Montgomery, to John W Montgomery, £1000, North half in al. [i.e. his son John Willson Montgomery - PJA 2018].
Note1: The use of senior or junior was sometimes used for those living at that time, rather than the father-son relationship. - PJA 2018.

Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg, 2015-6. Thank you. - - -

Birth:

Alexander married Judith JUDA MYERS in 1779 in New York, New York. Judith was born on 24 May 1759 in Phillips Manor, Yonkers, Westchester, NYC; died on 16 Mar 1831 in Town of York (Toronto), Ontario; was buried in St. James Church. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Juda is the daughter of Rachel Spinning & Benjamin Myers, (b. Hungary, Landed Newport, RI.) They were members of the Jewish Synagogue in Newport RI.

. 1792 Sep 3 - Gagetown, Baptized by the Rev. Richard Clarke, children of Alexander & Juda Montgomery, on 3 Sep 1792, at Gagetown, NB.:
Abigail Montgomery, Alexander, John, Juda (Adult wife of Alexander Montgomery) & Sarah Montgomery.

. 1795 Sept 11, Baptized at Waterborugh, Mary Ann Tisdale, daughter of Alexander & Juda Montgomery,
. 1795 Sep 11, Slatira Montgomery, Baptized at Waterborugh, Mary Ann Tisdale, daughter of Alexander & Juda Montgomery,
. 1801 Aug 2, Juda Montgomery, son? of Baptized at Gagetown, daughter of Alexander & Juda Montgomery.
Ref: Wm. R. Marsh records O.G.S. & Marianne Grey Otty Database, NB.


. Lot 51, Con 1, Vaughan:
Richmond Hill's first settler, Balser Munshaw, originally settled the land, but abandoned it within a year. Barrister William B. Peters received Lot 51 in 1807. This was only a portion of the lands assigned to him. As well, his wife received 600 acres as wife of a barrister. By 1835 it had passed through the hands of Francis Jackson, Daniel Tiers, James Fleck, John S. Baldwin, Alexander Montgomery, & Aaron Munshaw to Hugh Stewart. Fleck operated an inn here in the 1820s. It may have been the same site upon which the original Elgin Mills hotel of Robert Bingham was located. The northwest corner, corner of Elgin Mills & Yonge Street also contained the Newton Tannery, Dickson's steam sawmill, Trench's blacksmith shop, & John Hamilton's cooperage.
Ref: Early Days in Richmond Hill, Robert M. Stamp, 1930.

"It should be pointed out that the Myers family, unlike most Jews during the Revolution, were Loyalists. During most of the war, Newport was occupied by the British troops & the Myers family was relatively safe. When the British evacuated Newport in fear of the Continental Army, the family, now under the care of the widow, Rachel, followed along. One document has her begging for provisions. The paper is signed by several British officers who had "mercy due to the largeness of her family."
Benjamin Jr. & his brother Abraham were exiled in New Brunswick along with their sister, Juda Myers Montgomery. The records are a little unclear but it seems that their mother & the younger children accompanied them. Eventually all of the Myers family returned to New York except, of course, Juda. Their mother, Rachel, died March 30, 1801, in New York."
Ref: North York Library, Canadian Room, History Files.

. 1805, Abigail Montgomery (1790-1855), daughter of Alexander Montgomery, & Judah Myers married at Anglican Church, York, to
William Hill, ca1781-1849, son of Thomas & Hannah Hill, Quakers. - - -

Birth:
Her father was Hungrian.

Buried:
Cemetery, Monument much faint, bears Jewish script & an angle on it.

Notes:

Northumberland Co., New Brunswick, Deed Registry Books:
. 1793 Jun 16, Sarah Willson & John Willson Junior to William Babock, carpenter, the peaceable & quiet position for £15, improvements of 200 Acres, the Lot on NW Miramichi, by Richard Lawrence. Ref: Vol 2, Pg. 46, Q.C.D., W.S. of N.W.N.

. 1795 Jul 29, John Willson, Jur. A town of York Lot & 400 Acres
Ref: The York Report of 1795 Aug 12, C2980, p174.

