Research compiled by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie
William Forsyth(e) was born in 1771 in Tryon County, New York Province in the Thirteen Colonies. He was the son of United Empire Loyalist, James Forsyth and his wife, Eunice who settled in Niagara Falls. Continue reading William Forsyth2nd Regiment Lincoln Militia→
Ebenezer Willson was born on or about 3 May 1796 in New Jersey, USA to John and Rachel (Drake) Willson. They moved their family to Canada from the United States along with 17 other families. They settled in the Jersey Settlement (now Jerseyville) in Ancaster Township in 1804.
editor & publisher of Canada’s first newspaper, The Upper Canada Gazette
built an industrial empire on the 2nd Conc consisting of a grist mill, a saw mill, ashery, cooperage, stables, hog pens, and 13 dwellings for his employees
helped found the Burlington Board of Agriculture
member of Masonic Lodge (Union Lodge #24)
laid the cornerstone of the Ancaster Free Church
was appointed the first Sheriff of the Gore District (Hamilton and its vicinity)
Military Life
was commissioned as Adjutant in the 1st Regiment Lincoln Militia
held the rank of Lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment Lincoln Militia
when war was declared in 1812 he was Captain in the 2nd Regiment York Regiment
aided in the capture of the American Fort Niagara
commanded the volunteers and militia at Black Rock and Buffalo
appointed Major and was in command at Lundy’s Lane until wounded
Sir Peregrin Maitland wrote of Titus Geer Simon that he,
“served with active zeal and intelligence from the commencement of the war with the United States, his general character and conduct in the command of a Regiment of Militia highly respectable, and his loyalty and attachment to His Majesty’s Government undoubted.”