Notes:

Died:
(Grand Valley.)

James married Bethuh MARIAH FELKER on 5 Nov 1852. Bethuh (daughter of Lewis FELKER, .2, SUE and Mary MEREDITH, , DUE) was born on 9 Dec 1829 in Belwood, Garafraxa West Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario; died on 24 Oct 1895 in Colbeck, East Luther Twp, Dufferin, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Grand Valley Union Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Three Ferriers siblings married three Felkers:

Elizabeth Ferrier married Wm. Felker Sr. &
James Ferrier, Jr. married Bethuh Maria Felker, resided E Luther Twp., Wellington.
Ann Gow Ferrier married Abraham Felker.

. James & Maria Ferrier drew huge loads of logs on the ice of the Grand River, taking them to Grand Valley to be made into lumber with which to build their home.

. They had 11 children of which Maria & David outlived the others. Presbyterian in faith, their children were baptized in St. John's Church, Belwood, Waterloo Presbytery, Hamilton Conference, with the exception of the four eldest. They were staunch members of church doing much to help provide a place of worship. - - -

Birth:
Alt Name: Bethiuh Mariah Felker.

Notes:

Lewis Felker.2 is the son of Mary Mingle & Johann Frederick Völkel JOHN Felker, U.E. (United Empire Loyalist.)

. War of 1812, 4th Lincoln Reg't. Militia:
. 1813 Mar 25 - Jun 2 39 days
. 1813 Apr 25 - June 24 , Private Lewis Felker, 45 Days.
. 1813 Jul 20 to Jul 24, Private Lewis Felker, Jr, 5 Days.
. 1813 Jul 25 - 27th, Priv. Lewis Felker, Jr. Days 2, pd. 2s., 4th Reg. Lincoln Militia, Capt. Wm. Lyons.

. LOUTH MILLS, Account of Flour & Wiskey sent from this to St. David's by Capt. Askin & Ensign Applgarth:
. 1813 Dec 18th - Francis Harkisom, 4 (barrels), John Falker, 4, Joseph Falker, 4, Stephen Roy, 4, David Moyer, 4, Henry Hooh, 4, Isaac Osburn, 4, John Linderberry, 4, John Snyder, 4, David Battram, 4, John Ensly, 4, Isaiah Griffen, 3, Jacob Fisher, 4, Lewis Falker, 4,
Alexander Lane, 4, Gilbert Lane, 4, Jacob Houser, 4, A. Sheldon, 4, Joseph Ducher, 4, William Hutt, 4, Morris Canada, 4, Silas Hopkins, 5.

. 1813 Jul 20 to Jul 24, Private Joseph Felker, 5 Days.
. 1813 Jul 25 - 27th, Priv. Lewis Felker, Jr. Days 2, pd. 2s.
. 1814 Oct 18 - Nov 15, Lewis Felker, Days 15, paid 7s 6s. [together with:]
. 1814 Oct 18 - Nov 15, Fredric Felker, Days 15, paid 7s 6s. Counter Signed,
Lt. Col. Robt Nelles.,
. 1814 May 22 - 30th, Lewis Felker Jr. Days 9, pd. 4s 6s.

* 1814 May 22 -30th, Days 9, pd 4s 6p. 4th Lincoln Militia Commanded by Capt. Henry Nelles: Privates Lewis Felker, Jur., Joseph Felker, Lewis Felker, Sen., Adam Mingle.
Ref: War of 1812: Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls & Pay lists, t10386, p813. Archives of Canada.

. 1824 SETTLEMENT DUTY PERFORMED as attached & admitted.
Signed, York, 29 June 1824, T. Ridout, Survey General.
Note1: Thus Mary, Lewis Felker & her brother Jesse Meredtih & sister Anne Meredith were in the wilds of Garafraxa before 1824 to be able to earn their land, build a log cabin 16 X 20 feet. By March 1824 Lewis Felker had moved permanently to the Garafraxa wilderness. - PJ Ahlberg.

. 1826 Assessment & Census, Garafraxa Twp., Wellington Co.
Felker, Louis, Con 7, Lots 16 & 17W.
Uncultivated land: 75 Acres, Cultivated Land: 25 Acres
Oxen 4 Yrs+: 2 Milch Cows: 3 Young Cattle: One;
Males over 16: One (i.e. Lewis Felker); Males under 16: Three;
One Female over 16; Two Females under 16';
Farm Value: £69.

. 1833 Erin & Garafraxa Twps., Wellington Co., Gore District 7:
One male, 3 boys, 1 women, 2 girls.

. 1834 Feb 21 Assessment, Lot 16 & 17, Garafraxa Twp.:
Uncultivated land: 20 Acres; Cultivated Land: 30 Acres;
Oxen Milch Cows & Young Cattle: (same as above in 1826.)
One Male over 16; Three Males under 16;
One Female over 16: One; Four Females under 16;
Farm Value Lot 16: £52. & Lot 17, Value: £20.

Garafraxa-Owen Sound Road
. 1837-1850 Crown Lands, Letters to Survey Generals Office York, to Lieut. Governor, 400 sq. acres will take 1 year or more to survey best route for road through the woods. 1840, £3,000 Lieut. Gov calls township Syneham, i.e.. Owen Sound on Lake Huron Rd.
. 1829 Feb 29 Letter from John Telfter, local agent at Elora, A great dissatisfaction almost the settle, because more than 100 persons have come 100-200 miles away for a free grant. The people is crowding in to the settlement with their families before the sleighing goes off for the purpose of getting some cleaning done to put some spring crops in for the support of their families … Reply soon so the people can get some crips in or they will not be able to put in a crop in this year which will make it settlers no money to return home.
. 1842 Jan 12, Arthur. Road finished but for a few rods, Bridge over Saugreen R. 481 feet in 3 parts, must construct when ground frozen hard, oxen sink to their bellies, raid open in winter ]; in spring swamps will need a causeway. Joh Teller, 9 in family, Presbyterian.
Ref: Archives of Ontario RGI, A17, Box 15.

