Notes:

Sarah is the daughter of Sara Ebb & William, married 1693.
Wm. Hilton, Est 1670, England.

Children of Sara Hilton & Joannes Vanzandt are:

Joseph Vanzandt, b: 27 Jul 1718 in Albany, New York State
Joseph Vanzandt, b: 4 Sep 1720,
Anna Vanzandt, b: 25 Nov 1722,
Sara Vanzandt, b: 22 Mar 1724,
William Vanzandt, b: 5 Sep 1725,
Garrit Vanzandt, b: 5 Mar 1727,
Johannes Vanzandt, Jr., b: 8 Dec 1728,
Gerrit Vanzandt,, b: 3 Jan 1731,
Jacobus Vanzandt, b: Nov 1732,
Gysbert / Gisbert Vanzandt, b: 10 Mar 1734, c: 17 Sep 1738,
Elizabeth Vanzandt, b: 3 Dec 1738 in Albany, New York.
Ref: Collections on History of Albany, p184. - - -

Birth:
Alt Spelling: Hilten.

Sara married Johannes VANZANDT on 20 May 1718 in Albany Reformed Dutch Church. Johannes (son of Johannes VANZANDT and Margaretha Wijantsdr VANDERPOEL) was born on 4 Nov 1686 in Albany, Albany Co., New York; died on 1 Dec 1757 in Albany, Albany Co., New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Gerrit is the son of Sarah Hilten & Johannes Van Santen (VanZandt / Vanzant).

. 1770 - This day sold to Gerrit Van Sante, Junr, a piece of Ground situate, lying & being in Third Ward of the City of Albany, near the water side on the east of the street, beginning at a certain point which is distant 30 feet on an easterly course from the north east corner of Sr William Johnson Lott, & then running northerly 25 feet along the street, & so back towards the River, carrying the full breath of 25 feet till it shall be twenty feet backwards towards the River, all English measure; which piece of ground as above described the said Gerrit Van Sante, Junr, agrees to pay £37:10, New York money, by the delivery of the Deed.
Ref: Collections on the History of Albany: From Its Discovery to the ..., Volume 1, Page 107, by Joel Munsell.

. 1799 Nov 15, Friday - Whereas Thomas Jarvis, lately of Pittgove, Salem Co., NJ, carpenter & jointer, by indenture of lease & Release bearing date of 9 Jul 1796, for securing payment of £370 10 s., of the value of $793.75, did mortgage the subscriber, Gysbert Van Zandt, all that certain farm & land lying between the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, Albany Co., Town of Bethlehem, beginning at a lake at Vlanan's Kill & interest thereof & whereas default has been made in the payment of the said principal & interest accrued thereon.
Therefore NOTICE is hereby given the said Gysberty Van Zant that certain pice of land & premises belong to the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, containing 139 acres of land, will be sold on the 13 Jan, next at eleven o'clock at the house of Stewart Lewis, inn holder, situated in the fifth ward of Albany city. The terms of sale will be made known on the day of sale & deed of conveyance executed by the Subscriber. 20th July, 1799. Gysbert VanZandt.
Ref: Albany Centinel, New York, Advertisement., [Condensed version].

. 1800 Census Watervliet, Albany, New York
Boys Under 10: 3; Males - 26 - 44: 1
Girls Under 10: 1; Females - 26 - 44: 1
Householders Under 16: 4; Household Over 25: 2; Total Householders: 6.

. 1803 Mar 15 - Republican Nominations. At a meeting of more than 200 Republicans, freeholders of the city of Albany, & of the Colonie in the town of Watervliet, held at the Tontine Coffee-House, on the 15 Mar, 1803, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the office of Senator for the Eastern District of this State. Ge. Merchant, Chairman. The sense of the meeting was taken by ballot & votes having been counted, it appeared that John Taylor was duly nominated. Thereupon resolved that John Taylor Esq., city of Albany, be & he is hereby nominated a candidate for Senator, Resolved That, Many names, Gerrit R. Van Zant ... be a committee to promote the election of the above named candidate.
Ref: Albany Gazette, NY, published 1803 Mar 2, Monday & again 1803 Mar 31, Thurs.; pubn. 1803 Mar. 18, Friday; Albany Register, publ. 2803 Mar 18, Fri.
Albany Gazette, of 1803 Mar. 14: as above, but also refers to the location of the meeting as the Albany Coffee-House.

. 1804 Apr 24, Tues. Guilderland, At a numerous & respectable Meeting of real Republican Electors & Freeholder of the town of Guilderland, Albany Co. at the house of Christian Traax?, on 3 Apr 1804, assembled at Henry dipole's in said town to elect town officers: Abraham feeder Esq., Chair, Lawrence L Van Kleeck,Secry. Resolved unanimously in the ability & republicanism of Colonel Aaron burr & will support him with their vote & interest at the ensuing election for the office of Governor as a candidate for the office of Member of Assembly to represent this town, signed: Gerrit G Van Zandt, C. Van Valkenburgh, Gysbert Van Sante.
Resolved That Col Colkert Veeder, Gerrit G. Van Zandt...be corresponding committee, Proceedings to be published in the Albany Gazette.
Ref: Albany Centinel Newspaper.
1816 Mar 26, Tues. Republican Meeting, At a meeting of the Republicans of town of Guilderland, at Charles Trader's Inn, on 16 Mar, 1816, GARRET G VAN ZANDT was called to the Chair & Philip Streit appointed Secretary. Resolved unanimously highly, nomination of Daniel D Tompkins for Governor & John Tayler for Lieutenant Governor.
Ref: Albany Argus Newspaper, Albany, NY.

