Roszel Family. The founder of this family in Canada was Chas. Roszel, who came from New York State about 1800, and set. on a farm on the Sixteen road in Gainsboro Tp., about two miles from Smithsville, where some of the descendants still live. Five of his sons served in the war of 1812, and were in General Brock's command, but escaped without wounds.

Nathaniel, Eldrich and George were given grants in Erin Tp. for their services, getting 100 acres each on payment of $26 to defray expenses of deeds etc. George and Nathaniel were to receive lot 2, con. 6, but the deeds by mistake were drawn for lot 1, con. 7.

In November 1820 George and Nathaniel came to Erin Tp., but George did not like the country, so sold his 100 acres, east half, lot 1, con. 7, to Nathaniel, who stayed there. The journey was a hard one, as they had to cut their way in from Georgetown, and the difficulties of the trip can be judged by the fact that the path they cut to their locations was nine miles in length, and the journey now is made in six. They brought horses with them, but finding them of little service, Nathaniel sent his home with George, and they were returned to him later; these were probably the first horses in the township.

Eldrich Roszel came to Erin Tp. in the spring of 1821, and set. on his grant, the west half, lot 2, con. 7.

Nathaniel was b. July 3, 1778, and came with his parents to Gainsboro Tp. He served in the war of 1812, and was in the battles of Queenston Heights, and Lundy's Lane, where he waded through blood to his shoe tops. In the fall of 1820 he set. on the land grant which he received for his services. He was the first settler in the township of Erin. He used to clear 8 acres of land every winter, and was conscientious and a hard worker. In the early days he took his grist to Jones' mill on the sixth line of Esquesing. He was a Methodist, and his house was headquarters for the ministers in the early days, and he gave ground for the church and cemetery. He was a Reformer in politics, and in the first elections, went all the way to Palermo to vote the freehold ticket. He m. on Oct. 25th, 1809, Christeen Felker, who d. on Oct. 10, 1812. On Jan. 10th, 1813, he m. Hannah Fowler. Issue: Charles P., Carrick Tp.; Jacob, b. and d. in 1812; Jane, b. 1814, m. John Sharp, of Acton; James, b. 1815, set. Hatchley; Ann, b. 1816, m. Thomas Ismound, Erin Tp.; Joseph, b. 1818, set. Elma Tp.; Hannah, b. 1819 (d. infancy); Martha, b. 1820, m. George Havens, Erin Tp.; Benjamin, b. Nov. 11, 1821, was the first white child b. in Wellington Co.; Solomon, b. 1824, Erin; Christeen, b. 1826, m. William Sayers, Erin Tp.; Stephen, b. 1829, Erin Tp.; Nathaniel, b. 1834, (d. infancy); George, Wilson, b. 1835 (d. infancy; and Wilson, b. 1839, (d. infancy); George, b. 1832, occupies a part of the homestead. He m. Alice Vanatter of Erin Tp. Issue: Mrs. E Hilts, Norval; Sarah, (d. 24), Mrs. Comfort Thompson, Hiram and Elijah (d. infancy), Mrs. Robert Wood, and Ira, Erin Tp.

Benjamin Roszel, who was the first white child b. in Wellington Co., was b. in Erin Tp., in 1821, on lot 1, con. 6, and practically passed his life in that Tp. He never sought or held municipal office, and was very much respected. He was a member of the Methodist church, and a Liberal in politics. He m. Elizabeth O'Reilly, who d. at the age of 66, while he d. at 76. Issue: George A., Charles H., m. Hannah Awrey, set Erin; John H., m. Isabella Tolton, set. Erin; Mrs. Wm. Mooney, William J., m. Margaret Aitcheson, set. Erin; Mrs. Duncan McArthur, Mich; and Benjamin, who first m. Miss King, and second Annie Whiteside, and set. Erin.

George A., was b. and brought up in Erin. He owns 150 acres, lot 23, con. 7, Eramosa, upon which he resides, and also 50 acres, lot 21, Erin. He carries on mixed farming, and has acquired his property by his own exertions. He is a Presbyterian and a Liberal. He m. Catharine Howe. Issue: Mary E., William H., John E., Charles, George, Howard, James, Irvin, Mary P., and Herman.