. UCLPetition 2, To John Graves, Since, Lieut. Gov., John Willson, Jur.' formerly from NJ, left with my father as early as the year 1776 & was employed in driving my father's wagon in British services till the army return from the Jerseys to Staten Island & was embarking for the Head of Elk [Maryland c. 1777.8.25] when my fathers being deprived of his health so he could not go on board. I then retired with him & the rest of his family on Sand Island* from where I often served as a guide & volunteer with the British Army in many Excursions into the Jersey. Where I ran many risks & received wounds & continued in that Line till the Commencement of Peace when I went with my father & many Families to New Brunswick, Where I served as Lieutenant in an Independent Company & continued till my father thinking Proper to move to this Province. Humbly prays for a Lot of land with the broken front lying on the Humber between Lots located to Levy Devins & Jacob Philips & Lot 18 West side of Yonge Street & what ever more your Excellency of his wisdom may think proper to bestow on one of such a description.
Signed: 25 March, 1796, John Willson, Jur.
N.B. Your petitioner begs leave to accompany this with a commission from is Excellency Governor Carleton, J.WJ.
Envelope: Rec. March 31, 1796, Recommended for Lot 18, Yonge St,
Entered in Land Book B, Page 69.
Ref: Willson, John, Jur, UCLP, W Bundle 2, Petition 2, C1796 -1797 & C 950, p623.

Note1: Sandy Hooke, NJ. is a peninsula lying between Monmouth, NJ & Staten Island, NY on the north side. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was a Refugetown, where the Tories received protection front he Continental army. Here they were strongly guarded by British cannon & many raid were made upon Middletown & Shrewsbury, plundering, burning & carrying off prisoners.
Ref: History of Middletown, NJ.

. UCLPetition 30, W Bundle 3, C2950 p1154. [This 2nd petition giving more battle details: -PJA]
To Hon. Peter Russell, Esq. The Petition of John Wilson Jurn., formerly of East Jersey. That your petitioner joined the British army in the year 1776 & was employed in the Quartermaster's General Department until the embarkation from Staten Island to the Chespeak [1777] at which time your petitioner was prevented from going by the bad state of health of his father. He then served as a volunteer guide & in many hazardous enterprises in the Jerseys when your petitioner received several bad wounds for which he never had any pay or other emolument whatever but continued in this situation till the Commencement of the Peace when he went to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick where he had where he had the honor to have a commission as Lieutenant in an Independent Company, your petitioner during or since these services, never recd. Any title for lands & came to this Country with his father together with settlers to the number of 60 souls.
Signed, John Willson, Junior. [Undated, but:] Read in Council, 1797 Jun 26.
Envelope: Rec.21 Jun 1797, Read Jun 24 The Commission accompanying this Petition does not give any specific a quantity of land.It however, conveys respectability to the Holder & the Committee will no doubt attend to it as will as the Services he address proof of in the Petition of Land which they may judge proper to recommend the petitioner, Signed, Peter Russell.
Recommended for 600 Acres including former grants. Signed, Peter Russell.I
Given a let. 1 Jul 1797.

. 1796 - To John Small, Esq., C. E. Council. I do hereby certify that Mr. Richard Lawrence & Mr. John Wilson Jun. are Loyalist UE in the surest sense of the word, & are so issued In the Order of Council in their favour, & as such pay no fees except your official fee of 5/6d. You will therefore please to insert these U.E. in their Order of Survey.
Envelope: Mr. Richard Lawrence & Mr. John Wilson Junior. Certificate of the Honorable Ea. Shaw, as to Loyalty in favor of the above persons.
Ref: 1st Hier & Devisee, H1146, p228. Archives or Canada.

. Inhabitants to York Township & adjoining Townships, assembled 1797 Jul 17th, Inhabitants of the Humber:
John Willson, Esq.: Men 2, Women 1;
John Wilson, Junr., Men 3, Women 2.

. 1806 Nov 11th, by Order in Council Old United Empire Loyalists List, Wilson, John Junr, Home District, Son of John Senr. Associated Loyalist. Ref: Appendix, Appendix B. centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada by the UEL.