. WILL of Gerrit Van Zandt of the City of Albany, tolerable state of health.
Wife Hester, estate furniture, plate, linen, & upon her death, to daughter Rachel - $500 annually in quarterly payments.
Grandson, Gerrit Van Schaick Bleecker - when he is 21, lot in the first ward, south of Wolf Street, adjoining John Radley.
Daughter Rachel, wife of James Bleecker, lot & buildings to be erected on west side of Washington Street adjoining J. Fredenryck, first ward lot recently purchased from James Orbon. Upon her death to grandson Gerrit VS Bleecker. $300 annually, & land in x Montgomery County.
Executors: Barent Bleecker, Abraham Van Vechten, Charles Platt, John J. Van Zandt, Sanders Lansing, all rents & profits on real estate in trust for grandchildren.
Grand children pay education.
Executors to take money from estate to enclose three sides of storehouse on State Street, 4th ward, use brick, 9" thick, tin roof.
Build brick house 2 stories high, 24' wide, on Washington Street, 24' deep, thick walls, near J. Fredendryck's lot for daughter Rachel.
Granddaughter Catharine, grandson GVS Bleecker, $1,250 at 21 or marriage.
Granddaughter Sarah Platt, wife of Charles, to pay Hester (wife) $500 yearly.
Grandson, GVS Bleecker, house, farm Albany County, Onesquethaw, store & lot on Court Street, 4th ward, occupied by John Fondy, Jr. & with the passage or gangway from Mark La. to lot between the brick store house now occupied by Fran. McCabe in Mark La., Lot of Wessel Van Schaick to Sarah Platt, lot cor. Mark La. & Court Street to daughter Rachel.
Granddaughter Sarah Platt, store & storehouse corner Mark La. - Court St.
Granddaughter Cath Bleecker, lot first ward, east side Washington Street, house & lot occupied by Anth. Lamb, lot west Cherry St., House & Store house in State Street, 4th ward, occupied by Henry Guest, Jr., House & lot occupied by Anth. Lamb, near Hbackst.
To Dutch Reformed Church deacons, $300 for poor in 4 equal payments within 4 yrs. after death.
Nephews John J. Van Zandt, son of Johannes, 1/6 real & personal estate, nephews, William & Jacobus, 1/6 real estate.
Sons [of] brother Joseph, 1/6 to Thomas, John, Annatie Van Zandt, brother Williams ch. 1/6, 2/6 to brother Gysbert VS & wife Rebecca
Codicil: 6-13/06, $200 to DRC for poor - not $300
$200 to Sarah Groesbeck, widow of David. - - -

Birth:
Born lot 6, Sec. 54, Southside of Albeny, Barent-Sanders.

Died:
Aged 75y 6m 14d. "an aged & respected citizen." Ref: Annuals of Albany, Vol 5.

Buried:
Lot 6, Sec 54.

John married Rebecca HESTER WINNE est 1751 in Albany, Albany Co., New York. Rebecca was born on 11 Dec 1731 in Albany, Albany Co., New York; died on 24 Aug 1813 in Albany, Albany Co., New York; was buried on 24 Aug 1813 in Barent-Sanders Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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. - - -

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. - - -

Birth:
Alt Spelling: Van Zant, Vanzantee, Van Zandt. Alt DOB Est: 1759-1765.

Died:
Verify location.

John married Alice WILLSON, .1 est 1811 in Town of York (Toronto), Ontario. Alice (daughter of John WILLSON, Esq., 1, Sur. and Rebekah /Thixton THICKSON(E)) was born est 1765 in Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., New Jersey; died after 1 Dec 1815 in New York State. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rachel is the daughter of Hester Winne & Gerrit Vanzant.

Rachel Van Zandt was born in May 1759. She was the daughter of Gerrit & Hester Winne Van Zandt. She grew up in a small family in the home of a first ward businessman, city officer, & property holder. Her father also owned a mill & farm on a creek south of Albany.
In November 1782, she married Jacobus Bleecker at the Albany Dutch church. By 1790, four children had been christened in Albany.
This Bleecker family joined the others on Pearl Street from where Jacob/James Bleecker, Jr. followed business & real estate interests. In 1800, their home was served by four slaves.
In 1806, Rachel was the only living child & was well provided for in the will filed by her father. Her legacy included substantial Albany real estate. Her 3 living children were to receive substantial bequests as well.
James/Jacob Bleecker, Jr. died at the end of 1808. Subsequent city directories showed "Widow Bleecker" in their town house at 49 Pearl Street. By 1820, her name had dropped from the directory listings.
Rachel Van Zandt Bleecker died on March 22, 1837 & was buried from the house of her son, Gerrit. This Pearl Street widow had lived 79 years. - - -

Notes:

. Van Zant ancestors originated in Arnhem, The Netherlands, coming to New Utrect (Brooklyn, NY) in 1600s. Garrett Van Zant, 1762-1858, & his wife Elizabeth Lewis came to Upper Canada circa 1800, & in 1806 bought Lot 29, Con 9, for £300. Their family was James, b 1800, USA. According to Albany Reformed Dutch Church, page 44, another younger brother, named Gerrit Vanznadt, was born in 1771 Nov 8 & died 1st Dec 1771 in Albany.
Ref: Markham, 1793-1900, Committee for History of Markham, Twp., 1979.
Muster:
. 1799 Nov 19, Van Santer, Garrett, 2nd Battn, 60th Regt. Voluntarily joined the 6th Reg, Quebec, C931,p154.
. 1799 Oct 13, Quebec, Vansantee, Garrett, Pte 2nd Battin, 60th Reg. To be embarked for the West Indies, C931,p149 [190?].
. 1799 Oct 13 Quebec, Vansanton{?}, Nicholas, Pte, 2nd Battn, 60th Regt. To be embarked for the West Indies, C931,p154 &194.Voluntrily joined 6th Reg. Verify idenity.
British Military & Naval Records (RG 8, C Series) - INDEX, C11867,p347 Copy Arch of Canada.

. A brother of Garrett Van Zant Sr., John Van Zant, also came to York. Some years ago a search was made for his daughter's grave on the site of the new Bark of Commerce building in Toronto.
Ref: Markham 1793-1900.
. Garret Vanzant was the brother of John. His family now live at Markham.
Ref: Robertson's landmarks of Toronto, V1, p359.

