Henry “Harry” Burritt was born in Ontario, Canada on 26 August 1791. He was the son of Stephen Burritt (1759-1844) and Martha Stevens (1771/2-1830) of Vermont, USA and then Augusta Township, Grenville County, Ontario, Canada. He was a Loyalist by descent and was commissioned an officer and quickly promoted to Major in 1813 and  was promoted to Lieutenant and  appointed Lieutenant Colonel post-war of the 2nd Regiment Grenville Militia company who served in the Upper Canadian Militia during the War of 1812.

The regimental muster rolls and pay lists provide an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians. The regiment fought in four engagements against the American forces: at Prescott, Salmon River, Ogdensburg, and Chrysler’s Farm. The current Brockville Rifles’ battle honours include the “Defence of Canada: 1812-1815.”

He was married to Remme Merwin and they had at least four children. His monument inscription reads:

“In Memory of Col. Henry Burritt, Born Aug. 26, 1791, Died Nov. 4, 1872, Aged 81 y’rs.”

Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Burritt (his father)