Dr. William Canniff Papers

1. Mrs Bogart - Mary Lazier age 92 on 10th 1864, New Jersey (7 pages)
   
2. Mrs Elizabeth Walter Ross born in Kingston 1803
   
3. Thomas Goldsmith - Born in York State, Ulster Co, Montgomery town
   
4. Susannah Dame born Lucas born in 1800 at Fredericksburgh
5. Mrs Maybee remembers meeting Capt Myers
6. Geo Taylor aged 49, Sheriff Co Hastings, born in Belleville
7. Joseph Canniff aged 66 born in Adolphustown
8. Mrs Maybee again
   
9. Elisha Sills
   
10. Patty Martha Dorland Casey, Aged 80 born in Dutchess Co. Nine Partners

[page 1]

Mrs Bogart - Mary Lazier age 92 on 10th 1864, New Jersey or as she said the “Jorsies”

on the 14th Oct 1864 I took express about noon for Napanee. Arrived there some 20 minutes after one. To Dr Grange’s after some waiting and searching, I met him at his door. After some delay I set out with Dr G for Hay Bay, he kindly offering to take me. It was perhaps 2 ½ where we started passing up the street toward the bridge, and under the very beautiful railway viaduct with its graceful arches and abutments. We cross the river, ascend the hill partway turn to the right across the railway track on a bridge. The town is to our right which we half encircle before we are actually with our backs to it. Our road is along the bank of the Napanee River which after it tumbles over the falls, of some 30 feet, I believe runs along in an imperceptable stream in a seemingly muddy bed. I am told that the steamboats could ascend to Napanee. The large schooners do come up for lumber, etc. As we leave the town there is on our left the mansion & beautiful grounds of what was once the abode of Mr Campbell, whose father was an early settler on Hay Bay. The view from here is very fine as well as from many other points in and about Napanee. On the western side of the river is a rocky hill which gives the whole place a picturesque appearance. As we pass along toward the mouth of the river it is seen to widen, and finally it terminates in Mohawk Bay which is an indentation of Hay Bay Quinte, so called from its contiguity to the Mohawk tract of Reserved land - the Township of Tyendinaga

[reverse of page 1]

The land along here although pretty good farming land is not so attractive in beauty; but the water view gradually increased in interest. The road does not lie all the way close to the river; indeed it could not as the land is low and marshy. When the Mohawk Bay is reached the road has ascended somewhat and Mill Point opposite. Bay of Quinte up toward Belleville, Capt John Island, By Island etc present a very pleasing picture. Following the shore we turn to the left and ascend the higher part of the land which from the Bay presents a lovely appearance and which would be a suitable location as far as a bay view is concerned for an old castle, or a new. On the summit of this land we at once have the view of the bay extended and the beauty increased: for beyond to the south west is the commencement of the high shore. As far as the road continues on the summit of the shore the beauty continues equally fine though constantly being varied. The road turned to the left for a while and again the road turned to the shore which is ever kept in view till we then cross the very end of the peninsula which lies between Hay Bay and the Mohawk and Napanee River then passing Clarks ferry we obtain shortly a glance down the bay and up toward Picton. Coming in sight of Hay Bay we can look beyond it to Trumpours Point and the little bay beyond it. We have now reached our place of destination, Mr Nicholas Bogart where resides his mother the person to see when the journey is made. It is now past sun down[.] I had

[page 2]

3)  watched the sun sink in its brilliant golden sea over the “high shore”, and on the clear blue waters of [the] bay come a darker shade while the trees took a deeper brown. The Hay Bay is almost classic in its interest. But what made it just here by Mr Bogarts and Germans to the west and Coles to the east was the recollection of the terrible accident which, although long ago is still so vividly remembered, occurred to a row boat on a bright sunny Sunday morning, when a load of 18 were going across to Quarterly Meeting. The boat started from Coles and to him it belonged. The boat was sound and tight enough at the bottom. But the number in so weighed it down that the water came in where the seams had separated from the edge of the sides. (so tells me Mr Nicholas) Bogart. The bailing dish was lost overboard. When the men saw the water was pouring in they all jumped out to swim and lighten the boat whereupon the women were excessively frightened and jumped up the boat lurched and the water which had already run in assisted to bury the sides under the water so that they all were precipitated in the abyss. These names call toward the old religion about “Matilda Ann John & Jane German[,] Peter Bogart also”[.] Poor Peter was drowned. The spot where the boat went down is directly opposite. The increasing shades of night, and the silver light of the river streaming over the rippling waves begat feelings of sadness. The silvery rippling wave has

[reverse of page 2]

4)  often held requiem along the shore where repose the bodies, in a long row. Mr Bogart entertains us at tea after which as well as a for a short tour before I hold converse? with the old lady. I convey how we pass up to the Hay Bay a few miles. The moonlight view is fine. The two islands rest in a sea of silvery white, beyond is indistinct shores. Our journey was a little tedious and cold. Back to Napanee about half past 11 on freight train, left at about one home in the morning at 3 ½.