. 1802 July 6th, Tuesday, Council Chambers,
Garret Vanzant, V1, No. 18A. Recommended for 200 Acres
Rescinded & granter under the Regulations of 30 Dec. 1802, View Page 295. [Is this regulations regarding no longer accepting military grants? - PJA]

. 1802 - UCLPetition 1, To Peter Hunter, Esq.
Petition of Garret Vanzant of York, Yeoman
He is lately come into the Province to be a permanent settler with a wife & 3 children, he wants 200 acres.
signed, Garret Vanzant, (1 Jul 1802)
Envelope: Garret Vanzant, Rec. 1 Jul 1802. July 6, 1802. Received on the usual terms 509, Approved.
Ref: Garret Vanzant - 1802 Jul 10 - UCLP, U-V Bundle 6, Vol 5154A, 1802-1804. C2849 p281.

. 1803 - UCLPetition 5, To Peter Hunter, Esq.
Petition of Garret Vanzant of York, Yeoman,
Your petitioner received a grant on 6 July, 1802 for 200 A. He is desirous of being relieved from performing the settling duties under Regulations of 30 Dec 1802. He is prepared to pay the Fees of Survey with three days.
Signed, Garret Vanzante, York, 20th September, 1803.
Ref: Garret Vanzant - UCLP, U-V Bundle 6, 1802-1804, C2947 p. 330.

. Council Chambers. The Committee took into consideration the following Petition referred to it by the Lieutenant Governor.
Garret Vanzant of York, Yeoman, No 373, Side Page 8. Stating that he obtained an Order of Council on 6 Jul 1802 for 200 Acres of land & praying that a Deed may under the Order of Council of 30 Dec, 1802.
Recommendation that the prayer of the petition be complied with.

. William, John, Almer, Henry Jane - Vanzant, William, Markham, 1830 Vol 554, Renewal of Leases 1815-1838, Petition 62, Microfiche C2982.

. Hannah, Sarah & Nancy all born in Canada.
James & Almer eventually bought their father's property.
James family included John, b. 1834, Josiah, James, Anson, David & Ellis.
William's son Garrett Robert, b 1844 was active in municipal government, being Reeve of Markham Village in the 1880s, & also governor of the Don Jail in Toronto. Almer's family included, Garret, Ludiwig & Urias.
Ref: Markham 1793-1900.

Toronto Sundries, Home District (Toronto) Quarter Sessions Minutes (Jury Duty):
. 1803, 12 July, Tuesday. Town of York. Petty Jury called & severally sworn: 9. Garret Vanzante. 10. John Wilson (Jr.) First Case: Witnesses sworn on part of the Crown: Andrew Clark, Elias Anders, Witnesses sworn on the part of the Prisoner. Jacob Philips, Isaac Devans.
Prosecution of Mary Runnell Vs. Benj. Runnell, Assault & Battery, Verdict Guilty. Committed to the District Gaol for one month & to give security for Keeping the Peace himself in £50 & two others in £25 each. Adjourned to 4 'c in the afternoon of this day.

. Second Case: 1803 July 12, Tuesday, 4 o'clock P.M. Court met according to adjournment.
John Dexter Vs. Godrey Philips, Indictment: Rescue. Quashed, there being an error in the indict. (different mix of Petty Jury called, but also including)
Jury #6. Garret Vanzante & #7John Willson (Jr.) Crown Wit: John Dexter, Niel Holm, Paul Marion. Recognizance: Godfrey & John Philips £20 each, Paul Marion £10. Neil Holm £10. That Godfrey Philips & John Philips do severally appear at the next General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, to answer to such things which against them or either of them shall then & there be objected & not to depart without leave of the Court.

. 1804 Apr 11, Wednesday - The following persons were appointed to be Constables in the Home District for the year ensuing. Sworn into office: Garret Vanzante, Town of York. (At the same meeting, brother John Vanzant was appointed Overseers of the Highways in the Town of York.)

. 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 Oct 8, Grand Jury, Gerard Vanzante. Jupiter, a negro boy, brought up by the gaoler & recommitted to prison to take his trail at the next Court. - Paul Marion Assault £50, Plea not prepared for trail, Recognizance. - Geo. McDonald, Isaac Mitchell, Will Holloway each fined £10. That they will appear at the next ensuring General Gaol delivery to prosecute Jupiter, A Negro boy for the charges for which he stands committed. - Wm. Stirrett, Assault, Fined 5 shillings, Philip Clinger, Assault, was, unable to attend by reason of sickness, postponed till next General Quarter Sessions. Also Wm. Demont fined £10, all related the the Assault & Battery by Philip clinger.
this. Hamilton, Wm. Knott fined £12.10.

. 1805 Oct 8, Tues. Grand Jury, Gerard Vanzante. The King Vs. Paul Marion, Assault & Battery: Paul Marion £50, Isaac Collumbes £25, Jesse Ketchum. Obligation: That Paul Marion shall appear at the next General Quarter Sessions of the Peace to answer to all such things as shall be then & there object[ed] to him, & shall not depart without leave of the Court.

. 1808 Oct 12, Wednesday. 1. - Petty Jury called & severally sworn: #3 Garret Vanzante. Louis Barbue & Joseph Kendrick. Recognizance Obligation: That Louis Barbue shall Keep the Peace towards all His Malajestys' liege Subjects for one year & a Day from this date.
2. . 1808 Oct 12, Wed. Petty Jury: #. Garret Vanzante, Barbara Andrick VS Margaret Uddle, Assault & Battery. Not Guilty.
. Petty Jury 3. Garret Vanzante. Barbara, vs. Nic. Klengenbruner & Christian Shell, Not Guilty.