. 1806 Sep 9. To Francis Gore, Esq., Petition of John Wilson, Junior. Joined the British standard at the breaking out, at which he joined the British Standard & went to New Brunswick with the Loyalist in 1783, till he came to this Province in 1792. His name is missing from the U.E. list, pray enter his name is that distinguished list. John Wilson says the contents contained in this Petition are well known to the Hon John McGill & Lt. Coll. Shaw. York, 9th Sept., 1806, John Wilson.
1808 Minutes of Town of York: John Wilson, Jr., 3 males, 2 females. Survey of settlers actually living on Yonge St:
York June 1798, Lot 18 West: John Webster? Wilson. 1 & half acres cleared. Small hut building. Surveyed by David W Smith, Esq.

Note2: Æneas Shaw b. Scotland - d. 1815 York, NJV & Queen's Rangers during Revolution. In company of Sam Smith, Adj. John Gill.2, & 9 others, snowshoed from NB to Quebec 1792 to join John Gov. Simcoe in Toronto. Shaw served as a member of the Executive Council of UC. They knew the Willson from the Revolution. - PJA

. John Willson, Jr. The entrance to his property at Lot 18 Yonge Street was marked with a tall elm tree. (Near Yonge & Empress Streets, Willowdale. -PJA)

. Yonge Street Petition to Gov. Hunter, 1800 January, 16th, Yonge Street is impassable - Signed, John Jr., Senior & Stillwell Willson, & 12 Yonge Street residents. Ref: # Wb.55.

. Petition in support of a Mill near Niagara for Timothy Skinner of Stamford Twp., Lincoln Co. 57 signatures, including, John Willson, Senior. & Junior. Aug 19 1800 These proposals cannot be accepted. (no signature)
Ref: UCLP S- 5 /60, Archives of Ontario film # C2808.
Note4: The Willsons signed this petition just after their own lease on the King's Mill had expired. - PJA.

. Town of York Meetings: 1801 Mar 7. - At a town meeting held on Monday, the 2nd of March inst. at the house of Messrs. & A Playter [Bloor St.], the following persons were elected to serve as public officers for the present year: Overseers of Highways, John Wilson Jr., - for Yonge Street, from No. 25 to Big Creek & half the bridge, [i.e. Steeles to York Mills Ave.]
Ref: York, Upper Canada Minutes of Town Meetings & Lists of Inhabitants 1797-1823

. 1802 June 4, Militia Drill - Just after Daybreak we got up took out our Horses & fed them. Miss Miles got up & prepared us some Breakfast. We soon got joined with Mr. B. Arnold & rode on, as fast as we could through the bad roads. We were joined by J Wilson Junr., 3 of the Mr. Johnsons, Hollingshead, Hoover, Henrick & some others, we all stopped at Eversons Tavern & drank some Whiskey, where more company came up, making 14 horseman. Pass'd an number on foot all going into town. At the Mill road I left them & got down to farther about 8 o'clock.
Soon came up & we walked into Town, dressed ourselves ...Hurried to the alarm Post to join the Company. The men attended pretty generally & we marched into Town & joined the Battalion in the Park. The Men look'd very well, we went through no exercise, only formed the Line. The Captains gave in their returns to the Colonel & he dismiss'd us offering a beaver hatt to the best marksman with the soot the board guns & another to the best there. Riffles we fired at the target by turns in the Company. The Town, of course, was full of people & a great number drunk, were wrestling, jumping, boxing, & the like all the evening...The House was full of all kinds of people.
Ref: Ely Playter's Diary.

. John Jr. was the trustee for a small chapel at York Mills which the Children of Peace used to hold services.

. His father John Senior left him land in Dorchester Twp., Norfolk Co., Ontario.

Toronto Sundries, Home District (Toronto) Quarter Sessions Minutes
. 1804 Apr 11, Wednesday - The following persons were appointed to be Constables in the Home District: John Wilson Jun, Yonge Street, Township of York.

. 1806 Apr 8, Tues. Jacob Comer VS John & Eleanor McBride, his wife, Assault. Eleanor McBride guilty. Wit: John Comer, John Willson, Jur., Joseph Shepherd.

. Grand Jury, John Willson Junior, Foreman. John Thomson VS. Bapistie Renaurd, Petty Larceny, Guilty.

* 1809 October 15 Sunday, Sunday, Banns, Henry Coon & Catherine Everson, both of the Township of York. 
Witnesses: John WILLSON & Adam Everson.
Note5: Without a signature etc. it is difficult to determine which John Willson, Senior or Junior, this could be. - PJA.

War of 1812 MUSTER:
. 1812 Feb 19 to 26 Apr 1813, Absent on sick leave, c 1203, pp 86, 88-96,102;
. 1812 Sep 8 - R, Wm. Marsh Jr, Jonathan Hale of Capt. Sam. Ridout's Co., 3 Regt. York Militia, Serj. Jacob Snyder, John Lamoreaux, Private Thos. Johnson, Priv. Stillwell Willson, D W Kendrick;
. 1812 Sept 13, Willson, John Capt., 3rd York Militia. Appointed officer for the day 14-9 1812, Garrison orders. C1203,
. 1812 Oct 16-24th, Pte. JW, 3rd YM, on the Muster Roll of Capt. Ridout's company. York Garrison 1812, film C1203. p 75.
. 1812 Sep 19 Leave of absence has been granted Until when: Sept 22, 6 o'clock pm. Other present: Danl. Cummer, Jacob Snyder, Geo Denison, Thomas Johnson, Isacc Willson (a cousin), John Montgomery, James Everson.

. 1812 Sep 8 to Sep 22. Stillwell Willson & Thos. Johnson, Remarks Discharged…
* Arms: no sword issued - only the Capt. & 1 other had any arms! - PJA)
. 1812 Nov 25 - Dec 24 - John Willson, Capt. Ridouts Co., 3YM, also Lt. D. W. Kendrick. Joseph Huff has a lead pencil missing through the whole time 17 Sep. Prisoner & committed to Gaol the same day.
. 1812 Sept 13, York Garrison Orders, Permission granted to his Co. to return to their homes until further orders, p.10
. 1812 Oct 16 59 Oct 19 - Rolls recorded as they marched into York Garrison 16 Oct 1812." - Thos. Johnson, John Willson, Peter Lawrence who transferred to Rifle Company 21st Oct - Isaac Willson, Danl. Cummer.
Lieut. Duke Wm Kendrick, killed Jan 1, 1813.

. 1812 Oct 10, Officer for the day, Capt. JW, 3YM, C1203, p22
. 1812 Oct 24, Capt. York Garrison. Ref: c 1203, p29;
. 1812 Nov 9, Capt. Garrison to be officer for day. Regimental O. His Company to remove to & occupy Capt. Burn's rooms in the Garrison. Garrison Orders, York. Ref: C1203, p50.
. 1812 Nov 9, Capt. York Garrison Orders, Regimental officer. His Company to remove to & occupy Capt. Burn's Rooms in the Garrison, Ref: c1203, p 50;
. 1812 Nov 11 & 14th, Capt. JW of 3YM, To be captain. for the days 12 & 15 Nov., c1203, pp 52.56;
. 1812 Dec 25 - 1813 Jan 8, John Willson, 15 Days 7s 6p., also Thos. Johnson, Jhn. Montgomery, Jo. Johnson, Danl. Cummer. Contractors in Kings Works, struck off pay & provisions. Ridouts 3rd YM,
Note6: Written signed by John Willson, Sr., 1YM.
Ref: Upper Canada Nominal Rolls & Paylists, 510384, p825.

. 1812 Metal granted to him for action at Detroit, Pte. John Willson, York Militia.
Ref: British Military & Naval Records, Microfiche C1202, P.8, from Index only C11870, p.1480.

. 1813 Feb 19, Capt. Ridout's Co. 3YM. Employed on the King's Works at York Garrison 1812-1813. C1203, pp 64, 109; Kings Work, John Willson in contract since 1 Jan & getting out timber. KW Joseph Johnson, Thos. Johnson; Jno Willson went home sick Feb. 28th.

