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Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Posted: 14 Jul 2003 10:33PM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Flewelling/Murray
Scots Loyalists Who Came to Tryon County, NY in 1773

These names are derived from abstracts of Loyalist Claims as in, Second Report of the Bureau of Archives for the Province of Ontario, by Alexander Fraser, Provincial Archivist, 1904. Printed by Order of The Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Toronto: L.K. Cameron, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1905. This book was reprinted in 1994 by the Genealogical Publishing Co. of Baltimore, MD.
These abstracts are reproduced at:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyherkim/regiments/loyalistclaims.h...
A search of this site shows that a number of Scots arrived in North America in 1773, to settle on Sir John Johnson’s lands in Northern New York; particularly what was then Tyron Co., and it is very probable (and there are hints to this effect), that most were recruited as settlers by Johnson.
While, in general, only those arriving in 1773 are noted, there were some others arriving in 1772 and 1774, suggesting a long-term recruitment of settlers from Scotland. Most, however, arrived in 1773, suggesting a group immigration. Johnson, (although b. County Meath, Ireland) was a bearer of a surname of some significance in the Border Country, and could probably prevail upon these Scots (whose sense of loyalty to the ‘Laird’, would be a matter of honour and tradition), to join Loyalist regiments; particularly his own and the 84th Emigrant Highlanders. Noting, where indicated, the regiments in which these Loyalists served supports that concept; and the Scottish notion of Johnson as the local ‘Laird’. Sir John Johnson’s Regiment and the King’s Royal Regiment of New York (the ‘Royal Yorkers’, ‘Royal Greens’, ‘Johnson’s Greens’ and ‘Sir John’s Corps’, were the same unit.) Butler’s Rangers was formed from men of this Regiment.
The McDonell’s, of whom there are many, would be attracted to the 84th which was officered by many of their clansmen (McDonald’s/McDonell’s); possibly even kinsmen.
That many of these people knew each other is evident as they are witnesses to each other’s claims.
It may be well worth perusing a web site on Sgt Donald Ban Mor McGillis at:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/rominator/DonaldBanMor.html
by Clarence A. Kipling, 21JUL2000. The maiden name of ‘Big Fair’ Donald’s wife, Mary McDonell, suggests his reasons for emigrating. In SEPT1773, Donald and Mary came to North America aboard the naval frigate, ‘Pearl’. This was part of a migration led by brothers, John of Leek, Sir William and Allan (of Cullachy) McDonell, and their cousin, Col. ‘Spanish’ John McDonell (a Jacobite of some renown, and later an officer of the Kings’ Royal Regiment of New York.) Donald settled on Sir John Johnson’s land, was to join the Kings’ Royal Regiment of New York. On the ship was also Alexander McDonell of Aberchalder and several hundred (425 according to one statement) highlanders. The ‘Pearl’ was taking on passengers in Fort William, Scotland in AUG1773, sailed in September and arrived in New York City 18OCT1773.
Another family on the ‘Pearl’ was that of Thomas Taylor and Isabella Ross, settling on Sir William Johnston’s land, also in the Kings’ Royal Regiment of New York. See web site at:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~guppyross/rosstt.ht...
Thomas Taylor Ross and Isabella Family Collection, Don and Jeanne Ross, undated.
These examples indicate that the above list does not include all Scots to the area in 1773, in fact, probably only a fraction of them. This suggests a massive and concerted effort at settlement by persons not strangers to each other before 1773.
Another family aboard the ‘Pearl’, (although it is referred to as the ‘SS Pearl’ (steamship ’Pearl’) so the reliability of that particular site is in question), was that of Capt. Simon Fraser of Culbokie and Isabel Grant of Duldreggan; parents of the famous Canadian explorer, Simon Fraser. Formerly with the Glengarry Fencibles, Capt. Simon Fraser also served with the Kings’ Royal Regiment of New York.
It would seem that here is a tale of epic proportions.

