Research compiled by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie

Christopher Woolever was born May 6, 1789 in the Province of New Jersey, USA and emigrated to Canada.  He was the son of Peter Wooliver and his wife, Susannah.  He married Christianna Plato born 1801 around 1813. She was the daughter of Peter James Plato and his wife, Gertrude Catherine Bowen.

During the War of 1812-14, Christopher (sometimes spelled Christian on the Muster Rolls) Woolever served in Lieutenant Henry Trout’s Company (1814), 3rd Regiment Lincoln Militia.  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.

In 1828, the census captures Christopher and  Christianna’s family as consisting of nine children — 2 boys under the age of 16, 5 girls under 16 and 2 girls over 16.  The children have been identified by researchers as…

• Catherine
• Leah
• Elizabeth
• Charity
• Nancy
• Susan
• Hannah
• Adam
• Peter
• Phillip

Christianna died February 15, 1867 and was laid to rest in Ridgeway Old Cemetery.  On the 1871 Census, Christopher is listed as 81 years old, living with his son Phillip and wife Martha.  He died June 8, 1872 and was buried June 13 in Ridgeway Old  Cemetery, Fort Erie (Ridgeway), Ontario.

After the war many Bertie Township residents filed claims for compensation for property damages  caused by the enemy.   Christopher Woolever’s claim for damages suffered at the hands of the enemy is listed at Archives Ontario, Claim #398, in Schedule of Claims, Class 2, Township of Bertie, District Niagara.  He claimed 2 mares, 1 colt and 3 hogs taken by the enemy and valued them at 51 pounds, 5 shillings. Claim was certified by two witnesses. Payment recommended was 41 pounds.

His military service is documented within the National Archives digitized War of 1812 Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls and Paylists –  RG 91B7 Mikan 183676.

Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Henry Trout