Richard Ellerbeck was born c1783 in Poughkeepsie, New York Province, the son of UE Loyalist Emmanuel Ellerbeck/Elderbeck of the New York Volunteers and his wife  Sarah.  By 1785, the family was settling near Kingston, in Frontenac County, Upper Canada.

When the War of 1812 began, Richard and his two brothers, John and James joined the Frontenac Militia.  Richard became an Ensign in Captain Anthony McGuins’ Company of Sedentary Militia.  His service is well-documented in the War of 1812 Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls and Paylists, RG 9 1B7.

During the War of 1812-1814, Richard married Hannah Pierson (Pearson) on the 23 Sept 1813.  She was born in 1796 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph Pierson and Nancy Ross.  Richard and Hannah had the following children, all born in Frontenac County:

• Mary Ann, b1814
• Jane Elizabeth, b1816
• Permelia, b1819
• Charlotte, b1822; d1896 Port Stanley, Elgin County
• Sarah, b1824
• Elizabeth, b1826
• Hannah, b1830
• Richard Pearson, b1833; d1906, m Mary Jane Joyner
• Joseph Davidson, b1839

At some point Richard, Hannah and daughter, Charlotte moved to Port Stanley where Richard died on 17 Sept 1862 at the age of 78 years.  He was buried in Christ Church Cemetery.  His widow Hannah died 14 Feb 1881 in Frontenac County.