Research compiled by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie

John Miller was born c 1764 in Manorland Twp., Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  In the early 1800s he came to Canada with his wife, Christiana  and children.  In 1809, John purchased Lots 15, Concs 5 & 6 , Bertie Twp. from George Wintemute, although we find evidence the family was on this property as early as 1802.

John and Christiana had seven children, most of whom remained in Bertie:

• Elizabeth m John Birch and settled in St. Thomas, ON
• Mary m John Simons Attwood
• Jacob m1 Sophia Riselay and m2 Sarah Haun
• Veronica m  Daniel McAffee
• Catharine m John Riselay
• Anna m Alfred McCarty
• Salome m Edward Miller

John served in the  1st Flank Company 3rd Regiment Lincoln Militia under Captain John Warren as set out in Wilfred R. Lauber’s Index to Land Claim Certificates of Upper Canada Militiamen who  served in the War of 1812.  On Muster Rolls in 1813, John is listed as an Ensign.  His military service is documented within the National Archives digitized War of 1812 Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls and Paylists  RG 91B7 Mikan 183676. Scans of pages from the Collections Canada website which prove his service have been attached to this application.

In the Claims for Civilian Losses for the War of 1812 – 1814, Archives Ontario, Claim #375, Schedule of Claims, Class 2, Township of Bertie, District Niagara, John claimed substantial damage to his farm and the loss of one horse by the enemy.  The Board recommended compensation of £78.

John died at the age of 82 years on 13 April 1844 and was buried in McAffee Cemetery.  His last will and testament was probated 23 August 1844.  His wife, Christiana had already predeceased him at the age of 71 years on 18 August 1842 and is buried beside him.