. VANZANTE LOG CABIN, Georgina Twp., Simcoe
About 50 miles n. of Toronto can be found a charming old log cabin, supposedly the oldest structure in the Community. Garrett acquired 200 acres in North Gwillimbury, Con. 3, Lot 18, bounded by Lake Simcoe to the both, East Gwillimbury to the south, Cooke's Bay to that.
Garrett erected the one room cabin. The diminutive abode is impeccably preserved. In 1870, Garrett no longer owned it, the house was enlarged. In 1803 Garret Vanzant built a long house which stands virtually unchanged today. The property attached to the house has been reduced to 50 acre, & a frame addition was made to the rear in 1871. Repairs & constant care have, however, preserved this perfect example of an early Ontario house, of the kind settlers would erect when ready to build something grander than the shanty. The Vanzante house is the 'improved' type, with practically squared logs. The interior was originally one room. Log houses were sometimes inclined to settle with age & then separation of the longs might take place. The bottom log had to be placed on stones or given some other protection from the earth to prevent rot. In this house there are double logs at the bottom & the inner hardwood log still defines the drill. The original foundation with a good cellar, remains. The Vanzante house has more windows than the average log home. The cracks between the longs were filled with a mixture of chips, lime, mud, moss & sand.
In 1807 Vanzantee sold the house to Silas Eames & moved about 25 miles southwest, although several of his children remained in the general vicinity.
Ref: History of Toronto & Co. of York, Charles Pelham Mulvany, 1885.

Toronto Sundries, Home District (Toronto) Quarter Sessions Minutes
. 1804 Apr 11, Wednesday - The following persons were appointed to be Constables in the Home District:
John Wilson Jun, Yonge Street, Township of York. [Related to his brother John's wife.]
For the year ensuing, Garret Vanzante, Town of York.

. War of 1812 Muster, 1st. York Militia 1814
Upper Canada. Captured at York.
. 1812 Oct 16 - 20th, Muster Roll, 1st York Militia General Call, Garret Vanzante, Days 5, pd. 2s 6p.
. 1813 Sep 20 - Sep 4, Garret Vanzant, Days 2, pd. 2s 6p. Cap. Reuben Richardson's 1YM assembled at York.
. 1814 Jan 25 - Jan 30, Titus Willson, Days 31, pd. £2 1s 4p. also, Private Garret Vanzantee, Days 21, pd, 19s 5p, Public Service at York, 1 York Militia commanded by Capt. Reuben Richardson.

. For the year ensuing. Garret Vanzante, Town of York
- War of 1812, Lieutenant, 1st. York Militia 1812 Upper Canada. Captured at York.

. 1813 Aug 27 to Sep 3. Muster roll of a Detachment of Southern Div. 1st Regt. York Militia assembled to work on Dundas St. [Hwy 5] under the command of Capt. Thomas Hamilton, 3rd. York Militia: Garratt Vanzantee from Aug 27 to 5 Sep., 10 days, pay £10 5s.

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

Birth:
Alt DOB 1762: Alt Name: Gerritt. Ft. Orange is now Albany, NY.

Died:
Aged 98y 7m 14d.

Buried:
Con 6, Lot 17, Mongolia, Markham Twp., Stouffville, Ontario. Weeping willow tombstone, lies flat in a grouping on the ground. (Also known as Bronwsburger Cemetery).

Garrett married Elizabeth LEWIS in 1797 in New York State. Elizabeth was born on 27 Sep 1778 in New York State; died on 9 Feb 1863 in Mongolia, Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried on 9 Sep 1778 in Boyles Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Garret Vanzant did have a son James Vanzant, but this petition does not name his father. Verification of the children of the brothers, John & Garret Vanzant.

. To Peter Russell, In Council
UCLPetition 4 of James Vanzant, That your petitioner's father suffered in the last American war the most cruel treatment from the Americans for his loyalty to his king & country.
That your petitioner was old enough to join the Royal Standard & is now in this Province for settling therein. He is here in this province now to settle near his brother. Wherefore he humbly prays to obtain land, & likewise a lot in the Town of York for the purpose of building near his brother.
Signed, James Van Zant.
Ref: UCLP, V Bundle 7, C2947 p383
Note1: Undated letter, however the petition was filed in the 1804-1806 Petitions Book*.

Notes2: It is unclear from this petition if this is the son or brother of John Vanzant. To receive a UC Land Grant one had to be 21 years (or younger if a married was a female). The estimated date of birth for this James Vanzant would be at least born 1783-84. The James, s/o Garret Vanzante, was born 10 May, 1798, NY state. - PJA 2012.


. 1804 Aug 16, To. Lt. gov. P Hunter, James Vanzant, Praying for Land & a Town Lot in York
the Petitioner not having appeared & new Regulations having taken place since the presenting this Petition, Recommended that it be dismissed., Signed H Allcock.
Ref: Upper Canada land Minute Book F.
Note: Land Book is at the government's summary copy of their deliberations.

. 1837 Toronto City & Home District Directory: Lot 29, Con 9 Markham, Garret & James Vanzante. - - -

Birth:
VERIFY.

Died:
Verify exact location.

Buried:

Notes:

Stella is the daughter of Alice Willson & John Vanzant.
Alice Willson was previously married to Samuel Osborn, estimated death of 1804-5.
Re-marriage date is unknown, however,

Town of York Town Meeting & Census.
. 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.

1. LEFT SPACE FOR GIRL'S GRAVE
TORONTO There is a small place of ground in the crowded heart of the city untouched by the giant commercial buildings that surround it. The plot, 12 feet by 14 feet, is dominated by the Bank of Commerce, tallest building in the commonwealth, & lies next to Toronto General Trust Building. Beneath the pavement of the courtyard of the trust building is the grave of a girl, Stella Vanzant daughter of one of Toronto's pioneers, John Vanzant who came from New York about 1778.
As was the custom in those days, the child was buried in the garden. First record of the grave appeared in a deed registered in 1815. But there has been no apparent transfer of land in which it lies from the Vanzant family to other owners.

The grave is protected by an honorable agreement. In 1911, when the first part of the General Trust Building was erected, the company agreed to hold the plot containing the grave inviolate &, in 1928 when an addition was made, the agreement was observed. A protective shed was built over the grave & construction went on around the shed. Mrs. Gerald Johnson of Toronto, a descendant of John Vanzant, knows of the family legend. The pioneer was of Dutch extraction & his family had helped found New Amsterdam on the Hudson River.
He arrived when Toronto was a fur-trading post. Later he established a tannery at the corner of the present Adelaide & Yonge streets, some 10 years before the future town plot of York was surveyed. Actual settlement of the area was delayed until 1793, so John Vanzant was one of the first to live there. York later became part of Toronto.The Vanzants left Toronto & returned to the United States when the Mackenzie rebellion broke out in 1837. Mrs. Johnson believes the tannery & Vanzant's residence a block away may have passed into the hands of Jesse Ketchum. philanthropist & reformer. The family returned to Canada about 1850 & some of its members settled in the Markham district.
Ref: Associated Press, published 1952 Dec 4th.
______________________________________________________________________
The Toronto General Trusts Building was on the east side of Bay Street, south of King Street at the north-east corner of Bay/Melinda. Melinda Street now ends at Jordan St; it does not go west to Bay St. Likewise, Jordan St. no longer goes south to Wellington; it ends at Melinda.

2. The mysterious case of the grave of Stella Vanzant:
When little Stella Vanzant died of causes unknown some time in the early 1800s, her bereaved father interred the girl’s young body in a six by four-foot grave in a quiet corner of the family property near King & Bay streets.
The future site of the Toronto financial district was still partially covered in groves of native trees. A few scattered wood cabins were placed at intervals along muddy tracks, & so John Vanzant might reasonably have assumed his daughter would rest in peace in perpetuity. Unfortunately, things started to go wrong for the American-born business owner very quickly, & his actions that day sparked a mystery that remains unsolved to this day.

As the Toronto Star reported in 1968, records showed Vanzant was descended from early Dutch immigrants to New Utrecht (now Brooklyn, N.Y.). He claimed to have served in the Loyalist Queen’s Rangers military unit during the War of Independence, but in Upper Canada his allegiances were viewed with suspicion.
His first application for a land grant near the town of York was harshly rejected. “The behaviour of this man is such that he may never have lands in this province,” a government official wrote. Something changed, however, because in 1797 Vanzant received a plot of land a short distance west of Yonge St.
A few years later - it’s not known precisely when - young Stella Vanzant died & was buried somewhere near present day Melinda & Jordan streets. In 1812, her father, who was working as a wheel maker & leather tanner, was booted from Upper Canada when hostilities with the United States resumed.

Unable to return, John Vanzant hastily disposed of his business interests in York. Selling the land that contained Stella’s grave wasn’t as easy, however. Vanzant was emotionally attached the property & it remained in his name for another two years. Perhaps realizing his exile was permanent, the sale was eventually processed two years later. Everything save for a “piece of ground, 6 feet in length, four feet in breadth” was transferred to Jordan Post, Sr., another early York settler. According to the deed, the small plot was “the place in which the child of the said John is interred.” It’s not clear how John Vanzant was able to sign the deed in exile. Perhaps his siblings in the Markham area had a hand in trying to ensure little Stella’s resting place would remain undisturbed.

. The General Trust Building on the east side of Bay St. A 1952 Associated Press story said Stella Vanzant’s grave was near the building.

After 1814, as York (soon to become Toronto) grew westward & north from its nucleus on King, east of Jarvis, Stella Vanzant’s grave appeared to remain a going concern for subsequent landowners.

. An Associated Press report from December, 1952, said a 12 by 14-foot plot between the Bank of Commerce tower & the Toronto General Trust Building on Bay still remained undeveloped, per John Vanzant’s wishes.

“There has been no apparent transfer of land in which it lies from the Vanzant family to other owners,” the story explained. “The grave is protected by an honourable agreement. In 1911, when the first part of the General Trust Building was erected, the company agreed to hold the plot containing the grave inviolate &, in 1928 when an addition was made, the agreement was observed.”
If the AP story was correct, it meant Stella’s grave was located on the north side of Melinda, west of Jordan. However, the location appears to have become confused over the next decade. In the mid-1960s, roughy 150 years after Stella’s death, bb The tattered & yellowed document presented a problem: the bank was planning to clear & excavate much of the land between King, Bay, & Jordan, including the General Trust Building, for a $100-million extension of Commerce Court.

The city’s tallest skyscraper was to rise on the west end of the newly assembled property & a large plaza with several underground levels was planned for the rest. Based on a reading of the deed, the bank concluded Stella’s grave was probably somewhere east of where the Associate Press reported, likely a the southwest corner of Jordan & Melinda, under the Osler Building.

A descendent of one of John Vanzant’s brothers living in Stouffville read about the discovery of the deed in the newspaper. If his great, great uncle had indeed interred his beloved daughter in downtown Toronto, 77-year-old Charles Vanzant wanted the remains respectfully moved to the Markham Township pioneer cemetery. The bank also considered encasing any burial site in a concrete tomb & placing a memorial in the plaza. In early July, 1969, a team of archaeologists supervised by Alan Clark, the superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, & a representative from the province, probed tentatively downward with hand shovels in the partially demolished basement of the Osler Building. Rev. Walter Gelling of St. James Cathedral was also on hand. The bank wanted a member of the clergy present in case Stella turned up.

About 3 feet below the basement floor, the archaeologists’ tools struck a piece of wood roughly the size of a child’s coffin. As two workmen pried up the plank, everyone leaned forward at the top of the 12-foot hole to see what was inside.
Underneath was nothing but undisturbed soil. The wood was the base of a brick foundation. For another 4 hours the team poked around the area looking for any trace of Stella’s remains without success. Alan Clark from Mt. Pleasant Cemetery officially declared the ground undisturbed & the bank was granted permission to proceed with construction.

It seems no-one thought to look near the old General Trust Building. Regardless, subsequent excavation & building at Commerce Court failed to turn up any trace of the mysterious Stella Vanzant. Perhaps her grave had long ago been churned up by diggers, perhaps her relatives quietly claimed her without notifying the authorities. Perhaps she’s still down there waiting to be discovered.
Ref: Spacing Toronto, 345. Bateman, Chris, 2015 Sept 16. - - -

Died:
King and Bay streets.

