Research compiled by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie

William Scarlett was born c. 1760 in Drumgoon, Cavan County, Ireland.  He is first found in 1787 as a Private in the 58th Regiment of  Foot in the  Canada-British Regimental Registers of Service, 1756-1800.  In these registers, it notes he was 25 years of age with a pale complexion, long face, hazel eyes, brown hair, being born in Drumgoon and his occupation was listed as a Weaver.

By at least 1787 he had  married a woman named Lydia, born 1763, but it is not known at this point where they married.  Their eldest son, John was born in 1788, followed by (not in order) Samuel, Stephen, William Jr., Mary Jane and Elizabeth.

During the War of 1812-14, William served as a Private in Captain John Warren’s Company, 3rd Regiment Lincoln Militia.  His sons, John and Samuel served alongside him.  It is written that he fought at the battle and siege of Fort George.  There he was one of 1,931 men captured on May 27, 1813.

According to Professors Hemming and Lichty, p 244, he was “captured in the War of 1812, Farmer, owned four lots in the Township of  Bertie.”   His military service is well-documented within the National Archives digitized War of 1812 Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls and Paylists  RG 91B7 Mikan 183676, Reel T10386.

After the war many Bertie Township residents filed claims for compensation for property damages caused by the enemy.   William Scarlett’s claim for damages suffered at the hands of the enemy is listed at Archives Ontario, Claim #387 in Schedule of Claims, Class 2, Township of Bertie, District Niagara.  He claimed the loss of a horse, taken by the enemy and valued it at 20 pounds. Claim was certified by two witnesses. Payment recommended was 15 pounds.

In the 1828 Census, William is listed living with his wife, three sons over 16 and one daughter over 16.  His son, John and his wife are living in the next dwelling with one boy and two girls under the age of 16.

William died 15 July 1848 at the age of 88 and was laid to rest in the Little Cemetery Around the Corner from St. John’s Anglican Church, which was renamed the Coloured Cemetery in the 1980s.  He joined his wife, Lydia who died in 1838 at the age of 61 years.  His last will and testament was probated and registered against his property on October 31, 1848.