. 1813 Feb 19, Roll & State of my Company, Capt. S Ridout. Joseph Johnson on command gone to Niagara with sleigh; Thos. Johnson. K. W. (Kings Work).
John Willson went home sick 20 Feb. 1813.
. 1813 Feb 25 - Mar 2, John Willson, 13 days, pd. £1 7s 6d. On furlough from 2nd to 15th [March]. Ridouts 3YM;
. 1813 Feb 28 - Sick in Barracks, John Willson; Jno Willson went home sick Feb 28th.
. 1813 Mar 1st to 4th, Sick at home, John Willson, Jno. Montgomery;
. 1813 Mar 5th to 15th, Sick at home: John Willson, J Montgomery
. 1813 Mar 16, Sick in Barracks, Jno Willson, Jno Montgomery
* 1813 Apr 10, Sick in Hosp., Jno. Willson. Apr 11th. Sick in Barracks, Jno Willson.

. 1813 Mar 25 - Apr 24, John Willson, Days 31 pd. 15s 6p. & Isaac Willson promoted to Corporal 29 March. Ridouts 3rd YM.
. 1813 Mar 27, Kings Work, Jno Willson, in contract since 1 Jan & getting timber.
* 1813 Apr 25th & 26th, In Kings Work. Jno Willson.
* 1813 Apr 25 Prisoner of American Army & Navy, York Garrison, along with his father, Captain John Willson, & John Arnold. Released on parole.

. 1813 Oct 25 - Nov 24, John Willson, Days 26, pd. 13s. Capt. Stephen Heward's 3YM.

. 1813 April 14, York, Militia G. O. The proceeding. of a Court of Inquiry, held at York on the 10th instant, to examine & report on a complaint of Lieut. Colonel Chewitt, against Lieutenant John Wilson, of the 3rd regiment of York Militia, having been laid before his Honour the Major-General commanding, he has to observe that by the documents which have been under the examination of the court, the conduct of Lieutenant Wilson appears to have been highly reprehensible. However improper in itself, or wounding to his feelings, may have been what Lieut. Col. Chewitt said or wrote to his disadvantage, it would be no justification whatsoever of the very indecorous & insubordinate expressions contained in his letter to Lieut. Col. Chewitt, his commanding officer, dated 30th March last. When Lieutenant Wilson thought himself aggrieved, the mode to obtain redress was to lay his complaint in the regular way before a superior officer, from whom he might be assured he would receive it.
His Honour trusts that the observations which he has made will be considered by Lieutenant Wilson as a just reproof, & that it will have a propel influence on his future military conduct.
By order, Æneas Shaw, Adjt.-Gen'l Militia, Head Quarters.
Ref: Robertson's landmarks of TorontoV1 p609.

. 1815 Apr 15, Saturday. - Interesting York News: Lake Ontario is uncommonly sight. Immense flights of the wild pigeon from west to east on the 27th. The wild duck revisit our waters since peace was made.
"Never was a government more disappointed at not conquering a country than the American Government at not overrunning this province: Let us quote as a proof & as an object, that their commanders were instructed to name provisionally the place they successfully conquered. "Newark" [that is now, Niagara-on-the-Lake,] whilst in their possession was dubbed, "West Niagara, County of Ontario, State of Columbia." The editor had no very high opinion of the Americans in their effort to rename Newark.

. 1815 Jun 5, York. Return of Officers holding formerly Commissions residing within the limits of - 3rd Rg. York Militia, Lt. Col. Comd. Wm. Chewett, Maj. Wm. Allan, Capt. John Denison, Capt. Duncan Cameron who sent in his resignation, Capt. Playter, Capt. John Wilson,
J. WILSON, JUNR, late of the Nova Scotia Militia.
Ensign Snyder, late of the N.B. Militia.

