| Notes |
- Part One:
* John Vanzantee, Van Zante, Van Zant or Van Zandt, as it is otherwise variously spelled, was one of the early pioneers of Dutch origin who made York their home. He was pathmaster in 1807.
. Garret Vanzant was the brother of John. His family now live at Markham.
Ref: Robertson's landmarks of Toronto, V1, p359.
Muster:
. John Vansant, King's Rangers, WO 28, X pt2 M335, p282.
. 1795, John Vanzant, ship carpenter employed in the Dock Yard at Detroit, C723,p43.
British Military & Naval Records (RG 8, C Series) - INDEX, C11867,p345 Copy Arch of Canada. X-Ref: Garrett Vansanter.
. 1775 - c 1783, Loyalist Queen's Rangers, New York
. 1796, Yeoman & Wheelwright
. 1796 - 1812 Jun 18 Leather Tannery, SW Corner Yonge & Adelaide, Town of York. SoldTannery 1812 jun 18, to Jesse Ketchum
1797 - 1814, Lots 3, 4 & 5, Market Street, North side, Town of York &
Lots 2, 3, 4, King St., South side, Town of York;
1814 Feb 20, Sold property to Jordan Post, Sr, £875.
Upper Canada Land Petitions (UCLP) Summary:
1.) UCLPetition 21, C2842,p1140, Petition of John Vanzantt & Associates To John Graves Simcoe,
The petitions of John Van Zandt, Elijah James, George Tilbbatty?, Esashmas Jones & there several associates, would like 6 Squares miles of land above Twp. of Malborough, above the River Rideau.
Signed (in one hand), 27 Jun 1793, John Van Zandt, EJ, GT, EJ.
Petition for a Township ordered that the same be not granted.
Note1: Which may be related the the next two refused petitions:
2.) UCLPetition 2, C2842, p652.
To Peter Russell,
. served his Majesty faithfully in the last American War, in Col. (James) Rogers Rangers & was several times employed as a guide in the Scout Services;
. please grant him some additional to his Military lands, likewise a Town Lot as he wishes to build as soon as possible in Town of York (Toronto).
Signed, John Van Zant, 26 June 1797.
Envelope: Rec. 26th June. In Council: CROSSED OUT is: 28 Jun 1797 - Recommended for 800 acres, militia Land, if not granted before.
*"The behaviour of this man was not that the Board recommended that he may never have land in this Province. Initialed, JS [John Simcoe]. 3 July, 1797 confirmed."
Note2: Petition written & signed for him.
3.) UCLPetition 3, C2842, p655.
To Peter Russell, Upper Canada, In Council;
. was a soldier in Major Rogers Rangers, P Company as his discharge will show. - enroll his name on the United Empire Loyalist list & grant him a quantity of lands.
Signed, John Vanzant, Smiths Creek (Port Perry), Jul 2, 1798.
Envelope: This man misbehaved in the most atrocious manner before the Board in 28 June, 1797. Thus it was then recommended he should never have lands in this Province. Peter Russell.
Note3: For reference this Petition was entirely in Van Zant's own more hurried handwriting. - PJA
4.) UCLPetition 7, UV Bundle 5, C2947 p243. To Peter Russell, Petition of John Van Zandt,
. He has chose 2 lots of land in Hope Twp. in 1797 [Port Perry].
. His name is registered for Lots 3 & 4, Con 5, in the Surveyor General's Office*
. Also wants a Town Lot in York,
Signed, John Vanzantee, York 7 Oct, 1800.
Envelope: Petitioner's name is not on the plan on Hope Twp. Plan, Recommended for the lot reserved for tradesman, (i.e. on King Street).
* 1799 Apr 16. Report by Elias Smith, York. Return of Persons actually resided in Township of Hope: John Vanzante: 1 male, 1 wife, 1 child.
Recapitulation of the actual settlers in Hope: Heads of Families 41, wife 23 children 103, Total 167.
. To Peter Russell, Esq., President administering the Government of UC, In Council.
The Memorial of Capt. Elias Smith late nominee of Township of Hope humbly sheweth that your memorialist in the summer of 1797 gave into the Surveyor General's Office a return of persons settled in the Township of Hope, & of sundry locations made under warrants of Survey. That having lately made a strict examination of the present actual settlers in the said twp. your memorialist finds that several alterations have taken place since his last return. Your memorialist, therefore, respectfully begs leave to lay before your Honor in Council a Return of the present settlers in the township which he humbly submits to your Honor's wisdom - &as in duty bound will ever pray.
