Notes:

Lillian is the daughter of Rebecca Lawrence & William Proctor.

Two Proctor sisters married two Marriott brothers:
Lillie Proctor married Harry H Marriott.
Maude A Proctor married Charles E Marriott.

. 1887 Oct 15, Michigan Marriage #63
Harry Marriot, age 21, 1866, Canada, Residence: Pullman, Illinois
s/o Katie Morris & Henry Marriott, Furniture finisher, married
Lillian Proctor, age 17 / b. 1870 Michigan, residence Grand Rapids,
d/o Rebecca Lawrence & Wm. Proctor.

. 1916 Aug 22 - Mrs. H H Marriott & daughter, Miss Glayds, of Okmulgee, who have been the week-end guests of Mrs. B. Thompson of 921 South Elwood, returned home today.
Ref: Tulsa World Newspaper, Oklahoma. - - -

Birth:


Buried:
Alt DoB: 1870 10 17. Verify with burial records.

Lillian married Henry HARRY MARRIOTT on 17 Oct 1887 in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan. Henry was born on 26 May 1866 in Guelph, Wellington Co., Ontario; died in ? 22 Jun 1955 in Okmulgee Cemetery; was buried in Okmulgee Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Maud L MARRIOTT was born on 19 Oct 1890 in Jackson City, Jackson Co., Michigan.
2. Gladys K MARRIOTT was born on 17 Mar 1898 in Michigan; died on 25 Dec 1991 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Notes:

William Thorpe Proctor is the son of Mary Bailey & Ibbitson Proctor.

. Michigan Marriage Registration #440, 1869 Nov 11, at St. Joseph, Michigan,
Wm. Thorpe Proctor, Residence: Benton, Mich., Age 23 /b. 1846 in Yorkshire, England, Labourer;
married REBECCA LAWRENCE, Residence Bainbridge, Michigan, Age 16 /1853, born in Toronto, Canada; by Rev. John B Fairbank;
Wit: Joseph Silvers, and Susan Proctor, both of Benton, Michigan.

. Michigan Marriage Registration #2798, 1884 Jun 1 at Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan,
William Thorp Proctor, Age 40 /1844 England;
married Marion Eliza Versaw, Residence Benton Township, b. Michigan,
Note1: Marion Eliza Louise Versay, born 1851, Berrien Co., Michigan;
Wit: Jamie P Versaw* & Allen J King, both Benton Twp.
Note2: * James P Versaw married Aug 1871 to Emma Proctor. The parents of Emma Proctor were Mary & Ibbiton Proctor, early & highly respected pioneers of Sodus Twp.

. The Proctor family comprised 6 people, MR Mrs I B Proctor & their 4 children, Wm., Jane, Susan & Emma. Wm. was a member of the 7th Michigan Calvary in the Cival War. Emma married James Versaw, her brother's comrade in arms.
Ref: History of Benton Harbor, James Pender.

. 1898 Aug 5 Jennie Versaw of New Buffalo has filed a bill of complaint against Sovern Versaw & she has also begun suit for a divorce from him on the grand of extreme cruelty.
Ref: Weekly Palladium Newspaper, Benton Harbor.

. Michigan Marriage Registration #255, 1894 Sept 14, Sodus, Berrien Co., Michigan,
William Thorpe Proctor, Age 50 year, born 1844, MICHIGAN, Residence Bangor, Mich., Farmer, TWO previous marriages,
son of Mary Bailey & Ibletson Proctor; married
Elizabeth Stopher (Stouffer) Thomas, Age 53, born 1841 in Ohio, Residence Sodus, Mich., ONE previous marriage, daughter of Rebecca Harmon & Daniel Stopher,
Wit: Wm. E. Versaw & Jennie M Benkman, both Sodus.

. Kent Michigan Marriages, on 1912 May 6, Grand Rapids, Kent Co.
REBECCA LAWRENCE CORRAO, age 57, born 1855 in BENTON HARBOR, MI.,
resided Oklahoma, Occupation Cook,
daughter of Richard Lawrence & Mary Simonds (Simons); Married THREE previous times,
married Wm. Proctor, age 67, 1845 in England, resided Gd. Rapids, Farmer,
son of Mary Bailey & Ilbertson Proctor*;
married THREE previous times.
Wit: Wm. Geldersma and Dennis Colleton, both of Gd. Rapids.

. 1907-1933 - United States Veterans Administration, 1912 May 23, Michigan 7th B Calvary; applied for a Civil War Pension, 14 Mar 1890 - 28 Jun 1894.
Commented Nov. 12 1912 at $35.; at $50 1920 May 1 Army Invalid & 1926 Jan 4 at the rate of $72. Died 1928 Sep 12.

. 1915 Aug 7, Tues. Court Notes: An answer has been filed in Circuit court by the defendant in the case of William C Proctor against Rebecca Proctor.
. 1915 Aug 24, Sat. Discontinue Divorce Case: Last July William Proctor began a divorce action in circuit court against Rebecca Proctor. Tuesday afternoon a stipulation was filed with the county clerk discontinuing the case. The parties have made up their differences & have decided to continue their matrimonial relations.
Ref: Grand Rapids Press.
Note: Rebecca Lawrence Proctor remarried Dec 1916 to Martin Hooker.

. 1922, Oct 20 - Under the City Hall Clock news: The commission voted to permit the following transfers of licenses: restaurant, William Proctor to Fred Ness.
Ref: Grand Rapids Press.

. Biography of Wm. Proctor, SENIOR:
. William Proctor [Senior] came to Lowell, from England, purchasing a farm of 320 acres & becoming one of the prominent men of that neighborhood. Among the pioneers in that part of Lowell twp. which lies south of Grand River, from 1850 to 1854 were ...Wm Proctor. William Proctor was born in Ingleton, Co. of York, England, Nov 20 1808 & died Dec 22 1895. In 1853 he came with his family to Michigan & purchased 320 A of land in Section 27 of Lowell Twp. His subsequent life was devoted to the improvement of his farm & he attended to the affairs himself until he was more than 80 years of age.
Robt. W Graham was a native son of England, born 20 Jul., 1828. He passed his youthful years amid the delightful scenes of his native isle & being early deprived of his parents, both dying while he was still an infant, was reared by a friend of the family, one William Proctor, who gave his young protege a good common-school education & afterward apprentice him to learn the Mason's trade. At the age of 21 young Graham bade farewell to England. He landed in NYC in 1850. - 1854 he selected Lowell as his future home.
Ref: Grand Rapids & Kent Co., Michigan, Ernest F Fisher.

. Biography of William Proctor (Senior) Plus, photo. Wm. Proctor, from Ingleton, York England Nov 20, 1818. In 1853 he came with his family to Michigan, 320 on Section 27, Lowell Twp. He married May 7, 1831, Catharine Graham of Bentham, York, England. She died Nov. 1887. Five children 3 sons, 2 daughters, Namely: William, Jr.; Sarah now Mrs. Wm. Graham), Henry.
Ref: History of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Albert Baxter, 1893. - - -

Birth:
Age 23 at marriage.

Died:
Disability Rheu. & disease of heart.

Buried:
Oklahoma

William married REBECCA Mary LAWRENCE, .2 in 11 Nov 1869 St. Joseph & again, 6 May 1912 in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan. REBECCA (daughter of Richard S LAWRENCE, Jr., .8th, SUE and Mary Lizy ELIZABETH SIMONS) was born on 6 Jun 1853 in Toronto, York Co., Ontario; died on 18 Aug 1923 in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan; was buried on 20 Aug 1923 in Evergreen Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Rebecca gives her father's name as Richard D Lawrence & their mother as Mary R Simonds (& Simmonds).

. Place of Birth: Rebecca's first marriage registration says she was born in Toronto, which is, first of all, entirely possible. Her father Richard Lawrence, Jr. moved around Ontario a fair bit. In 1843 he was living with Uncle Wm. L. Willson in Vaughan Twp. - which was Lot 26, right beside where Grandfather Richard Lawrence, Sr., was located - all very close to Toronto. In addition other relatives lived in the Town of York. It is not currently known exactly when Richard Lawrence, Jr. left his land in Gosfield Twp., Ontario, where some or all of Richard & Mary Eliza Lawrence's children could have been born. - PJA 2011.

1. Michigan Marriage Registration #72, 1869 Nov 11, at St. Joseph, Michigan,
WILLIAM THORP PROCTOR, Residence: Benton, Mich., Age 23, born 1846 in Yorkshire, England, Labourer;
married Miss Rebecca Lawrence, Born Toronto, Canada. Residence Bainbridge, Mich., Age 16 /1853, by Rev. John B Fairbank;
Wit: Joseph Silvers & Susan Proctor, both of Benton, Michigan.
Note1: Wm. Proctor remarried in 1884 & Rebecca remarried in 1885. Rebecca will remarry William Proctor for a second time in 1912.

. 1882 Jun 2 - Circuit Court Proceedings. Rebecca Proctor Vs. William T. Proctor divorcee decree granted. Complainant allowed custody of 4 minor children.
Ref: Paw Paw The True Northerner.

2. Michigan Marriage # 4188, Bangor, Van Buren, 1883 Aug 8
Rebecca Proctor, age 30, born 1853 in Canada, resided Bangor, Michigan.
married ISSAC FOWLER, resided Bangor, Age 40, born 1843 in New York.
Married by Albert B Cochron, Minister of the Gospel.
Wit: Emma L Cochran & Mary E Phillips, both of Bangor.

3. 1900 Jun 14th Census Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Michigan
CHARLES CARRAO, born Mar. 1859, Age 41, married for 15 years in 1885, born Tennessee, Occ: Restaurant.
Rebecca Carrao, wife, b. Jun 1853, age 46, married 15 years in 1885, born Canada English, her father born Canada English (i.e. Ontario); her mother was born in Pennsylvania*, 1858 Immigration Year, 42 years in the USA.
Wm. Proctor, Step-son, born Jan 1872, age 28, b. Michigan, Parent born Canada Eng., Occupation: Cook.
Note2: *Her mother Mary Elizabeth Simons was born 1815 in Canada. Her grandmother's name is unknown, so it is difficult to verify if she was thinking about her grandmother been born in Pennsylvania.
Note3: Census 1900 Census appears to be in conflict with the below Michigan Marriage Certificate:

. 1892 Aug 11, A L Jackson Not Expected to Survive the attack of heart trouble with which he is suffering, the Milwaukee St. coal dealer, is much worse today. Mrs. Jackson has been visiting relatives in Ohio, was telegraphed for. The sick man is being cared for by Mr & Mrs. Charles Carrao, of the Order of Unity, of which Mr. Jackson is a member. Ref: Jackson Citizen Patriot.
. 1894 Mar 16 - Mrs. CC has an unique souvenir from the California mid-winter fair, presented to her by her father-in-law, C.G. Carrao, of Boston. It is a pure silver miner's shovel, 4 inches in length, with a miniature nugget of virgin gold on the blade & the handle is surmounted by a grizzly bear, wrought in gold & suitably inscribed. The workmanship is perfect & is a very unique novelty.
. 1894 Aug 13 - Mrs. Charles Carrao spent Sunday at Eden. Ref: Jackson Citizen Patriot.
* 1895 Jan 26 - Mrs. Charles Carrao has returned from Benton Harbor, where she was summoned by the illness of her mother. Ref: Jackson Citizen Patriot, Michigan.

* 1896 Feb 10 - Mrs. Charles Carrao, wife of the proprietor of the Portland cafe, while assisting the cook today, was burned on the face & arms by hot grease which splashed from a dish on the kitchen range. Dr. Kimball attended Mrs. Carrao, who was painfully thought not seriously burned.
Ref: Jackson Citizen.