Notes:

. 1859 Uxbridge Assessment Rolls
James Vanzant, E half Lot 9, Con 2, Uxbridge.

Birth:
James is twin to Jane Vanzant.

Buried:
Monument has been repaired with 2 metal bands, & is imbedded about a third into the ground, white with a dove & wreath.

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth JANE FORSYTH. Elizabeth was born in 1805 in Ancaster, Wentworth Co., Ontario; died on 17 Feb 1880 in Uxbridge, Durham Co., Ontario; was buried in Glasgow North Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. UCLPetition 62, William Vanzant, resides Markham, that he is desirous of occupying Lot 31, Con 9, Markham & desires a renewal of said Lot.
Signed, William Vanzant, 18th July, 1830.

. 1829 Sept 3, York, I give up my claim of Lot 31, Con 9, Markham. Signed, Wm. Wittan?

. 1829 July 2, This is to certify last November nothing is done on L31, C9, Markham, Witnesses: Garret Vanzant & John Hamilton.
. 1830 Feb 26, Markham. L31, C9, Markham is in a state of nature without improvement. Signed, William Clendening & William Holden.

. 1830 Mar 4 - James Hatter, Markham Twp., Yeoman, has examined Lot 31, Con 9, finds no improvement of any kind nor any house built thereon but the said lot is in complete wild state. Signed, John HISXMARK, Hatter.

. UCLPetition 62, Renewal of Leases: 1830, Mar 17, Markham, this is to certify Lot 31, Con 9 Markham was a wild lot of land last May 1829. No work done on it. Last August William Vanzant claims a place to set a house but house logs for a house cut 15 of 20 saw logs for boards intended for the house. James Holdden & John Hamilton both living in Markham came to work on this lot of land the 19 of this present month without? William Vanzant orders & say that say they had got this lot of land & making use of the labour Vanzant has done on this lot of land.
Signed, Garret Vanzant & James Vanzant.

. 1832 June 21, York. Patent Fee Registration 288. for Clergy Reserve L31, C9, Markham, leased to William Vanzant.
Ref: UCLP Renewal of Leases 1815-1838, Film C2982 P958.

. 1839 Dec 30, Toronto - Wm. Vanzant, Lot 31, Con 9, Markham, Amount due on leased clergy Reserves, £13. 2 .5p.
Ref: Journal of the House of Assembly of Upper Canada, pub. 1840.

. 1846 Aug 4, Tues. - "Great terror pervaded the minds of the timid & those living in isolated & remote places, on account of the frequency of these depredations, & the apparent impossibility of detecting the offenders. Now & then a suspected person was arrested, but, for want of sufficient proof, discharged." The Markham Gang was a wide ranging crime group of over a dozen men & a couple of women. Many of the convicted Markham Gang members were related, & those relationships would have facilitated recruitment in the gang. In the end some men would be sentenced to hang for vicious murders. Others like William Vanzant were sent to prison.

On 6 April, Mr. Witney arrested Oliver Badgerow, William Vanzant, John Fleming & James Green & charged them with larceny, & of possessing stolen goods & at the Toronto Assizes on Friday, 22 May, Spencer, Badgerow, Morden, Vanzant appeared before Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson. Daniel Spencer charged with stealing a cooking stove & then given it to Oliver & David Badgerow for disposal.

. The Nighswander Robbery: Oliver Badgerow & William Vanzant was brought before the court again charged with stealing 150 yards of cloth from John Nighswander’s fulling mill in January 1845. Witness Casper Stotts said 3 months after the robbery Vanzant’s wife told him her husband had stolen the cloth. In a conversation with Vanzant, the defendant had said that he hadn’t received his fair share of the money obtained from the sale of the cloth. Lorenzo White had assisted Vanzant in the robbery.

On Friday, 5 June, William Vanzant along with John Smith were found guilty of having burgled the home of George Smith on the first concession of Reach Township. The two stole dishes & a large quantity of pails & canisters from Smith.

Saturday, 6 June - Sentencing - In order to clear the Toronto jail, Chief Justice John Beverly Robinson had each of the guilty parties thus far in the Assizes brought before him for sentencing. Under cross-examination by Vanzant’s lawyer, J. H. Hagarty, Stotts confessed that the trousers he was wearing in court were made from the stolen cloth. He had obtained the trousers from Lorenzo White.

"The rules of the club were that we were to share & share alike, & it was understood that if any man turned, death should be his portion."

. Chief Justice Robinson handed out Vanzant an harsh sentence for 2 separate charges of theft. He was sentenced, on 6 June 1846, to 7 years hard labour in the penitentiary. The unfortunate wife, Sarah Stiles Vanzant was left with the 6 children alone, until William returned. They had one more child, Albert Vanzant.

1. Toronto Gaol, are to be found in the Ontario Archives; Jail Records, Toronto Jail, 1838-1848. Ref: RG-20-100-1. Microfilm; MS 2782.
2. All references to judges, lawyers & witnesses are to be found in the Ontario Archives; Court of the Queen’s Bench Assize Minute Books. Microfilm MS 530, reel 4.
Ref: Mayhem to Murder, The History of The Markham Gang, by Paul Arculus, 2003; &
3. Court reports at: An Interesting account of the organization & mode of operations of the celebrated horde of robbers known as the Markham Gang, 1846 (Canadiana Online, Archives of Canada.)

* 1851 Sep 30, Return of Convicts discharged from the Penitentiary, during the year ending 1851:
William Vanzant, Age 42 [= b. 1804 or if age 42 1804], Height 6ft. half inch, Complexion Fresh, Eyes Great, Hair Brown, Home District, Crime Larceny, Sentenced Jun 6, 1846, Term of 7 years, Discharged Jan 2 1851, Remarks pardoned.
. Disbursements at the Provincial Penitentiary:
. 1851 Jan 2, William Vanzant, Travelling Alliance, 17shillings 6pence.
Ref: Journal of Legislative Assembly of Province of Canada.

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

Birth:
Lot 29, Con 9, (Now part of Stouffville, Ontario)

Died:
Aged 86y 4m. d. old age.