Thomas A. Murray


name surname unit/comments
Angus Bethune Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
John Cameron Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
John Cameron Scout, secret service (spy?), son in Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
John Cameron (recently died (between 1783-28JAN1788), widow, Ann) Sir John Johnson’s Regiment, 1st Battalion
Alexander Chisholm
Alexander Grant Kings’ Royal Regiment of New York
Donald Grant 1st Battalion, Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
Finlay Grant (arrived America 14 years ago, ca. 1773-4?)
Alexander McDonell 85th Regiment (probably means 84th Emigrant Highlanders)
Alexander McDonell (arrived 15 years ago, ca. 1774-5?), Sir John Johnson’s Regiment, 1st Battalion
Angus McDonell 84th Emigrant Highlanders
Cpl. Donald McDonell (s/o the late Alexander McDonell d. 19DEC1787, 84th Emigrant Highlanders), 84th Emigrant Highlanders
John McDonell (eldest s/o the late Alexander McDonell d. 19DEC1787, 84th Emigrant Highlanders), 84th Emigrant Highlanders
John McDonell 84th Emigrant Highlanders
Kenneth McDonell 84th Emigrant Highlanders
Roderick McDonell (arrived 15 years ago, ca. 1774-5?)
Ronald McDonell 84th Emigrant Highlanders
John McDonell, Sr. (arrived America 14 years ago; presumably claim dated 12NOV1789?, therefore arrived ca. 1774-5?), 84th Emigrant Highlanders
Alexander McDonnell 84th Emigrant Highlanders
John McDonnell
John McIntosh 84th Emigrant Highlanders
John McKay of Harpersfield, Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
Duncan McKenzie (1774/5, s/o John McKenzie) of Harpersfield, Sir John Johnson’s Regiment, 1st Battalion
Donald McLean Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
Sgt. Murdoch McLean Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
John McLennan
William McLeod Sir John Johnson’s Corps
John McMartin Engineer’s Department
Malcolm McMartin Engineer’s Department
Alexander McPherson Sir John Johnson’s Regiment, 1st Battalion
James Parks (partner of Archibald Thompson, both settled on John Harper’s land, submitted claim together), Capt. McDonell (84th Emigrant Highlanders?)
William Rose Sir John Johnson’s Regiment
Archibald Thompson (partner of James Parks, both settled on John Harper’s land, submitted claim together), Capt. McDonell (84th Emigrant Highlanders?)
William Urquhart Sir John Johnson’s Regiment, 1st Battalion

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Posted: 28 Mar 2004 8:15AM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 14 May 2005 6:46AM GMT
My ggrandmother Annie McDonell was the daughter of Catharine and Alexander McDonell of Inverness. She was born around 1799.Some of her relatives were from Aberchalder. Does this correlate with any of your families
Kind regards,
Julia
New Zealand

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Thomas A. Murray (View posts)
Posted: 7 Apr 2004 5:44AM GMT
Classification: Query
Actually, they're not my families as far as I know, Julia. I was looking for ancestors, and didn't find them, but noticed that many Loyalists from that area seemed to be closely connected. So, I put the information together in case it was useful. To be honest, with that many McDonell's in one place, I would probably be daunted by the prospect of sorting them out.

Thomas

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Elaine (View posts)
Posted: 17 Jul 2005 2:05PM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Beers, Bears, Palmer, Thompson, Harper, Hayden
Hi Thomas,

Do you have any more information on this?
Archibald Thompson (partner of James Parks, both settled on John Harper’s land, submitted claim together), Capt. McDonell (84th Emigrant Highlanders?)

My Thompson family settled in Kent Country, NB on land that is said to have been previously owned by the Harper family. As far as I can tell this land has been in the Thompson family since at least 1834 owned by John and Sarah Thompson both born in Ireland early 1800's and arriving in Richibucto prior to 1829. There is the possibility the Harper grant could have been a Loyalist grant and I think this family removed to Quebec so they might have some connections there too. But the dates don't quite match up for this scenerio with the land grant database...

Name: HARPER, WILLIAM
Year: 1826
County: KENT
On microfilm F4205 see petition of: HARPER, WILLIAM
All names of this petition:
BARRETT, JOHN
HARPER, WILLIAM

I am not sure if this is the correct Harper grant although it is prior to this one which is the only record for my John Joseph Thompson...
Name: THOMPSON, JOHN JOSEPH
Year: 1841
County: KENT
On microfilm F4223 see petition of: THOMPSON, JOHN JOSEPH
All names of this petition:
THOMPSON, JOHN JOSEPH
It could be an error because this one of James says that it is next to John Joseph's but it is property in Bass River which is next door to John Timpson, the family confirms John Timpson's land grant is incorrectly labled as John Tompson.