* A D Ferrier's Reminiscences, from lectures delivered to Farmers & Mechanics Institute, Fergus in 1864. Ferrier recalls his travels starting in 1830-1834.
. 1835 the of 1835 & the beginning of 1836 was very cold. The snow was between 3 & 4 feet deep in the woods, the thermometer was 30 degrees below zero.We used frequently to hear the wolves in pursuit of the deer; tow or 3 times got parts of the deer which they had been unable to devour. the sound of the wolves in pursuit is a good dal like that of a pack of foxhound, only more melancholy & more like a howl. they are very seldom seen. We often saw deer. They are easily tamed if taken young - but get very troublesome. We had several turtle feats. the porcupine is very good eating, very like a rabbit. Raccoon is not bad but rather rich & strong tasted. during the first interleaf bread was very scarce. although we had no bread, we had potatoes, oatmeal, salmon & lots of venison. Mr. Alpaugh, of Garafraxa, used to be a great hunter in those days & as he passed our house on the way to Fergus we got the first offer of his game. Stoves were hardly known. The big black pot & bake kettle were the chief culinary instruments.
Our first experience of (militia) state labor was realized in 1835. We busted together & marched to a pretty little stream. Our hands blistered nicely, but we just pricked the little blobs on the balsam trees & rubbed them with that. They healed wonderfully. Our dinner consisted of died deer fa]ham which old Mr Black provided, with bread , scones & crop.
Ref: Sketches of the Early Days of Fergus & vicinity, 1919.

. 1846 Smith's Canadian Gazetter, Province of Canada West:
Garafraxa, Wellington District, 1638 Acres under cultivation, land of excellent quality, 377055 acres of Crown land are open for sale at 8 shillings per acres. 1 grist & 2 saw mills. Population in 1841 is 322.

. 1851 Dec 2 - Places for Polling. Erin. Township Hall, Garafraxa, McKee's Barn.
Ref: Guelph Herald newspaper.

. 1854 Nov. 8 - 25 - Letter for Lewis Felker remaining in Garafraxa Post Office. Post Master Geo. S Keen.
Ref: Fergus Freeholder Newspaper.

. 1861 AGRICULTURAL CENSUS, Belwood, Wellington Co.
LEWIS FELKER, Con 7, Lot 16,
Under cultivation 70 Acres, Crops 1860 45A., Pasture 1860 25A, Wild woods 30A,Farm Value $3,000, implements $200, Spring Wheat 30A yields 200 bu., Peas 5A yields 200 bu., Oats 5A yields 250 bu., Potatoes 1A yields 50 bu., Turnip 4A yields 600 bu., Hay Bundles of 10,000 lbs. 6, Maple sugar 150 lbs, Wool 20 lbs., Full cloth 20 yards Flannel 25 yards, Cider nil, Bulls/Oxen over 3 years nil, Steers/Heifers 3, Milled Corn 2, Horses over 3 years old 2, Value of same $150, Colts/Filles 3 years, one, Sheep 7, Pigs 10, Value of a ll Livestock $600. Butter 200 lbs., Beef barrels 700 lbs., Pork barrels 200 lbs.
Census taker rears: In a good many places I find that the Farmers Complain hat the Spring Frost has injured the Peas & Spring Wheat. The Potatoes has also been injured by the Frost.

. 1861 Census Bellwood, Wellington Co., p 49
Lewis Felker, United, Age 63, Farmer. Mrs. Felker, age 63, Born Canada.
> Mary Fulker [Felker], Age 70 /1791, United States, Widow is crossed out. E. Methodist. [a vaguely located check mark in the last column MAY indicate she died in 1860-61.] VERIFY identity.
> W. Felker, Born Canada, age 10 [16?] single. VERIFY identity.
. Abram Felker, Farmer, b UC, Age 27, married & Mrs. Felker, b UC, age 25 / 1836.
Note2: Age of birth is slightly off, perhaps due to the actual census date.

Death Notices
"Felker, Lewis was born in Philadelphia, March 5, 1795,
came to Canada while young & settled near Smithville, Lincoln County.
In 1818, he married Mary Meredith.
In 1826, he moved to Garafraxa, where he died, June 20, 1861; predeceased by some of his children; survived by his wife & children.
Ref: Canada Christian Advocate, 1858-1872, published 17 July 1861, p. 4; p. 102.

METHODIST CHURCH, [ Life in pioneer Wellington County ]
. The Rev. Mr. Trerayne, who succeeded Mr. Pettit, writes :
Elora, May 1853, Dear Sir: Having now been for 6 months in the Mission,
I wish to submit to your Society some account of what has been done during that time.
Upon my entering on the Mission, I have in all 15 stations, through eight townships, viz, Egremont, Arthur, Garafraxa, Erin, Woolwich, Peel, Wellesley & Maryborough, all of which I have been enabled to visit monthly during the winter & to the station in Woolwich I have given a week-day service in addition to the Sunday. Have given up at present on account of the smallness of the congregations, & one other also I visit but once in 2 months, leaving me therefore at present but 16 monthly services.