. 1899 Dec 25 - Mrs. Rebecca Carrao & husband C L Carrao were witnesses sat the second wedding of her sister Myra Lawrence. Also their cousin Rev. James Hamilton performed the marriage.
. 1900 Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co. Census
Charles Corrao, age 41, b Mar 1859, Tenn., Restaurant, e Huron St.
Rebecca Corrao, age 46, b June 1853 Canada, 15 years married, 4 living children, her father b. Canada, mother b Pennsylvania, Landed 1858, 42y in US.
Wm. Proctor [Jr], son, b Jan 1872, age 28 Michigan, Cook.
. 1902 July 17, Thurs. - Mrs. Myra Grow is entertaining her sister, Mrs. Charles Carrao of Ann Arbor.
News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, Michigan, p4.

. 1904 Apr 13, Wed. Alderman Goodyear moved that license money to the amount of $69.25 be returned to Mrs. C L Carrao; a warrant to be drawn for the same.
Ref: Ann Arbor Daily Times.

4. Michigan Marriages, on 1912 May 6, Grand Rapids, Kent Co.
Rebecca Lawrence Carrao, age 57, born 1855 in BENTON HARBOR, MI.,
resided Oklahoma, Occupation Cook,
daughter of Richard Lawrence & Mary Simonds (Simons); Married THREE* previous times,
married WILLIAM PROCTOR, age 67, 1845 in England, resided Gd. Rapids, Farmer, son of Mary Bailey & Ilbertson Proctor; married THREE previous times.
Wit: Wm. Geldersma & Dennis Colleton, both of Gd. Rapids.
Note4. Wm. T Proctor's re-married before on 5 July, 1884.

. 1912 May 8. Romance Bared By Marriage License Proctor & Divorced Wife to Try It Again- Their Fourth Experience
When Wm. Proctor walked into the county clerks office & procured a marriage license today he gained a permit to rewed a former wife after an intervention of incidence of a somewhat romanic nature. The issuance of the license marked the determination on the part of 2 persons to strive once more for the happiness which did not materialize during a former experience in wedlock.
The little story of their lives has rather a dramatic setting to say the least. Mrs. Rebecca Corrao of Oklahoma is the other principal in the narrative & becomes the wife of Proctor for the second time. He now is a resident of Grand Rapids two & it is said he intends to make his home there. When the 2 walked to the alter this time it was their 4th experience of this character. It appears that Mrs. Corrao was Proctor's 2nd wife. But somehow their married existence was not productive of the happiness they had hoped for & finally they were divorced. Both decided to go their own way, but fate did not so decree. Both married again & began life anew. Years interceded & Proctor's wife died. Mrs. Corrao's husband died also. Thus did their fortunes run along parallel lines. The 2 once more felt the need of each other's companionship. Their paths of life which were diverging gradually began to close & their second wedding is the culmination. Proctor is 67 & his wife is fifty-seven.

. 1915 Aug 7, Tues. Court Notes: An answer has been filed in Circuit court by the defendant in the case of William C Proctor against Rebecca Proctor.
. 1915 Aug 24, Sat. Discontinue Divorce Case: Last July, William Proctor began a divorce action in circuit court against Rebecca Proctor. Tuesday afternoon a stipulation was filed with the county clerk discontinuing the case. The parties have made up their differences & have decided to continue their matrimonial relations.
Ref: Grand Rapids Press.
Note5: Rebecca Lawrence Proctor remarried Dec 1916 to Martin Hooker.
. 1915 Dec 31 - Circuit Court, Rebecca Proctor has filed a bill for divorce against Wm J Proctor on charges of cruelty. They were married in May 1912 & have no children.
Ref: Grand Rapids Herald Newspaper.

. 1916 Mar 31. News of the Supreme Court, Lansing, Mich. Circuit Court, A deposition has been filed with the county clerk by Charles Marriott, in the case of Rebecca against William T Proctor.
Ref: Grand Rapids Herald Newspaper.

. Michigan Divorce Record 20131, Marriage 1912 May 6, Grand Rapids, Rebecca Proctor, Spouse William T Proctor. No children. Her complaint Application 1915 Sep 12; Final Action 1916 Jul 17, Alleged cause for Divorce: Extreme cruelty, Was the case contested, yes. Granted Absolute.

5. Michigan Marriage #4000, on 1916 Dec 26 at Grand Rapids, Kent Co.
Rebecca Proctor Lawrence, Age 63 /born 1853 in Canada, Residence Grand Rapids, daughter of Richard D. Lawrence & Mary E. Simons, Time previously married TWICE,
married MARTIN HOOKER, born Kent Co., MI., Age 53, born 1863, Residence Grand Rapids, son of Edward Hooker & Emma Greenman; Time previously married TWICE;
Married by Harry L Rosswell, J of. P.
Wit: Arthur H Jones & Dana Kirk, both of Gd. Rapids.

. Michigan Divorce Record # 20131, Date of Marriage 1912, May 6 Grand Rapids, no children, Her complaint of 1915 Dec 30, Uncontested. Granted absolute 1916 Mar 20, Extreme Cruelty.

. 1919 Apr 16 - Court Notes. Divorce was granted Tuesday afternoon by Judge M I Dunham in superior court to Mrs. Rebecca Hooker, whose husband, Martin Hooker, is in prison.
Ref: Grand Rapids Press, printed 1919 Apr 16.

6. Michigan Marriage #7995, on 1919 Apr. 16 at Grand Rapids, Kent Co.
Rebecca Hooker Lawrence, Age 57* /1862 Canada, Resided Gd. Rapids, born CANADA, housekeeper,
daughter of R. D. Lawrence & Mary E Simons, Previous marriages TWO,
married CHARLES F. WEBB, Age 54 /b. 1865, born Ohio, resided Gd. Rapids, Paperhanger,
son of Henry Webb & Mary Mercer, Previous marriages: TWO.
by John C Loucks, J. of P.
Wit: Wm. & Norman Proctor*, both of Gd. Rapids.
Note6: * Rebecca appears to have gotten 9 years younger. *Son Wm. Proctor & grandson Norman. - PJA.

. 1920 Census, Charles Webb, Boards with 2 other men from Ohio at 528 Ottawa St, age 56, married (alone) factory Labourer.
. 1920 Jan 3 Census, Grand Rapids, 135.5 E. Fulton Ave.
Wm. Proctor, his wife Vera, son Norman & wife Marie &

Rebecca Webb, Roomer, age 67/1853, Landed 1860, American citizen 1870; hospital cook, also Ella Petosk
. 1923 - 263 Plainfield NE, Rebecca Webb, (Widow Chas.) Roomer, Printer Press feeder. age 35y/ 1885 Michigan. [Boarded with Rebecca previously 1920.]

. 1922 Jul 11 - Mary Rebecca Webb has filed suit for divorce in circuit court against Charles T Webb, alleging cruelty. Arraigned before Judge Major L Dunham.
Ref: Grand Rapids Press.

. 1920 Grand Rapids Directory: Res. Rebecca Webb, r. 135.half Fulton E.
. 1920 Charles F Webb, res 89half Market Av NW, Grand Rapids.
* 1923 Polks Grand Rapids Directory: Webb, Rebecca, Widow Chas., r. 1263 Plainfield Ave. NE.
* 1923 Grand Rapids Directory: Webb, Mary E, rooms 149 Grand Ave NE.
Note7: The published Directory of 1923 would have data collected from the previous year 1922.

. Michigan Death Certificate 38230179.
Rebecca Webb, 5731 Forsyth Ave, Detroit., widow of Charles Webb,
Born June 6, 1853, Aged 70y 2m 12d, housework,
Father born Canada, but parents names unknown,
Died Aug 18 1923 Detroit, of Acute Nephritis, contribute Mitral regurgitation, for 2 years.
Death informant: Mrs. Maria Marriott, 5731 Forsyth [i.e. daughter Lillian Proctor Marriott's family].
Buried Evergreen Cemetery, 8.20.23.

Note to Researchers: This is different person:
Directory: Wm T Proctor (Rebecca), lab. h 727 S Chactaw Av. Namely Wm. Thomas Proctor, b 1859, Missouri, married Rebecca Ann Wigal Proctor, 1855-1929.

All research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Birth:
Born 6 June 1854. Ref: Mother Pension Claim & Aunt Hester L. Teetzel.

Died:
Aged. 70y 2m 12d. COD: Acute Nephritis & mitral regulation, 2 years.

Buried:

Notes:

. 1860 Aug 21 - Census Millburg, Benton Twp., Berrier Co., Michigan
Ibbittison Proctor, age 46, Born England,
Mary, born 1846, Wife; William 19, b. 1841, Farmer, B. England, Jane Ann Procter, Age 13, b1847, Susana age 9, b 1851, Emma Proctor, age 7 1853, Born England, Thomas Bailey, age 73, b1787 England, Manufacturer.

. Village of Benton Harbor
On the hill above the settlement there was a frame house of the old-fashioned kind, with a south front veranda, & a large open fire place in the main room. This was the Proctor homestead. They were an English family & were among the first settlers in that region.
The family comprised 6 people, Mr. and Mrs. I. B. Proctor and their
4 children, William, Jane, Susan and Emma.
William was a member of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry in the civil war.
Emma married James Versaw, her brother's comrade in arms.
Ref: History of Benton Harbor & Tales of Village Days, by James Pender, 1915.

Verify identity (uncle/ brother?)
Biograpy1:
. WILLIAM PROCTOR was born in the parish of Ingleton, county of York, England, November 20, 1808. He received a fair education in the common branches at private schools. In his native country he was a farmer & was fairly successful in his occupation. In 1853 he came with his family to Michigan. Here he bought a farm of 320 acres on Section 27 in Lowell township. It was then in the wildwood state, some of it heavily timbered, with no good roads & with everything pertaining to improvement yet to be worked out by patient labor. That place is still his farm & home, in a good state of cultivation; well stocked, & supplied with most kinds of fruit. He has thereon a substantial brick house, & all needed farm buildings & appliances for use & comfort. Himself & family have been industrious & economical, and he has the enjoyment of being in easy circumstances as regards property in the evening of life; & is in the midst of a pleasant community well, supplied with schools & church privileges, & other advantages of this progressive period of modern civilization.
Mr. Proctor married May 7, 1831, Catharine Graham, in the Parish of Bentham, county of York, England. She died at their home in Lowell, November 4, 1887, & a neat monument erected by him marks her resting place in the neighboring cemetery.
They had 5 children, 3 sons & 2 daughters, of whom 3 are yet living at and near 'the old homestead, namely- William Jr., Sarah (now Mrs. William, Graham), & Henry. Mr. & Mrs. Proctor belonged to the Episcopalian Church - there is at present no church edifice of that denomination near him. Politically he is a stanch Republican & a firm believer in tariff protection. In thought, speech & action he is independent, has had no official ambitions, & enjoys as an upright citizen the esteem of his community.
Ref: History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1891.

Biography2:
. WILLIAM PROCTOR, deceased, late of Lowell township, was born in Ingleton, county of York, England, on November 20th, 1808, & died Sunday morning, December 22, 1895. In 1853 he came with his family to Michigan, where he purchased* 320 acres in section No. 27, Lowell township, having at that time a capital of some $2,000.

He was united in marriage on May 7, 183 1, to Miss Catherine Graham, in Bentham, Yorkshire, England. She died November 4, 1887, leaving the following family: William, Jr.; Sarah, the wife of William Graham; Henry, John & Hannah, who married James Easterby. He was reared in the Episcopal church, & was, in politics, a republican, adhering firmly to the doctrines of the party, but was independent in thought, speech & action, & was highly esteemed. Mrs. Proctor is the aunt of William Graham, whose wife is Sarah, the daughter above mentioned, & who lives on the farm adjoining the Proctor home. Her daughter, now Mrs. Dygert, has her home in the Proctor residence.