Name: THOMPSON, JAMES
Year: 1841
County: KENT
On microfilm F4223 see petition of: THOMPSON, JAMES
All names of this petition:
THOMPSON, JAMES
This James Thompson was native of Londonderry, Ireland born about 1814 and arriving in his 29th year, he married Christianne Fearon.
His sister Lucinda Thompson married John Timpson.

Then there is this one that was apparently never granted but the William seems to disappear and I can't find him in any census or other reports...

Name: THOMPSON, WILLIAM
Year: 1811
County: KENT
On microfilm F4175 see petition of: THOMPSON, WILLIAM
All names of this petition:
ROBICHEAU, PETER
SWEEZE, BENJAMIN
THOMPSON, WILLIAM

This is a possibility to be the correct one for my ancestors because John Thompson and Peter Roberts owned land opposite each other... it is said Peter's name was originally Hebert but I thought Robicheau was also a possibility because he married Abigail Sweezy/Sweeny.
This William Thompson was age 21 native of Belfast, Ireland at the time of the petition, in the country for 2 years.

I also want to ask you about Joseph Bears, Loyalist from NJ. He is listed on the Island Register

2. MARGARET2 HAYDEN (JAMES LEWIS1) was born March 18, 1776 in Cherry Valley, Ulster County, New York, USA, and died March 1860 in Cherry Valley, Lot 50, PEI. She married MAJ. JOSEPH BEERS 1795 in Charlottetown, PEI. He was born Abt. 1754 in Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, and died Aft. 1810 in Cherry Valley, Lot 50, PEI.
More About MARGARET HAYDEN:
Burial: March 03, 1860, Cherry Valley, Lot 50, PEI
More About JOSEPH BEERS:
Census: 1798, Lot 50, PEI
Emigration: Abt. 1782
Military service: Ensign, 5th Battalion, King's Rangers
Will: March 06, 1810, Cherry Valley, Lot 50, PEI

They have son listed as Thomas Beers born 1804. The 1841 Census says Thomas was born in England. My Robert Beers was born 1790 Surrey, England and I thought he could be son of Joseph. Brother of Thomas is Charles and the 1841 Census says he is also born in England so things are not quite connecting with the dates. Plus, this Thomas has a dtr named Phoebe.... there are a ton of Phoebe's in the Robert Bears lineage as his wife was named Phoebe Palmer. I am convinced this Thomas belongs in our family but can't find the proof... any ideas?
Thanks,
Elaine

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Thomas A. Murray (View posts)
Posted: 1 Aug 2005 7:24PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Elaine,
These names are not particularly familiar to me, although I have family both from PEI and Kent Co., NB. Well, McDonnell and their connection with the 84th Young Emigrant Highlanders are somewhat familiar as I read a book on the regiment many years ago, and I know they were prominent amongst the Scots in northern New York.
Harpersfield (John and Abigail (Montgomery) Harper, 1768) was in what was then Tyron Co. (now, I believe, Delaware Co.), NY; so I would expect the Harper's to be from that area. However, I believe the Harper's were, for the most part, Patriots.
Robicheau should be Robichaud. The Sweezey's were originally from Salem, MA through Long Island in the 1600's. They are by way of being very distant cousins. A family in Southold, Long Island, NY (probably 1698) were:

Joseph Sweazy
Mary Sweazy
Johanna Seazy
Joseph Sweazy Junjr
Mary Sweazy
Sarah Sweazy
Samuel Sweazy
Richard Sweazy
Stephen Sweazy
Bathia Seazy

John Swazy
Mary Swazy
Jno. Swazy Junjr
Susana. Swazy
Mary Swazy Junjr
Joshua & Phebe Swazy