The want of roads, & the difficulty of arranging stations within reasonable distances of each other, prevent the Missionary from doing as much as he would otherwise be able to perform. ' this want is particularly felt in Wellesley - in which place I am forced to walk through the woods, between the stations, a distance of ten miles in Summer, & in Winter have to go a round of six miles further. In the Spring & Fall the roads are almost impassible, being a heavy clay soil - a horse being unable to get along, on account of the very deep mud & loose crossways. But amid the difficulties at the worst seasons of the year, the Missionary must feel thankful that God has appointed him as an humble means of gathering together the scattered flock of Christ. He soon forgets his weariness in the warm welcome which is always given, & in the pleasure of seeing a godly congregation gathered round him, despite of mud, & rain, & darkness. & it is gratifying to find. ...

> In Garafraxa they have raised the means for building, & this week have advertised for tenders, & hope to have a church ready for worship by Winter. With the exception of two union churches & one court room, all the services are held in school or private houses.
I find a lamentable ignorance displayed with regard to the way in which the church in Canada is supported, - the most part think that all the lands called Clergy lands belong to the church, & that the proceeds of all go to the church. And continually the question is asked me - Why does not the government build us a church? Why is there not a stationed minister among us - have we not plenty of church lands for a Hector and to support him?

. Sadly Lewis Felker's monument was knocked over & lies in scattered pieces (2016). The clearly legible bottom reads, Died June 20, 1861, Aged 66 Years, 3mo. 15ds.
. Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Birth:
Alt Loc: either Oxford Twp./ Hardwick Twp., Sussex Co. NJ, now part Warren Co.

Died:
Aged 66y 3m 15d.

Buried:
Monument S14-14 (named on 14-15) is severely shattered.

Lewis married Mary MEREDITH, , DUE on 17 Apr 1819 in Grimsby, Lincoln Co., Ontario. Mary (daughter of Charles MEREDITH, U.E. and Miriam GRIFFIN) was born on 27 Feb 1798 in Grimsby, Lincoln Co., Ontario; died on 26 May 1869 in Belwood, Garafraxa West Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario; was buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary is the daughter of Miriam Griffin & Charles Meredith, U.E.

. UCLPetition 46, F Bundle 13, C1897, p589.
The Petition of Mary Felker of Grimsby*, That your petitioner is the daughter of the late Charles Meredith * of Grimsby & enrolled UE loyalist & is married to Lewis Felker of Grimsby, but is removed to Grainborough Twp. & has never had any lands. Therefore humbly prays that your Honor be pleased to grant her 200 acres of crown land.
Signed, Mary, HERXMARK Felker, 11 day April 1820. Court House of Niagara.
. I do Certify that Mary Felker, the above named petitioner is there person she described to be, & has never had any order for Crown lands.
Signed, Richard Meredith [i.e. her brother].
. Read 17 April, 1822, Recommended for 200 Acres. Ordered issued 26 Apr, 1822.

We, Wm. Dickson, Esq., Clerk of the Peace, certify the Mary Felker appeared at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace this day is recognized by the Magistrates to be the daughter of the late Charles Meredith who retained his loyal during the late war, without aiding or assisting the enemy & is married to Lewis Felker. Alexander Napier of York, Gentleman to her her agent to locate the same.
Date, at the Court House at Niagara, this 11 Day April, 1820.

. written at the bottom is: York, 27 March, 1820,
. I certify that Petitioner, Mary Falker was alive a few days ago & that she moved to Gainsborough near Grimsby. Signed, Daniel Clendenin.
Envelope: Petition 47 of Mary Felker for land. 11 April 1820, Entered in Land Book L (?) page 214, DUE. Govt. House, 17 Apr 1820, Referenced to the Inspector General for his Report for Council by Order.
Ref: Archives of Ontario, Microfilm C1897.
Note1: The younger Meredith children, including Mary Meredith were unable to read & write like their parents & brothers Richard & 1851 Garafraxa West Twp., Wellington Co.

. 1824 SETTLEMENT DUTY PERFORMED as attached & admitted.
Signed, York, 29 June 1824, T. Ridout, Survey General.
NOTE1: Thus Mary, Lewis Felker & her brother Jesse Meredith & sister Anne Meredith were in the wilds of Garafraxa before 1824 to be able to earn their land, build a log cabin 16 X 20 feet. By March 1824 Lewis Felker had moved permanently to the Garafraxa wilderness. - PJ Ahlberg.

. Upper Canada Land Book, Page 214, [C103, Archives of Canada]
Council Chambers at York, Wednesday, 1822 April 17, Present James Baby, Samuel Smith, Rev. Doctor John Strachan.
Mary Felker, F46, Praying for a grant of land as the Son of a U.E. Loyalist.
Granted 2 Acres as such.

. 1822 Garafraxa Twp. Location Ticket, Original is the Archives of Ontario & a copy can be found in the Wellington County Museum.

. During its lifetime Belwood used 3 names Skeneville & Douglas being the first two & in 1878 the hamlet was still known as Garafraxa Village & the post office there operated as Douglas. . Shand Dam was built during the early 1940's. Before some of its buildings were removed to higher ground, the village boasted a mill, post office, lime kilns, grain elevator, foundry, shoe shop, sash & door factory, hardware & drug store, shoe shop, tailor shop, grocery stores, jewellery store, barber shop & library, butcher shop, blacksmith shop, branch bank, hotel, churches, and town hall. And in 1869, Garafraxa divided into 2 townships–East and West.
. In 1837, there were only 3 teams of horses in Fergus, & they belonged to Messrs Black, Watt & Webster. Cattle were almost as scarce & money even more so. Business was nearly all done by trade up to the year '45 & later. There was but little grain for sale & the prices in trade very low. Oats ruled at six pence, mill seeds 3 coppers more, wheat 2 shillings & 3 pence & 9 pence for all. No sale for potatoes. There was no butcher and little meat.
. 1842 - There was no Belwood road - all going up the Owen Sound road to the Green settlement. The Belwood road was surveyed & under-brushed in '42, the directions to the surveyor being to keep on dry ground & thus a crooked road came to pass." 1842 was the year of the great snow, coming Nov. 1st and staying till April 14th.
Ref: Fergus Elora news Express, pub. 2002.4.3.