Mr. Proctor's life was devoted to the improvement of his farm, and he attended to his business himself until past 80 years of age. His 2 sons, William and John, until the latter's death, did much in working the farm. When about 20, John's leg was caught in the tumbling rod of a horse power & torn from his body, so he was obliged to use crutches. After this misfortune he learned the carpenter's trade, & in addition to the farm work he was engaged in building barns, etc. After John's death, William carried on the farm work until the father departed. 80 acres were given to his son Henry, who assisted in building, & who, now deceased at 48 years of age, had lived on the homestead & deeded 120 acres to his son William, Jr., who remained at home & managed the place. By a deed made but a few weeks before he died he passed the homestead to his granddaughter, who had lived with him as housekeeper for 8 years; in other words, ever since Mrs. Proctor died.
She married Lincoln Dygert, & they now reside in the old home. The present large and handsome brick house was built by him in 1 87 1. In early life he was an industrious, energetic man & for years carried on a large business. He was educated, well informed as to history & public men, & though a stanch republican, he never aspired to any office, but preferred to give his attention to his business pursuits. Reared in the Episcopal faith, he nevertheless attended & contributed liberally to other churches, there being no Episcopal church at Lowell.
Ref: The City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, Mich.: up to date, A W Bowen, 1900. - - -

Notes:

. Date of Birth Estimate: Est. DOB by 1810 based on:
Married 1830, at Estimated age under 20;
1831 UCLPetition Estimated age 21 &
1833, first child at 24y.

. UCLPetition #55, L Bundle 16, C2129 p311
Richard Lawrence, s/o an UE, cabinet maker of Trafalgar Twp., was too young to do his duty during the War. Son of Late Richard Lawrence of Western District, formerly of the Home District.
Signed, York, 3 May 1831, Richard Lawrence.
Oath of Allegiance, witnessed, Robert Johnston [Brother-in-Law]. Council Recommended, 5 MAY, 1831.

. UCLBooks. 1831 May 5, Richard Lawrence, L55, of Trafalgar, Cabinet Maker, Son of Richard Lawrence, Western District, formerly of the Home District, deceased.
Son of UE Loyalist, granted 200 A.

. Ontario Land Registration Book, First Registration Book
. Con 11, Lot 22, Richard Lawrence [junior], all 200 A D, 220 acres,
8 Feb 1836 (page 85).
Note1: Concession 11, Lot 8 ; Con 9 Lot 7; Con 10 Lot 4 Lot 1, Con 11 are, also called "Wide Talbot Road."

. Ontario Land Registration
Lot 22, Con 11. Abstract Book Gosfield, Essex County: p3
. 8 Feb 1836, Instrument 220, Patent, Crown to Richard Lawrence, xx order lands, for West 22.
. 1836 Mar 1, Instrument T125, Registered 4 Nov 1840, Bargain&Sale, Richard Lawrence, to Horatio Nelson*, £25, For West 22.
Note2: Is this perhaps Horatio Nelson Williams, who resided Walsingham Twp., Norfolk Co., & who was married to his cousin Mary Matilda Mosher, 1st cousin twice removed (John Willson, Jr.)?

Lot 23, Con 11, Faint writing, p 3
. 1836 Feb 8, Patent, Crown, to Richard Lawrence, Irregular Lands, 30 Acres. West for N23.

. 1836 Mar 1, B&S, Reg. 1837.1.25, Richard Lawrence, to Horatio Nelson, month other lands, £25, W for .No. 23.
Note3: Unusual Crown Patent, splitting same Lot among 4 people: R Lawrence, Peter, Handershort, Sarah Owens, Wm Times?

Land Grant: Gosfield, Lot W half 22-23, Con 11, Essex Co. [now located in Elgin Co.]
Residence Trafalgar [1831.] He was in York (Toronto) on May 3, 1831 to submit his 1831 May 5 Granted & settlement duties performed 1834 MAR 4 Deed.
Ref: Archives of Ontario, MS693R20.

. Ontario Land Registration
Con 11, Lot 22 & Lot 23, Gosfield, Essex Co., Abstract Book , p3
. 1836 Feb 8, Patent, Crown, to Richard Lawrence, Lot 22.
. 1836 Mar 14, Reg. 1837 Jan 25, B&S, Richard Lawrence, to Horatio Nelson, £25 for Lot 22 & £25 for Lot 23 along other lands {i.e. £25 for both 22-23 Lots].

. UCLPetition 26, Pointe & Play [Gosfield], L Bundle 21, C2131 p658.
Petition of Richard Lawrence, Gosfield. The Petition of Richard Lawrence, Gosfield in the Western District is the Heir-at-Law, of Richard Lawrence as a Loyalist. 600 acres of lands it being what my later father in his lifetime was entitled to as an Lieutenant in the British Service during the American Rebellion.
Signed, Toronto, The 30 October 1837, Richard Lawrence.
Envelope: Referred to the Receiver General to report hereon for the information of the the Executive Council: - I find a Richard Lawrence who was granted 600 Acres of Lands as an UE Loyalist under Order In Council of the 30 July 1796 discharged for the same in the Township of York and Markham & do not find any other order or Location in his name.
Signed, Jno. MaCauley, Survey Generals's Office, 23 Nov 1837.
No further, got his land as appears by these 2 grants reported. Communicated 18 Apr 1838.

. 1842 Wages in Upper Canada:
Carpenters, 6 s 10 p Halifax Currency, Cabinetmakers: 7s 6p. Halifax Currency per diem.

. 1846 Brown's Toronto Directories, Canada:
Richard Lawrence, Con 1, Lot 26, Markham, ON. Cabinet Maker 1846.
Note4: Richard is residing on Uncle William Ladner Willson's farm L26 C1 ESY, which was across the road from his father Richard Lawrence's former farm.
Found in 2 different directories for 1846. Sisters Jane & Hadassah left with their husbands, John & Mathias Teetzel, for Michigan between January 1852 & 25 Jun, 1853.

. 1860 Aug. 15 Census St. Joseph, Benton Twp. Berrien Co, Michigan, p.211,
Lawrence Richard L, 51 years /1809, Canada West, Farmer, Value of Person Estate: £50.
B. 1815, Elizabeth, f., 45y, Canada West
B. 1841, John, m. 19y, Canada West
B. 1843, Hester, f, 17y, Canada West
B. 1845, Joseph, m 15y, Canada West
B. 1847, Robert, m, 13y, Canada West
B. 1849, Charles, m, 11y, Canada West
B. 1851, Clara, f, 9y, Canada West
B. 1853, Rebecca, f, 7y, Canada West
B. 1855, Alimira Lawrence, f, 5 years, Canada West.

. H Company 28th - Union Army
Private Richard S Lawrence, age 41/ b1823, enlistment: 10 Mar 1864, at Kalamazoo,
Company K, Michigan 28, Mustered out: 21 Nov 1864 at Louisville, KY.

. Private Richard Lawrence, discharged for disability, 9 January, 1863.
Received Civil War pension 1865.
'Richard S Lawrence, H Company G.
Ref: History of Berrien County & Van Buren Co.

. CIVIL WAR: Richard L Lawrence enlisted at Oronoko Twp., 5 Oct, 1864 for a term of one & half months & died in Hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, Brown US G.H. on 21 November, 1864 of Typhoid Pneumonia, inflammation of lungs, signed, B E Fryer, As, USA.
Ref: Register if Deaths of Volunteers 1861-65. - - -

Birth:
Alt Name: Richard D or L. Ref: Dau. Rebecca Lawrence's Marriage. Cert.

Died:
COD: Typhoid Pneumonia.

Buried:
Sec A Row 4, Father.

Richard married Mary Lizy ELIZABETH SIMONS on 14 Oct 1830 in Palermo, Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario. Mary (daughter of Bildad SIMONS and Mrs. Bildad SIMONS) was born on 19 Aug 1813 in Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; died on 8 Jan 1904 in Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan; was buried on 9 Jan 1904 in Morton Hill Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Bildald resided in Saltfeet Twp., Wentworth Co., (i.e. not so far from where he would later resided Trafalgar Twp. in 1830.)

. UPPER CANADA MARRIAGE BOND #1978,
KNOW all men by these presents, that I, Bildad Simons of the Township of Trafalgar in the Gore District & Father of the within named Mary Lizy Simons.
Sealed at Toronto, in the Home District, on 13 October, 1830.
Richard Lawrence of the said Township & District, cabinet maker,
& Mary Lizy Simons of the same place, Spinster.
Signed in presence of T. Jarvis, Bildad Simons.
Ref: UC Marriage Bonds, C6780, Archives of Ontario.
Note1 Mary Lizy married a year before her sister Clarissa Simons in Trafalgar Twp., Ontario.
Alt Name: Mary Eliz. per her son's death certificate.
. Bildad first resided Saltfeet Twp in 1806. Mary Lizy's father Bildad Simons & his sons were farming on the backside of the Teetzel's land at Trafalgar Twp., Ontario.

. 1861, Civil War, Detroit [16 Pages of Documents]:
Claim for Widow's Pension: Widow's Certificate WC72448,
Mary Elizabeth Lawrence, nee Simons, widow, Richard S Lawrence, Private Co. H. 28 Mich.
Proof Exhibited: A. Gen. Report Muster Oct 5th/64 at a Ky &
Service at Louisville KY, Nov 24/64. Typhoid Pneumonia. Serv. of 28th Certificates to Typhoid with contracted in line of duty.
Marriage Applied of by Certificate, Oct.13 30.
Names & dates of birth children:
Clarissa Lawrence, age 12 years, b. 1852
Charles Lawrence, age 10 years, b. 1852
Rebecca Lawrence, age 8 years, b. 1856
Almira Lawrence, age 3 years, b. 1861.
Loyalty Attested, Agent & his P.O. Address Wm R Leon? St. Joseph, Mich.
Admitted Jany 1st 1866, to a Pension of $8 commencing Nov 21,1864.

. Widow Declaration for Pension: Berrien Co., Michigan,
1865 January 18, before Geo. H Murdock, Clerk of Circuit Court which is a county of Record.
Mary Elizabeth Lawrence duly sworn, aged 50 years /b.1814, resident Benton Township, Berrien, Michigan, widow of Richard S. Lawrence was a private in Company H, commended by Captain Samuel Chadwick, 28th Reg. Michigan Volunteers, Commanded by Col. Delors Phillips in the ward with Confederate States.

Richard L Lawrence enlisted at Oronoko Twp., 5 Oct, 1864 for a term of one & half months & died in Hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, on 21 November, 1864 of Typhoid Pneumonia.

* She was married to the said Richard S Lawrence on the 14 October, 1830, at Palermo, Halton Co., Canada by Rev. Mr. King, Presbyterian clergy. She was Mary Elizabeth Simons. She believes there is no public record of her marriage & no private marriage that she has been possessed of a Certificate of her said Marriage, given by the said officiating Clergyman which Certificate has been lost.
At the time of her husband's death there were then children under 16 years of age at Benton Township & are Clarissa Lawrence, Aged 12 years, Charles, Lawrence age 10y, Rebecca aged 8 years & Elmira Lawrence age 3 years.
Wm. Richards Lyon, her Attorney, Signed, Elizabeth HER XMark Lawrence, Millburgh, Mich.
Witnesses sworn: Signed, John Teetzel & Hester Teetzel, Benton Twp., Widow of Richard S Lawrence. They know the deceased soldier from a long personal acquaintance of more than 30 years.

. Affidavit1: 1865 Sept 13, Notary Public for Berrien Co.
Jane Teetzel of St. Joseph, Aged 55 years / b.1810 &
John Teetzel of Benton, age 49 years / b. 1816 ... Certify to be repeatable & entitled to credit. That they resided for many years previous & subsequently to 14 Oct 1830 at Palermo in Halton Co., Canada West. On that day Richard S Lawrence & Mary Elizabeth Simons were united in holy matrimony at the house of William Simons in said Village of Palermo by the late Rev Mr King, a Presbyterian Clergyman. She is his widow. Jane Teetzel was present & witnessed the ceremony.
John Teetzel was a boy at that time & was at the house of his father on the opposite side of the Street from the said house where the said marriage took place & that the other members of the family were present & public records were not made & he know the said parties, signed, Jane Teetzel & John Teetzel.
Note2: In 1830 Jane Lawrence was not yet married to Mathias Teetzel. Who is William Simons? Is this name an error, or did Bildad have another second name? - PJ Ahlberg 2018.