Signed, York 16 June 1799, Elias Smith
5.) UCLPetition 3, V Bundle 8, C2947, p456
to A. Grant, Esq., In Council
- he served his majesty during the American Rebellion as a private solder, in Roger's Corps. Discharged after the Peace in 1783.
. resided in (Ontario) since 1797 & received 400 Acres, on 29 Oct 1800
. please considered his long & faithful service on Scout Services
Signed, John Van Zantee, York, 29 July, 1806.
Envelope: Discharged soldier is recommended he be granted 300 acres as a Military Claimant. Peter Russell.
6.) UCLPetition 2 (for 1808), to Francis Gore, Esq., Lieut. Governor of Upper Canada,
. served as a private solder in Roger's Corps (Kings Rangers) until 1783. Resided in this Province since 1797.
. please add his name to the U.E. Loyalist list. (Granted 15 Nov., 1808).
Signed, John Van Zantee, Carpenter, York, 15 Nov. 1808.
7.) UCLPetition 6 Leases, V Bundle Leases, C2950, p53 to M. Grant, In Council
. desirous to obtain a Lease on Lot 30, Broken Front, commencing on the Shore of Lake Ontario, Trafalgar Twp., John Cameron, Town of York, Gentlemen is to be his surety for the rent on this Lease.
Signed, John Van Zantee, York, 3 Aug 1806.
Envelope: Lot 30, upon Lake Ontario, Trafalgar Twp., this Lot lies at the mouth of the 12 Mile Creek, & is surrounded by the Indians (i.e. on reserve land), not on Crown land.
Note4: It is not stated, but presumedly that means the lease on the native land was not granted. - P J Ahlberg, 2012.
8). UCLPetition 18, Memoranda for the Council Office: When the Townships were removed from the interference of the nominee, the following information was collected for Hope Twp:
Con 5, Lots 4 & 3 } - both Lawrence Johnston & John Vanzantee. i.e. essentially double booking of this Lot - PJA.)
Recommended that John Vansante's name be erased from the previous Plan of Hope & he be permitted to locate on 400 acres, subject to survey money. 19 Feb 1809.
Note5: This Response to UCLPetition 7, above, requesting Lots 3 & 4, Con 5, Hope Twp., is essentially a double booking of this Lot.
* Note6: Although John Van Zant signed his name variously, an examination of the handwriting remains one & the same person. While using name variations, John Vanzant's military service remains consistent in Col. Roger's Rangers (a part of the Kings Rangers) & the Scouting Service. - PJ Ahlberg, 2012.
* Note7: In view of his creating an unfavorable disruption of some sort, before the powerful UC Land Board, Vanzant appears to have rehabilitated his reputation by volunteering in public service, as follows below. - P J Ahlberg, 2012:
. 1801 Mar 14, Saturday, York, The Opening of Yonge Street, held at the Gov. Buildings on Monday last, Committee to oversee & inspect the work ...providing for the immediate building of a bridge over the creek between 2nd & 3rd mile posts. A list of subscribers Mr. J. Vanzante, £5.
Ref: Upper Canada Gazette & John Ross Robertson's Landmarks of Toronto, Vol. 1.
Minutes of the Quarter Session of Peace for the Town of York:
. 1800 & 1801 - John Vanzant, Males 2, Place of Residence: York;
. 1803 Mar 7, Monday, held at Miles' tavern - Overseer of Highways & Fence Viewers, John Van Zandt, Town of York; & Thos. Humberstone. On April 18, 1803 they "represented the impossibility of passing the Don Bridge in its present state. It was thereupon order "that a copy of the Assessment Roll be furnished to each of them & that they unite their strength to make a causeway uniting the road to the Bridge."
. For some time men forded the river on horseback, or crossed by means of a scow which was worked back & forth by the help of a rope. This service was maintained by a schedule of tools & may be presumed that they were similar to those in force at the Humber & the Credit rivers.
Ref: Toronto Trading Post to Great City, 1934.
. 1802 - John Vanzantte, Males 1. Total 1. Town of York Inhabitant;
. 1805 - John Vanzantee, Male 1, Boy under 16, 1, Total 2. York Inhabitant;
. Garret Vanzantee,* Male 1, Female 1, Boy under 16, one, Girls 2, Total 5.
. 1805 Apr 9 - Grand Jury, Samuel Heron, foreman, John Vanzantee: Godfried Philips against John Veierheller, Assault, Vierheller not appearing, now annulled.
Appointed 1805 to be Constables for the Home District: John Vanzantee, Town of York, excused from ill health.
Ref: Quarterly Sessions of Peace, York County
. 1807 Mar 2 - Annual Town Meeting held at Gilberts Hotel, Overseers of Highways & Fence Viewers: John Vanzantee for the West end of the Town, to the Garrison.