Ontario Land Registry Abstract, Book West Garafraxa, Book 71, p.141
Lot 16 & 17 SWHalf, 7 Con, 200 Acres:
. 1824 Sep 4, Patent, Crown to Mary Felker, 100 Acres SW half Con 7. Lot 16;
. 1845 Aug 4, Bargain&Sale, Lewis Felker & wife as to Dower, to John Watt, L16 W quarter, 50A
. 1849 Apr 28, B&S John Watt & Wife, to James Ferrier, Quarter, 50A
. 1856 Nov 20, Mary & Lewis Felker, to James Ferrier NW, 50A
. 1867 Mar 7, WILL, Mary Felker, to William Felker, West [1 seventh? Acre}
. 1870 Feb 24, Mtge. Abram Felker & Wife, to Alex Black xxA
. 1879 Feb 8, Release, Elizth, Wm., AXX, Abram Felker, to David Ferrier, NW Acres?
. 1883 Dec 14, Abty?, Abram Felker & Wife, to Alex. Barnet $900.
. 1906 Jun 25, Res. WILL, Abram Felker Decd. to George L Felker, S quarter 50A
. 1913 Apr 12, B&S, Geo L Filker & wife, To Robt. S Swift, 50A
. 1913 Apr 12, 2 Claim, James Felker, unmarried, to Geo Felker, 50A

Lot 17, Con 7 100 Acres
. 1860 Jun 18, B&S, Mary & Lewis Felker, to John Felker, SEHalf L17, 50 Acres
. 1867 Mar 7, WILL, Mary Felker, to Wm & Abraham Felker.
. 1870 Feb 24, Mgt. Abram Felker & Wife, to Alex Banet?, 500A.
. 1878 Nov 21, Mortg., John Felker& Wife, to Mary A Jeff,

. 1887 Dec 2, Quit Claim Henrietta Felker, widow & Annie Felker Spinster, to Francis E Felker, 50 Acres. $1.00 [Presumed to be Francis E Felker.3 junior, as his father died in 1859].
. 1906 Jan 25, Pro WILL, Abram Felker, decd, to James Felker W 50 A. subject to portage & legacy.
. 1909 May 29. Release of Estate. Mellissa McDonald, James Felker, W 20 A
. 1913 Apr 9, Disc. Mortg., Margaret Narin?, to James & G L Felker. [Last Felker entry].

. 1852 Census Bellwood, Wellington Co.
Falker, Lewis, Age 56 /1795, born US, Methodist, Farmer;
Mary, Age 54, 1797, born Canada West (Ontario), Methodist;
Mariah Age 23, 1828, born Canada West, Methodist;
Martha, Age 17, 1834, born Canada West, Methodist;
Elias, Age 20, 1831, born Canada West, Methodist;
Abraham Falker, Age 18, 1835/ born Canada West, Methodist.
Note2 from Census: Nearby "saw Mill reported that pine was very scarce; Post Office is much wanted here."
Note3: Nearby are sons John & William Felker with their families .

. Felker Family History, 1981 March 23, by Mrs. T J Hutchison:
Old Mrs. Felker was probably the first white woman to sleep in Garafraxa Township. This was a statement made by John Dobbin in a newspaper article in March 9, 1869 issue of Guelph Mercury. John Dobbin Sr. had come to the Carmel-Dracon area of Garafraxa Twp. in July 1826, with his family of 12 children, although some of the girls may not have come, for they married in Galt-Hespeler area.
But John Dobbin records that they were preceded by the Felker, Headley & Meredith families in March 1826. This was over a year before the first tree was cut in Guelph. They came by way of what is now 15 Sideroad, but there was no road then, only the original survey done in 1821. (There should be a copy of this letter in the Museum, along with several other letters that ran in the Guelph Mercury about that time. In the article John Dobbin continued, Mrs Felker is still living on W half Lot 16, Con 7, 6th line, where she moved 43 years ago (1826) (but the newspaper clipping itself was not dated.)
Family of Lewis & Mary Felker were: Abraham, William & John. Buried at Carmel. - - -

Birth:
Lot 7, Con 9, Smithville.

Died:
Aged. 71y 2m, 27d. Wife of Lewis.

Buried:
White marble recumbent monument, 2 blasting horns, bible & cover, is cracked into 3 pieces.

Notes:

Page One

Johnn Friedrick Völkel was born 17 Nov 1757 at Siegen-Wittgenstein, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany & Johann Federick is the son of Anna KATHARINA, Amos & Johann Eckart Völkel.
English name variation were first Folker, Falker & finally as Felker.
John Felker is thus the step-son of Joseph Jost Volckel & also his uncle. John's mother, Maria Catharina Amos, remarried after the death of her 1st husband: John Eckhart Volckel - Joseph is John's brother.

* VIllage of Erndtebrück, Germany
The village of Erndtebrück was undoubtedly first settled in the upper part hill where the houses nestle themselves up against the 'castle' hill. This village needed protection, when on the cold winter nights, packs of wolves howled from the surrounding hills. Not a stout city wall, but rather a picket fence or thorny-hedge placed on a low wall served as the boundary fence.