. Affidavit2: 1867 Dec 19, A.D. Esther King, wife of Henry King, Millburgh, Berrien Co. That she well knew the Late Richard S Lawrence & his Widow Elizabeth Lawrence. He surviving him were: Clarissa Lawrence born May 16, 1852; Rebecca about 13 years, Almira born Dec 22, 1856. Esther was present at the birth of Clarissa & Almira. She knew Richard & his family more that 15 years [before 1852]. Signed, Esther King.

. Affidavit3: 1867, Feb 5, Notary Public for Hester Teetzel, wife of John Teetzel, resident of Benton. Knew well RSL & his widow Elizabeth L. His children, Clarissa L, about 14y, Rebecca Lawrence born June 6, 1854 & Almira L, about 8y. Elizabeth continues to support all her children nor allow anyone to adopt their children. Deponent says she is a sister of said Richard S Lawrence & being present at the birth of Rebecca Lawrence & now lives near neighbors to Elizabeth Lawrence. Sworn & Signed, Hester Teetzel.

* 1895 Jan 26 - Mrs. Charles [Rebecca] Carrao has returned from Benton Harbor, where she was summoned by the illness of her mother.
Ref: Jackson Citizen Patriot, MI.

. Afterward Mary Lizy lived with her daughter Ester Lawrence King.

. Michigan Death Certificate, Benton, Berrien Co., #158,
Elizabeth Lawrence, died Jan 8 1904, aged 90 years, 4 months 19 days,
Born 1813 Aug 19th.
Aged at marriage:15 years.* [= married 1828], widow
(Note3: Upper Canada Marriage Bond dated 13 Oct, 1830 = age 17 years. - PJA)
Parent of 12 children, 5 are living.
Father: Simons, born Canada, Mother, don't known name or where born,
Resided Benton Harbor,
Died of Heart failure or Paralysis, an old age. 3:00 AM.
Informer: Myra Grow, Benton Harbor, MI.
In the margin is partially written: Myra Grow, daughter of deceased [?] her former xx.
Note4: Year/Age of marriage given by daughter Myra Lawrence Grow, in the death MI. Death Certificate is incorrect, based on the above Ontario Marriage Bond, Lizy was age 17 at her marriage. - Likewise Myra was aware only of her grandfather's surname was Simons & she thought incorrectly he was born in Canada. PJ Ahlberg, 2018.

Obituary1
. 1904 Jan 8 - Old Resident Dead, Died at Home of Her Daughter at Twelve Corners
Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence died at 8 o'clock this morning at the home of her daughter Mrs Henry King, at Twelve Corners, aged xx years.
Mrs. Lawrence's maiden name was Elizabeth Simons. She was born in Canada in 1813, coming to Benton Harbor in 1858, when it was but a village. She & her husband purchased the Major Britton place near Eastman Springs where they resided for sometime & later resided in the Braunson? house now occupied by Mrs Lamport, this being one of the first houses built here.
The deceased has 5 children: John Lawrence, Mrs Henry King of Twelve Corners, Mrs Clara Collins of Chicago, Mrs. Charles Corrao of Ann Arbor & Mrs Myra Crow of this city. The funeral will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday morning at the Twelve Corners Church conducted by Mr. Merrifeld.
Ref: News Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI.

Obituary2
50 Years Ago [c1902]. At the home of Mrs Myra Grow on Edwards Ave., Morton Hill, last evening, a party of relatives assembled in honor of Mrs Elizabeth Lawrence, mother of Mrs. Grow who is leaving soon for the home of another daughter at Ann Arbor.
There is doubless not another living resident of Benton Harbor whose life is more closely identified with the early life & growth of the city than that of Mrs. Lawrence, who was Elizabeth Simons, born in Canada & married to Richard Lawrence at the age of 15 years. In the spring of 1858 they came to Benton Harbor & settled on the Major Britain place near Eastman Springs. Mr Lawrence was both a farmer & carpenter & assisted in building the residence known as the old Brunson house, upon the bluffs, now occupied by Mrs. Lamport. This was the first residence built within the city limits. The Lawrence lived on the Britain place for 8 years then moved on the Maher place, 2 miles from Miller where they remained until 1865 when the husband died in the war. The widow then purchased a home of S Brunson, standing where Dunbar's meat market now stands.
Mrs. Lawrence has been the mother of 13 children, 10 of whom grew to maturity, 5 now living. She will celebrate her 89th birthday the 13th August. She entertained the company yesterday with many tales of pioneer days & gave the younger members an exhibition of how they tripped the light fantastic 60 years ago.
Ref: News Palladium Newspaper, Benton Harbor, republished 1952 Jul 28th.

All Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Birth:
Called Elizabeth after she was married.

Died:
Res. with dau. Hester Lawrence King. Aged 90y 4m 19d.

Buried:
Aged 90y 4m 19d. Died 3 AM of heart infracture or Paralysis of heart, Old Age.

Notes:

Married:
Rev. Mr. King , Presbyterian.

Notes:

PART ONE:

Richard is name after his grandfather, Richard Lawrence, Esq., [The Third, 1719-1726.] & in family remberances going back to Richard the Lionhearted.

. 1771 July 5, List of letters, remaining in the Post Office, Richard Lawrence, Shrewsbury.
Ref: NY Gazette.
. Richard Lawrence, Upper Freehold. Ref: Roster of the People of Revolutionary Monmouth County.

. 1783 New Brunswick, Chrineyonce Vanmater & (Lieut.) Richard Lawrence, UE. petitioned together for land in Prince William Co., NB.
Note1: This land grant adjacent to his brother John Lawrence, was not taken up because it had previous legal encumbrances. - PJA 2101.

. Richard Lawrence carried a English Bible giving his & siblings' birth dates. He must have carried this Bible with him at the end of the American Revolution & then to NB & finally to Upper Canada. The Bible was then given to his youngest child, Rebecca. Grandson Walter Hamilton is the last known owner of the Lawrence Bible.

. 1776 Jul 15, Letters Remaining in the Post Office, New York: Richard Lawrence, Staten Island. Ref: New-York Gazette & Weekly Mercury.

. OLD UNITED EMPIRE LOYALIST LISTS: Laurence, Richard, Home District, Loyalist from N. Brunswick. Ref: Appendix, Appendix B.

. 1776 MUSTER: Richard Lawrence:
. 1777 Feb - 24 Apr - Lawrence, Richard - Private, General Hospital (2 Richards) Muster roll of Capt. Wm. Gray's NYV. Lieut. 1st Co.
. 1777 Aug 24, - Private Richard Lawrence, 3rd Bat De Lancey's Brigrade, C1880,p1
. 1777 October 24 - Capt. Gilbert C Willett, 3rd Battalion of Oliver De Lacey, p. 28, at Long Island, #20, Richard Lawrence [Job" Tat? Host or Western? blurry]. {Ref C1880,p7)
. 1777 Dec 24, Priv. RL, 3Bat DeLancey's Brigrade, C12880,p16;
. 1778 Apr 24 - Rich. Lawrence, 3rd Bat. Oliver DeLacey. C1880, p22 & ?Compare Priv RL, NYV, C1874p5;
. 1778 Apr 24, Priv RL, #BDeLancey's Brigrade, C1880,p22, 38;
. 1778 Jun 24, Priv RL, 3BDeL, C12880,p28;
. 1778 Sep 4 - C1880, p38; 1778 Oct 24, c1880, p39;
. 1778 Dec 24, Priv RL, 3BDeL, - Discharged Dec 24th '78. C1880,p50.
. 1779 November 29, Capt. Thomas Hewlett's Co. NYV - Savannah, Quarter Masters Gen. Dept. & Hewlett's Coy. C1874p49;
. 1781 Apr, Priv RL, New York Volunteers, c1874,p60 & 1781.12.24 p82;
Ref: British Military & Naval Records, p49, RG8 Vol C, Printed, 1874. Elsewhere there is a UEL claim for supplies of horses & wagons for Trenton New Jersey.
Ref: British Military & Naval Records, C1880,p1, RG 8, C Series, & Copy Arch. Canada: Ward Chipman Muster.

British Headquarters Papers (Carleton Papers or American Manuscripts):
Richard Lawrence (31688)
. 1782.5.27, Account for Outstading debs for forage, New York, commissary General Dept., Doc 4668, Film M355, page 4668, Item 31688;
. 1783.11.21, List of Original Wills, Wills in custody of Secretary of NY, page 9671 (14); Film M366, Item 31689.

. NB Land Petitions:
* Note2: 1787 After the American Revolution four Lawrences lived near each other in Saint Johns, New Brunswick: Mrs. Alice Lawrence Leonard (Thomas) Lot 1; Lieut. John Lawrence Lot 101; Lieut. Richard Lawrence was on Lot 169 on the other side of the Saint John River; along with sister Mrs. Margaret Lawrence Nicholson (Arthur) at Lot 52. An important Lawrence family friend, Rev. J Odell of NJ, was adjacent to his land grant as well.

. Richard gave up his land claim in Prince William because of a prior legal entanglement by an earlier French Canadian inhabitant. Richard also made failed landed petitions with his Monmouth, New Jersey neighbours', Corneilis VanMater* & Capt. Richd. Lippincott, (BUT much later he would again be adjacent to R. Lippencott on Yonge St., Toronto) - PJ Ahlberg.
Note3: *John Vanmater was a witness to Richard's father, William Lawrence, d. 1795 in Middletown, NJ.

. 1782 May 27, Richard Lawrence, Outstanding Debts for Forage, New York, Accounts, Commissary General Dept., pg. 4668, (1.3).
Ref: British Headquarters Papers, (Carleton Papers or American Manuscripts), Microfilm M355, Ref: MG23 B1, Item Number 31688.

Research Item, (probably someone else, but should be verified):
. 1783.11.21 - Richard Lawrence, List of Original Wills, Document: Will in custody of Secretary of NY.
Document Pg. 9671 914), fonds: British Headquarters Papers, Carlton Papers or American Manuscripts, Microfilm M2369,
Ref: MG23 BA Item # 31689.

. 1783 DEC 12, PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK LAND GRANT, NB Archives. George the Third grant to Rev. James Fraser, Edward Rogers, Anthony Rogers, Arthur Nicholson, Esq., John Willson, Junior, Richard Lawrence, Stillwell Willson & James Walsh 2,238 acres on the northwest branch of the River Miramichi in the County of Northumberland. The first track beginning at the alder Stake on the easterly bank or shore of an Island being in the said Branch.
To John Willson Junior: Lot 1, 200 Acres; To Richard Lawrence the Lot 2 , containing 232 acres, Stillwell Willson, Lot 4, 240 acres. Registered the 12 December, 1793, Thomas Carlton, Lieutenant Governor, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

. 1789 Aug 11. To His Excellency Thomas Carlton. Province of New Brunswick, Memorial of Richard Lawrence of Miramichie,
Humbly Shewth, that our memorialist has been all the last War in the service of His King & Country, most of the time as a Volunteer in the Army. That a lott of Land has been assigned to him at Prince William in the County of York, but being then a young single man he resigned it. That he is now settled at Miramichie & likes the country, wishes to live by farming in reference to fishing.
Your Memorialist therefore prays you Excellency may be pleased to grant him a Lot of Land adjoining a lot assigned to Arthur Nicholson, Esq. on the north east side of the North West Branch of Miramichie & your memorialist is duty bound will Pray.
Richard Lawrence, [Undated, but delivery time about 4 - 6 weeks.]
Envelope side: Memorial of Richd. Lawrence - Complied with 25th Sept. 1789.

. 1795 June, there were still only 14 housed in the Town of York.