Buried:
Beautiful red granite monument, Plot N20.1, Markham Twp.

William married Sarah STILES in 1830. Sarah was born in 1809 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; died in Dec 1862 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried in Dickson Hill Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. 1837 City of Toronto Home District Directory
John Vanzante, Lot 1, Con 4, Uxbridge
Wm. Vanzanate, Lota 2, Con 1, uxbridge..

. 1825 May 3rd, Markham, Matthew Endeli [Udell] married Mary Hamilton. Wit: John Vanzant & Betsey Stover. Marriage #157 by Rev. Wm Jenkins.

. 1817 Hope Township Census
John Vanzante, 1 Male, 1 Female & 3 Girls.

. 1821 Hope Township Census
John Vanatta (Vanzante), 1 Male, 1 Female, 1 Boy & 1 Girl.

. 1822 Hope Township Census
John Vanatta (Vanzante), 1 Male, 1 Female, 1 Boy & 1 Girl
1822 John Vint, 1 Male, 1 Female. [Handwritting? faint ink}
. 1823 Hope Township Census
John Vanzant, 1 Male, 1 Female, 1 Girl.

. 1836 Petition of John Vanzant & 74 others ( & dozen other petitions) praying that the road from Reesorville, Markham Twp., to Dundas St, east of City of Toronto, may be macadamized & tolls collected thereon.
Ref: Journal of the House of Assembly of Upper Canada, pub. 1836 Nov. 8.

. 1847 Jun 21 - Patent Fee Registration for Clergy Reserve EastHalf Lot 10, Con 6, 100 Acres, Uxbridge, purchased by John Vanzant. at £13.6.8.
Ref: UCLP Renewal of Leases 1815-1838, Film C2982 P958.
. 1881 York County Directory: Vanzant, John, Vanzant, Urias, Farmer, & Henry Vanzant, auctioneer.
Research & transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Birth:
(now Stouffville).

Died:
Aged 87y 2m.

Buried:
White sandstone piller with black urn on top.

John married Nancy AGNES STILES on 20 May 1828 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario. Nancy was born on 20 Apr 1814; died on 28 Jun 1892 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried in Dickson Hill Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Daughter of Garett Vanzant & Elizabeth Lewis. 

Died:
Aged 72y 8m 10d = 22 Apr 1809.

Buried:
Durham Co. Lettering clear monument repaired with 2 metal bands 2009..

Mary married James O DEGEER on 6 May 1845. James was born in Sep 1803 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; died on 1 Jun 1876 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried in Dickson Hill Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Samuel BRILLINGER. Samuel was born on 19 Mar 1804; died on 29 Sep 1861 in Durham Co., Ontario; was buried in Altona Mennonite Church. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sarah Vanzant married 27 Dec 1831, at Pickering, to Jacob Caster,
by Rev Wm. Jenkins,
Witnesses: Elijah Y Miller & Catherine Caster [ Jacob Castor ] - - -

Died:
Aged 73y 1m? 20d.

Buried:
Durahm Co.

Sarah married Jacob Kester CASTER on 27 Dec 1831 in Pickering Twp., Durham Co., Ontario. Jacob was born on 30 Jan 1808 in Pickering Twp., Durham Co., Ontario; died on 30 Jul 1867 in Uxbridge, Durham Co., Ontario; was buried in Glasgow North Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Witness:
Married by Rev. Jenkins, on 15 Mar 1837, Fredrik Johnston & Jane Kusterk.
Witnesses Almer Vanzant & Amie Johnston. Marriage #602 by Rev. Wm. Jenkins of Richmond Hill.

Recorded for further research:
. 1838, Decr 16th, Markham, Married by Rev. Wm. Jenskins, William Winch & Christeen Vantse. Witnesses: Henry Sholts & Mary Lightly.

. 1838 Dec 16th, Markham, Married by Rev. Wm. Jenskins, Henery Sholts & Mary Lighty.
Witnesses: William Winch & Christeen Vantsant.

. 1889 Apr 10, Wed. Unserved Credit Sale of farm stock, implements grain. roots, etc. belonging to Aylmer Vanzant, Lot 29, rear Con 9, Mark, James O'Brien, Auctioneer.
Ref: Stouffville Tribune newspaper.

. 1895 Mar 14 - Aylmer Vacant moved on Monday to his son-in-laws, J H Davis, 9th line Whitchurch.
Ref: Stouffville Tribune newspaper.

. 1978 Nov 23 - Two diaries in a barn. Today we saw a barn demolished on Airport property. Machines worth $175,000 had knocked it down in 7 minutes. Sifting through the debris, we discovered 2 diaries. They contained records of a previous owner, a gentleman by the ahem of Vanzant. One of the diaries was written on a piece of tin; another on a board. The tin notations were as follows:
. 1937 May 1, the first swallow came.
. 1933 May 6, The Dersey heifer to full.
. 1937 Apr 3, bought the Barney horse.
. 1939 bought the Black mare.
. 1939 Apr 4, seen a pluver.
. 1940 March 6, got white cow off Lunaw.

Our interest deeped. The Lunar mentioned was the father of John Lunau, curator of the Markham Museum. The diary written on a board was more historic. It read:
. 1896 Mar 28, First Robin.
. 1897 Mar 17, First Robin.
. 1898 Mar 16, first Robin.
. 1900 Mar 20, got coulter ploughshare, 10¢. Shoes set on horse, 65¢.
this was a man who, no doubt, was one of Markham's most ardent bird watchers. Oak, walnut, hickor y& maple trees have been left & will continue to testify to his love of nature. Years after this land was expropriated for an Airport, an enquiry is still underway to determine if the country needs it. did this man build this barn & the sit down & ask his family & neighbors if he needed it? Not very likely. The recorded items really spurred our imagination like: How many more records were buried in the debris? did the Black mare ever get the colic? Did the Dersey heifer become pregnant? When did the first robin return in 1899? How did the White cow do that was purchased from Lunau?
All is now quiet. The high prices machinery has left eh scene, having done its level best. Descendants of those 1898 robins can be observed making their way South. 80 years have not changed their appearance & Habits. We felt a if we had spend an afternoon with Mr. Vanzant. It was a pleasure.
Ref: Stouffville Tribune newspaper.