Now the Customs & Toll Collector, alone in his little office house, could not get at the purses of the travelers who sometimes tried to charged though in groups without paying. The Toll Collector would sound his horn to summon the local cart drivers to deal with a travelers with spears & pitchforks approaching from the city. Running the toll booth seems to have been an universal challenge.

Many of the buildings in Erndtebrück were destroyed in the bombing on 10 March, 1945 at the end of World War II, including the Toll Collectors house & the oldest Luther church where the Volkels prayed & married. The church with its steeple, has been rebuilt in the same style & sits on high point overlooking the village. Similarly there are some beautiful rebuilt houses with gardens completely surrounding the path & stairway leading to the Evangelische-Reformiert Kirche. - Translated from German. PJA 2009.

* FELKER BIBLE:
On May 1773, Johann Fredrick Völkel left Erndtebrück with a German Bible with an inscription under the front cover:
"This Bible is presented to you as a teaching of Christ, & instruction for your soul.
God Grant that you may use it frequently on your journey to America. Erndtebrück, May 18, 1773"
Last known location of this Felker Bible was by Belle Felker, great granddaughter, born in Auburn, Michigan.

* 1773 AMERICA AT LAST!
Oath of Allegiance to America as a British subject, etc,
List 310C: At Wicaco (Philadelphia, Penn.) on 1 October 1773: Present: Thos. Willing, Esquire.
The Foreigners whose names are written,
imported in the Ship Hope, George Johnston, Master, from Rotterdam but last from Cowes, (Isle of Wright,) did this day take & subscribe the foregoing Oaths, & Declarations in the usual Form. 'Consigned to Messrs. Willing & Morris, 94 person on the List, Paid £7.1.0. (i.e. paid to lawyer taking the Oaths.) -
. Fried. Völckel
. Johann Frederich Völckel [handwriting may appear to read Johann Friederick Welckel - PJA]
. John Ludwig Pfeiler [?]
. Jost Voleckel. [Jost Welckel]
Note1: All males over 16 years had to take the oath. This transcription from the original depositions, gives only the 53 males all German names, leaving out 41 females & boys aboard the Hope. Other voyages of the Ship Hope: Aug 28 1733, Rotterdam to Penn.; 9.23, 1734; 3.12.1772; 3 Dec 1772 Rotterdam-Cowes-Penn; & John's 1773 voyage appears to be the last record for the Ship Hope.- PJA 2010.
Ref: Pennsylvania Immigrants, 1727-1776

. Port of Philadelphia: Philadelphia would seem an unlikely candidate as a major immigration port of entry, but 1.3 million immigrants passed through the port. The route took immigrants around Cape May at the foot of New Jersey, into the Delaware Bay & up the Delaware River to Philadelphia, adding more than 200 miles to the journey from Europe. & the trip wasn't without its hazards. The Delaware River often froze over during winter, limiting early immigration to warmer months. During the 1700s, there was an influx of German many of whom arrived as indentured servants or "redemptioners" who often stayed in the city to work off the cost of the passage.

* NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS LOYALIST REGIMENT: Quarter Master
John FOLKER, 3rd Battalion Quarter Master of NJV, Master Feb 3 1777 -1783
NJV Loyalists, John Falker was quartermaster the Third Battalion from its organization until 1781, then transferred to the Second Battalion & resigned at the end of the War on Feb. 22, 1783.
Daniel James, on the Resignation of Quartermaster Falker, took this office & so continued until the 2nd Battalion was disbanded. William Felker (transcription?) Resigned Quartermaster, 2nd Bat. NJV.
XRef: The NJV Loyalist in the Revolutionary War.

. Note2 of Family Interest2: Also serving in the same NJV were Lieut. John Lawrence & Col. Elisha Lawrence of who commanded the NJV. - Later Lawrence descendant would married John Felker's descendant.

* 1778 December 16, LAND AT ESSEX CONFISCATED:
. At an Inferior court of Common-Pleas held for the county of Essex, on the 15th day of September last, were returned inquisitions for joining the army of the King of Great-Britain, & other treasonable practices found against (various names) & John Folker.
. of which proclamation was made at said Court, that if they, or any on their behalf, or any persons interested, would appear & traverse, a trial should be awarded; but no traverses were offered:
Therefore NOTICE is hereby given, That if neither they, nor any in their behalf, nor any interested, shall appear & traverse at the next Court to be held for the said county, the inquisitions will then be taken to be true, & final judgment entered thereon in favour of the state.
John Clawson, Commissioner. Elizabeth-town, November 14, 1778.
Ref: The New Jersey Gazette (Trenton), New Jersey, Essex Country .

Muster Roll Captain Robt. Drummer's Co., 3rd New Jersey Volunteers:
. 1779 Nov 29, Savannah, Quarter Master, John Falker
Ref: Ward Chipman Muster Master's Office.

. UCLPetition 33, F Bundle 2, C1893, p762. Niagara
To Lieut. Gov of UC, John Graves Simcoe, In Council
Petition of John Filker, Respectfully shows that your petitioner just moved from the Jeries with a wife & one child & that he is related to Geo. Bowman [Bauman?]* of the Township of Stanford. Requests 200 acres. Niagara, 2 July, 1796.
Note3: No actual signature; As was common, the petition was possibly prepared, & in the hand of, Thos. Ridout, The Survey General].
Envelope: 2 July, 96. Recommend for 200 Acres. Pay for survey. Read July 14, 1796.
. I do hereby certify that the bearer John Felker has taken the oath prescribed by law to be a faith & allegiance to Our Majesty King., Signed, July 2, 1796, David Secord, J.P.
Note4: Geo. Adam Bowman, b 1731 Albany Co., NY-1803 Niagara-on-Lake, Grantham, On. Wife Ann Marie Conrad 1649 /Schoharie, NY: is the relationship based on their being German?
Note5: John Felker's petition was sent together with brothers Ludwig, Jacob, Joseph Felker & John's oath was thus filed with Ludwick Felker's Petition & oath. Peter Bowman, Con 2, L17 Stoney Creek, 1850.
Note6: Alas, John Felker does not mention that he was the Quarter Master of NJ 2nd & later the 3rd Volunteers, otherwise he too should have received 1,000 Acres 'for one of his description"!