Mrs Bogart although in 95th year is comparatively hale but the head begins to shake with age. She is a short sized person. Possesses nearly all her faculties. Had sore eyes when young and got spectacles but for 30 years her eyesight has remained the same. The spectacles she has on has worn that time. Hearing good.

Came into Canada when about 20 years of age (or 1792) from Johon? Sloal? N.J. was born there, and her father Nicholas Lazier before her (in 1742 by Bible) and he died in 1829. His wife was born (I am not sure whether this is Lazier or Bogart  W.C.)

Mrs Bogarts father, Mr Lazier, came in with the whole of his family consisting of wife 7 boys & 2 girls. They started in the fall were a month on the road. At Schnectady detained about a week until they built a batteaux. The family had a supply of provisions to last the journey, They also had a lot of kettles for making sugar, they had heard that plenty could be made in

[page 3]

Mrs Bogart

[page 5]

Sept 6th 1864  Mrs Elizabeth Walter Ross born in Kingston 1803

Fathers name was Frances Boselly, a Lower Canadian. Mothers maiden name was Mary Howell was born in Penn. Her father, an Englishman by birth, came to Penn after marrying. Was there during a part or whole of the Rev war. Took part in it, was a spie. Had 4 or 5 horses shot under him. Returned to England, forgets the year. Came to Canada when daughter Mary was about 14. He tarried at Kingston. Then lived at Fort George, Lake Erie. He died during war of 1812. Has early recollections of Kingston. At first the principal business was done near the old Fort, which the French built. Remembers playing on it Remembers going raspberrying in the woods where now stands Fort Henry and also Frederick. Saw the American Fleet in 1812. Lived one street from Water Street, went with mother where could see the firing. A carter was passing with ammunition told them they were in danger. There was not much firing. They might have taken Kingston, indeed where K now is. Lot 24 is now all woods.

Herchimers nose - Point so called because the rocky point of land sticking out bears a resemblance to a mans nose.

[reverse of page 5]

Sept 1864  Looking at the patent deed  of lot 18 where the Methodist Chapel was first built. “Grant Wm Ross Half an acre in Belleville in the Midland District. Recorded 7th January 1819.”

In the margin is “Entered with the auditor 31st Dec 1819” By that it would seem that the application was made in the latter part of 1818.

The second deed conveying half of this lot to Joshua Turnbull. “William Ross to John Turnbull ¼ acre 1824[“]

A third deed conveying the same lot back to Wm Ross by Turnbull “Indenture 14 June 1831 between John Turnbull & Wm Ross. This was the time probably when the second chapel was begun.

The Hastings Chronicle then called Victoria Chronicle was established in 1841 by S. M. Washburn and Sutton who removed from Brockville. Shttp://www.tosc.it/tickets.htm?affiliate=T2C&sort_by=event_datum&sort_direction=asc&fun=erdetail&doc=erdetaila&erid=912678&language=enutton remained about two years and then gave up the business altogether. Washburn continued until 1849 when sold to Elliles[?]

[page 6]

Thomas Goldsmith - Born in York State, Ulster Co, Montgomery town.

Came to Canada 1786 landing at Kingston June 24th. Settled in Adolphustown but soon after removed to Hallowell where he received a grant of four hundred acres of land in the 1st Con about WMG? on which he lived and died aged 90 years.

Route to Canada was up the Mohawk River out Wood Creek and through Nida Lake [Oneida] and then following the Oswego to the shore of Lake Ontario over which they passed to Kingston. While Thomas attempted to drive some cattle through the woods to Cape Vincent being pilotted by a friendly indian. In this he suffered almost every privation hunger fatigue exposure etc. Resting in the ordinary way one night with his head slightly by the root of tree and sleeping very soundly from the fatigue and benumbed from exposure he did not notice the rapidly descending rain which raised the water on the ground till his body was quite covered producing an effect upon his system from which he often said “he was carrying to his grave”.

The part in the service was not immediate that is he was not in the ranks but was rather employed as a spy and his most active service was then carrying information from Gen Burgoyne. He frequently passed the guards of the Continental Army and often after a close search but succeeded in evading detection.