** See photo Photo Original Land Patent may be found at North York Central Library, Willowdale:
. UC Land Petition 5, Bundle, L Bundle 2, 1795 of York, Richard Lawrence, Sr.
Ref: C2124, p804. Ont. Archives. Original document is preserved at the North York Public Library, Yonge Street, Toronto. Very large parchment document with an attached was large beeswax seal.
*Researchers who had other relatives who received an UC Land Grant may wish to see what this very impressive document looked like. This also helps in part to understand why the administration of land granting was so slow.

. 1796 Apr 6 - To His Excellency John Graves Simcoe, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor & Commissioning his Majesty's forces in Upper Canada. Major General.
The Memorial of Richard Lawrence Late of the Province of New Brunswick in Nova Scotia That your Memorialist Entered in the Service of His Britannic Majesty at the beginning the Late rebellion continued in the same till the Peace of Eighty three & that since that time he accepted a Commission of first Lieutenant for the County of Northumberland in New Brunswick which he is ready to produce if required - & being Desirous of remaining a Subject to the King of Great Britain in this Province.
Humbly Prays that his Majesty's most gracious bounty in Lands may be Extended to your memorialist for the following Lotts Viz Number 25 on Yonge Street Eastward & 2 other Lotts in the Rear of Said Number 25 second Concession also a Lott in the Town of York, Number 18 in the second range Which he has improved as well as No 25 Yonge Street & such other quantity of Land as to your Excellency in your Wisdom may seem meet - & your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will ever pray. Signed, 6 April, 1796, Richard Lawrence.

There are 5 other Upper Canada Land Petitions for Richard Lawrence.
. The original parchment & seal, LAND GRANT for Lot 25, Concession 1 Yonge Street, east side, 200 Acres, will be found at the Canadian Room, North York Public Library, on Yonge Street, Toronto.
. 1796 July 30 - Granted Lot 18 D, Duke St., Town of York / [now renamed as: 79 Adelaide, Toronto.] (The next Lot 19 Duke, was granted to Samuel Osborn & his wife, Mrs. Alice Willson Osborn).
. 1802 May 5 Date of Patent or 18 Duke St., D Block, 1/5 Acre to Richard Lawrence.
Ref: Robertson's Landmarks of Toronto, Vol 1, p339.
. Lots 1 & 2, Con 4, Vaughan Twp., 400 Acres.
Note4: 1796 Oct. 8, is the day he paid his land settlement fees & is sometimes incorrectly quoted as the day he was FIRST granted this land. - PJA.

. UCLPetition 15, Y Batch 5, p417. -1801 Jul 16 - East Side Yonge St, Lot 25, Nothing done to the Street. [i.e. no logs cleared].

. 1801 Dec 15. East Side Yonge Street, Lot 25, Logs in the Street, not burnt.

. 1802 Feb. 21, Lot 1, Con 5, Vaughan Twp., 200 Acres granted to wife, Mary Willson Lawrence.
. 1803 Post Office Letters, downtown Toronto: This issue contains a list published by the postmaster of uncalled-for letters lying in the post-office at York:
. Richard Lawrence. (Original Toronto Post Office was one street over from Richard's 179 King Street house. However by
. 1803, Richard was now up on Yonge & Steeles.)
Ref: Vol XIL, The Oracle, Saturday Jan. 15, 1803, No. 28, Total No 610.
Note5: McGill had the 1000 Acres at Lot 25, Con 2, adjoining Richard Lawrence's Land Grant.

Ontario Lands Registry, Metro Toronto Book 683, p131 [Note: Version 2]
Lot 18, South side King St., Town of York
[Original Version 2 adds:] Abstract Town of York, S.S. King
St., Pt of Town Lot 18: Abstract of all Instruments affect 38.5 feet on South side of King St East x 120 feet deep coming at N.E.L. Town Lot 18 on South of King St & running West & being par t of sd. Town Lot 18.
. 1802 May 17, Patent, Crown, to Ricd Lawrence, All Contg. 1/5 Acre
. 1805 Feb 13, Patent, Crown, to Beasley et all, all condj 15 acre,
. 1805 Feb 19, Mem. Grant, Richd Beasley, survg. Trustee of Tos Barry & Wm. Allan, to Rev. Geo O'Kill Stuart of York, £321.17.16., All et all. Being 1 C in front X 2c deep. To hold unto sd. Grantee his heirs & assigne forever. Sg. by Grantee.

Abstract North York Book 16, p3
Lot 25, Con 1 Yonge Street East, York Twp.
. 1808 Sep 15, Patent, Crown, to Richard Lawrence, All 190 acres.
. 1806 Jan 20, Registered 20 Mar 1806, Bargain&Sale, Richard Lawrence et ux, to The B Gough, East Half.
. 1819 Aug 20, B&S, Richard Lawrence, to John S Baldwin, £250, West Half Acres.

Abstract, Metro Toronto, North York Book 128, p21
Lot 24, Con 2 West, York Twp.,
. 1798 Dec 31, Patent, Crown, to Wm. Jarvis, All 200 Acres
. 1805 Dec 31, B&S, Thos. B Gough, to Richard Lawrence, All 200 A
. 1809 May 1, B&S, Richard Lawrence, to Jacob Fisher Jr, £100, All 200 A.
Note6: Adjacent, Lot 23, Con 3, Sawmill, water badly supplied, Peter Keiffer, 1851.

Abstract Markham Book 91, p22
Lot 27, Con 1 East Side Yonge St. , Markham Twp.,
. 1803 July 15, Crown, to John Leslie, All 190A
. 1804 Aug 31, Bargain&Sale, Thos. McMichen etux, to Richard Lawrence, £100, All 190 Acres.
.1805 Jun 29, B&S, Richard Lawrence et ux, to John Arnold, £100, All 100A.
[Beside brothers-in-law, Wm. L Willson, Lot 26; Samuel Osborn Lot 27, & Stillwell Willson The Elder, Lot 30.]

Abstract York Region, Vaughan Book 185, p4
Lot 1, Con 3, Vaughan
. 1802 May 17, Patent, Crown, to Mary Lawrence, All 200 A
. 1821 Feb 21, B&S, Richard Lawrence et ux, to John Guthrie, £100, All.
[Near Fairbanks Lumber/ Railway tracks & Steeles W, 2020].-

Ontario Land Registry Abstract, Vaughan Book 190, p4 & 32,
Lots 1 & 2, Con 4, Vaughan Twp., York Co., [Keele Street], p4 & p32.
. 1805 Feb 1, Patent, Crown, to Richard Lawrence, All 400 Acres each [Lots1-2 @ 200A.]
. 1805 Feb 1, B&S, Richard Lawrence et al, to Thomas McMicking. All 190 A, 200 Acres for Lot 1. & Lot 2 190A.
Note7: Adjacent Lot 4, Con 3, was a sawmill, Michel Fisher, 1851.
Lawrence's most productive grant Lot 25 1ES was also part of the Willson sawmill land. Thus the summary suggest Lawrence searched for land that could yield water & tree resources, as opposed to strictly farm land. - P J Ahlberg 2016.

. 1805 to 1815 at least - Richard Lawrence received Tavern Licenses for the Twp. of York.
. March 1801, The Special Sessions of Peace, held the "The Court are of opinion that 6 persons are a sufficient number for Keeping Tavern in the Town of York, for the year ensuing.
. 1805 Dec 28, The undermentioned persons prayed to be admitted as fit persons for receiving Licenses to Keep Taverns in the Home District for the Year next ensuing: Richard Lawrence.
. 1806 Mar 20 - sells East ½ Lot 25, Con 1 ESYonge St.
. 1807 - Richard Lawrence owned Lot 18D, south side of King, west of Frederick St. Brother-in-law Sam. Osborn was on the next lot 19D.
Ref: Toronto Sundries, Home District. Quarter Sessions.

Special Sessions of the Peace, York, Tavern License for year ensuing,
. 1815 Dec 30, Town of York: Richard Lawrence, York Twp., Granted.

Note8: Various sources state the Joseph Abraham ran the first inn called the Green Bush at Steeles & Yonge at the North east corner. In an area noted for tall trees, it must have been a large balsam tree indeed that stood in front of the Inn. The NE corner belong to his brother-in-law Wm. L. Willson. Further research may show the exact location of Lawrence's tavern.

Regulations included: No excess drinking, no profanities or gambling; sufficient sheds, stables and/or barns were required for the patron's horses, carriages & wagons. The innkeeper should also have at least 4 good beds in addition to those for his family. All of these regulations were controls to limit taverns & increase inns.
Ref: Margaret McBurney & Mary Byers, Tavern in the Town: Early Inns & Taverns of Ontario. - P J Ahlberg). - . -

PART TWO: Tracking Richard Lawrence Though Documents:

. 1759 Aug. 20, Monday born, Middletown, Upper Freehold Twp., Monmouth Co., Prov. of New Jersey. Father William Lawrence's carpenter's shop along with his brothers.
. 1776 to 1783. American Revolution, New Jersey 1st Volunteers, Christies' Quarter Master Department. He was a volunteer in the army most of the time.
. 1776 Richard is on Staten Island, NY.
Note9: UCLPetition Richard gave a reference for Sarah Lakerman Willson who was on Staten Island since 1776, the beginning of the War & therefore, Richard Lawrence too was on Staten Island.

. 1785 New Brunswick. Purchased land at Musquash Island on the St. John's River from Capt. Richard Lippincott also of NJ.
. 1786 New Brunswick. By this time he is married to Mary Willson. [Further research: Records of the Anglican minister traveling though the Miramichi?]
. 1787 Jul 25, Wants land at Prince William, Queensborough, NB. allotted primarily to the Queen's American Rangers (& to future brother-in-law Arthur Nicholson, (ELIZABETH LAWRENCE).
. 1789 Jul 27, Land Grant: A little beyond the Sandy Point, opposite, Between Island by Johnston Basto, West Branch of Miramichi River, Northumberland County, New Brunswick.
. 1789 Sep 25 - Granted land at Willson's Point, Miramichi, New Brunswick. Richard builds log gaol at nearby, Newcastle, NB.

Northumberland Co., New Brunswick, Deed Registry Books, Grantor:
. 1793 June 15th - Richard Lawrence & Mary Lawrence to William Babcock, Vol 2, Pg. 97, Deed £20 for 200 Acres, 22 cleared with Stockable Dwelling House, 3 Commons Pasture. Signed, John Willson, Esq., JP of Inferior Court of Common Pleas.

. 1793 July - MAY FLEET *NJ *NY *NB *UC. Evacuation from NY to New Brunswick in 1783. Again the 'May Fleet' leaves around NB by ship & up the St. Lawrence River to Montreal, where John Willson called on Commissary Issac W Clarke for aid. The 60 people including Richd. Lawrence were in the party lead by John Willson, Esq.
. 1793 Aug 8 - Arrived at Quebec with 60 people. A dozen people remain here. Arrival by 3 bateaux at Kingston on 28 Aug., 1793. Received army rations & medical care. Detained over 30 days waiting for another boat. 1793 Oct. 10, group arrives at Niagara again sick & starved. 25 Oct, Governor J G Simcoe authorizes ship to pick up John Willson & associates.

. 1792 Sept. Fort George, Niagara. Lieut. Gov. Simcoe orders government ship to bring them Lawrence, Willson & all from Niagara to Town of York.
. 1793 Nov 2, Arrival at the Town of York, Toronto. Extracted from the documents on the hardships of this voyage to Upper Canada can be found also at 1) Roots.com under JOHN WILLSON.1 & 2.) more extensively in Richard Lawrence of NJ, NB & Ontario. Book may be found at North York Public Library, Toronto. & Richmond Hill Library - PJ Ahlberg, 2009.

. 1794 April 7 to 30 June, Paid for carpentry, Public Buildings at York. Paid £15 11 s. 3 pennies, on 10 July, 1794.
. 1795 June 1. Petitions for Lot 25, Con. 1 ES Yonge Street, York Twp., ON WHICH HE HAS ALREADY LOCATED. (Yonge & Steeles Ave., Toronto). Tavern here or and/or Vaughan. Sold 20.
. 1819 Aug. As a lieutenant he was granted 1000 Acres & an additional 400 Acres from his wife, Mary Willson.
* 1796 May 28, Cousin John Brown Lawrence presented Richard's land grant to his friend Gov. Simcoe:
. 1796 July 30, already built on it: 18 Duke Street, TOWN OF YORK. Today 179 King St. East, Toronto Downtown.
. 1796 8 Oct - Granted & lots in Vaughan, (just across the road from his Lot 25, Con 1 Yonge.) Steeles & Yonge Streets, tavern here or and/or at Vaughan.

. 1797 Minutes of the Town of York: Richd. Lawrence: 2 males & 4 females.Total six.
i.e. Ricd. & wife Mary & John, Mary, Marg., Eliz. & Mary Anne Lawrence.
Note10: Town of York had only 52 males & 34 females living on Yonge St., Toronto.

. Two Surveys of Settlers actually living on Yonge Street:
. 1797 Aug 3, York, Lot No. 25 East, 5 Acres cleared, Richard Lawrence is on the premises.

. 1797 Jun 27 - Oath saying he knew Sarah Lakerman, wife of John Wilson, Jur & that her father died within the British lines in the year 1776. Signed, Richd. Lawrence.

. 1798 June. Lot 25 East, Richard Lawrence, i.e. He is living on the lot) Four acres cleared. Small log house. Surveyed by David W Smith, Esq., Surveyor Genera.l { Is Wm. L. Willson, his brother-in-law on the adjacent lot, actually living with his sister Mrs. Mary Lawrence? - PJA.]

. 1802 Jan 12, Tuesday Richard Lawrence (7th) sworn to Petty Jury of 12 men. John Evenor the accused. When the miller was absent, John Evenor was seen taking a sheep away from the barn yard. Discharged because no Prosecutor was present.

. 1805 Mar 2. Richard Lawrence of Yonge St. who had received a license to keep a Tavern for House, at his dwelling house & who had removed from thence to another Public house; applied for leave to keep a Tavern under the same license in the house to which he had removed. The court do not find themselves authorized to comply with this request as they deem the License to be attached to the house recognize has been taken & not to any other.
Note11: 1804 Feb 1. Richard sells Lot 3, Con 4, Vaughan Twp. property. Coincidence?

. 1807 Jul 24 - Justice Robt. Thorpe's address, Summary: Whereas a goodly number of Independent Electors convented for discussing the sufferings whose situation was resplendent by many not his friends to be very deplorable of his losses which at first he yielding to their entreaties to represent them in Parliament in UC or England. A multitude of signatures, inc. Joseph Shepard, Richd. Lippincott, Alex. Montgomery, Baron Fred. DeHoen, Peter Muscleman, John Van Zantee, John Willson, [most likely junior] William L Willson, Stillwell Willson, James Finch. Richard Lawrence, William Johnson, George Taylor Denison, J Hale, Walter Moody, Peter Whitney, Garret Van Zantee, Sam D Cozens, Peter Winter.
Ref: Report on dn Archives, 1892.

. Ely started early. John Powell & Geo. Ridout soon overhauled me - fed at Buttanans? 18 miles - at Lawrence 17 miles, went on to Cantfields 11: a little after dark.
. 1809 Sep 29th - John Arnold & Ely Playter drew a load of ashes from [Richard] Lawrence's the AM. 47 bushels.
Ref: Ely Players Diary.

. 1815 Dec 30. Richard Lawrence received a Tavern License for Township of York. £12, Issuer James Kerr.

. 1818 Dec 26, Quarterly Session of Peace, Charlottesville, London District
$2 Costs of Court The said Sum for Wages to the said Alvin.
Ordered that as the License is Left in the behest? of the Magistrates all persons being desirous of keeping publick houses are required to attend on the last Saturday of this month precisely at 10 in the forenoon at which time the Bonds will be ready for signature, as an Act of the Legislature has passed to that effect.
The Court took into consideration the Tavern Bills & agreed as follows.:
Richd. Lawrence £3.10s & Wm. Lawrence £3.

Extracts from HIS CHILDREN'S LAND PETITION RICHARD LAWRENCE:
. 1818 Apr 14, Richard Lawrence is now in Woodhouse*, Ontario, daughter Margaret Lawrence.
. 1818 August 6, Mary Ann is with her parents at Long Pointe, Ontario.
. 1819 October 13, Richard is in Woodhouse now, wrote daughter Elizabeth Osborn-Tarbox-Lawrence.
. 1819 Aug 20 - Richard Lawrence sells West ½ Lot 25, Con 1 ESY for £350.
. 1820 April 11 & 20th, He is now in Charlotteville, London District, (Norfolk County).
. 1821 Feb 21, Sold Vaughan Twp. property of his wife, Mary Willson.
Note12: Woodhouse is now called Naticoke.

. 1828 - Photo of large wooden mill: Lot 1, Con. 2 East. Markham Township. Bayview Ave & Steeles Ave. Fish Mill, NE corner Steeles & Bayview in 1961. This grist & saw mill was built in 1830 by Benjamin Fish, next to the distillery that he owned (built 1828). Though the original mill was destroyed in a fire, Fish built a new one on the same site. Demolished in 1965, when the intersection of Bayview & Steeles was widened.
. The Town of Charlotteville:* When the war of 1812 broke out the court-house was used for barrack purposes, ... was christened" Fort Norfolk." The court house, jail, the fort & the tavern of Job Loder all stood on the elevation above the flat. A hotel was built under the hill & kept by a man named Hatch. In 1833, during the cholera scare*, a hospital was built at this place. It stood on the bank & was a barn-like structure & was used but little, if at all, for the purpose for which it was built. The old Town of Charlotteville reached the zenith of its glory during the war. In 1815 the District Courts were removed to Vittoria & the Town of Charlotteville relapsed into Turkey Point once more. No traces of its old-time importance remain, save a few surface irregularities indicating the spot occupied by the fort. The dreary waste at Turkey Point was, for 13 years, the judicial metropolis for all this vast region of country.
Ref: Pioneer sketches of Long Point Settlement. Published 1908.
Note13: Was this the cause of Richard Lawrence's disappearance? Note14: *Charlotteville is now called Delhi.

. 1831 May 3 - DECEASED of London District, wrote son, Richd. Lawrence, and also deceased was an Innkeeper, deceased per Jane Lawrence.
. 1846 Smith's Canadian Gazetter, Province of Canada West:
Harwich, Kent Co, Western District, soil extremely fertile, 1898 inhabitants. Timber - white oak, black walnut, maple, beech, hickory, basswood etc.

A more complete history with copies of ALL documents & photos may be found at North York Public Library, Toronto under Richard Lawrence, John Willson & John Brown Lawrence of New Jersey, NB & Ontario. By P J Ahlberg, May 2009. - - -

Birth:
Monday. Upper Freehold Twp.

Richard married Mary WILLSON, DUE est 1786 in New Brunswick, Canada. Mary (daughter of John WILLSON, .1, Sur. and Rebeka Thixton THICKSON(E)) was born est 1770 in Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., New Jersey; died est 21 Feb 1821 ± in Charlotteville, Norfolk Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Richard Lawrence's New Brunswick Land Petitions indicate he was single March 1786 at Queensborough & married by August 1789 on the Miramichi. They could have been married by her father, a Justice of the Peace for Miramichi, or perhaps by an Anglican Minister in transit on the Miramichi, who had baptized a Willson child [Jonathan Willson 1783 & John Willson.III, born 1791?]
Further Research: However, also retained for further search: St. Andrews Church, Long Island. 1780 Oct 5, Married, Lawrence Mary & Lawrence, Richard. Vol. xxx, Page 56. This seems this would be too early for this Mary Willson.

. UC Land Petition 63, L Bundle 4 c 1808 p241
York, daughter of John Willson, [MARY WILLSON,] Richard Lawrence.
. To His Honor Peter Russell, Esq., president of the Government of Upper Canada etcetcetc. In Council:
The Petition of Richard Lawrence of the Township of York. Humbly shows That your Petitioner is a Loyalist & came from Nova Scotia about 3 years ago, [1794] that he is married to Mary, the daughter of John Willson, Esq. of Kings Mills on the Humber, who is also a Loyalist. That your Petitioner's wife having never received any Land, your Petitioner prays your Honor would be pleased to grant him 200 Acres in right of his said confer & is in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray.
Richard Lawrence, York, 22 June, 1797.
Envelope: Ordered 200 Acres to wife of Petitioner as DUE, 1778 Dec 24. [Daughter of an Empire Loyalist.]

Ontario Land Registry Abstract Vaughan Book 185,
Lot 1, Con 3, Vaughan Book 185, p4
. 1802 May 17, Patent, Crown, to Mary Lawrence, All 200 A
. 1821 Feb 21, B&S, Richard Lawrence et ux, to John Guthrie, £100, All.

Note1: As of 2018 this land is now 1900 Steeles Ave. West, Fairbanks Lumber Co., Concord, Vaughan Twp., York Co., Ontario. As of 2018 this land is now 1900 Steeles Ave. West, Fairbanks Lumber Co., Concord, Vaughan Twp., York Co., Ontario. -PJA

Note2: Husband Richd. Lawrence had other land at Lot 1 Con 4, also the adjacent, Lot 25 across on Yonge St in York Township. In others words, all located on Steeles Avenue: First East at Yonge & Steeles to Dufferin St.]

. 1801 Children's schoolhouse, Condition of Yonge Street:
Lot No. 25 west & east complied with, Lot 25 East Side of Yonge Street; nothing done to the street & a schoolhouse erected in the centre of the street. This is the end of the Township of York.
Ref: Report to Surveyor-General D W Smith on the condition of Yonge Street in 1801, by John Stegmann, formerly a Hessian officer.
. On page 427 of Scadding's memoirs, he tells us that Elisha Pease taught in this early schoolhouse.
XReference: E. Pease was a witness of the WILL of John Willson, Jur. in 1818 & also John Johnston, 1852.
Note3: The schoolhouse was built in the road allowance in front of the Lawrence's property so the children could find it & not getting lost in the woods. Just a few lots away, Jacob Cummer tells us a black bear was digging up his garden. - PJ Ahlberg.

. DAUGHTER & WIFE of a TAVERN KEEPER:
Mary Willson Lawrence & her children, had much experience at Taverkeeping. Husband Richard Lawrence held a UC licensed tavern located on Yonge Street north. She & her friend, as noted below, Mary Thompson visited Miss Elizabeth Russel when Thompson was employed by the sister of THE most prominent & powerful man in Upper Canada. From extracted stories from Ely Playter's Journal we may see what life was like a woman tavenkeeper in early Upper Canada:
. 1806 Jan 11 - Thinking it was a tavern, Ely Playter & a companion mistakenly stopped & stayed over night at Mr. Miller's house. Implicit in the mistake at Millers & throughout his journal, is a parallel understanding that household life intersected with public life in taverns.