. UCLPetition 56, F Batch 2, C1893, p836.
Petition of John Felker,
Most humbly shewth, That your Petitioner from the beginning of the late American war was an open & declared loyalist & carried Arms for His Majesty, was several times severely wounded, taken prisoner, & suffered 9 months' imprisonment.
That your Petitioner is resident in this Home District of this province & is married to the Daughter of John Mingle (also a faithful loyalist) & has 2 children.
That your Petitioner has as yet only drawn 200 Acres of land; wherefore he prays your Honor for such additional allowances as your Honor in your Wisdom may deem meet. & as in duty bound he will ever pray.
Signed, John Felker, Newark 1st Feb'y 1797. [Newark is now Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. -PJA]
Envelope: Received 4 Feb 1797. Read 25 Feb. Certificate of Petition having married the daughter of a loyalist waning, Entered Petition 226, Land Book B.
Ref: Archives of Ontario.
. 1797 February 25th. John Felker, Praying for land in right of his wife, the daughter of a Loyalist. Certificate of Petitioner having married the daughter of a Loyalist wanting.
Ref: F56., Upper Canada Land Book, Film C101, p 225.
Note7: Petition appears to be entirely in the hand of John Felker.

. Petitioner Newark [Niagara-on-the-Lake], states is is a Loyalist.
Ref: Upper Canada Land Book B 1796-7, p225, C101.

Further Research required:
1796 Jul 14, No. 39 F12, Ludwick Filker, Recommended for 200 Acres;
No. 40 F42, Jacob Filker, 200 Acres"
No. 41, F33, John Filker, "
No.. 42 F35, Joseph Filker, "
Nol 43 F34 John Filker, Junior, ". page 117
Ref: UC Land & State Minute Book B, P6

. 1803, John Filker, 20 Mile Creek. Delivered to himself, going off with a load of Wheat & Rye.
Ref: Notes from Niagara, V14, p25.
* WAR of 1812
Muster Roll of Capt. Abram Nelles' Flank Company,
From 24th July to the 24th of August 1812, both days inclusive. - John Felker (Jr. or Sr. not determined).
Co-incidentally, also in-laws, Wim. Osburn, Charles Petit, Jacob Swackhammer & Jonathan Teetzel).

. Gainsborough Twp. Land Registry is now found in West Lincoln, in Niagara North, Ontario.

Ontario Land Registry Abstract, Wentworth Co., Saltfeet Book 361, p 272
Lot 27, Con 7
. 1967 Nov 21, Arthur H, Cora B, & Elsie M Felker, to Ontario Housing Corp, Remarks Pt 5, Reference Plan #15,
. 1967 Dec 26. Deposit, Elsie B Quinn, to Arthur H Felker, Mge. {last Felker entry.

LOUTH MILLS, Account of Flour & Wiskey sent from this to St. David's by Capt. Askin & Ensign Applgarth; &
. 1813 Dec 18th - Francis Harkisom, 4 (barrels), John Falker, 4, Joseph Falker, 4, Stephen Roy, 4, David Moyer, 4, Henry Hooh, 4, Isaac Osburn, 4, John Linderberry, 4, John Snyder, 4, David Battram, 4, John Ensly, 4, Isaiah Griffen, 3, Jacob Fisher, 4, Lewis Falker, 4, Alexander Lane, 4, Gilbert Lane, 4, Jacob Houser, 4, A. Sheldon, 4, Joseph Ducher, 4, William Hutt, 4, Morris Canada, 4, Silas Hopkins, 5.

. 1816 May 20, Election, Candidates Robert Nelles Esq. & Doctor Cyrus Sumner.
John Felker, Gainsborough Twp., Lot 30, Con 5, Voted for Nelles.
Ref: Annals of the Forty, Vol. 10, 1956.

. 1820 Feb 23 - JOHN FELKER MOVES TO STONEY CREEK from Gainsborough Twp., Niagara region of Ontario:
Indenture of Bargain & Sale, Lot 30, Con 6, & Lot 27, Con 7, Stoney Creek, Ontario.
Purchased from James Henry of Clinton Twp.
Dated Registered Mar 22, 1820. John Felker, his mark X. *
Ref: Book B #534.
Note8: Stoney Creek is next county northward, but still in the Niagara peninsula growing area. - PJA.
Note9: * Very curious indeed! as we know John Felker could read & write, why did he sign with an X? - PJA 2010.

. 1823 Mar 26 Registered - John Felker sold 200 acres to Frederick Felker, Bargain & Sale. Ref: Book B, #933.

* The farm land at Stoney Creek is near the City of Hamilton, Ontario. This farm now bears a housing sub-division, but on a portion remains at the Felker's Falls Conservation Park. The land sits on the Niagara Escarpment Corridor. Davis Creek runs through the old farm, with a two terraced veiled waterfalls over 70 feet high, creating a small plunge pool at the bottom. This would be a good place to keep your churned butter from turning rancid & No doubt, the Felkers too cooled off in the pool on a hot day. The Bruce Hiking Trail pass by the top of the falls. Through the grove of maple trees you can see lower Stoney Creek & further on to the blue of Lake Ontario.
Out along the now paved east side of Mud Road you can see the former Felker's stone blacksmith shop. - PJA.