. 1807 Arp 14, Tues. - Grand Jury, inc.. Jesse Ketchum, JOHN VANZANTEE, Parshall Terry.
. 1808 Mar 18 - Monday, Annual Town Meeting held at Thos. Stoyells., Sworn JV, Highways & Fence viewers. also,
- John Vanzantee: Men 1, Boys 2, Total 3. York Inhabitant.
. 1809 Mar 6, Monday - Annual Town Meeting held at Stoyells Tavern in the Town of York, Overseers of Highways & fence viewers:
John Vanzantee for the North road, from Coopers Mills* to where it joins Dundas St., Twp. of Etobicoke.
Note8: Cooper's Mill was now known as Lambton Mills, on the Humber River at Dundas St. & a couple miles north of the Kingmill/Old Mill & Father-in-law John Willson, Esq., Sr.
. 1810 Apr 10, Tuesday - Grand Inquest Called, 2. John Vanzantee on a jury of 20 men. Robt. Henderson Vs. Francis Le Clair, Assault, which they returned no bill & said Francis Le Clair was accordingly acquitted.
. 1810 Mar 16, Monday: Constables in the Home District for the ensuing year, John Vanzantee, Sworn.
. 1810 Apr 21, Sat. John Vanzantee, ordered to Summon James Wood of Toronto.
Ontario Land Registry Abstract Book
Lot 1, Con 1, North Dundas Street, Toronto Twp., Peel Co.
. 1811 Jan, Patent, The Crown, to John Vanzantee, All [# scares?]
. 1817 Apr 22 - Bargain&Sale, John Vanzantee, to Samuel Lawrence, #500, All.
( 1829: S Lawrence to John Scarlett, 1834 to Geo Silverthorn.)
. 1813 July - John Vanzantee, Males 2, Boys 2, Women 1, Girls 1, Total 6. York Inhabitant.
. 1814 Jno. Vanzantee, Males 2, Women 2, Girls 1, Total 5. York Inhabitant.
. 1807 Aug 10, Granted Town of York, Lot 4 Hospital Street, north East side at Bay Street, John Vanzante, resident.
(Some prominent & influential neighbors on Hospital street were Andrew Johnstone, Samuel Ridout, Samuel Heron, Joseph Kendrick, Wm. K Baldwin, Peter Russell in 1806.
. 1807 - John Vanzante was occupant of Lots 3., 4 & 5 North side Market near Bay Street. Lot had been granted to Isaac Davis, Christopher Robinson, & Lot 5 from Duke Wm. Kendrick.
. 1807 Lots 2, 3, & 4, King St., south side, John Vanzante, resident. (Neighbours: Wm. Allan, Esq., Wm. Chewett, Esq., Hon Richd. Cartwright.)
. A number of public-spirited people collected on last Saturday to cut down the hill at Frank's Creek [i.e. where it crosses Yonge St.] His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, when informed of it, dictated persons with a present of £50 to assist in improving the Yonge street road. To his Excellency, for his liberal donation, & to the gentlemen who contributed, we return our warmest thanks. John Van Zante, Pathmaster, for himself & the public.
The following Public [government] stores were issued under an order of Governor Simcoe & Russel, to sundries, persons under a promise of returning others of equal quantity & quality or paying for the issued when called for:
. 1809 - John Vanzant & Duncan Cameron, York, Bond: 1 cross cut saw.
Ref: Upper Canada Sundries: C4544, p.883.
. Descendants of John Van Zante reside now both in Toronto & in Markham.
Vol. XVII. - York Gazette, Wednesday, No. 25, 1807.
Ref: Landmarks of Toronto, John Ross Robertson. Vol 6, 1914.
. About the time of the war between the United States & Great Britain an American by the name of Van Zandt sold his property at the corner of Yonge street & Adelaide - then Newgate street - & Jesse Ketchum & his wife seized the opportunity to establish themselves in the tannery business there. [i.e. sold in 1812-15.] Vol. 1, p. 66.
. Stella Vanzant, did since 1814, [Abbreviated report] John Vanzant is causing problems in Toronto being after 154 years. In 1814 he signed a deed reserving land he buried his young daughter Stella somewhere around the spot of the Cdn. Imperial Bank of Commerce is planning to build Toronto's tallest building. The tattered yellowed Memorial of Deed, Bargain, & Sale, at City Hall claiming he sold all his property in 1814 except for a 4 by 6 Foot plot preserved as Stella's grave. NY State records indicate John was a descendant of Garrett van Zandt who emigrated from Arnhem, Netherlands to New Utrecht-Brooklin, NY in 1650. City records list him as a yeoman & wheelwright. Vanzant also opened a small leather tanner at corner of Yonge & Adelaide Sts., Jesse Ketchum, an Am. friend bought the business. But King St. property remained under Vanzant's name for the next 2 years.