. 2011 Mar 10 - Community: Vanzant House on land expropriate for airport
Dilapidated Reesor Rd. heritage house to be razed.
A heritage dwelling at 11206 Reesor Road, just south of Stouffville, is poised to be destroyed after the Town of Markham's development services committee voted reluctantly to support a demolition application. The existing 1.5 story frame dwelling is owned by Transport Canada & located in the Pickering Airport Lands. It's located near Bushwood Golf Club.
the house, but in the Gothic Revival style, is severely deterred & has been vacant for a number of years. identified as the Vanzant House, it was constructed circa 1834 for Aylmer Vanzant & his wife Sarah Wideman. The underlying construction is plank-on-plank with the upper story raised with conventional framing in the 1870s.
Transport Canada originally proposed demolition of the house in 1996, but didn't purse it aft the issue was reviewed by Heritage Markham. The house was instead boarded up & left vacant & Transport Canada is seeking demolition now due to its poor condition. The house is too far gone & can't be repaired at this point, said Markham Commission Jim Baird. Town staff is recommending that Transport Canada be reminded again of Markham council's desire to have heritage buildings on the Pickering airport Lands repaired, maintained & re-tenanted to preserve local heritage resources, as opposed to abandonment, boarding & neglect of them.
Re: Stouffville Sun-Tribune newspaper.
Note: According to various protest groups, the deterioration of the great many Pickering Airport lands is a deliberate policy to let the wood/brick houses & land go untended. As of 2017 no airport has actually been envisioned by the federal government. - PJA.

Transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -- - -

Birth:
9th Con., Lot 29

Died:
Lot 29, Con 9. COD: Complications of a broken femur.

Buried:
Plot N17.1

Almer married Sarah Rebecca WIDEMAN on 7 Dec 1838 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario. Sarah was born on 5 Feb 1821 in Ontario, Canada; died on 7 Nov 1874 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried in Dickson Hill Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nancy is the daughter of Elizabeth Lewis & Garret Wm Vanzant.

William Edward NOBLE, married March 4, 1850 in York, Ontario, Canada .

. 1836 Sep 20th, Markham, David Boyer married Madaline Brown, Wit: Daniel ate & Nancy Vanzant. Marriage #574 by Rev. Wm. Jenkins of Richmond Hill.

. 1850 Mar 4, William Noble, age 29 1/ 1821 Mariposa, ON., published marriage bands, with Nancy &ante, age 33, /1817 Markham, ON.
Wit: Ellen Holden and Stephen King.
Ref: District Marriage Registers, Home District, Ontario. - - -

Birth:
Alt DOB 1821. (now Stouffville, ON.)

Died:
Monument & Cemetery records at odds.

Buried:
Summit corners, Wisconsin, Plot 106, Grave 2.

Nancy married William Edward NOBLE on 4 Mar 1850 in Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario. William was born on 19 Feb 1821 in Mariposa, Simcoe Co., Ontario; died on 26 Sep 1902 in Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., Wisconsin; was buried in Summit Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. 1839 Jun 2, Markham, Henry Vanzant, married Margaret Yakes.
Wit: John Yakes & Susan Castor. Marriage #730 by Rev. Wm. Jenkins of Richmond Hill.
Ref: District Marriage Registers, Home District, Ontario.

Wife is Margarite Yake, Oct 12, 1821 Markham & died Feb 11 1905, Howland, Manitoulin, Ontario.

. Tavernkeeper license, Uxbridge Township, H. Vanzant, £5.

. 1861 Census Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario
Henry Vanvzanty Lot 13, Con 2, 50 Acres,
Daniel Vanzanty, Lot 13, Con 2, 100 Acres.

. 1869 County of Ontario Directory: Uxbridge Township
Vanzant, Henry, Hotel Keeper, 4 sw pt 1 tenant.

. 1877 Nov 2, Manitoulin Island (Correspondence of the Collingwood Bulletin)
Manitouwaning, Oct 20. The crops in this locality have been remarkably good this season. Wheat is turning out from 25 to 40 bushels per acres. some of the farmers who have already threshed will be interesting to your readers: Mr. Herny Vanzant, formerly of Collingwood, had a field of Egyptian wheat which turned out 40 bushels to the acre; there are others too numbs to mention who have obtained from 25 to 30 bushels per acres. There are now 2 threshing machines busily engaged threshing out.

. 1898 Jun 24 -Manitowaning Agency, Application of Henry Vanzant to purchase Lot 19, Con 4, Sheguiandah Twp., Manitoulin Island.
Dr Sir, Yours of the 4 Ins. Received last Monday with regard to Lot 19 Con 4, Sheguiandah & beg to report as follows after examination & careful inquiries from a reliable person wholes in the neighborhood, nearly half the lot is base rock, the balance is shallow with about 6 or 8 inches of soil on it. It has been robbed of nearly all the timer there is about 10 acres cleared & was fenced but the fence has been taken away by some person 7 is common it has not been occupied for a number of years. There is no standing timer on it except poplar, therefore it is not very valuable, Yours truly, Sam W North, Forest Bailiff.

. 1898 June 25-28. Manitowaning Agency, Application of Henry Vanzant to purchase Lot 19, Con 4, Sheguiandah Twp.
Dept of Indian Affairs, Manitowaning, Lot 19, Con 4 Sheguiandah Twp. Manitoulin Island.
Ref: Archives of Canada.

. 1903 Jun 30, Report to Dept. of Indian Affairs
Payments of town plot of Manitowamning land: Henry Vanzant, $88.
Ref: Library & Acrhives of Canada.

- - -

Birth:
Ref: Census 1901.

Died:
Died of old age.

Notes:

Hannah is the daughter of Elizabeth Lewis & Garrett Wm. Vanzant.
Hannah Vanzant married John Hill. - - -