The Van Every’s were early pioneers in the Mohawk Valley of Upper New York.  During the American Revolution,  the Van Every’s remained true to the British Crown and fought alongside the British Army.  Suffering persecution from their neighbours following the end of the war, they sought land grants in Upper Canada and Andrew Van Every, who was the second eldest son of MacGregory Van Every, was granted 200 acres consisting of  Lots 12-13, Concession 1, West Flamboro.

When the War of 1812 broke out, the Van Every’s joined the local militia’s and Andrew was a Private in the 2nd Regiment York Militia.  In an article written by Wayne Winterburn, the 2nd Regiment of York Militia was considered to be a skirmishing body of light infantry. Their main directive was to lead natives in probing attacks on American forces to outline for the main British force exactly where the American lines were formed.

According to one of Van Every’s daughters, Van Every welcomed the British Officers and their Aides to set up quarters in their home located close to what is now Christie’s Corners. Van Every became a good friend of Isaac Brock and Chief Tecumseh. Van Every is believed to have fought at some of the more famous battles such as the Battle of Stoney Creek and Lundy’s Lane.

After the war, Van Every along with his wife Sarah remained on the land he was granted and farmed there until his death in 1873 at the age of 78.

Sources

History courtesy of the Sexton Family posted on Rootsweb on 19 Mar 2000.

War of 1812 Canadian Stories by Fred Blair.

The History of the Van Every Family in the War of 1812 by Wayne Winterburn.