. 1814 Feb 20 it a small chunk was sold to Elizabeth Lewis [Vanzant] who had a small home on a 70 by 70 lot. The rest went £875 to Jordon Post Sr., an Am. watchmaker.
Ontario, NY & Pennsylvania Stare archivist can find no record of his death.
Ref: Toronto Star, Aug 6, 1968.
* Further Research: At partial odds with the above records (or perhaps conjuncture), from the biography of Jesse Ketchum of Toronto is - (PJ Ahlberg 2012):
On the outbreak of the War of 1812 some recent arrivals from the United States left Upper Canada rather than serve in the militia or swear allegiance to the crown. One such individual, John Van Zandt, an American tanner at York, was obliged to dispose of his property at once, & no doubt at a sacrifice.
Ketchum was the purchaser. Like other merchants, he profited greatly from the wartime demand for supplies for the troops. A shrewd businessman, Ketchum invested his profits in town property in York, & also bought & sold farms in the county of York. ... Soon after the 1837 Rebellion, Ketchum, though he remained in Toronto, moved his tannery to the outskirts of Buffalo, a location which gave his business wider prospects & which provided security for his son, William, who had fled Upper Canada in the aftermath of the rebellion. Moreover, the Toronto site had now grown too valuable for use as a tannery [SW corner Adelaide & Yonge Sts. to Bay St.]
Ref: Toronto of Old, Scadding 1873.
. 1807 - On Tues. the 10 inst. Oct., Lieut. Governor [Simcoe] Arrives, about 12 o'clock, accompanied by his suite & heads of departments, from the Gov. House to Public Buildings. ...A number of people collected on last Saturday to cut down the hill at Frank's Creek. His Excellency the Lieut. Governor when informed on this, despatched a person with a present of $50 to assist in improving the Yonge Street road.
To his Excellency, for his liberal donation, & to the gentlemen who contributed, we return our warmest thanks. John Van Zante, pathmaster, for himself & the public.... public - spirited persons & labourers, hired through a donation of $50 from Lieutenant Governor Gore in that year, made an effort to improve the condition of Yonge street at the Blue Hill ravine, for which Pathmaster Zante returns thanks in the Gazette both for himself & the public.
Descendants of John Van Zante reside now both in Toronto & in Markham.
Ref: 1807 Oct 17 published in York Gazette., Page 390, Vol 6.
. 1807 Dec 10 - John Vanzante, Lot 16 on LOT ST. Grantee & resident, the north part of the now New Town; & Grantees Isaac Davis, [same n side of Hospital St.]
Lot 3 on MARKET ST. NORTH SIDE; Christopher Robinson, 1/5 Acre Land Patent Aug 10, 1801 [VERIFY}. Ref: Robertson Landmarks of Toronto, V1,p382.
Lot 4 at NE corner of Hospital & Bay St.; Duke Wm. Kendrick, Lot 5. Resident} John Vanzante. 3/5 Acre.
* War of 1812 - Battle of York (Toronto) in April 1814 Muster, under Capt. John Beverly Robinson, 3rd Regiment of York Militia: John Vanzante - VP.
Ref: Capital in Flames, The American Attach on York 1813, Robt. Macomson.
8: Voluntary parole or in other words, some 'off duty' valiant soldiers, put themselves in the way of being made prisoners of the American invaders & thus given a parole paper indicating they were in the battle! What gives further pause here is that Capt. Robinson' Militia does not appear to have been mustered during the battle at the York Garrison in April 1813. At this time Fort York was referred to as the Garrison. Also a reminder that Vanzante was the overseer of street paths to the Garrison. - PJA
. War of 1812: Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls & Paylists First Regiment York Flank Militia:
1815 Feb 25, York: Monthly Returns of the Battalion: Vanzant, John, 2nd Captain, John Johnston, Joseph Shepard, Peter Lawrence.
. Private John Vanzante, 1st York Rifle Company, militiamen from Toronto Township, served at first in the Flank Companies of the 2nd Regiment of the York Militia. Lived in or owned land within Toronto Township (Mississauga) in 1812.
. 1812 Sep 7 to 22nd, 3rd Reg. York Militia, Capt. Thomas Hamilton's Company, Hamiltons Co.: John Vanzantte, Jr., 16 days, pd. £10 8s 8p. & in-law: Robt Johnston,16 days, pd. £1 1s 4p.