. 1802 May 2 & Sept 29 - Mary Thomson*, Playter's journal's Miss T - also lived at his house. She was the daughter of a substantial farm family from Scarborough Township. Her father, Archibald, was a master stonemason & a Justice of the peace from 1806. Nothing about her presentation in the journal suggests less than respectable young womanhood. It is difficult to account for her presence in the tavern rather than on her family's farm. [Scaboro Museum, 2016]. Certainly not a servant in the house, she socialized within the same circles as the tavern-keeper & came & went as she pleased.
Playter mentioned her almost exclusively in the parlour usually in the context of polite sociability, but once he noted, I seated myself by the Parlour fire & finished my letters to Mr & Mrs Rogers, it was one o'clock in the morning before I retired to bed. Miss T sat at her work till I had finished writing. This brief reference & others, imply Mary Thompson may have worked in the textile trade from Playter's tavern & continued so working after marrying John Scarlett of the Humber. Tavern-keepers placed tea tables in their parlours. Nor did anything about the emphatically public nature of their homes work to exclude the women of tavern-keeping households from local networks of female friendship & association:
The Tavernkeepers' daughters, Player saw Miss Beman, the Miss Jarvises, & Miss Robinson on their way home as they had been visiting & he gave my Sister's Compliments to her as they had requested in their letter" In their taverns these women crafted a female space for sociability, into which they also welcomed men.
Ref: Women, Men, & Taverns in Tavern-Keeper Ely Playter's Journal, by Julia Roberts, Guelph.
Note4: Mary Thomson's husband-to-be, John Scarlett was granted in 1817 Apr 2, Lot 19, south side of Richmond, that is across the street from husband Richard Lawrence. Ref: Town of York Abstracts, p263.

. 1837 - Toronto & Home District:
. 1799 - Population 224; 1800 - Population 1127. 1818 - Population 8,459.

Date & place of burial of Mary Willson Lawrence is unknown. Last known whereabouts of Mary Lawrence was noted in her daughter Mary Ann Lawrence's UC Marriage Bond of 10 August 1819, where permission to marry was obtained at Long Point in southern Ontario. Rebecca Lawrence says her father died when she was very young & she was reared by an older sister, implying perhaps that Mary Willson was dead between 1821 & 1831 when her husband died & thus making Rebecca about 16 years of age - not so 'very young'.

Richard Lawrence was an inn keeper in the Long Pointe to Harwich, Ontario, until his death about another 1 years later, about 1831.

A separate Willson Family Tree may be found at Ontario Ancestor; & also Rootsweb.com: John Willson of New Jersey & the Kings' Mill, Ontario. - - -

Birth:
Alt DOB: Est 1765 -1769.

Died:
Alt Loc: Harwich, Kent Co., Ontario

Notes:

VERIFY PARENTS, Generations or so, TO BE CONFIRMED. (2017)

. In 1860, 1880 Maine & again in the 1890 Apr 20 Census Washington, DC. son Adelbert B Simons, Sr., says his father was born in Connecticut.

1813 - Private Bildad Simsons from Massachusetts, work on Dundas Street, & sere in 1814. York Militia, 2nd Regiment, from Nelson Twp., Halton Co.
Ref: Lorne Scots Regimental Museum, Brampton, ON.
Note1: Is this an error? or did Bildad live/visit from Mass. before coming to Upper Canada?

. UC Sundries, Abstract of Petitions for Lands, No. 332. Bildad Simons., Application prepared in Council, 1806 Jun 16th. Common Applications*
Ref: p915, C4503,
Note1: Common applications or otherwise, no complications. On the other hand it doesn't mentioned he wanted a location in the Mississauga Purchase, as many other 1806 petitions did. - PJA

. UCLPetition 27, p579, S Bundle 8, C2809.
Bildad Simons of Saltfleet, Potter & Ramor.
Petitioner has been near 7 years in the Province [1799] & has a family of a wife & 4 children. Property in the amount of £50. Taken the oath of allegiances. He wants 200 acres located in tract lately (Govt.) purchased. He is prepared & undertakes to pay within 3 days of Order in Council for land. He will pay all Survey fees in the same period. He will also attend the Secretary of the Province within 21 days to take out the deed. [i.e. he will get started without delay.]
Signed, Bildad Simons, York, 17 June, 1806.
. 1806 This certifies that Bildad Simons of Saltfleet in District of Niagara, has lived in my neighbourhood some years, he is industrious & a well behaved man.
York,18th June, 1806. Robt. Nelles.

. 1806 Jun 18, Receipt of the above: £6 9 shillings & 4 pence sterling. Peter Russell, Receiver General, Clerk of the Executive Council, Upper Canada.
. A land patent for Con 1, Lot 30 1 SDS (South of Dundas Street), was granted to him in 1806 as settlement duties had been fulfilled.
Entered into Land Book G, 78. Warrant 193, issued 19 Jun 1806 by the petitioner.
Note2: The Upper Canada Government had just recently purchased land in Trafalgar area from the natives. Some settlers were staking out the new farming land even before the negations were finished.)

Note3: Concerning his place of birth: There was a Bildad Simons living in Massachusetts but not enough information is found to drawn a firm connection. Or perhaps the Simons were living in the German Valley of New Jersey along with the Teetzel, Hagers, who came to the excellent farm land of the Trafalgar area. The name of Bildad's wife is unknown. -PJA.

. 1809 Jun 11, Town of York, General Quarter Session of Peace holden at Town of York. The Grand Jury called & severally Sworn as follows.
1. Bildad Simons & 12 others: Philip Triller, foreman, Benj Smith, David Albertson, David Taylor, Joseph Alolet, Henry Schuck, Stiles Stevens, James Hinton, Joseph Osier, Edward Decow, Abraham Markle, Absolom Willcocks, Allan Robinet, Joseph Silverthorne, Philip Cody, James Wyant & Isaac Willcocks.
Prosecution of Esther Ruggles Vs. Henry Hale, Indictment Assault & Battery, Verdict Not Guilty.
Ref: Toronto Sundries, Home District Quarter Session of Peace, Minutes, City of Toronto Archives.

Note4: This would imply that Bildad was actually living in the Town of York by 1806 to at least 1814, otherwise he would have been called for jury duty in Trafalgar, a rather long distance to travel by foot or horse. Most men on jury would be well known men from near by on Yonge St., York Twp. It is further noted that Bildad filed various Marriage Bonds & Land transactions himself dated in Toronto, rather than the common method of mailing in these requests.

. WAR OF 1812, 2nd YORK MILITIA REGIMENT:
Trafalgar Township:
. York Militia 2nd Regiment., commanded by Serjeant Duncan McQueen, Working the roads on the Dundas Street (now Hwy. 5) between the 16 & 12 Mile Creek [i.e. between Oakville & St. Catharines, Ontario]:
. 1813 Oct 26 - Nov 4, Ten days: Private, Bildad Simons, Paid 6s.
Signed, Richard Beasley. Ref: Doc. 293.

. 1813 Oct 25 - Nov 24, 10 days, Private Bildad Simons, 2YM, commanded Serj. Duncan McQueen working the roads on Dundas Street. Signed, Richard Beasley. Ref: Doc 298.

. Second York Militia Regiment, Capt. Thomas Merrigold's Detachment:
. 1814, Sept 25 to Nov 1. Private Beldad Simons, 7 days. Signed, Capt. Thos. Merigold. [Privates earned 6 pence a day.]
. 1814, Dec. 1st -1815 March 1st - A Return of fines Collected in the 2nd Regiment of York Militia. Failure to report for muster (15 men):
Bildad Simons, Amount in fines: £5 paid. Signed, Richard Beasley.
Ref: Doc. 10-25, Upper Canada Militia Records, V16, Second York, Militia. Ref: Documents 196 & 197, UC Returns, Nominal Rolls & Pay Lists C10383, p1048.

Note5: Very interesting this item. Why did Bildad not serve? Was there some sympathy for the American cause? or not actually willing to fight against his fellow Americans? Could it have anything to do with his wife's murder? (Date unknown). Or perhaps, more simply, was Bildad more preoccupied with providing for his family in wintertime? - PJA, 2011.
Note6: 1814 Jun 22 York. To R R Loring, from J McGill. Requests a list of several Quakers, Mennonites or Tunkers resident in the province form 812-3, to enable him to collect money due from them for exemption from Militia service. Letter attached, p 8523-26.
- Tunkers are a variation of Quakers who refused to take up any arms during wars, & paid a fee for militia exemption. - which may be consisted with living in Enfield, Conn., & the Shaker community. - PJ Ahlberg.

. 1816 Assessment Census, Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co.:
Bildad Simons. 100 acres, 70 A. Uncultivated, 30 cultivated. Frame house under 2 stories.
Note6: Log cabins were not taxed so not listed.

. Census 1831 Palermo, Trafalgar Twp., Halton County, SDS (South of Dundas Street): Bildad Simons:
10 cultivated acres, 40 uncultivated. 2 males over 16 & 1 female over 16.
Note7: His daughter, Mary Lizy Elizabeth Simons was married the previous year to Richard Lawrence; Daughter Clarissa married in 1831.
Note8: Only one female over 16 implies his wife may or may not still be alive. - PJA.

. 1842 & 43 Census, Lot 1, Con 2, P, Trafalgar Twp., Ontario,
Bildad Simons & Sons: John, Asel & Joseph Simons, {that is, adjacent the farms of his in-law Teetzel. - PJA
Note9: Due to the extreme poor quality of these census rolls its difficult to say if Bildad Simons is present in more censuses years. - PJA

Note10: *Suggest the Patent year here may be a transcription error, as the above is COPY from the Land Registration office. On 1806 Jun 16 Bildad received a receipt for Lot 30, Con 1. This would have implications where his last children were born & indeed probably also, Mrs. B Simons died. - PJ Ahlberg, 2018.
- (Modern 2016 location is between 2327 Khalsa Gate, Oakville & Baronwood Drive, V-ing off Bronte Road, Palermo, Bronte Creek.)

. Ontario Provincial Park (2015) comes up the south back corner of Bildad Simons Lot 30, Con 1. Ref: Crown Lands Map A24, Trafalgar Twp.

. Daughter Elizabeth Mary Simons married 14 Oct 1830, at he house of William Simons, Palermo, by Rev. Mr. King, Presbyterian Clergy. Many of her family were present.
Ref: Michigan War Widow Claim 1864.

. 2018. The 3195 Bronte Road Demolition . A home was recently demolished, leavng members with many questions. Tom Murrison reports that tyhe believes thas was the home of Mr Mrs Bildad Simons, that had been at the SE corner of Bronte & Dundas, wehre the medical building now stands. This house was moved in Jan 1955 as per our archives photos. It is beleived based on the birthdates of thier children, that this is an early 1800 built home & that the back part was liely a hewen timber frame. This home was not on the heritage registry so there were not extra steps in place for when the owners requested the demolitions permit.
Ref: Trafalgar Township Historical Society.

. Palermo Parsonage. This house on Bronte Road, just north of Dundas Street, was the Methodist parsons for the Palermo Circuit for some 50 years. It was the responsibility of the Ladies Aids of the Circuit to furnish & decorate the parsonage. With Methodist ministers changing every 2 or 3 years, It was almost a continuing task. When the parsonage was moved to Bronte about 1912, this house was sold. It is still lived in today, 60 years later, 1907. Most of the early settlers in the Palermo community were participants in the beginnings of Methodist in Trafalgar Twp.

ENFIELD, CONNECTICUT:
HISTORY OF ENFIELD, CONNECTICUT, Complied from all the public records:
Select Men's Account 1714-1805:
. 1785 Nov 29th - to Rufus Smith for ringing the bell & taking care of the Meeting House clock which pays this to ye 24th of this month, £3.16.2
.1787 Nov 16 - Hezekiah Parsons June, for rope for the Meeting House last year, 10s 6p; [i.e. Shaker Meeting House].
. 1793 Nov 26, Bilddad Simons, Rate 4 shillings 6 pence. (Page 1237);
. 1794 Jun 10, Enfield payment to: Bildad Simons 4s 45 pence, Elijah Terry 3/6;

. 1794 July 9 - Select Men's Account. Eliphalet Terry, Treasurer,
Bildad Simons 4 shillings 4.5 pennies, Elijah Terry 3s 6p. Asher Simons 4s 4.5 pence, John Reynolds, Esq.,Treasurer. Obadiah King, for part pay for Ringing the bell this present year £2. (Page 1242).

. 1794 Nov 26, Eliphalet Terry*, Treasurer, by an order to sundry persons, Bildad Simons, Rate: 4s 6pence.
Ref: The History of Enfield, Connecticut, 1900.
Note1: Eliphalet Terry, b24.12.1742 Enfield, CT-2.11.1812.

Enfield, on the Great River, Connecticut, Town plan shows 2 plots granted to William Simons dated 1687. In 1689 the Town purchased more land from Indian sachem Noatuck & they reserved the right of fishing & hunting. There were Meeting House for the Baptists & the Strict Congregationalists. The people of Enfield were nearly unanimously in favor of the American revolution & their Independence. In 1780 the Shaker System of Religion was introduced into Enfield.

. SIMONS, William first settler on the Lot 6 south of Ferry Lane - died 1738 aged 79, left sons, viz:
John b 1695 In. Sarah Greer 1722 - died & left numerous descendants most of whom have removed from town:
. sons John, b. 1724;­
. Paul b. 1726, - Ebenezer 1731 - Asahe1 1734, - Edward . 1740 - Titus 1744.
. William b. 1696. m Hannah Randall 1711 - m Margaret Pasko 1717 died­ left a family of one.
. son William b. 1718 - Timothy b 1720, Stephen b. 1723, Joseph b. 1729­
Benjamin b. 1731 settled & died in Enfield in 805.
. James b 1699 - m. Dorcas Foster 1730 - settled in East Windsor
. Philip Simons b. 1702 m. Martha Bement 1727.
Philip son of Philip born 1734 - Abel son Philip 1742.
. Caleb Jones in. Esther Simons D. of Philip Simons 1759.
. One daughter married Joel Meacham.
The original settlers of Enfield were destitute as they were of the rich alluvial tracts that afforded such facilities [they] only subsisted. They sometimes experienced great privations for the want of the necessary means of subsistence & were often obliged to resort to the neighboring towns for supplies for their impoverished families & had it not been for annual supplies of shad & pigeons with which they were so abundantly blessed. The town had scarcely ever afforded more grain than was required for a home supply. The product of its droves was very scanty & its stock of horses cattle & sheep were not numerous or productive. From 1790 to 1800 Enfield lost more people by emigration dur­ing that 10 years than it ever did at any former period.
Ref: Historical Sketch of the Town of Enfield. By Francis Allen. 1900.

* 1806 Jun 28 - Map of 2nd Township purchased from Indians, shows Bildad Simons, residing at Lot 30, Con 1, SDS, Trafalgar, 3017 Bronte Rd., Map shows passage to adjacent Lot 30, Con 2 South Dundas St., which was empty at the time. His property is just on the south side of the Old York Rd. to Head of L. Ontario. (Now called Dundas Street.)

Ontario Land Registration, Halton Co., Abstract Trafalgar Book 24, p189
Lot 30, Con 1, SDS [3017 Bronte Rd., South side of Dundas St.]
* 1808 Oct 18, Patent, Crown, to Bildad Simons, 200 Acres.
. 1811 Apr 27, Bargain&Sale, Bildad Simons, to Chas. Teetzel, part 70 Acres Lot 30
. 1812 Apr 20, B&S, Bildad Simons, to Joseph Smith, 10 A. on NHlf
. 1824 Feb 16, B&S, Bildad Simons, to Joseph Simons, 20 A on SHalf
. 1828 Apr 3, B&S, Joseph Simons, to Daniel Becky?, 30A
. 1828 Apr 3, B&S, Bildad Simons, to Daniel Becesy?, 10A
1836 Mar 1, B&S, 1 xx, to Lawrence Hagar (Sr)
. 1850, B&S, xx, to William H Hagar ...
. 1852 July 16 1852 - 1873 Apr 22, William Teetzel.
. 1875 Aug 10 - 1875 Aug 10, Jonathan Hagar.
. 1920 May 2, Grant, Trustees of Palermo Congregation of Methodist Church to Lawrence Hager.

Lot 30, Con 1, NSS, North Dundas Street, Trafalgar Abstract Book 34, p 398-9
. 1808 Jan 30 - Patent, Crown, to John Shaw, 200 Acres
. 1828 Apr 3 - B&S, Daniel Becay, to Bildad Simons, 100 Acres South Half
. 1830 May 10, Registered 1830 Oct 20, B&S, Bildad Simons, to Joseph Simons, 50 A, Half of S Half
. 1830 May 25, B&S, Joseph Simons, to David Hager, 1 Acre
. 1832 May 10, B&S, 1831 Feb 25, Joseph Simons, to Chas Teetzel, 50A SE Quarter
. 1833 Apr 10, B&S, Reg. 1846 Apr 1, Joseph Simons, to Abigail Ward, widow, Quarter Acre.
. 1833 Jul 18, B&S, Chas Teetzel, to Mathias Teetzel, 25A EQuarter
. 1835 Aug 4, B&S, Joseph Simons, to John Adueir?, Half Acre, of Lot 30.
. 1835 oct 26, B&S, Joseph Simons, to Jarvis Dyse, 23.5 Acre S
. 1835 Oct 27, B&S, Joseph Simons, to Walter O'Reilly, 1 Half Acre.
. 1835 Oct 28, B&S, David Hager, to Joseph Simons
. 1834 Jun 17, B&S, Jospeh Simons, to Lawrence Hager
. 1834 Mar 3, B&S, Joseph Simons, to Wm. Ableson, 1 Half Acre
. 1839 Oct 22, B&S, John R Hart & wife, to Walter B Simons, 1 Acre
. 1842 Jul 30, B&S, Mathias Teetzel & Wife, to Alphonse King, 25 Acre
. 1842 Jun 23, B&S, Walter B Simons, to Dan. Stanton, 1 Acre
. 1864 May 3, B&S, Francis Wilkinson & Wife, to Lucinda Wilkinson wife of Ezra Winchell, 1 Acre1.
. 1875 Apr 22, conveyance, Wm. Laidlaw & Wife, to Trustees of Church at Palermo, Half acre, Lot 30.

Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Birth:
Alt Spelling: Baldad, Beldad. Verify loc. Conn. Ref: Census 1880 Benton Harbor, dau. Eliz. Lawrence.

Died:
Census Trafalgar.

Bildad married Mrs. Bildad SIMONS est 1797 ±. Mrs. was born est 1777 ± in Pennsylvania; died est between 8.1813-1825 in Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Place of Birth?
Granddaughter Mrs. Rebecca Lawrence Corrao, says her father Richard Lawrence Jr. was born in Canada & HER MOTHER, Mary Lizy Simons Lawrence, was born in Pennsylvania,
however, Mrs. Bildad Simons had already arrived in Canada by 1804, well before Mary Lizy's birth in 1813. Thus Mary Lizy Simons was born in Ontario.
As well we don't know Mrs. B. Simons' own surname, so it is difficult to verify if she meant her grandmother & not her mother, was born in Pennsylvania, or if indeed another member of the family scrambled the details given to the census taker. - PJA.

* The Census 1880 Benton Harbor, Michigan, for daughter Mira Lawrence Grow, repeats that her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence, born 1813, Canada, Widowed, Father born Connecticut & mother born Pennsylvania.
XRef: Further statements, that Mrs. Bildad Simons was born in Pennsylvania are found on the Census 1900 Ann Arbor, Michigan, Granddaughter Rebecca Lawrence Carrso & Census 1880 Benton Harbor & Census 1900 Ann Arbor, MI.

Marriage: Estimated by 1797 - Her son John was born 1798 & son Joseph Simons was born 10 April 1800 in Connecticut, before they arrived in Saltfleet Twp., Upper Canada (near Hamilton, Ontario) in 1804. - P J Ahlberg 2010.

* MRS. BILDAD SIMSONS
"The white woman had just crossed a fence to enter a lonely part of the woods to pick lettuce when she was captured. It is stated that one of the Indians inflicted one of their cruelest tortures on the poor woman by "Scalping" her. The dear old mother, grandmother & Christian woman died in her agony on the spot & her tragic death caused the greatest grief by all the white inhabitants in the scattered district." "Cecil Hiram Norton told his grandson that Bildad's wife was out picking lettuce with her daughter when the Indians attacked. The daughter tried to pull her mother to safety." 

. Family history of the Norton & Robinson relates that Bildad's wife had just crossed a fence to enter a lonely part of the woods on the farm which they were granted, when she was captured*, which might have provided the motivation to move away from their home. Again time & location are unknown.
Ref1. Obituary of her grandson, George Wilkinson of Palermo, died 28 Nov 1916, Milton Champion & Hamilton Spector Newspapers, Ontario.
Ref2. Mrs. G B (Joan) Hooks, 137 Stewart St. Oakville, Ontario L6K 1X8 (1982.)
Notes1: If indeed Mrs. Simons was indeed born in Pennsylvania, an estimated date of death might be between 1812 - 1825.

Note2: Bildad Simons was at Lot 30, Con 1, Trafalgar Twp.
. Bildad Simons was clearing new land just recently negotiated Aug 2, 1805, the Mississauga Tract Purchase, between the Natives of Ontario & the Upper Canada Government. One could image a scenario of some disgruntled, or dispossessed natives hostile to the new settlers. Or perhaps the murder(s) was related to the reason Simons left their home in the United States.

. It is further noted that family history says that either Bildad himself, or one of his sons* was also shot & killed while riding his pony to a grain mill in Niagara by unknown parties (i.e. Ancaster Mill?).
Unusual co-incidents for Upper Canada, eh? = Conjecture compiled by, PJ Ahlberg, 2010.

. 1809 Mar 22 - Respecting Lots 17 & 18, Con 2, Trafalgar, south of Dundas St., applied for by Mr. Wm. Cooper. Lot 17 is vacant Lot 18 Crown Reserve, excepting the stream of the Sixteen Mile Creek which passes throughout both Lots & which the Indians have reserved to themselves, as well as the low lands on each side. Signed, Wm. Halton, Secretary to Lt. Governor.
Ref: UC Sundries C4505, P 746. Archives of Canada.

. 1809 Aug 4, Trafalgar Lots 31 & 32, Con 2, 200 A. each. The 12 Mile Creek runs thou' these lots have waters & banks are reserved by the Indians. When removed [from Crown Reserve Lands.], these lots will be valuable locations.
Ref: UC Sundries, C4506, p.20.

. 1809 Aug 22 York, Survey General's Office Report: Wm. Smith's conduct, on the New Purchase on the 12 Mile Creek:
Wm. Smith was granted 200 A, by an Order In Council, 5 Jan, 1086. Soon after obtaining this order the Grantee, without sufficient authority, began to occupy & improve a Lot on the 12 Mile Creek in Township now called, Trafalgar & committed such such excesses thereon that the Mississauga Indians, who had not as yet made their Deed of Assignment to this majority, complained thereon & when they, a short time thereafter completed their Deed, they conveyed to themselves the Lands on the said 12 Mile Cr., of which that occupied by Wm. Smith, was part.
. 1806 Sep 8, Wm. Smith was allowed to locate on Lot Number One, Con 3 of Dundas Tract, Nelson Twp. On 9 Sept. Wm. Smith was permitted to locate 200 a. of land in any part of the Province which might be open for that purpose, Signed, Chewett & Ridout.

Verification Baptism:
. 1802 Feb 26, Elizabeth Simons, of Bastion & Margaret.
. Baptisms in Niagara, by Rev Robert Addison:
These 8 were baptized in Grimsby /40 Mile Creek:
1815 Jul 13, Walter Crooks, of Wm Crooks & Mary,
Jonathan Pettit, of John & Mary
Elizabeth Smith, of Issac & Elizabeth,
Martha Moore, Wm Henry Moor, of Jonathan & Martha,
> Mary Simmons, of Bastion & Margaret, sponsors, Andrew & Sarah Pettit.
Sarah Maria Nelles, of John & Sarah
Sarah Pettit, of Abraham & Elizabeth.
Rev. Robt. Addison, was the minister from St. Mark's Anglican Church at Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake,) Ontario. He signs his name as Minister of Niagara, he was military chaplain & also acted as chaplain to Parliament both in York & Newark. - - -

Birth:
[Estimate of date of birth duplicates her husband's.]