. 1815 Dec 15 Militia & Defense Lists of Veterans of 1812-15 of Lower & Upper Canada to who medals have been granted & of those whose medals remain in the Adjutants General's Office: Privt. John Willson, York Corps. Action for which metal was granted, Detroit, Sent to Peter Shaver.
(Undated letter, c. 1813) Privt. John Willson of York to Peter Shaver for Detroit. Peter Shaver was member of Parliament for Dundas, Ontario & was contracted to provide heavy lumber & building materials for Fort Wellington on the St. Lawrence River at Prescott, Ontario.

. 1816 - Minutes of Town of York: John Wilson, Jr. 2 males over 16; 1 female over 16; 3 females under 16.

. 1816 May 8, Stillwell Willson, John Willson & Leonard Willcox, joint bond between Mr. All, Collector of the Port of York, for the Boat Lark.

. 1816 Joseph & Catherine [nee Fisher] donated 2.3/4 Acres of thier land high on th4 hill abobve York Mills for a church & churdyard. A fundrasing docuent for a church was signed by Joseph Shepard, Seneca Ketcheum & John Willson. St. John's Anglican Church was ready in fall 1816. John Willson served as a building trusteef rth the church.

. LAST WILL & TESTAMENT, dated 9 August, 1816:
Pay Funeral changes & debts. Wife Sarah the use of one third North Lot 18, First Con. Yonge. provided she remains my widow;
To oldest son John, the south half of Lot 18 & buildings & apparatuses.
Likewise to son Stillwell north half of Lot 18 with buildings;
To daughter Rebecca $100 paid equally by John & Stillwell.
To granddaughter Sarah Smith be paid $200 & 2 cows & 8 sheep when she arrives at 18 years & also one bed & bedding which in now in the house. The sons to equally maintain their mother.

All my Stock & moveables to his wife Sarah & then to Stillwill & his heirs. To Stillwell, 200 Acres in South Div. Dorchester, London District. Joseph Shepard, Twp. of York is sole, Executor of will.
Signed: Benjamin Slatar, John Willson, Jur, Alexander Montgomery, Elisha Pease, the 27th or 28 Dec. 1818.
Signed & sealed, York, 6 Feb, 1819, John Willson.

Ontario Land Registry North York Book 4, p2:
Lot 9, Con 1 EAST Yonge Street
. 1797 Mar 12 - Patent, Crown, to John Willson, Jr., All 210 Acres.
. 1797 Jul 11, - Release, Wm. Bond, to Samuel Heron,
to John Willson, Jr., All Acres, £200, All in al acres
. 1798 Sep 20, John Wilson et ux, to Samuel Heron, £12.10, All

Lot 18, Con 1 West Yonge Street
. 1805 Sep 19 - Patent, Crown, to John Willson Jr., All 190 Acres
. 1816 Aug 9 - Instrument 3355 WILL, Registered 1819 Mar 12, John Willson, Registered 12 Mar 1819.
. 1828 May 19, Bargain & Sale, Stillwell Willson et ux, to John Wedd, £130, N Half 105 Acres. [ i.e. Stillwell The Younger].
. 1829 Oct 15, B&S, John Willson at aux, to David Gibson, £400, 2 Half 106 Acres.
. 1830 Oct 8, R (?), Stillwell Willson Jr. to John Wedd, £130 N Half 105 A.

Lot 2, Con 1 East Yonge Street, North York Book 1, p10.
. 1798 Dec 17, Patent, Crown to Reuben Clark, 190 A.
. 1804 Nov 3, B&S, Reuben Clark, to John Willson, £xx, 190A.
. 1805 Oct 9, B&S, John Willson, to Wm. Allan, £xx, 190A.
. 1805 Sep 19 - Patent, Crown, to John Willson, Jr., All 210 Acres
. 1816 Aug 9 - Instrument 3355 WILL, John Willson, Registered 12 Mar 1819.
Note3b: Verification of which John Willson, ie. 2nd.? required. - PJA 2018. - - -

