Isaac Hodgkins Sr. was born in the United States, possibly in the New England states, circa 1760. He and his wife Catherine (surname unknown) lived in Dutchess & Westchester Counties of New York where their family was counted in both the 1790 & 1800 U.S. census of New York. They came to Upper Canada about 1801 and settled in Pelham Twp., Lincoln Co. During the War of 1812, Isaac Sr. enlisted as a Private with Capt. Robert Campbell of the 2nd Regiment, Lincoln Militia.
Isaac farmed in at least two locations in Pelham, latterly at lot 10 con 6. He did not formally take ownership of that property that was a Crown Grant to Peter Hendershott; however, his son Oliver bought the 100 acres in 1818.
Isaac and Catherine had 8 children: William, Oliver, Isaac, David, James, Sarah, Margaret & Meriah. As a result of Isaac’s death of disease while serving in the war, Catherine applied for a pension. At that time, she indicated that she still had three children under the age of 16 at home.
Isaac Sr. died 3 December 1812 at home and it is believed that he was buried on the farm. The one and only burial on the property was originally marked with a tombstone but a few years ago the stone was stolen. Unfortunately the owners of the property had never photographed it. Today the spot is marked with a small patio stone.
Library & Archives Canada Paylists & Muster Rolls: 2nd Regt. Lincoln Militia T-10386 pg. 35: Isaac Hodgkins, Private, among the company of Capt. Robert Campbell’s men stationed at Ganders 25 Oct -25 Nov 1812
T-10386 pg. 202: A list of men belonging to the 2nd Regt. Lincoln Militia who have been wounded or died since 26th June last and dated at Chippawa 1st Jan 1813, names Isaac Hodgkins, died since 28th Nov., among the casualties.
It is signed by Lt. Col. Thomas Clark.
T-10386 pgs. 33&41: Isaac Hodgkins, Private, is shown on the rolls with Capt. Robert Campbell.
Upper Canada Sundries reel C-4548, pgs.141475 & 141477, dated Sept. – Dec. 1816, RG5 A1 vol. 30 image #110 support Catherine’s request for a pension. The information was also published in the Niagara Spectator 1816.
[Graveside Team ed — Cemetery GPS coordinates approximate as no definitive location given.]