. 1812 Oct 18th. Capt Hamilton Co., 3YM: John Vanzante Transferred.
. 1812 Oct 5 - Nov. 24 & to 24 Dec. Private John Vanzant, Muster roll of Capt. Peter Robinson's Rife Company, 1st York Militia.
. 1812 Dec 25 - 1813 Jan 24, Priv. John Vanzandt, Days 35, pd. 15s 7p. also, Peter Lawrence, on the Kings work. 1st YM, Robinson Co.
. 1813 Feb 18 - Feb 24, Thomas Johnson, 3rd York Militia, Capt. S Ridouts Co., 3 days, pd. 3s 6 d.
* 1813 March 25 - Board of Claims for Losses: John Vanzante, York Militia, Captured by General Dearborne on 27 May 1813 at Fort George,
How Disposed of: 27 May 1813, Paroled by Genl. Dearborne at Fort George. [Along with a great many others].
Ref: UC War of 1812, Archives of Canada, Film T1122, p 371.
. 1813 Jun 30 - Jul 18 - John Vanzante Jr., 3YM, Capt. T Hamilton Co. Days 19, pd. £1 9s 6p.
. 1813 Nov 25-Dec 24, Priv. John Vanzantee Jr., Days 30, pd. 15s. Capt Thos. Hamilton's 3 YM assembled at York.
con
. 1814 April 27 - York Muster Day: Priv. John Vanzantee & Thos. Johnson*, of Capt. Hamilton's Company who were captured at York on the 27th April, 1814. Signed, Lt. Col. W. Chewett, 3 Yk Militia 1814.5.15th.
. 1814 July 25 Aug 24, John Vanzante, Junr., 31 days, paid 15s 6p. in Capt. Samuel Ridouts Co. of Embodied Militia at York. & 1814 Aug 25-Sep 10, 17days pd. 8s 6d.
Note9: Thos. Johnson, in-law of his wife, Alice Willson Vanzant.
. 1814 Jun 10 - Men drafted in Capt. Wm. Jarvis Co., York Militia:
STILLWELL WILLSON* formerly of Capt. Ridout 3YM,
Ira Kendrick, substitute for PETER LAWRENCE*,
Wm. Kendrick substitute for THOMAS JOHNSTON* formerly 3rd Reg. Capt Hamilton,
JOHN VANZANTE, substitute for William Mines(?),
Osborn Cox, all formerly 3rd Regt. York,
Isaac Vanderburgher* of 1st York Militia who is a substitute for Joshua Leack & John Willson of Capt Ridout's 3YM,
Jenlay Cameron of 1YM under Capt. Wilson, substitute for Thomas Wilson(*?) of Ridout's 3Y Militia.
Note10: All these are relatives* or neighbors & acquaintances - PJA].
. 1815 Mar 24 - Disbanding of Inc. Militia Upper Canada.
* 1815 Jul 26 - Information Requested. The Subscriber having been informed that his Step-father, Mr. John Vanzantte, has moved from York, Upper Canada, into the United States, feels anxious to ascertain the place of his residence. Any person having information of the same, will do an act of kindness by communicating it by letter to:
John W. Osborn, Printer, Homer Village, Cortland County, N.Y.
*** Printers in this state are respectfully solicited to give above an intention in their respective papers.
Ref: Geneva Gazette, New York Jul 26 & Patrol, Utica, NY, pub. Wed. Jul 31, 1815.
* Further Research: At partial odds with the above records (or perhaps conjuncture), from the biography of Jesse Ketchum of Toronto is - (PJA 2012):
On the outbreak of the War of 1812 some recent arrivals from the United States left Upper Canada rather than serve in the militia or swear allegiance to the crown. One such individual, John Van Zandt, an American tanner at York, was obliged to dispose of his property at once, & no doubt at a sacrifice.
Ketchum was the purchaser. Like other merchants, he profited greatly from the wartime demand for supplies for the troops. A shrewd businessman, Ketchum invested his profits in town property in York, & also bought & sold farms in the county of York. ... Soon after the 1837 Rebellion, Ketchum, though he remained in Toronto, moved his tannery to the outskirts of Buffalo, a location which gave his business wider prospects & which provided security for his son, William, who had fled Upper Canada in the aftermath of the rebellion. Moreover, the Toronto site had now grown too valuable for use as a tannery [SW corner Adelaide & Yonge Sts. to Bay St.]
Ref: Toronto of Old, Scadding 1873.
* 1815 Jul 26 - Information Requested.