. 1824 May 7, Loyalist Claims for Losses £25. Discount 25% = £3. 15s.
. 1824 June 28, Account of Losses: Felker or Falker, John, Payout £3 15s. CLAIM 645 - As of 486 [claim]
. Claim 182 for damages by the enemy, John Felker, Grimsby, Niagara district.
A horse taken by the Enemy. Claimed £25.
Remarks, Claimant & David Gee departs to this Claim having been sustained from the Enemy. Recommend £15.
. Claim for Losses War of 1812, John Felker, Gainsboro, Niagara District, Claimed: £25 Allowed £15.
Also, Jacob Felker, Ancaster, Gore District, Claimed £28 2s 6p, Allowed £16 15s.Ref: t1124 end & 1125, p943, Archives of Canada.
. c1824 Loyalist Claims for Losses: Commissioners Award £15. - no signature for receipt.
Note10: To Researchers: After payment, Claim #182 is then reused for someone else. - PJA

. 1826 Assessment Rolls, Saltfleet & Binbrook Twp.:
Fred Fulker, Levi & William Green, & a little farther are: J. London, Joseph London & John Cowell.

Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p374
South Half Lot 30, Con 5 Township of Gainsborough
. 1799 Jul 8, Patent, Crown, To John Felker 200 Acres, See Patent Book
. 1820 mar 22, Bargain & Sale, John Felker, to James Henry, 200 A, £0.0.0.
. 1820 Mar 22, B&S, Wm. Cooke, to John Felker, 200A, £0.0.0.

Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p375
South Half Lot 31, Con 5 Township of Gainsborough
. 1836 Feb 17, Patent, Crown, to John Felker, SHalf 100 Acres, See Patent Book
. 1846 Sep 29, Bargain&Sale, Frederick Felker, to James Page,SHalf 100A, £100.

Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p376
South Half Lot 34 & 35, Con 5 Township of Gainsborough,
Lot 34: 1799 Jul 8, Patents, Crown, to John Filker, SHalf 100 Acres, See Patent Book;
. 1827 Jun 13, Bargain&Sale, Joseph Filker and of John F, to John Filker, South Half, 100A, £0.0.0, 100 A.
. 1836 Feb 12, B&S, Jacob Kennedy, to John Kennedy, SHalf 100A.

. Lot 25: 1799 Jul 8, Patents, Crown, to Joseph Felker and of J.F., to John Filker, SHalf 100 Acres, See Patent Book;

SHalf, 100 Acres, £0.0.0,
. 1827 May 2, Bargain&Sale, Joseph Felker and J.F. to John Kennedy, SHafl 100 A., and SHalf 34, 200 Acres.

Research & transcriptions by PJ Felker Ahlberg, U.E. Thank you. - . -

Birth:
Westfalen, Prussia Alt. Spellings: Völckel Falker, Folker.

Died:
Canada. Aged 80 years.

Buried:
120 Mud St. at First Rd. W. , Stoney Creek.

Johann married Mary MINGLE, , DUE in c 1792 in Oxford Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey. Mary (daughter of John MINGLE, U.E. and Mrs. Sufiah SOPHIA MINGLE) was born on 12 Nov 1769 in Oxford Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey; died on 30 Nov 1841 in Stoney Creek, Saltfleet Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario; was buried in Felker Family Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

WILL of John Mingle: I give & bequeath to my daughter, Mary Felker, the sum $80.
John Mingle, 10 May, 1810. - - -

Birth:


Died:
Aged 72y 18d.

Buried:
Monument no longer present in 2002.

Notes:

Birth location of Charles Meredith: 1. Maryland.
2. North Carolina: Son William Meredith states his father was born in North Carolina.
Ref: Census 1880, daughter Deborah Meredith.

. New Brunswick Land Grant #106, Keswick, St. John River, York County, NB, 1787, NY Volunteers.

. UCLPetition 263, M Bundle 4, film C2193
To Peter Russel, Upper Canada, Petition of Charles Meredith,
That your petitionser has served under the Royal Standard during the America revolution, has a wife & 2 children & has received no more than 200 Acres, & hopes that your honor will be pleased to grant some more, Signed, Charles Meredith.
- I hereby certify that Charles Meredith of Grimsby has a wife & 2 children born since the year 1789. That he is an honest industrious man. Signed, W. Ball, J.P.
Envelope: Rec. 21 May 1797, Read 28 Feb, 1799. The Certificate received proves that the Petitioner is not entitled to family lands, & no P Pxx bd. forward to authorize him to claim Military lands. Peter Russell.
Note: Charles Meredith received Lot 7, Con 10, Grimsby Twp., 1797.

. 1797 October. Charles signed a letter addressed to D. W. Smith, Acting Surveyor General complaining that the survey of Gainsborough & Grimsby townships wasn't carried out as instructed by a law of 1794. Signatures, inc. Charles Meredith, Jonathan Griffin*, Solomon Hill, Smith Griffin*, Nathaniel Griffin*, Isa Griffin*, Stephen Roy, Hooks Roy, Abraham Griffin*, et al.
Ref: West Lincoln: Our Links From the Past 1784-1984: 1985, West Lincoln Historical Society.
Note: Griffin family are his wife's family.

. 1798 - 1815, Grimsby Township Council:
. 1798 - Overseer of Roads
. 1803 & 1815 - Overseer of Roads.

Carleton Papers, Private Charles Meredith
North Carolina Indepenedent Company
. 1783 Jun 24, Pay List, Prisoner of War; on duty the the NYV, period 1782.6.25 to 1783.6.24, Film M363, p 8172.2, Item 37241.