Page Two: WITNESSES TO HISTORY:
. 1816 Peter Lawrence & John Willson, at the Richmond Street Court House, Toronto, before chief Justices Powell & Campbell, Justice Boulton, W Allen. Early Scenes in Manitoba:
GRAND JURORS in the UPRISING at the SELKIRK RED RIVER SETTLEMENT.
Summary ! :
The Montreal North West Company of Fur Traders was a rival of the Hudson's Bay Company. Whilst the latter traded for the most part in the regions watered by the rivers flowing into Hudson's Bay, the former claimed for their operations the area drained by the streams running into Lake Superior. The North West Company of Montreal looked with no kindly eye on the settlement of Kildonan. An agricultural colony, in close proximity to their hunting grounds, seemed a dangerous innovation, tending to injure the local fur trade. Accordingly it was resolved to break up the infant colony. The Indians were told that they would assuredly be made "poor & miserable" by the new-comers if they were allowed to proceed with their improvements; because these would cause the buffalo to disappear. Lord Selkirk secured land for emigration purposed in land held by the Hudsons' Bay Company. In 1813 there were 100 settlers originating from the Scottish Clearances to the 'Selkirk Settlement' located at the confluence of the large Assiniboine & Red Rivers, with an outlet at York Factory on the Hudson's Bay.

In the spring of 1816, Mr. Semple, the governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, appeared in person at the Red River, having been apprized of the growing troubles. At the Battle of the Seven Oaks, on the 18th of June, a band of men, headed by Cuthbert, Grant, Lacerte, Fraser, Hoole, & Thomas McKay, half-breed employees of the North West Company, the Governor of the Hudsons Bay Company was violently assaulted; & in the melee he was killed, together with 5 officers & 16 of his people. Chief Peguis, with the permission of Cuthbert Grant, stayed to bury the dead, the rest fled [eventually to the Grand Rendezvous at Fort William.]

En route to his colony, Lord Selkirk had used his troops under his authority as a magistrate to seize Fort William & arrest Nor’Wester William McGillivray & his two companions, & to hold the Fort’s assets for eventual arbitration, as payment for his colony’s losses. On Selkirk's return to Upper Canada, he was drawn into a lengthy lawsuit brought against him by the North West Company.

Out of these events sprang the memorable trials that took place in the York Court House in 1818.

On The judges were Chief Justice Powell, Mr. Justice Campbell, Mr. Justice Boulton, & Associate Justice W. Allan, Esq. The counsel for the Crown were Mr. Attorney-General Robinson, Mr. Solicitor-General Boulton. The counsel for the prisoners were Samuel Sherwood, Living P. Sherwood, & W. W. Baldwin, Esq. The juries in the three trials were not quite identical. Those that served on one or other of them are as follows: George Bond, Joseph Harrison, Wm. Harrison, Joseph Shepperd, Peter Lawrence, Joshua Leach, John McDougall, jun., Win, Moore, Alexander Montgomery, Peter Whitney, Jonathan Hale, Michael Whitmore, Harbour Stimpson, John Wilson, John Hough, Richard Herring.
1816 Jun 19th, the Trial by Grand Jury take place a the (old) Court House on Richmond in the Town of York, (Toronto).

Trials 1 & 2: The prisoners brought down from Fort William, after the lapse of nearly two years were arraigned as follows: "Paul Brown & F, F. Boucher, for the murder of Robert Semple, Esq., on the 19th of June, 1816. Johan Siveright, Alexander McKenzie, Hugh McGillis, John McDonald, John McLaughlin & Simon Fraser, as accessories to the same crime. Cooper & Bennerman, for taking, on the 3rd of April, 1S15, with force & arms, eight pieces of cannon & one howitzer, the property of the Right Hon. Thomas Earl of Selkirk, from his dwelling house. In each case the verdict was "not guilty."

Trial 3. The Earl of Selkirk was not present at any of the trials. The Jury found by the Grand Jury for "conspiracy to ruin the trade of the NorthWest Company;" a verdict £500 damages for having been seized & false imprisonment by the said Earl of Selkirk in Fort William, Ontario.

Note7: Fort William & Henry, is located at the top of Lake Superior. Now renamed Thunder Bay, Ontario. No doubt the 19 (French) Canadian Metis were apprehended at the annual Grand Rendezvous of fur traders at Ft. William.