The Subscriber having been informed that his Step-father, Mr. John Vanzantee, has moved from York, Upper Canada, into the United States, feels anxious to ascertain the place of his residence. Any person having information of the same, will do an act of kindness by communicating it by letter to: John W. Osborn, Printer, Homer Village, Cortland County, N.Y.
Ref: Geneva Gazette, New York.
. Town of York / Toronto, Land Grants:
ROGERS RANGERS (King's Rangers):
Colonel Robert Rogers conceived the idea of a small unit of skilled woodsmen, well-trained, highly disciplined, & equipped to fight using hit & run tactics. These tough patriots would march all night in all weather to be ready for a surprise attack at dawn. These men were rangers, Rogers’ Rangers. Rogers' 19 Rules are still used by Rangers today. Rogers' Rangers was also called the King's American Rangers & in Jan. 1777, Lieut. Colonel John Graves Simcoe took command & the name was changed to the Queen's American Rangers.
Ref: Men of Granite.
Lt Col. Robert Rogers, the legendary frontiersman, soldier, explorer.
. VERIFY & IDENTIFY:
1820 AUG 5, Sat. List of Letters remaining in the Post-Office, Albany, Aug 1, 1820:
John 1 (John I ?) Van Zandt.
Ref: Plough Boy Newspaper, Albany, NY., published Aug 5 & 19th, 1820. - - - [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Part Two:
TORONTO SUNDRIES, Home District
Quarter Sessions Minutes
. 1801 Oct 17, Saturday. Certificate of Payment of £134 10s 6p due them by the Home District on Apr 14th past. John Vanzant.
1801 Apr 14 - .
. 1802 Jan 12, Tuesday. John Willson, Magistrate. Lay'd before the Bench, the petition of John Vanzantee, praying the settlement of his account, with the Home District.
. 1802 October 13, Wednesday. An Account of John Vanzante for 20/ N.Y.C. [New York Currency] equal to - 12/6 currency, for work done at the Gaol was presented & passed. The Account was delivered to Vanzantee, with the endorsement of Magistrates Wm. Willcocks Chewett, Allan, & Wm Baldwin.
. 1803 Apr 13. Bench of the above Magistrates including John Willson, Esq. Grand Jury 7. John Vanzantee, 13. John Wilson, Jun. Petty Jury inc. Stillwell Wilson.
. 1804 Oct. King Vs. Eliphat Hale & Abraham Cutter. Charge: Riot. Petit Jury: John Clarke 4. Stillwell Willson, 5. Richard Lawrence. Crown Wit. Alex Wood, Esq., Parshall Terry, Jonathan Ashbridge, Jos. Wilcox, Esq. Witnesses for Prisoner: John Vanzante, Duke Kendrick, T. Hamilton, Not Guilty. Adjourned Monday, 9 November next.
. 1803 Apr 18, 4 o'clock P.M. John Vanzante & Thomas Humberstone, Overseers of the Highways in the Town of York represented the impossibility of passing the Don Bridge in its present State.
. 1803 July 12,Tuesday. Grand Jury. 3. John Vanzantee. First: Nathaniel Jackson Vs. John Montgomery, Assault & Battery. { Dismissed, no prosecutor appearing. Second: Andrew Clarke Vs. Benj & wife Elizth Davis, Assault & Battery, Verdict Guilty. Fined five Shillings each which they paid to the Clerk in Court.
. 1804 Apr 11 - John Vanzantee, one of the Overseers of the Highways in the Town of York, having returned upon oath the undermentioned persons as defaulters not having paid their composition money or performed their Statute Labour, for the year 1803, after being duly called upon so to do, the Court recommend the payment to be forthwith made to John Vanzantee, or that warrants will issue against them for the same. Viz'.
William Weekes 12 days at 3/ £1:16:0, fine for default 10.0 - 2:6:0
William Chewett 11 days at 3 / £1:13:0, fine for default 10.- 2:3:0
Ephraim Payson 5 days, 3 / £0:15:0, fine for default 10. - 1:5:0
Hugh Cameron, 4 days at 3 / 0:12:0, fine for def 10. - 1:2:0
Jacob Clayton, 4 days at 3 / 0:12:0, fine for default 10/ 10.0 - 1:2:0
Total; £8.18.0 .
. 1804 June 22. Jury Duty: King Vs. Eliphat Hale & Abraham Cutter. Charge: Riot.Puts. Petit Jury: 4. Stillwell Willson (the Elder.) 5. Richard Lawrence. Wit. Prisoner, John Vanzante, Duke Kendrick, T. Hamilton, Not Guilty. Adjourned Monday, 9 November next.