They would be descended from John (d. 1692) and Katherine (King) Swazey; originally of Salem, probably moved to Long Island with their King and Scudder in-laws due to Quaker sympathies.
Cherry Valley, Ulster Co., NY seems an error, as I understand Cherry Valley was at the north end of the Hudson River, and Ulster Co. (now, I believe, Orange Co.) was at the south end, across from Dutchess, Westchester and (now) Putnam counties.
If the King's Regiment was the King's American Regiment (or perhaps the King's Rangers?), most of the members were from New York and New Jersey. The name, Beers, seems vaguely familiar. Apparently stationed on the Island of St. John 1782 (probably a detached company of the King's Rangers under Lt. Col. Hierlihy's composite command.) However, both Capt. Samuel Hayden and Ensign Joseph Beers were originally of the New Jersey Volunteers. (4th and 5th Battalions), so, again I would question that they were of the '5th Battalion of the King's Rangers'; especially as I do not think the King's Rangers had five battalions; but the NJV definitely did. At:
http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/rhist/njv/njvofficer...
is included Throckmorton, who apparently was also on PEI; and:

211. THOMPSON, Cornelius 6th Ensign 3/24/77
3rd Ensign 4/25/78
3rd Adjutant 6/29/80
3rd Lieutenant 2/22/83

212. THOMPSON, John 1st Ensign 12/1/76
1st Lieutenant 8/25/80

213. THOMPSON, Lewis 3rd Ensign 12/19/81

A mention of Joseph Beers at:
http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/halew/Roll_of_Officers.html
does suggest a transfer to the Rangers.

I suspect that possibility that John and Sarah Thompson my have acquired the land from William Harper, but were the first to live on it. Part of the difficulty may be that Kent Co. was originally part of Northumberland Co. An example is the William Harper of York Co. who had a petioned submitted on his behalf in York Co. in 1845 as a soldier of the American Revolution. he was blind, age 87 (b. ca. 1758) and destitute. Suppose, for example, he had served in the war of 1812-14, been granted (as others had) land in Northumberland Co. for his services, never occupied it, but sold it. William Harper had served in the King's American Dragoons, commanded by Col. (Lt. Col.?) Thompson. (1837 petition.) One might think he would think well of the name. William Harper was granted 188 acres (suggesting he was married) in Liverpool Parish, Kent Co., NB 8NOV1828.
I don't know if these ramblings are of any help. Try focusing on one specific couple, and let me know what you have on them. I suspect that it is John and Sarah Thompson who most concerns you, but am uncertain.
Archibald Thompson seems to have settled in what is now Ontario. Apparently on the Niagara Peninsula, in Stamford Twp. A son appears to have m. Amelia McMicking, and I know they were Loyalists in the Niagara area. (again, the McMicking's are vaguely related, and I am acquainted with some of the family and have had occasion to take a brief look at them.) I don't see him connected with Kent Co., NB at all.

Thomas

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Elaine (View posts)
Posted: 2 Aug 2005 4:32PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Thomas,

Thanks for the response! I always enjoy reading your "ramblings" very much and yes, it is John and Sarah Thompson who most concern me....

regarding...
William Harper had served in the King's American Dragoons, commanded by Col. (Lt. Col.?) Thompson. (1837 petition.) William Harper was granted 188 acres (suggesting he was married) in Liverpool Parish, Kent Co., NB 8NOV1828.

William HARPER Quebec ( presently of Carleton Parish)
Mary ALEXANDER Carleton Parish
married: 28 Aug 1823
http://www.islandregister.com/harper1.html
Generation No. 3
LOUIS-GUILLAUME HARPER was born February 09, 1793 in Quebec City, Que., and died July 22, 1868 in Tignish, P.E.I.. He married (1) GENEVIEVE VALLIERES November 04, 1817 in Quebec. She died Bef. 1823. He married (2) MARY ALEXANDER August 28, 1823 in St. Antoine De Richibucto, N.B., daughter of JOHN ALEXANDER and CHRISTINE JURGETT. She was born 1798 in Quebec, and died November 25, 1892 in Tignish, P.E.I..
iii. SUSANNE HARPER, b. March 18, 1826, Richibucto, N.B..
v. JAMES HARPER, b. November 17, 1828, Richibucto, N.B.; d. July 17, 1838, St.Gregoire De Nicolet, Quebec.
vi. JOHN (JACK) BAPTIST HARPER, b. September 05, 1831, Tignish, P.E.I.; d. November 30, 1920, Tignish, P.E.I..
x. SUSANNE HARPER, b. January 27, 1838, Tignish, P.E.I..