Losses sustained by the war -- Owned one thousand acres of land on which was a flouring mill and two run of stone and a sailing boat launched but not entirely fitted, for the West india trade. The boat was a dead loss to the amount of its value. All the produce of the farm was every year confiscated and paid for in Continental. Cattle and horses were also taken in the same way. All the malleable iron was likewise taken from wagons and mill to make a chain to span the Hudson to prevent boats from sailing up. His neighbours were nearly all strong Congress men and looked upon him with

[reverse of page 6]

a great deal of hatred and catching him out caught him and covered him, horse and saddle with tar and feathers. The farm was sold for a very trifle taking for it Continental money and the few cattle which he attempted to drive to Canada. This money perished in his hands and bringing cattle in an unsettled and uncleared country they are starved to death but one heifer and a pair of oxen.

The main support for the family consisting of four was the little milk given by the heifer. Leeks buds of trees and other leaves were added to the milk to form soup. Fish were in abundance. A barrel of bran served a good purpose for making a kind of cake for a change and to be used on special occasions.

A small log shanty covered with boughs formed the only shelter on the place. David Conger came with the family Thomas being occupied with the cattle.

The above is Stephen Goldsmith’s account of his father Thomas. Stephen is now 86 years old.

[signed] PD Goldsmith

[Note: The Goldsmith account is written in a different hand from that of Canniff and presumably was written by PD Goldsmith.]

[page 7]

Susannah Dame born Lucas born in 1800 at Fredericksburgh, near 2nd town. Father’s name was George, who was born, thinks, in Sandy Hook. Came to Canada with his mother, when 8 month old at the commencement of the Rev war; who escaped from the ruffian rebels with three children. The eldest was left behind in the army (who never came in). She walked most of the way carrying the baby 8 months old. Her feet were so blistered that she that she could hardly walk. (Her maiden name was Swaddle). Her father died about 15 months ago being 73 years old.

The narrator’s grandmother, the one who walked in, before leaving, hid her dishes and pewter plates, them much in use, in the cellar, hoping she might some day regain them which hope was never realized.

The rebels came and drove away all the cattle, horses etc.. Destroyed everything they could not take. She managed to save a good deal of jewelry and fine pieces, which the narrator often saw consisting of gold beads, earrings & rings. These were very valuable.

Her grandfather was in the army until the war closed, when he joined his family in Canada and drew land in 3rd town. Died 5 years after he came in.

The eldest daughter who accompanied her mother in walking had some courage and when the Rebels entered the house fought like a hero to put them out. There was beautiful powder horn belonging to her father, which one of them had got and was going to carry away, but the daughter attacked him and actually took it from him. After the grandfather died the widow married a Bronson, a U.E.L.

The mother of the narrator lived at West Lake, near the Carrying Place. They at first had to go to Kingston to mill by boats down the Bay. They had plenty to eat of Salmon & potatoes, when the 5th towners were almost starving. (Probably the scarce year WC) The narrator heard it spoken of as a famine. They on their way for Kingston with grist were begged to give the people of 5th town some bran. Afterwards, when these people saw better days were on a certain occasion a little insolent a Scotchman (who I suppose had done something for them WC) called them “bran bellies”.

Mrs Dame came to Belleville to live in 1820, was there married to Aaron Dame. One street in Belleville no fences, 3 stores & a tavern. Capt. Myers had a little store in the red building by the mill. Wallbridge had a few goods & Wm Zurck. Son of the one who owned the island for several years was to church only a few times. Methodist, preaching occasionally in a little school house on Church St below Bridge St  on East side. There was the 11 or 12 members.

When first came to Belleville lived on the east bank of river. The Indians often encamped above and below. I saw them before their conversion and after and marked the great change in them. They would get most valuable

[reverse of page 7]

presents, things they could not use, as been given brass kettles etc. After getting these they would drink incessantly until all were gone. while under the influence of liquor would give anything for drink, a gun for a half pint of whiskey.

These gifts were sent up to Belleville and given out. When the Indians began to spree one would be appointed to keep sober and he would put away everything that might be used amiss, tomahawks & ammunition & c were all hidden.  Has often seen John Lunde? stretched drunk. He was married when he was converted. The Massassagua would not steal before conversion, morals were pretty good.

An Indian was drowned when drunk. The narrator seeing him said it was wrong to drink and that was the result. One which stretched his neck and observed that it served the indian right he ought to know better and would next time.