. 1804 Oct 9, Tues. Grand Jury called Sworn & Charged. 12. John Vanzantee. Prosecution of Francois Renou Vs. Julien Le Bugle, Assault & Battery. Verdict Guilty Judgment, That he be committed to the District Gaol for one month, to pay five Pounds & to keep the peace towards give Security himself in £20 & two others in £10 each His Majestys Subjects for 12 Months.
. 1805 Jan 8. At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace holden at York to wit J Government Buildings in the Town of York. Grand Jury called Sworn & charged: 9. John Vanzantee, 10-12 John, Joseph & Hiram Kendrick, 13. John Playter. Elizabeth Marchand, Agent, Vs. Julien Le Bugle, Assault & Battery, Pleads Guilty. Fined Twenty Shillings, which he paid to the Sheriff in Court & to give security to keep the peace 12 Months.
1805 Apr 9. Tues. Grand Jury: Samuel Heron, Foreman, 12. John Vanzantee. Godfried Philps, Agent, Vs. John Vierheller, Assault & Battery. Indictment now annulled. J. Vierheller has received satisfaction.
. 1805, Apr 10. * John Vanzantee, Constable for Town of York, is excused from ill health.
. 1805, Jul 9, Tues. York. Grand Jury: 14, John Vanzantee. Wm. Marsh, Agent, Vs. Mary Kendrick wife of John £50, Walter Moodey £25, Peter Whitney £25, Assault & Battery. Recognizance, Obligation that if the said Mary Kendrick do Keep the peace towards all His Majestys leige Subjects & particularly towards William Marsh & his family for Twelve Months & a Day; then this recognizance to be void.
Note11: Mary Kendrick had been in court many times previously. - PJA
Second trial: Wm. Marsh Vs. Sarah Kendrick, Assault & Battery, Recognizance (same fine as above)-
Third trial: Andrew Clark Vs. Peter Winter, Assault & Battery, Not Guilty.
Fourth (Judge Wm Jarvis, A Wood, d. Cameron Esq. only. No jury.) William Demont one of the Grand Jury deposed in Court, that Philip Klinger had assaulted him 7 given him a Kick on the Thigh without any provocation during the time that the said Demont was attending as a Juryman. Philip Klinger appeared, but but behaving contumaciously towards the Court he was committed to prison. (The next day, Klinger was also put under recognizance towards Wm. Demont.)
. 1806 Jul 8, Tues. Grand Jury, John Vanzantee, John Cpe Vs. Jacob Cochenour, Assault & Battery, Guilty. Judgement given next day, the 9th: Fined 20 shillings.
. 1806 Oct 1, Tues. Grand Jury, John Vanzantee. Peter Whitney Vs. Mary Moodey, Assault, Defendant prayed that her trial might be put off till the next Sessions as she was not now prepared. Recognizance, John McBride, Adam Everson. Moodey now pleaded not guilty.
. 1807 Apr 14, Tues, One o'clock in the afternoon. Grand Jury Inquest: John Vanzantee. (Case not stated.)
. 1810 Apr 16. Benjamin Cozens, High constable, continued from the last year. Town of York appointed & Sworn as constable, John Vanzantee.
. 1810 Apr 21. Alex. Wood, Esq., John Vanzantee, ordered to Summon James Wood of Toronto. (as defaulters on the said list of account to pay his fine to office of collector for the Town of York because on 7 20 1809 did not appear for jury duty. However he did appear on 4 12 1810 he was on a petty jury.)
. 1810 Oct 9, Tues. Ephraim Payson was called to show cause why STILLWELL WILLSON would be any longer bound to keep the Peace towards him. He then declared he was in continual bodily fear of the said Stillwell Willson & prayed that he be bound under recognizance. Wherefore the Court ordered Stillwell Willson to find forthwith sufficient security. Recognizance: Stillwell Willson £100, Archibald Normson £50, JOHN VANZANTEE, £50. To keep the Peace & be of good behaviour towards all his Majestys' subjects & especially towards Ephraim Payson for 1 year & 1 day from this date. Acknowledged. Thos. Ridout, Clerk. P28-
Note12. John Vanzantee was married to Stillwell's aunt, Alice Willson. - PJA
. 1807 July 24 Town of York: Address, Electors of York, Durham & Simcoe [Summary]: Sufferings of Hon. Justice Thorpe for the deplorable losses Judge Thorpe sustained by yielding to their entreaties for him to represent them in the UC Parliament. … We the undersigned give our hearty concurrence: Signed 360 persons, including: Joseph Shepard, Riche. Lippincott, Alexander Montgomery, John Van Zantee, Garret Van Zantee, Geo. T Denion, Nicholas Miller, Johannes & Valentine Fisher, Sam D Cozen, Frederick Dehoen, Thos Stoyles, Richard Wilson, Abraham Devins, Thos Humberstone, Thos. Denison, Seneca Ketchum, Wm. Marsh, Jun., John Willson, William L Willson, Andrew Wilson, James Finch, Richard Lawrence, Anty Hollingshead Sr & Jr., William Johnston, Walter & Wm Moody. [Which is to say just about everyone in York. - PJA 2017]
Ref: Report of Canadian Archives, 1892, p163.