Susanne seems to be a very popular name in this family and it does look like they left the Richibucto area between 1828 and 1831. My John Joseph Thompson Jr. born 1834 is said to have been born in the first home that was built on this property by his father and Jr. cleared the land up to the top of the hill where he built a new home that is my grandfather's house today.
The old place is referred to as "Sallie's Point" and Sarah lived there until her death some time between 1891 and 1901 and is maybe even buried there. I have often wondered if my Sarah was nee Harper and that is why this Harper land ended up with my Thompson family yet John and Sarah Thompson appear to arrive in Richibucto, both from Ireland some time between 1808 and 1829 so their only connection may have been the transfer of land but, so far, I have not seen either land grant to know the particulars.

from Kent Co. Gen Web....
The First Battalion Kent County was formed out of the Third
Battalion Northumberland County Militia in October 1828.
Its Headquarters were at Richibucto in 1829.

Northumberland County Militia, Eastern District, 2nd Battalion-1811 HQ Derby
LIEUTENANT COLONEL:
Jardine, Robert
MAJOR:
Crocker, Rowland
CAPTAINS:
Willison, Davidson, Ferguson, Forsyth, Sutton, Whitney, Parker, Wilson, Mitchell, Davidson, Parker, Masson, McKay, Henderson, Vanstone, Travis, Call, Harley, Peabody, Crocker, Jardine, Chaplin, Sargeant, Fish, Ramsay
ENSIGNS:
McKay, Clarke, Sommers, Whitney, Sutton, Nevin, Burchell, Fallon, McEachern, Hartley, Goodfellow, Esson, Flett, Phinney, Betts, Mitchell
ADJUTANT: Williston
PAYMASTER: Park
QUARTERMASTER: Morrison
SURGEON: Thompson

who is the surgeon Thompson?
almost everything I know about the Thom(p)son's of Kent County is posted here....
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p...

Land grant info might be very helpful. Thanks.
Elaine

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

annevarey (View posts)
Posted: 19 Sep 2006 9:26PM GMT
Classification: Query
A fabulous book on this group of loyalists is called "The Mark of Honour" by Hazel C. Mathews - University of Toronto publishers, 1965.

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Posted: 4 Dec 2013 6:03PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 31 Oct 2014 3:23PM GMT
Surnames: Fraser , McDonell , Grant
Hi . The last paragraph of above [first] posting mentions Capt. Simon Fraser , father of Simon Fraser the Explorer . I know not of his Capt. title , but I do know him as Simon Fraser Sr. , father of Simon Fraser Jr. the Explorer . Said Sr. apparently died while being held prisoner by the Americans at Albany NY during the Rev. War [1779] . His wife Isabel Duldreggan Grant / Fraser resettled at St. Andrews West Stormont County Upper Canada following said Rev. War . This Isabel Duldreggan Grant / Fraser was the sister of John Duldreggan Grant who settled on Lots 25 & 26 SSRR at Cashions Glen Glengarry County Upper Canada . This Simon Fraser Sr. was the son of William Fraser and his wife Margaret Mary Ardnabie McDonell who was the sister of Capt. John Dhu McDonell VI Ardnabie who [with five of his sons and their families] was on board the Pearle 1773 and settled on Sir John Johnson's Estate in the Mohawk Valley NY . Capt. John Dhu McDonell died Montreal 1785 , his sons and their families settled in Glengarry .

Re: Scots Loyalists of Tyron Co., NY

Posted: 13 Feb 2015 8:55PM GMT
Classification: Query
To follow Jay's note above …….
Simon Fraser Sr was not a Captain to our knowledge. He could not be in Glengarry Fencibles in Scotland as they were formed in the early 1790's years after he died in Albany NY.
We have read somewhere that he was a recruiter for the British but not with any military regiment.
Captain Simon Fraser quoted as with the Glengarry Fencibles was a grand nephew of Simon Fraser married to Isabella Grant, Duldreggan.
Anne Neuman
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