The Mohawk and Massassagua were formerly often at bitter war. Tobias Bleeker told her he saw a roll of birch bark which recorded peaceful events in the history of the Massassagua and principal wars. Among these was account of a bloody battle on Zwick’s Island and a bloody war on an island near the Trent. It was determined fighting. The two parties would go on the island and shove away the canoes and fight as long as there was a combatant. There is yet a hatred between the Mohawks and the Massassagua and no greater offence can be committed then to ask one by mistake if he belongs to the other tribe. The Indians were converted in 1825 or 6.

[page 8]

June 23/64  Geo Taylor  aged 49 Sheriff Co Hastings, born in Belleville

Fathers name was John Taylor, thinks he was born on the Hudson may have been born in Scotland. His father and mother  were both Scotch. Was 14 years old when the Revolutionary war commenced. His two brothers were officers in the British Army. They acted as spies for Burgoyne, both were caught and executed “one on one side of the river the other the opposite one was hanged to an apple tree the other oak tree” at different times. (The Hudson river is referred to I suppose  W.C.) John Taylor was left at home with his widowed mother, Kinderhook. He was however taken by a press gang  of Burgoynes Army when at the plow. His mother didn’t know it; and was under the impression that the indians had taken him. She did not know where he was, indeed thought him dead until the close of the war. Taylor was in the army for 7 years. Was in many engagements. Had 3 wounds at least, one in the calf of the leg right, caused by sabre, one through the left arm, ball. At the close of the war came to Canada by way of New Brunswick, walked on snow shoes from St Johns to Sorel, 4 others started with him, 3 of whom perished by the way. They all had nearly perished from the cold and hungry. Killed and ate their dogs. Got his discharge at Sorel. This Sherrif T has (copy). Taylor would not draw land in Lower Canada which government wanted him to do.

So came to Upper Canada in 1783. He walked from Cataraqui (Kingston) accompanied by one William McMullen on horseback. They followed the beach along the bay all the way in and out of small bays, and up streams until they could cross it. Had some trouble at Salmon river. He went up the Moira, and located a little above Reeds, but after being there some months, perhaps nearly a year, the Indians in coming down, drove him away saying the river was theirs for hunting and fishing. Taylor then settled in the 4th concession on the homestead farm which he drew land here several years. He then bought 200 acres of Capt Singleton lot no 5. Don’t remember how much he paid for it but sold the rear half for $1000 to Capt Myers. He bought the right to the land and got the patent deed. About this time the Chisholms settled in Sidney on the “Spencer Place”. Thinks Capt Singleton came in the same year. (Taylor may have been in the neighbourhood before for Singleton came for a time; but he could not have been in Belleville before him  as he bought the land from him. W.C.)  

John Taylor married here a Miss Russell whose father was a U.E. Loyalist. Had 8 children, 5 of whom  grew up. Two or 5 years after he came in went to see or get his mother whom he had not seen since he was pressed. He also went about this time to Albany for seed potatoes, crossed the end of the Lake in a canoe, probably went up the Black river. His mother, thinking that all her children were dead, had sold the farm, and had thereby escaped confiscation. John Taylor would not sign off. It is supposed he might as heir at law, claimed the farm, a valuable one, after the declaration of peace; but he would not. The reason may have been that he would not live under the Yankee flag. He detested everything American he had suffered so much from them. His mother came to Canada with him from Kinderhook, and died upwards of 90 and was buried in the family burying ground (probably the first W.C.) Taylor might have drawn a pension but did not. E Murney said he could get it

[reverse page 8]

2

for him, but he would not let him. Peter Merrits grandfather was Taylors comrade in the same regiment and also D.B. Sales father. John Taylor died in 1829 buried in churchyard.

Belleville was surveyed in 1816 by Wilmot. The townships had formerly been surveyed by Smith, Wilmot was assisted only by indians, and could dishonestly if he wished without being then detected. It would seem that he did so. Coleman who had bought property on the west side of the river his line ran along the east shore, taking a little of the island at the bend. He gave surveyor Wilmot several parties and made himself otherwise agreeable, and the result was that Wilmot  in coming to survey 9th town, Thurlow, removed the stake, planted by the previous surveyor Smith, 2 chains and  some links further east, the effect of this was that when lot no 3 belonging to Coleman was surveyed, he came in possession of a nice strip of land on the east shore of river where is now the heart of the town. Lot no 4 reserved for the town was also laid out; but when he came to lot no 5 belonging to Tailor he allowed the stake planted  by Smith on the east side to remain, having moved the one of the west, to the same distance he had the first. The result of this is that John Taylor was robbed of a strip of his land. Not many years ago when the sheriff was getting his land laid out into town lots the discovery was made. Much of the property had been held for more than 20 years and was consequently lost to Taylor, he received a few lots. Coleman having been possession of the valuable strip on the west side of Front Street more than 20 years, it could not be taken from him. The above facts were fully exposed at before the court in Belleville by several parties on oaths.