. 1807 Sep 4 - The the Public. Whereas we have well known that certain persons in office have been busily employed for near 3 weeks in prevailing on various descriptions of people to sign a paper purporting their disbelief of a meeting held by independent Freeholders of York, Durham & Simcoe on 24th July at Hoyle's Tavern, York, to address the Hon. Mr. Thorpe; this paper we paid little attention to then, because we were satisfied the public perfectly understood the object & motive with which it was carried about; however, as we now find the contents of that paper have been published in the York Gazette, under the authority of the High Constable Mr. E. Hale; we feel ourselves called on, as Chairman & Secretary to the meeting, to declare there was not only one, but 2 meetings, the first held at Yonge street, the second in York; That the principal object of the Freeholders was concealment of their intention from the Judge until the object was carried into effect; & to call only such to the meeting as could contribute without injury to themselves or families; We do further declare that the Freeholders were willing to have their names published with the address, but on the Secretary's waiting on the Judge with a copy the day before it was presented, the Judge himself requested the names might not appear, as he said "too many had already suffered for declaring their attachment to him."
However, we now find it is the wish of those who did sign then, & of others who could not attend at that time, but have since signed, to have all the names published, & we shall send them accordingly by the first safe opportunity for insertion in the Upper Canada Guardian.
Signed, Joseph Shepard & Alexander Montgomery.
. 1807 Sept. 4 - To Joseph Wilcox, Esq. Sir, Messrs. Shepard & Montgomery having sent the above piece to me to get printed in the York Gazette, I carried the same to Mr. John Cameron, who positively refused to publish it, I now forward it to you for insertion in your paper. You will shortly hear from Messrs. Shepard & Montgomery, who are now deeply engaged in their harvest, Signed, John Vanzantee.
. 1807 Judge Thorpe to Sir Geo. Shee: [ Summary of long letter] Legislature is now over, It is now necessary to inform you of the state of this Province: The people forced me [accept going] into the House of Assembly & told me their grievances: Executive Council would not accept for the money raised by Taxes. 2. Executive Council ignored proclamations. 3. Land Survey Fees never accounted for. 4. Their representatives were bribed with Crown land.
A Tax of £1 16s was laid on Tavern Licensees & all moneys arising from this, the executive council have taken & appropriated without accounting to Parliament. I greave to the heart to see this weak, passionate, self-sufficient Governor Gore bred in the Army, surrounded by a few half-pay Captains, men of the lowest origin with every American prejudice & every idea of military subjection & directed by half a dozen storekeepers, men who have amassed wealth by the plunder of England & the Indian Dept., Monopoly of Trade & extortion on the people, Shopkeeper aristocracy linked from Halifax to the Mississippi who boast their interest is so great that they will keep Lt. Governor For in his place. etc.
Signed, Robt. Thorpe, York, Upper Canada.
Ref: Report on Canadian Archives, 1892, p97 Series Q,Vol 310.
. 1807 Aug 1, York, Upper Canada. Lieut. Governor Gore to Lord Castlereach. [Summary] My Lord I have considered it my duty to omit the name of Justice Thorpe, commission of Assize, lately issued in the Province by the Executive Council have unanimously concurred with me in this measure. It should be dangerous to the peace of the Colony in regard to Mr Thrope, who appears to consider his character as a judge, but matter is to be chiefly ambitious character of a factious demagogue. The address & answer are generally believed to be the production of Mr. Thorpe, no public meeting was ever held. Sheppard & Montgomery, the supposed chairman & Secretary, are ignorant Farmers, who can hardly write their names. A Printing Press has been established by themes active partisans, conducted by one Willcocks, a turbulent Irishman, whom I found it necessary to displace from his office as Sherif. Signed, Francis Gore, Lt. Governor.
Ref: Report on Canadian Archives Series Q, Vol 306, p212, here published p153.
Note13: Clearly both men were literate & well respected in their community.
* Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - - [2, 5]
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1756 - Aft 26 Jul 1815+