Note8: This was a very important trail with many famous people of time being involved: Lord Selkirk, members of the 'Family Compact' the two Boltons, Allan, Robinson & Baldwin; the 2 northern explorers MacKenzine & Fraser; & many of the Lawrence-Willson neighbors.

Note9: John Willson, senior or junior, is not stated. Because of the presence of Peter Lawrence, I believe it was more likely John Junior as the Junior, because they in 1816 they lived closer together. On the other hand, his father, John Willson Senior, had moved further north to the Children of Peace's settlement in Sharon, Ontario, however, John the Senior was captured in the previous year in the War of 1812-13 at the Battle of Fort York. - PJA 2011. - - -

Birth:
John.2 'Junior' sometimes signed his name Wilson.

Died:
His will was dated 9 Oct 1816.

John married Sarah LAKERMAN on 23 Apr 1782 in St. Andrew's Church, Richmond. Sarah (daughter of Abraham LAKERMAN, The 4th, U.E. and Elizabeth HILLYER) was born on 25 Mar 1762 in Richmond, Staten Island, New York; died in By 1828 in York Twp., York Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sarah is the daughter of Elizabeth Hillyer & Abraham Lakerman.IV & U.E., of Richmond on Staten Isl., NYC.
* 1762, Mar 25, Abraham Lakerman & Elizabeth his wife, Daughter, Sarah.
* 1782 Mar 9, Marriage License, issued by Secretary of the Province of New York to:
John Willson & Sarah Lakerman. The actual marriage:
* 1782 Apr 23, at St. Andrew's Church, Richmond, NY.

. The Willson's arrived in the May Fleet group of 20 vessels bring 30,000 Loyalist at St. John's harbour the 10th & 18th May, 1783. The names of the vessels were:
The Camel, Union, Aurora, Hope, Otta, Spencer, Tempest?, Thames, Spring, Bridgewater, Favorite, Ann, Commerce, William, Lord Townsend, Sovereign, Sally, Cyrus, Britain, King George.
Ref: History of St. John. D R Jack.
Two other vessel were The Two Asters, commanded by Capt. Brown & the Bridgewater. Ref: Ripples on the St. John River in Loyalist Days.

. To Peter Russell, Upper Canada (Ontario):
The petitioner Sarah Wilson, Daughter of Abraham Lakerman late is His Majestry's Services as Captain of a Troop of Militia Horse. That your Petitioner Loyalists lands as a daughter to the above, he was being a firm friend & servant to Gov. She having been in this county for 3 years. [ c 1793 Oct.] & in duty bound will ever pray,
John Willson, Jur.

. Richard Lawrence maketh Oath & says that he knew the wife of John Wilson Jur. - (Sarah Lakerman) & that she was actually within the British lines last American war at New York, & that her father died within the British lines in the year 1776.
Signed, Richd. Lawrence.
Ref: Willson, Sarah Lakerman, DUE, UCLP W Bundle 4 1797-1799 Petition 2. Microfliche C2951.
Note1: Undated letter, but the above letter was received on 27 June, 1797 & marked read 26 May, 1798, eleven months later!
Richard Lawrence is Sarah Lakerman Willson's brother-in-law. - PJ Ahlberg.

. House of Uncle of Sarah Lakerman
. Richmond, NY, 1791 Jun 24, NY East Ward Assessment of Real & Personal Property:
The house of Isaac Van Tuyl. The small size & amount of its windows is characteristic of an early period. The large section is original unit, covered by a gambrel roof of New England type, has been restored & considerable altered.

. Recorded for further research: William Lakerman, died 16 Oct, 1805 & buried in Saint Andrews Church Cemetery, Richmondtown, New York.
Note2: that is, the same church that Sarah married John Lawrence. - - -

Birth:
Alt Spellings: Lacreman, Lackman, Lockman, Lakeman, however, the original Lacqueman.

Notes:

Married:
Alt Date 2 Mar 1782, Licenses issued to John Willson and Sarah Lackerman, Staten Isl., New York Vol XXXV, p 83