The following is copied from the Hastings Chronicle Nov 13th 1861

A spy of the Revolution. In the year 1776, where Governor Clinton resided in Albany, there came a stranger to his house one cold wintery morning, soon after the family had breakfasted. He was welcomed by the household, and hospitably entertained. A breakfast was ordered, and the Governor with his wife and daughter employed in knitting, was sitting before the fire and entered into conversation with him about the affairs of the country, which naturally led to the inquiry of what was his occupation. The caution and hesitance with which the speaker spoke  aroused the keen sighted Clinton. He communicated his suspicion  to his wife and daughter, who closely watched his every word and action. Unconscious of this, but finding that he had fallen among enemies, the stranger was seen to take something from his pocket and swallow it. Meantime, Madam Clinton, with the ready tact of women of those troublous times, was quickly into the kitchen and ordered coffee to be immediately made, and added to it a strong dose of tartar emetic. The stranger, delighted with the smoking beverage, partook freely of it, and Mrs Clinton soon had the satisfaction of seeing it produce the desired result. True to scripture, out of his

4/    Paddy Dorland

Fish Lake is so called from the large number of fish which was found there during the hard summer. The lake was alive with them, and hundreds were thereby kept from starving. Remembers a piece of rye in her fathers fold which being on the sunny side of a ridge ripened early. The neighbours came from far and near to cut some, saw them there cutting as thick as stumps. Was all taken before the grain was fully ripe elsewhere. That year her father raised a barn. The boards for it were sawn with a whip saw. At the raising nothing to eat, but they were treated with egg nog; saw her mother break up a heapen pail full which she had saved for that purpose.

Major Vanalstine was their nearest neighbour. He had 2 sons and one daughter. Remembers when he built the stone mill. Thomas Dorland (her husband suppose W.C.) was settled when father came. Moved in 1804 to Gilbert Dorlands. But one house, then in Picton, on each side of the bridge. But few had settled along the Lake. Knew Dr Dougall who died soon after she came here. After that, with the exception of

[page 12]

5/    Paddy Dorland

Dr Stickny, there was no doct until Kingston. Remembers when the York road ran along the back there, The York road was originally called the Danforth road after the man who constructed it. When came here there was no house till Consecon.

The 5th towners was a company that came out late from England. Were called the late Loyalists.

In the war of 1812 saw the prisoners on their way from Detroit to Quebec. Some stayed there. They asked for milk (doubling up) she said. Yes they should have it. She fed those who had taken them. There were 100 men staying every 2nd night. The officers in the house, the men in the barn. Food many officers.

the British and American fleet met on the Lake not far off. Heard the firing, but they kept a-part. Dr Dorland says there was an understanding between the 2 commanders to sail up and down the lake so as not to meet. They met on Wolfe Island  and arranged. Although Lossing describes it as a great battle. Dr D also says that my grandfather was not entitled to draw land  although he did.

Father had 7 children. Those who did not come in at a certain time were not U.E.L. But some of them drew family land which was 100 and each child 50.

Was shown some old papers “Continental Money” money - one was from the Province of New Jersey one of New York

[reverse of page 12]

6/   Patty Dorland

on one was “Three pounds no 5364 By a law of the Colony of New York this bill shall be received in all payments in the Treasury for Three Pounds  New York February 16, 1761” (signed) S Verplanck(?) It is on paper very thin and torn in two parts. But the following is on thick paper.

Thirty Shillings (no)  

This Bill by Law shall pay current in New Jersey, for four ounces seven - pennyweight and twelve grains of plate

signed Narell Boman, S Smith

On the reverse is Woodbridge in New Jersey. Printed by James Parker. At the top is “To counterfeit this bill is death” There is also the same warning on the New York bill.

Tells of a fight among the first settlers a few years after 1st came. A story go around that the Iindians were going to attack them. The Indians perfectly innocent saw with surprise certain occult movements on the part of the settlers and in turn were frightened. It was a false rumour. (Telling Patty about the occasion when John Taylor was obliged to leave his settlement on Moira river, she thought that very likely it all arose out of that.)