> Muster Roll of Capt. Eli Branson's Company of Independent North Carolina Volunteers Attached to the New York Volunteers,
from 25 August 1783 to ye 24 of October following: Captain Eli Branson, Lieutenant Samuel Jones, Ensign John Bloxham who was Absent with leave,
William Brayon, Moses Starn, Wm. Whitworth, Charles Meredith, Philip Henry, Thomas Franklin.

Mr. Small, this is to certifie that the bearer Charles Meredith, has served his Majestie faithfully & was discharged in October 1783 as witness our hands.
Eleckzander HISXMARK Colins. [Alexander Collins], Philip Kery/ Henry? [very faint].
Ref: Upper Canada Heir & Devise Commission, H1146, p. 182.
Signed, John Small, Esq.

. New York Volunteers, also known as the New York Companies & 1st Dutchess County Company, was a British Loyalist Provincial regiment. 2 companies. All musters occurred in Georgia & South Carolina.

. 1781 Oct 19 - Day taken prisioner: Priv. Charles Meredith, detached Coprs under Lt DeBeack, NY Volunteers, belonging to North Carolina Indp. Company
. 1781 Oct 23, Priv. Charles Meredith, Muster Roll of Capt B NC Ind Co, Missing 29 Dec 1783 {along with 10 other missing/dead men];
** 1782 Apr 20th, Priv. Charles Meredith, Muster Roll of Capt Pearsons (?) North Carolina Independent Co., PRISONERS NEAR LANCASTER, Penn., p 358. NOTE: WAR WAS OVER MORE THAN A YEAR AGO.
. 1783 Aug 25 - Oct 26, Charles Meredith, NC Ind Co./NYV., p332

. 1783 Aug 25-Oct 24th: Muster Roll Capt. Eli Branson Co., Independent North Carolina Volunteers, Charles Meredith. The regiment worn red coats, faced blue, while in South Carolina.
Ref: Ward Chipman Muster Papers, V27, p 389, Archives of Canada.

. 1776 NY Campaign.
. 1777 Battles of Forts Clinton & Montgomery, NY.
. 1778 October they were sent to East Florida.
. 1779 May 2 NY Volunteers were placed on the American Establishment, 3rd American Regiment.
. 1779 Capture of Savannah, GA
. 1780 Siege of Charleston.
. 1780 Battle of Camden, South Carolina
. 1781 Apr 25 - Battle to Hobkirk's Hill, South Carolina (sometimes referred to as the Second Battle of Camden)

. 1783.6.24 - Charles Meredith, Private, North Carolina Independent Company, Pay List: Prisoner of War on duty with the NY Volunteers, period 1782.6.25 - 1783.6.24, pg. 8172.2. Film M363, #37241.
Ref: Carleton Papers, Archives of Canada.

. New Brunswick, Canada Land Grant:
. 1787 Feb 20 - MEREDITH, Charles, vol. B, page 41, Grant 106, Parish of St. John River, York County, 200 Acres, attached to New York Volunteers, York Co.

. 1797 October - Letter of D. W. Smith, Acting Survey General, compiling that the survey of Gainsborough & Grimsby townships weren't carried out as instructed by the Law of 1794.
Signed, Charles Meredith, Jonathan Griffin, Solomon Hill, Smith Griffin, Nathaniel Griffin, Isa Griffin.

Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p260
Lot 7, Con 9, Township of Grimsby
. 1796 Jun 22, Patent. The Crown, to Charles Meredith, All 183 Acres
. Bargain&Sale, 1804 Aug 24, Registered 1822 Jan 10, Charles Meredith eteu, to Smith Griffin, Exchange 183 Acres. - - -

Birth:
Alt Loc: Maryland, Ref: Census 1880, daughter Deborah Meredith.

Died:
Lot 7, Con 9.

Buried:
Ontario

Charles married Miriam GRIFFIN on 17 May 1793 in Smithville, Lincoln Co., Ontario. Miriam (daughter of Richard GRIFFIN, Jr. and Mary SMITH) was born on 15 Apr 1765 in Coeymans Twp., Albany Co., New York; died on 17 Mar 1856 in Smithville, Lincoln Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Miriam is the third daughter of Mary Smith & Richard Griffin.

Mississauga Native Names in Ontario: distance from Niagara named streams by their natural features:
Red Cedar (4 Mile Creek),
Small Alder (5 Mile), White Cedar Place (8 Mile);
Eagle's Nest Place (10 Mile);
Last Creek - in going down (12 Mile - today's St. Catharines);
Salt Lick where deer resort (40 Mile - today's Grimsby).
The carrying place over Burlington Beach (the long sandbar separating Burlington Bay from Lake Ontario) "place where a small kind of turtles lay their eggs."
12 Mile now Bronte Creek, "that which lies at the end,"
16 Mile , now Oakville) Creek, "having two outlets" - probably a sand bar divided the river into two beaches at its mouth.
Missinnihe River, "the Credit or Trusting Creek," derived its name from the traders, who annually assembled here & gave the First Nations credit for the following year.
TORONTO was the portage leading from the mouth of the Humber to the Holland River, Mississauga took to mean looming of trees.
Ref: Ontario Historical Society, 1996.

Death Notice MEREDITH
. 1856 Jun 16 - Mrs. Marion [sic] was born, April 15, 1765, in the township of Coeymans, Albany County, N.Y.,
came to Canada in 1788, &
married Charles Meredith, May 17, 1793.
She was converted in 1781, in the village of Smithville.
She died, March 17, 1856; survived by a number of children & grandchildren.
The funeral was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Smithville, Ontario. - - -

Birth:
Ref: Obituary.