Tag Archives: 2nd Regt Norfolk Militia

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Veteran

William Drake
Captain Drake’s Company
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia

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Captain William Drake UEL, Captain Drake’s Company, 2nd  Regiment  Norfolk Militia

Born 14 June 1761 at Goshen, Orange County, New York Colony to Benjamin Drake and Abigail Knapp.

Joined the Royal Standard – during the Revolutionary War 1775-1783) Serving in Butler’s Rangers.

He was discharged and settled at Digby, Nova Scotia in 1783.

He married Margaret Dowdle in 1788.  She was born 13 Nov 1768 in Goshen, Orange, NY and died 31 Dec 1848 in St. Thomas.

Their children:

  • Richard
  • Mary
  • Phineas
  • Thomas
  • Anne
  • Margaret
  • William
  • Benjamin
  • James
  • Eleanor

By 1792 he and Margaret were in Hamilton where Richard was born
by 1799 they were in St. Thomas.

He joined the Norfolk Militia during the War of 1812-14, serving as a Captain commanding his own militia company.

In 1816 he applied for a land grant at Long Point.

He died 10 June 1842 at St. Thomas, ON.

Supporting Documents National Archives Canada: Pay receipt in Capt Drake’s signature, and a pay record for Capt Drake’s Company.

Photos from Old St. Thomas Church of Capt Drake marble wall plaque  and gravestone in the churchyard.

Veteran

William Park
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia

Captain William Park served with the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia commanded by Major George Salmon.  On 13 Nov 1813 he attended a meeting at the home of William Dvokis [sp?] to organize a raid on marauders at Nanticoke and took part in the expedition against American banditti down the lake. (Source: PAC Microfilm #3173)

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2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia →

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David Berdan
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia

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At age 15 years David did his duty in defense of the Province during the late War with the United States of America. He petitioned for land at Charlotteville, October 10, 1820. He was granted 200 acres in Woodhouse Township. He was a private in Captain William McCracken’s detactment of the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia from 25 Dec 1813 to 24 January 1814 inclusive.

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2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia →

Veteran

Jonathan Austin
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia

Jonathan, the second son of Solomon Austin, m Miss Hannah Potts, and had seven children. He and his son John built Austin’s mills in the Lynn Valley.

In the war of 1812, true to their principles of loyalty, the father and four sons (Solomon Jr., Jonathan, Phillip and Moses) shouldered their muskets and marched under Brock to fight the hated “Yankees,” once more. They fought at Malcolm’s Mills (Oakland), Fort Malden, Fort Detroit, Fort Erie, Nanticoke Creek, McCrae House and Lundy’s Lane. In the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia Jonathan attained the rank of Captain and his commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel Robert Nichol. The descendants of this family are the most numerous of any of the families of the settlement.

Sources

Ontario Historical Society

Officers of the British forces in Canada during the War of 1812-15

Veteran

Titus Williams
Flank Company
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia

Colonel Titus Williams, born Long Island, 22 November, 1790, son of Captain Jonathan Williams, of the British Army. Received Ensign’s Commission in the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia. Volunteered on 27 June 1812, the day of the war’s outbreak, appointed Lieut., in Left Flank Company. Commanded a detachment of Norfolk men at Detroit. Became Captain and Adjutant of the 2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia at Detroit some time later. Was afterwards captured by Americans on Niagara River, sentenced to be executed, but was liberated in May, 1814. Immediately appointed Adjutant of the 4th Regiments Norfolk Militia and was at Lundy’s Lane. Then placed in command of the 103rd Regulars at Dover and Ryerse.

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Veteran

Solomon Austin
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia

Solomon Austin was originally from North Carolina. He was a private in the Queen’s Rangers and served all through the American Revolutionary War. On one occasion, at least, he exhibited conspicuous bravery. This was at the battle of the Horseshoe. The standard-bearer was killed and the flag fell to the ground and was in danger of being lost. Solomon Austin leaped forward, and grasping the standard bore it bravely till the close of the action. After the battle Major-General Simcoe inquired his name, praised him in public before the marshalled company, and gave him to understand that if he could ever be of service to him afterwards his bravery would not be forgotten.

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2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia →