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Pioneers of the Bay of Quinte WHY I AM INTERESTED IN THIS FAMILY: John Bleecker was one of the first settlers at the mouth of the River Trent, arriving around 1790. Research confirms that John Blaker UE that settled earlier in Fredericksburgh is the same man. The surname Blaker morphs into Bleecker over time. Much is known about John Blaker/Bleecker and his petitions make interesting reading as he struggled to get his grant of land on the west side of the mouth of the river. Thanks go to Rod Blaker of Ottawa who wanted to learn more about the parentage of Rev. George Blaker and got this research team together. The current thinking is that George Blaker's father is Tobias Bleecker, a son of John Bleecker of Murray. Thanks also to contributors Christine Jack, Mae Derrick, Beverley Rittwage, Dave Mowat and Eric Bowler. And more thanks to Peter Johnson, Past President of the UEL Assoc. of Canada and Gavin Watt, author and re-enactor for their help on loyalist questions. © Randy Saylor, 2010 |
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1. OVERVIEW of JOHN BLEECKER of MURRAY (abt 1762 - 1807) John Blaker/Blacker/Bleecker, UE, was a private in the Loyal Rangers and arrived in Upper Canada in 1784. He first was granted land in Fredericksburgh Tp as a Loyalist. In the early records his name is variously spelled Blaker, Blacker, Bleeker and Bleecker. Generally the earlier records use Blaker/Blacker and the later ones transform to Bleecker. The famous book, Pioneeer Life on the Bay of Quinte (PLBQ), states that John R Bleecker came to Upper Canada shortly after the Rev War with his mother and sister to Kingston. It states that he was a surveyor and settled in Murray Township at the mouth of the Trent River. He died in 1807 "intestate at the age of 45" giving a birth year of about 1762. John would be about 14 at the start of the Rev War and 21 at the end. What do we know about John Bleecker in NY? Bleecker is a name present in the record around Albany, NY. We are collecting various Rev War records of John Blaker/Bleecker and there are quite a few. Check out the Albany Revolutionary War section below. Most of the John Bleeckers are patriots so it is possible that John changed sides later in the conflict. What Loyalist records exist for John? There is no doubt that John Bleecker is a Loyalist but there is not much to inform us about his war record. He was a young single man of 21 and he declares that he was a private in the Loyal Rangers though he does not show on the extant muster rolls of that company. Peter Johnson writes in an email, that "The Executive Council List shows only one loyalist, John BLAKER, Marysburgh & Sophiasburgh. I checked such muster rolls as I have for the Loyal Rangers and the King's Rangers, but at this time I didn't locate him." One conflict is to resolve the claims in petitions 118 (1790) and 132 (1819) which claim that John Blaker is a private in the Loyal Rangers (118) on the one hand and that he is a Lt Colonel (132) on the other hand. The 1819 affidavit is by Lt Col Peters for the bearer, John Bleecker [Jr], son of Lt Col John Bleecker [Sr]. The senior John Bleecker was clearly NOT a Lt Col in the Rev War. He was way too young and at that rank he would be well represented in a leadership roll in the war records. In the 1790 petition he states that he was granted 100 acres and is asking for 200 more - this is consistent with a rank of private. It is possible that he was a Lt Col in the Northumberland Militia which was established around 1803. He died in 1807 not leaving much time to become a Lt Col. However given that Lt Col Peters certifies that John Bleecker Sr was a Lt Col is a pretty solid record to support his rank in the Northumberland Militia. See the Loyalist section below for details of the records found to date. Did John settle in Fredericksburgh in 1784? We know John was granted lot 7, concession 5 in Fredericksburgh Additional Township and his son John R Bleecker sells the lot in 1820. He is named on the provisioning lists in Fredericksburgh in 1784/6. John was married by Rev Langhorn to Catherine Meyers, daughter of Capt John Walden Meyers on 7 Oct 1788 in Fredericksburgh. Settlers would travel large distances to be married so this can't be taken as a confirmation that he was still there at this time. Likely John stayed on this land only a short time and perhaps leased it out as he moved westward up the bay. The loyalist list has him in Marysburgh and Sophiasburgh. He is recorded as living in Ameliasburgh before moving to Murray at the mouth of the Trent River. Indeed, his first son, John Richard Bleecker, was born abt 1789 in Ameliasburgh. It would appear that John moved around a bit before arriving at the mouth of the Trent River. An important letter. This letter below from the Bleecker Family Fonds confirms that John's sister was in fact in Upper Canada as stated in the story in PLBQ. Her name is Lucretia and she married Henry Finkle (see below). The letter also confirms John was at the Head of Bay of Kenty which can mean the mouth of the River Trent in Murray or at the Carrying Place portage in Ameliasburgh. These two locations are about a mile apart and could both be described as the Head of the Bay of Quinte. This is particularly true in 1788 when the portage was a major transporation route. His first son was born in Ameliasburg in 1789 so perhaps that was where he was. 25 March 1788, Kingston
Mr John Blacker Dr Sir: Your sister was here and brought a pack of skins which we have not opened as yet. Inclosed is the invoice of what goods she pack up for you at this time. Wishing you a pleasant spring and plenty of skins. We are Dear Sirs Your most Humble Servt Macaulay & Markland [Postal address] To be left at Mr Colin McKinney 2 Township Mr John Blacker Head of Source: Bleecker Family Papers, 1788-1807, F510, AO, MU3274, 2 envelopes Confirmation that John came with his mother and sister. Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quinte states that John Bleecker "the Lucretia Blaker is identifed below as the sister of John Blaker/Bleecker. Sarah Powers was the mother of Lucretia and John Blaker/Bleecker so obviously Sarah married their father who has not yet been identified by name. PLBQ names John Bleecker as John R Bleecker and this could be a clue as there are a few John R Bleecker's in the Albany records; one of whom may be the father. Using the PLBQ story, Sarah [Powers] Bleecker became a widow around 1784 and married Colin McKenzie before 1788. Sarah is identified as Colin's wife in a 1788 Loyalist Claim. No direct records have been found that state that Lucretia and John are the children of Sarah Powers. It is only through the McKenzie records that Sarah is identifed by name as the wife of Colin McKenzie. Colin is the step father of Lucretia so therefore Sarah is the mother of Lucretia and her brother John. Records in the section below show that Lucretia Blaker married Henry Finkle and received 200 acres as the step daughter of Colin McKenzie UE, a Sergeant with the Loyal Rangers. The land board record states that Lucretia is the daughter of the wife of Colin McKenzie. The letter above confirms that John's sister was in Upper Canada and with the other evidence we can clearly conclude that Lucretia Blaker is the sister of John Blaker/Bleecker. This mostly supports the PLBQ statement so we know that John came to Upper Canada with his widowed mother and sister and his mother married Colin McKenzie and Lucretia for a short time was raised by her mother and step father. In 1788 Lucretia witnessed a marriage under the name Lucretia Blaker and she was married by 1790. Thanks to Eric Bowler who first concluded that Sarah Powers was the mother of Lucretia and John and brought this to my attention. See the web page on Colin McKenzie for full details. So when did John arrive at the mouth of the Trent River? Some records suggest John may have arrived at the Trent about 1784 and the letter above hints he may have been there in 1788. However we do have a fairly clear statement in a petition stating that John arrived in Murray in 1791. Also, his wife, Catherine Bleecker's 1790 petition states she is from "Ameliasburgh". A later secondary source says that "In 1790, James Smith, a UEL, became a permanent settler, erecting a log house at the base of Bunker Hill, and in the same year John Bleecker, a son in law of Capt Meyers, a UEL who settled in Sydney, became another settler, and erected the first inn at the place which was designated to become the Trenton of the future. These appear to be the first real settlers of Port Trenton." Source: The Evolution of Trenton, Thomas Jarrett, 1913, reprinted 1986, Kiwanis Club, Trenton. p. 4 It is my conclusion that he arrived at the mouth of the Trent circa 1790/91 in time to petition for land at the mouth by July 1791. What about John's family life? John arrived in Kingston in 1784 with his mother and sister. His mother, Sarah Powers, married Colin Mackenzie and his sister married George Finkle. John married Catherine Meyers, daughter of Capt John Walden Meyers of Belleville in 1788 and then later her sister Mary Meyers. His children were granted land as SUE and DUE's. A superb genealogical study was done by Mildred Sussell on Capt Meyers and John Bleecker and his wives and children are fully included in her work. Sussel's document is posted on this web site - scroll down and select chapters 4 (p 36) and 5 (p 48). Why was John eventually granted 1200 acres? John Bleecker of Murray was granted 1200 acres in 1796. This is a lot of land normally associated with a Captain or someone well connected with the Council in York. However he started life as a private from the Loyal Rangers. My belief is that he proved to be an able man and it did not hurt that he married well. He was 21 years old in 1784 and may have assisted in surveying which would have given him contact with important work and people as the new land was being opened up. He married Catherine, a daughter of Capt Meyers in 1788 and then Mary, another daughter, around 1793. He is recorded as a Magistrate in the same petition where he is granted 1200 acres (above) so maybe this is a sign that he "had arrived" quite quickly. In 1806 and 1807 he was appointed a Trustee for the new public schools and a Commisioner of Oaths, both strong indicators that he was a valued and literate member of society. Another thought is that the land from his two Meyers wives was folded into his land. Catherine's land appears to never have been granted since she died in 1792. Mary Meyers petitioned (67) for 600 acres and was recommened for it in Hungerford and Percy suggesting that the wives' land was independent of his. An 1805 petition lists his land grants. Are there two John Blaker/Blacker/Bleeckers in the Bay or Quinte area? John Bleecker is in a lot of records. Many say "of Murray" and thus indicate the same man. If you carefully read John's pre 1807 petitions below and then those of his children afterwards it is apparent that all the petitions deal with the same man and his family. In 1840 the authorities in York must have been concerned with the spelling of Blaker/Blacker and sometimes Bleecker in the early petitions and requested certificates to clarify if there was one man of that name or two. Take note of petition 111 (1840) where two old timers declare that there was only one man of the name Blaker/Bleecker in the area. It seems safe to conclude that there was only one Bleecker family in the early days in the Quinte area. Who is the father of Rev George Blaker, b abt 1821? Did one of the sons of John Bleecker father a child to a native woman who raised the child at Grape Island? Is the Rev George Blaker a grandchild of John Bleecker or a descendant of some other line? We have only one family of that name in the area at that time. Rev George Blaker was born near Belleville to a white father and a native mother. There was a Mississauga settlement on Lot 4, Con 1, Thurlow which is basically downtown Belleville until sometime before 1820. In 1826 the Grape Island Indian Mission was established and George Blaker was likely raised on Grape Island. The most likely candidate is Tobias Bleecker (1797-1866), son of John Bleecker of Murray, who had 4 wives and lived in Belleville. The first marriage date of Tobias is not recorded but his first child was born in 1823 (see Sussell above). It is possible that Tobias is the father of George who was born abt 1821 possibly through an out of wedlock birth to an unrecorded native mother. The 1826 Grape Island indenture was signed in the "presence of Tobias Bleaker" suggesting he was being honoured and had some connection with the Mississiaugas. In August 2011, the results of a YDNA test confirmed that Rev George Blaker is indeed a grandchild of John Bleecker Esq. For the above reasons it is probable that Tobias Bleecker is the father of Rev George. See the web page on Rev George Blaker for more details. The most condemning evidence against the above theory is that in 1852 Rev George Blaker states that his father died 7 years ago - in 1845. None of the Bleecker sons died around 1845. Of course, his "father" who died in 1845 might have been a step father who raised him and who George considered to be his loved father. Why read all the petition's below? They tell a great story! Back to Top |
2. SISTER and MOTHER SUMMARY Sarah Powers is the mother of Lucretia Blaker who is the sister of John Blaker/Bleecker. See the account of Sarah and Lucretia and her mother in the overview above. They came to Upper Canada and Sarah, as a widow, married Colin McKenzie. Lucretia married Henry Finkle. Below are the records that support this conclusion. LOYALIST CLAIM - naming Sarah [nee] Powers, sister of William Powers, as the wife of Colin McKenzie 8th May 1788, LUCRETIA BLAKER Lucretia Blaker was a witness at this marriage and thus not yet married to Henry Finkle. "11 March 1788, Timothy Porter married to Nancy Simmons both of Sydney. Wit: Henry Finkle, Tobias Walden Meyers, Lucretia Blaker" Source: The Ontario Vital Statistics Project, Ontario Marriages, Mecklenburg District Marriage Register, Rev John Langhorn, LAC MF# H-1810, http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~maryc/thisisit.htm LAND BOARD - Lucretia is the daughter of Sarah Powers 20 Oct 1790, No 429 - Lucretia Finkle, alias Blaker, prays that 200 acres be assigned her ... she is Daughter of the Wife of Mr Colin McKenzie of Ernestown, late Serg't in the Loyal Rangers & appears to be entitled to the benefit of that order Source: Upper Canada Land Board Minutes and Records, 1765-1804, RG1 L4, LAC, Vol 7, Mecklenburg District, 204, C-14027, on line at image 514. PETITION - Lucretia is the step daughter of Colin McKenzie 20 Oct 1790, Kingston, Lucretia Finkle alias Blaker, step daughter of Collin McKenzie, late private in the Royal Rangers, prays for 200 acres as the Daughter of a Loyalist in the ninth township. [fold] No 429 Source: UCLP, RG1 L3, SARAH POWERS BURIED "Sarah, wife of Colin Mackinzie, Amherst Island, 19 Oct 1800" Source: Anglican Registers 1787 - 1814, Rev John Langhorn, Rector of Ernestown, OGS, 1980, now available on CD, Burial register, p. 77 LAND RECORD "Lucretia Finkle alias Blaker" is granted 200 acres, lot 26, 6th concession, Sidney, c1800. Source: Schedules and Land Rolls, 1794 - 1922, Schedule - Midland District, c1800 , Vol 11, RG 1-30-0-5, MS400, reel 7, AO Henry Finkle - granted lot 21, Con 1; lot 16, Con 3; Lot 25, Con 5, Sidney Source: Return For Midland District, Schedules and Rolls, 1794 - 1922, Vol 5 - 16, Vol 11, c1800, RG1-30-0-5, MS400, reel 7, AO Back to Top |
3. PETITIONS and other papers of John BLAKER/BLACKER/BLEECKER The Upper Canada Land Petitions and some other records below are arranged in chronological order. The petitions are a great example of the tortuous situation some settlers found themselves in. John Bleecker settled at the mouth of the Trent River, a very desirable location, and the Council was reluctant to grant him the whole 200 acres. John's petitions are forceful yet polite though we can easily sense his frustration. Enjoy them. Included in this grouping are the petitions from his two wives Catherine Meyers (117) and Mary Meyers (63, 67 a fiat dated 15 Nov 1797 and 87 at the bottom of this section). PETITION 118 10 Mar 1790, John Blaker, Examined, 1790, folio 40 [118a] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 67, BMisc, #118, film C-1635 LAND BOARD 12 Mar 1790: John Blacker of Fredericksburgh late private in the Loyal Rangers, parys for additional bounty ... granted ... Mr Blacker being married but two years ago can make no claim to Family Lands Source: Upper Canada Land Board Minutes and Records, 1765-1804, RG1 L4, LAC, Vol 7, Mecklenburg District, 96, C-14027, on line at image 421 PETITION 117 7 Jul 1790, Catherine Blacker alias Meyers, certificate granted 7 Feb 1791, 100 acres [117a] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 67, BMisc/17, #117, film C-1635 LAND BOARD 23 Feb 1791: # 390 - Catherine Blacker, alias Meyers Daughter of Captain Jno W Meyers of Thurlow prays that 200 acres may be assigned her ... but it appearing already rec'd 100 acres .... grant for 100 acres only Source: Upper Canada Land Board Minutes and Records, 1765-1804, RG1 L4, LAC, Vol 7, Mecklenburg District, 312, C-14027, on line at image 612. PETITION 4 * 30 Aug 1792, Murray, John Blacker, I have long waited your answer to my application lodged in your hands in July 1791 for the grant of 300 acres of lands lying in front of lotts No 1 & 2 in the first concession of Murray. Notwithstanding my improvments being one of the first, I have been under some apprehension of losing my labours in consequence of a report prevailing at last? That all lands of that and the adjoining Township are aleady granted to other persons. However, [I] flatter myself that it is not the wish of His Excellency the Governor to disturb any persons that are already settled and improved on lands. It is also the agent John MacArthur whos application I forwarded to you in June last for the granting of lott 5 in the front of the first concession, who is in a similar situation as myself and wishes your answer likewise, I wait with impatience for your answer, and beg you’ll please forwarded it by the return of Capt Spencer who is representative for the County of Northumberland, your compliance with quantity oblige. [4b] * 21 Jun 1793, Newark, John Blacker, Murray, having settled and improved lot 2, on the broken lands in front of the township now finding the said lott reserved begs the said lott may be granted him in lieu of lands he is duly entitled to be having. Made considerable improvements … * Undated, John Blacker, having settled and improved on a lott of land in Murray prior to any surveys being made thereof and understands the said lott becomes a part of Crown Land prays to take this, his loss, into serious consideration and grant him the said lott in lieu of lands he is entitled to receive and he has been a great expense in cultivating and improving the same and at present is erecting buildings for the purpose of carrying on a potash business on the said lott * 22 Jun 1793, read in Council, to stand over for further consideration [4a] * 29 Jun 1793, special order, the land he has actually improved upon 30 acres and that he may receive a lease for the remainder of the 200 acres upon paying an acknowledgment. Land Book A, page 98. Petition of Bleecker’s widow read in Council 17 Oct. Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 27, B/1, #4, film C-1619 Source: Land Book A, 22 Jun and 29 Jun 1793, B4, C-100 LAND BOARD John Blacker petitioned 26 June 1793 Source: Upper Canada Land Board Minutes and Records, 1765-1804, RG1 L4, LAC, Vol 5, Home District, 7, C-14027, on line at image 21 PETITION 160 * 19 Feb 1796, York, John Blacker, Esq, one of His Majesty’s Magistrates for the County [sic] of * Read 9 Jul 1796 and again 17 Mar 1797. Recommended for 1200 acres including those already received. [fold] * 16 Apr 1793, Land Board Office, Adolphustown, Mary W Meyers, UE, is the daughter of Wm [sic] Walter Meyers UE, Capt in the late Royal Rangers. And there being no default in the due cultivation and improvements in the lands already assigned to Wm Walter Meyers … to have and to hold …. [signed] H ??, PV Alstine, Joshua Booth, Alex Fisher [160a] * 9 Jul 1796, Read [160a] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 28, B/2, #160, film C-1619 Source: Land Book B, 9 Jul 1796 and 17 Mar 1797, B160, C-101 OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 1796 John Blaker, 1796, Date and place of loyalist oath of allegiance. Extracted from RG1, L7, volume 52B District Loyalist Rolls and Others, located at the Manuscripts Division of the National Archives of Canada in Ottawa. File number, district name, township name, and index Source: FITZGERALD, E. KEITH. Ontario People: 1796-1803. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 1993. p 151, Ancestry.com, TRL 929.3713 F39.3 PETITION 63 * 12 Jul 1797, * 30 Aug 1797, petition received, not to be acted upon, warrant issued 1 Sep 1797 upon which 200 acres have been located via a memorandum in her petition of 13 Nov 1797. [fold] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 29, B/3, #63, film C-1619 PETITION 171 13 Aug 1797, Sidney, That the inhabitants of the Township of Rawdon experience many difficulties from their great distance from any mills and that the only mill stream in the Inhabited part of the said Township is on Lott 11, Con 1, which appears to be a reserved lot, .. pray that the lot may be granted to them that they may be enabled immediately to proceed to the building of mills thereon … which presume will be agreat benefit to the settlement.. John Bleecker and Caleb Gilbert. Recommended and given two years, OC 12 Feb 1797 Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 30, B/3 part 2, #84, film C-1620 LAND BOOK C John Blacker and Caleb Gilbert praying for lot 11 in Con 1 Rawdon which is a reserve. Ordered that the lot be not reserved and assigned to the petitioners as Tenants in Common on condition that they erect Mills thereon in 2 years from the present date or they forfeit it. Inhabitants of Rawdon praying for a mill seat, which appears to be a mill seat. … That some of the vacant lands near Rawdon be reserved for the Clergy, in respect to the land contained in the Source: Land Book C, 23 Aug 1797, p. 192/3, C-101 PETITION 67 * 9 Nov 1797, Mary W Meyers alias Blaker, that she is the daughter of Captain John Meyers and wife of John Blaker Esq prays for lands. [signed] Mary Blacker [67a] * 6 Apr 1804, Warrants below: [67] * 30 Aug 1797, Order in Council, Warrant 2357, Mary Bleeker, 600 acres, issued 1 Sep 1797, upon this warrant a description (No 8603) for 200 acres Hungerford has issued * 13 Nov 1797, Order in Council, Warrant 2557. Mary Bleeker, UE, for 600 acres issued 15 Nov 1797. Upon this 400 acres have been described (No 8690) in the Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 29, B/3, #67, film C-1619 Source: Land Book C, 11 Nov 1797, C-101 Back to Top REGISTER FOR FIATS 1797 8th May 1788, No 1: 1050 acres in Panten [Santen?] township No 2: 360 acres in DECISION Determination. He receives £290 for his losses. AO 12/64, 289 SOURCES Source 1: Claims, American Loyalists, LAC films of National Archives holdings in England, AO 12/33, 65 and AO 12/64, 289 both in film B-1169 and A0 13/14, 189, film B-2187, Archives of Ontario, diffusion D 12. Source 2: The Second Report of The Bureau of Archives For the Province of Ontario, Subtitle: United Empire Loyalists, Enquiry into the Losses and Services in Consequence of Their Loyalty, Evidence in the Canadian Claims, 1904, Alexander Fraser, pages 450 and 1280. 2557, 15 Nov 1797, Mary Blaker UE, 600 acres, 100 acres Sidney and 300 Percy. This does away with warrant 2357. Description 8690. See Des 8603, upon W# 8357 Source: Register for Fiats, RG1 CI3, vol 14, 2557, MS693, reel 20 TOWNSHIP PAPERS 13 Oct 1798, Murray, David W Smith, Surveyor General, I have lately been in formed that Esq Bleeker says that Mr Bkins? Hath given him lott 2 in the first concession in Source: Township Papers, PETITION 22 * 25 Mar 1799, York, John Bleeker, having been granted lot 11, Con 1, Rawdon in Sep 1797 for the purpose of erecting mills and as lot 22, * 27 Aug 1801, No 22, 9 Con, Sydney, reserved for Clergy, Recommended, No 277 Read in Council 22 May 1802? Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 85, B Leases, #22, film C-1644 TOWNSHIP PAPERS 1 June 1799, Source: Township Papers, PETITION 142 9 Aug 1799, Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 31, B/4, #142, film C-1620 LAND BOOK D 13 Aug 1799, John Blacker, stating that in 1791 he settled Source: Land Book D, 13 Aug 1799, C-101 LETTER Gavin Watt wrote that, "While researching for my new book, I came across this mention of a Blacker, …
but in Boat 39 I found a Bbl of Mr Blackers Spirits that had a
Spoil-hole apparently made with a Nail…" PETITION 16 7 Apr 1800, Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 1, A Misc, #16, film C-1619 TOWNSHIP PAPERS * 23 May 1800, survey report to James Smith Esq UE regarding parts of lots 1, 2, 3 in the 1st and 2 nd concession of * 9 Sept 1800, Fiat of a grant of 659 acres being of the above to James Smith Esq. Source: Township Papers, TOWNSHIP PAPERS 9 Jul 1802, Murray, Sir, I beg leave to acquaint your Honor that in February 1800 I went to York in order to petition the Council to see if it was not possible but that, their honors would be pleased to allow me more of Lot 2 in the Broken Front of Murray than the thirty two acres granted me at Newark 28th June 1793 – which however the Hon Council did not think proper alter but nevertheless offered me the fragment of No 1 first concession of Murray on the west side of the River, which their Honor told me was not necessary amd then called upon Mr Chewett (then present) to know how much said fragment contained which he answered forty acres – and was immediately desired by the President to mark my name on the plan for the land? which I have ever since thought was the case – till a few days since, Mr Eliakim Weller tells me, who has just returned from York, that I am not on the plan for said fragments, will your Honor please inquire into this business and let me know respecting it by the first opportunity … John Bleeker Source: Township Papers, TOWNSHIP PAPERS 28 Jul 1802, Murray, [to] Chewett & Ridout, I hope you can yet recall it when Mr Graly and myself attended Council in the winter 1800 in order to know for certainty how the lines or division lines of the lots in the Broken Front would be established and then at some time I petitioned Hon Exe Council for a grant of the whole of this lot viz No 2 Broken Front Murray that then Honors refused granting any addition to the thirty acres they were blessed to grant in 1793 of said lot and that I therefore requested the Honors to let me have the adjoining Broken fragment of No 1 first Con if vacant or not reserved and that then Hon appealed to you in that respect and that you Examined the plan and reported it was neither located nor reserved and that Mr Russell asked how many acres it contained and you immediately tryd? it with the scoll? and dividers and called it thirty nine acres, tho it might be forty and that I was asked if I would take the same for forty and I said I would and you were requested to enter my name on the Plan for it – etc etc now my reasons for requesting this favor of you is this that since then I have made myself perfectly asy? On that land Imagining that said fragment adjoining to the thirty acres of No 2 making Seventy acres and being promised a ?? line for the remainder of No 2 Intending to trouble myself no further in the business – until a few days ago I see Mr Eliakim Weller, who tells me, that he has , when last at York, examined the Plan and that there is, for certainty, the name of some other person marked on for the same – Will you therefore have the goodness to write me by the first opportunity … John Bleecker Source: Township Papers, TOWNSHIP PAPERS 19 Aug 1803, Source: Township Papers, Back to Top PETITION 48 * 3 Mar 1805, ?? Office, ??? has paid in this office £2/11? Being the ?? fees according to ?? 1802 and ?? 8 July 1804 ordered in Council the 27 Feb to John Blecker Esq, for 34 acres of land being the small broken lot 1 West side of the Mouth of the River Trent and £1 * 21 Feb 1805, York, John Bleecker, Murray, petitioner is a UE Loyalist and settled in this province in the year 1784 and applied to John Collins, Esquire, then acting Surveyor General for lands to settle upon, when he was informed that there was no land at that time surveyed but that your petitioner might settle on any of the waste lands of the crown as that unsurveyed, and that on his (Mr Collins) return from Quebec he would secure? him in the possession of the lands that he should be found settled upon. That in consequence of such leave your petitioner settled at the Head of the * 27 Feb 1805, Received in Council, recommended [48 end paper] The lot in which are the above mentioned 30 acres is No 2 in the front otherwise concession A in Murray, which according to the chequered plan for that Township, is a Clergy Reserve – and contains 105 acres. The tract lying between the said reserved lot 2 and the River Trent is a small broken lot called No 1 containing 34 acres, it is not part of the Seventh for the Crown or Clergy – but is set apart for the future Disposition for the Lt Governor being intreated on the west side and at the mouth of the River Trent and judged by the Surveyor General to be a suitable spot for a ferry – or landing place. Mr John Bleecker was granted by Mr President Russell on 17 Mar 1797, 1200 acres of land including former grants. The locations found in his name are as follows – Kitley [Leeds Co.] – 200 acres - deed issued – 2 Jul 1802 Bastard [Leeds Co.] – 300 acres – deed issued 2 Jul 1802 Rawdon [Hastings Co.] – 100 acres – stayed? for payment of Patent Fees Fredericksburgh [Lennox & Addington] – 100 acres – deed issued 21 May 1803 Total located 900 acres It therefore appears the petitioner has 300 acres to locate to complete his grant of 1200 acres in which 300 acres are to be comprehended in the Lands especially applied for by him in * 29 Apr 1804? Mr John Bleecker ?? a deed for about 30 acres of land in * 21 Mar 1804, Certificate respecting Lands at the mouth of the River Trent, We whose names are hereunto subscribed do certify that in our opinion it will not be any benefit to the Inhabitants of the Townships near the mouth of the River Trent at the head of the Bay of Quenty or the public in general, to have a small piece of land lying between Lot Number two in the first concession of Murray and the said River Trent Reserved for a Town plot, or any other public purpose whatsoever. [48d] Alexander Chisholm JP DMG Robert Young JP Robert Wilkins Asa Weller JP Caleb Gilbert JP? Rosewell Leavens Eliakim Weller William Keating? Leonard W Meyers Jacob W Meyers James ???nides Abraham Simmon William Welch Simon Westfall Matthew Goslee? John Smith Daniel M Dean George W Meyers ??? John Macarthur (his mark) Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 34, B/7, #48, film C-1620 * 25 Jul 1804, Cramahe, I have the honour to enclose to you by Mr Chisholm a Certificate respecting theys piece of land at the mouth of the river It has been mentioned to me that there is no Justice of the Peace living in the Township of Thurlow in the County of Hastings and as Mr Chisholm has lately removed to that place if he was put in the Commission of the peace there he might be of service to that neighbourhood and it need not prevent his attending the sessions here. [signed] DMG © Randy Saylor, 2010 Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 27, B/1, #4, film C-1619 MIDLAND DISTRICT c1800 Undated [c1800] John Blaker, granted lot 37, Con 3, 200 acres, Sidney Source: Schedules and Land Rolls, RG 1, Series A-IV, vol 11, Midland District c1800, Sidney, MS400, reel 7 PETITION 87 * 9 Mar 1809, York, Mary Bleecker, wife of the late John Bleecker --- [regarding lot 2, Murray - largely unreadable] [87a] * 17 Oct 1809, In Council, leased to Mrs Mary Bleecker, Murray, widow of the late John Bleecker esquire, deceased, so much of lot 2, broken front, Murray as is reserved for the Clergy, the rent to commence 25 Dec 1809. John W Meyers is the surety named in the petition. [Signed] John Beskis? Clerk, To William Firth Esq, Attorney General, Order in Council, 22 May 1816. [87b] * 15 Sep 1810, Warrant No 851, ??? 22 May 1816 [87c] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 85, B Leases, #87, film C-1645 |
4. LANDS AND DUTIES GRANTED TO JOHN BLEECKER SUMMARY John Blaker of Fredericksburgh is named on the 1784/6 provisioning lists (see the Loyalists section). It is HUGE that the land granted in Fredericksburgh below is sold in 1820 by John R Bleecker, of Murray. This strongly supports the idea that John Blaker of 1784/6 is the same John Bleecker of Murray. John Bleecker of Murray was to be granted 1200 acres and it appears he got 900. The list from petition 48 (see petitions above) has been investigated in all cases the land was indeed granted and later sold by his son John R Bleecker. After all the effort over lot 2, Con 1 Murray, John was not granted any of it according to the Abstract Index for the township. He did get the 17 acres in Lot 1, Con A in Murray. The abstract index for the township which must be seen as the final arbiter of the matter because all later sales of the land flow from that record. James Smith and Eliakim Weller got lot 2, con 1. FREDERICKSBURGH TP * Lot 7, Con 5, Patent, 10 June 1801, John Blaker, 100 acres, E 1/2 [Alex Nicholson got the W 1/2] * E1050, Deed, 15 Mar 1820, reg 8 Jan 1836, John R Bleecker of Murray, yeoman, sold to Emos Richardson, all 100 acres, Lot 7, Con 5, E 1/2, Fredericksburgh Source: Abstract Index for Fredericksburgh Additional, Lennox, GSU198117, GS4614 and Lennox Deeds, Book E, GS4662 MARYSBURGH and SOPHIASBURG The 1796 UE Executive list has John Blaker from Marysburgh and Sophiasburgh. The indexes for these townships have not been checked but it is unlikely he received any land there. This makes little sense given that he was in Murray by 1791. AMELIASBURGH TP There are references stating that John Bleecker had resided in Ameliasburgh before Murray. No grant nor purchase has been found in the absract index fo Ameliasburgh. Source: Abstract Index Ameliasburg, Prince Edward Co., GSU198139 or GS5129 MURRAY TP * Lot 2, Con 1: The abstract index for Murray shows James Smith being granted that part east of the Trent and Eliakim Weller being granted that part west of the Trent in June 1801 and May 1802 respectively. * Lot 1, Con A: 1 Mar 1801, patent to John Blacker for 17 acres. On 31 Dec 1821 John and George Blacker sell the land to Adam Henry Meyers. Source: Abstract index for Murray Tp, Northumberland Co, GSU197818 or GS4767 RAWDON TP * Lot 11, Con 1, Patent, 16 Mar 1811, John Walden Meyers and John Richard Bleecker, 200 acres * [E 1/2] L1505, BS, 24 Aug 1824, reg 27 Mar 1830, John R Bleecker sold to Nicholas Lake, 100 acres * [W 1/2] G1011, BS, 24 Aug 1825, reg 2 Nov 1825, John R Blacker sold to Edward Fidler, 100 acres Source: Abstract Index for Rawdon Tp, Hastings Co, GSU197866, GS4257 SIDNEY TP * Lot 37, Con 3, patent 10 Jul 1818, John Bleecker, 200 acres * D580, BS, 28 Aug 1820, reg 12 Sep 1820, John Bleecker sold to Ezekiel Lawrence, all 200 acres Source: Abstract Index for Sidney Tp, Hastings Co, GSU197974, GS4268 John Blaker - granted lot 37, Con 3, Sidney Source: Return For Midland District, Schedules and Rolls, 1794 - 1922, Vol 5 - 16, Vol 11, c1800, RG 1-30-0-5, MS400, reel 7, AO KITLEY TP * Lot 15, Con 4, Patent, 10 Jun 1801, John Bleecker, 200 acres * E291, BS, 20 Mar 1812, reg 30 Mar 1812, John R Bleecker sold to John Cumming, £12.10, 200 acres Source: Abstract Index for Kitley Tp, Leeds Co, GSU199573 BASTARD TP * Lot 7, Con 1, Patent, 10 June 1801, John Blacker, all 100 acres * D52?, BS, 31 Dec 1804, reg 19 Apl 1808, John Bleecker sold to John Cummings, £75, all 100 acres and Lot 10, Con 5, Patent, 10 Jun 1801, John Blacker, all 200 acres * D52, BS, 31 Dec 1804, reg 19 Apl 1808, John Bleecker to John Cummings, £75, all 200 acres Source: Abstract Index for Bastard Tp, Leeds Co, GSU 199557, GS4473 DUTIES GRANTED TO JOHN BLEECKER 8 Apr 1796 - George Smith petitions and this is signed by John Blacker JP [Bleecker]. This is the earliest document found so far stating that John Bleecker is a JP. Source: UCLP, RG1 L3, LAC, V450, S3/10, C-2807, on line image starting at 36 20 Jun 1801 - 3 petitions sworn before John Bleecker JP. Source: UCLP, RG1 L3, LAC, V285, L5/27, C-2125, on line starting at image 659 11 Feb 1804, The Chief Justice requests the favor of Mr Blacker's Company at dinner Wednesday next at 4 o'clock. 9 Dec 1806, "... pleased to appoint you Commisioner for the purpose of administering the Oath to such persons residing in Newcastle who are in the receipt of Half Pay or allowance from the government ... transmit to me two signatures on separate pieces of paper" Wm Halton, Secretary 13 Mar 1807, York, ... pleased to appoint you [John Bleecker] Trustee for the Public Schools in the District of Newcastle under the Act passed in the last session of the Legislature entitled "An Act to Establish Public Schools in each and every District of the Province." Wm Halton, Secretary Source: Bleecker Family Papers, 1788 -1807, F510, AO, MU3274, 2 envelopes Back to Top |
5. ALBANY REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS OVERVIEW John Blaker/Bleecker came from NY around Albany. He has not been identified in the NY record but is likely associated with the people in the records below. BLEECKERS of Colonial Albany The Bleecker ancestors of our John Bleecker were important figures in Albany history. See this about Jan Janse Bleecker, the patriarch of the family by Nan Mulleneaux and posted on the The People of Colonial Albany Live Here web site. More Bleeckers are also presented on this same web site. Source: Thanks to Nelson Fanning for finding the above web site. March 2019 NY COLONIAL MUSTER ROLLS 1767 There are Bleykers in the Militia for the City of Albany in 1767. [emailed from Christine Jack] Source: NY Colonial Muster Rolls, 1664-1775, reprint Genealogical Pub, TRL, 929.3747 N266 V1,2 THIRD NY CONTINENTAL LINE REGT Cpl John Blaker, entered 1 Dec 1776 and "served throughout". An appended note states that John Blaker enlisted to serve the war and deserted on 2 May 1778. "The name may have been Bleecker. If so the name John Bleecker was very common in the NY service. [This man is likely not the John Bleecker of Murray who would have been 15 years old at the time. Gavin Watt emailed that it is "not very likely at all" that a 15 year old would be a corporal.] Source: The British Campaign of 1777, the St Leger Expedition, Gavin Watt & James Morrison, 2001, 131, 133 Blaker, John, Corp’l, Deceb’r 1 ’76, war, des’d, May 2 ’78, M R [Military Register] Source: DESERTER 1775 John Blaker, deserted 24 Nov 1775, possibly in Canada or maybe New York, NY, from the Seventh Reg't of Foot (Fusiliers). This regiment was in Canada in May 1775 and moved to New York sometime before the next muster in May 1777. Therefore it is possible that this John Blaker deserted in Canada. Listees are former British military who remained in North America. Many settled in the Carolinas. John Bleecker of Murray is too young to be this man and he was born and raised in Albany, NY. Source: British and German Deserters, Dischargees, and Prisoners of War Who May Have Remained in Canada and the United States, 1774-1783, Smith, Clifford Neal, (British-American Genealogical Research, Monograph Number 9, Parts 1), Extracted from muster rolls in the British Record Office, archival group War Office 12, vol 2474. Genealogical Pub., 1988, p 9, Canadiana Room, TPL, 929.37 SMI
Source 2: Sullivan, James & Alexander C. Flick, eds. Minutes of the Schenectady Committee 1775-1779 and Index, Albany County Minutes, Vol. II. MINUTES 1778-81 John James Bleecker, Justice of the Peace and notes his capture in 1781. Source: Minutes of the Commissioners for detecting and Defeating Conspiracies in the State of New York, Albany County Sessions, 1778-1781, Victor Hugo Paltsits, ed. 2 Vols: Albany: State of New York, 1909. TPL Canadiana Rm, 974.703 N V. 1-3, Supplied by Gavin Watt [Deals with military service only and offer no information about the man’s trade, family, dwelling place, or birth year.]
Source: Roberts, James A., comptroller. JOHN N. BLEECKER TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. Sir: Having been informed that it was some time ago resolved, in Congress, that all those who had any demands for publick charges on that body, should lay a state of their accounts before them, or the Committee of Inspection appointed for the purpose of auditing accounts ; in consequence of which, I enclose you an account of provisions, stores, baggage, he, forwarded from due to wagoners, teamsters, he.., he, of fourteen hundred and ninety-eight Pounds, fifteen Shillings and five Pence, for which sum I have this day drawn on you, in favour of Mr. Matties Arnest, and hope my draft will be honoured. Several persons, from whom the provisions, &c, have been bought, complain of a delay in payment, and often intimate that they are in want of money; that they could long since have had cash, had they sold their provisions to others ; and the wagoners and teamsters also express their uneasiness at the want of their dues, and plainly say that they are and have been deceived with fair promises, which I have indeed often been forced to make use of, in order to induce them to load, by telling them that they would all be paid off before the end of August last. With respect to the carpenters, they are also in anxious expectation of being paid ; some having large families to maintain, and nothing wherewith to purchase the common necessaries of life. I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, John N. Bleecker. OTHER NY SOURCES Fernow, Berthold, ed. Documents relating to the Colonial History of the State of Back to Top |
6. LOYALIST RECORDS SUMMARY John Blaker, later Bleecker, does not have a clear path through the loyalist records. He is not on the 1783 King's Rangers list but he is on the three lists generated in 1784-6 as a settler in Fredericksburg and said to be with the King's Rangers. In his 1790 (118) petition he says he is a private with the Loyal Rangers. His father in law, John W Meyers was a Cap't with the Loyal Rangers. He is on the Council lists as a Loyalist in 1796 in Marysburgh and Sophiasburgh. He is not on the 1783 muster rolls of the King's Rangers and the Loyal Rangers. It is not unusual for a person to be omitted from a muster roll. LOYAL RANGERS 1783 On a 1 Jan 1783 muster roll of the Loyal Rangers, there is a "Private John Blakley age 26, served one year" named in Capt John Meyer's 9th Company. It was possible that this was a transcription error but upon checking there are petitions for a John Blakely UE who was a private enlisting in 1784 in the Loyal Rangers and was 79 in 1833. Both age references give a birth year abt 1756. Therefore this John Blakley is not our John Blaker. Source: Fryer, Mary B. & Lieutenant-Colonel William A. Smy. Rolls of the Provincial (Loyalist) Corps, Canadian Command American Revolutionary War Period, KING'S RANGERS 1783 Major James Rogers formed the King's Rangers later in the war and in 1783 Haldimand accepted them into the Northern Department. The surviving muster roll is dated 21 Jan 1783 when they were quartered in St John's, NB. John Blaker is not on the list. Maybe he was not in St John's at that time but it is reasonable to assume that he was with the King's Rangers or at least loosley attached to them. Source: Fryer, Mary B. & Lieutenant-Colonel William A. Smy. Rolls of the Provincial (Loyalist) Corps, Canadian Command American Revolutionary War Period, Return of Disbanded Troops and Loyalists, Settled in Township No 3 (Cataraqui) Kings Rangers Jno Blaker, 1 man, 1 ration per day Source: Haldimand Papers, British Library, Musters of Refugee Loyalists desiring to settle in Canada, n.d., 1784, Add MSS 21828, LAC, H-1655, B-168, p. 75, on line Heritage Canadiana, image 189 JOHN BLAKER 1784-6 * Jno Blaker, Loyalist, single, 1 ration/day, Return of Disbanded Troops and Loyalists settled in Cataraqui Tp No 3, (Fredericksburgh), Mustered 6th Oct 1784 (Provisioning Lists 1784, C412, p 78), Note: John is listed as a "loyalist" and others near him on the list are listed with the King's Rangers. * John Blaker, 1785, Settler at Township no. 3, Cataraqui, (Fredericksburgh), ( Locaton List, F33, p 111) * John Blacker, 1786, single, 1 ration/day, List of Loyalists of and attached to the Kings late Rangers victualled at the 3d Township above Cataraqui (Fredericksburgh) between 1 Jul and 31 Aug 1786, under Maj Rogers, (1786 Provisioning List, H940, p 170) Source: Crowder, Norman K. Early 1789 24 Feb [1789], John Blacker of Frdericksburgh, late private in the Loyal Rangers, prays for the additional Bounty. He hath received 100 acres under the instructions of 1783, which having duly improved a Certificate is grant for the Bounty. Mr Blacker being married but two years ago can lay no claim to Family Lands. Source: Upper Canada Land Board Minutes and Records, 1765-1804, RG1 L4, LAC, Vol 7, Mecklenburg District, 96-7, C-14027 (copy of film at AO), index is on line here at LAC. JOHN BLAKER UE 1796 * John Blaker. UE, part of Marysburg and Sophiasburg, (one of 43 named), Midland District, #3887, Roll of the Inhabitants of the Midland District who adhered to the Unity of the Empire and joined the Royal Standard in America before the treaty of Separation in the year 1783. Taken in open Sessions held at Kingston 11 Oct and at different adjournments to 15 Nov 1796. (file 4, p 151) * John Blaker, UE, part of Marysburg and Sophiasburg, #4937, UE Roll - Mid Dist - 1796, (in a list headed by Col J James Rogers), Roll of the Inhabitants of the Midland District who adhered to the Unity of the Empire and joined the Royal Standard in America before the treaty of Separation in the year 1783. Taken in open Sessions held at Kingston 11 Oct and at different adjournments to 15 Nov 1796. (file 5, p 172). Source: transcribed from LAC, RG 1, L 7, vol 52B, files 4 and 5, Ontario People 1796-1803, E. Keith Fitzgerald, Genealogical Pub, 1993, TPL, Canadiana Rm, 929.3713F JOHN BLAKER - Comment by Gavin Watt Fredericksburgh is a township just west of Kingston. Gavin Watt writes that "in Crowder’s book of settlement rolls, Jno Blaker is shown as a single man settled at Cataraqui Township No.3 (Frederickburgh) on 06 Oct 84. Men of two regiments settled at CT3 – the 2nd battalion, King’s Royal Regiment of New York, and Blaker/Bleecker is not found on that unit’s muster rolls, nor is the name (or variants) found on the rolls of the 2nd battalion, King’s Rangers. So, he’s a mystery man. An explanation may have been that John Blaker was an Associated Loyalist, i.e. one of those to come to Source 1: Cruikshank, Ernest A. & Gavin K. Watt, The History and Master Roll of The King’s Royal Regiment of New York. Revised edition. Campbellville: Global Heritage Press, 2006, TPL, Reference Library, 971.024 C694.3 Source 2: Turner, Larry. Voyage of a Different Kind, The Associated Loyalists of Source 3: Smy, Lieutenant Colonel William A. An Annotated Nominal Roll of Butler’s Rangers 1777-1784 with Documentary Sources. [Annotated Roll]. FREDERICKSBURGH Fredericksburg Township No. 3: This township was given to Col. Robert Rogers' Scouts. ..... In the second and other concessions were many German names, and a few Dutch as John Bleecker, ...... Source: The Quinte Loyalists of 1784, P.H. Bryce, ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Papers and Records, Volume 27, Published in Toronto in 1931, Pages 5-14, Bill Martin's web site JOHN BLACHER John Blacher, Marysburgh and Sophiasburgh, Soldier Loyal Rangers, Land Board Mecklenburg, 1790, 300 King's Rangers, Provision List Kingston, 1786. Note: This old list is widely around and Blacher is a mistake by the transcriber - it is Blaker. Source: The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada by the United Empire Loyalists 1784-1884, 1884, page 139, Our Roots FILM TO EXAMINE King's Rangers 1783, v 1892, film C-4222 Back to Top |
7. SURVEYING SUMMARY John Bleecker is said in PLBQ to have assisted with the early surveying out of Kingston, likely about 1784. Is there any truth to this? John Bleecker/Blaker is not recorded as assisting on the survey teams mentioned below, however it is possible he was hired to help out. On 1 Sep 1783 Haldimand tells Johnson that he is preparing "to send off a surveyor and proper persons to explore and mark the lands for the intended settlement at Cataraqui." This was done under John Collins assisted by Captain Justus Sherwood, Lt Lewis Corte and Capt Michael Grass and that "these gentlemen would be attended with ax men etc proper for the occasion." Capt Sherwood was sent with a party on 19 Sep 1783 to explore and report on settlement possibilities along the St Lawrence and round the Bay of Quinte. In his own words he "left Montreal with Lt Johns & two men of the King's Rangers, Ensn Bottum and 7 men of the Loyal Rangers proceeded up the St Lawrence in a boat." In Oct 1793 the land from the current Ontario - Quebec border west to the Trent River. Collins started the surveying in Oct 1783. The surveying continued through 1784 to place the loyalists in the townships. After1791, Gov Simcoe appointed Chewett as Acting Surveyor General as of 10 Apr 1792 from a list of names of potential candidates: Chewett, Aitken, Jones, McNiff, Stegman, Fortune, De Pencier, Pennoyer and Joseph Bouchette. Source: THEY LEFT THEIR MARK, Surveyors and Their Role in the Settlement of Ontario, John L Ladell, Dundurn Press, 1993, 63-72, 89 Capt Justus Sherwood journal abstract outlining the daily work from 19 Sep to 30 Oct 1783 from Cataraqui to the head of the Bay of Quinte. Source: The Settlement of the United Empire Loyalists on the St Lawrence and Bay of Quinte, E A Cruickshank, 1934, reprint 1966, 25-28 Back to Top |
8. CHART of the CHILDREN of John Bleecker 1. JOHN BLEECKER was born Abt. 1762, and died 1807. His mother was Sarah Powers and his father's name is not known. He married (1) CATHERINE W. MEYERS 07 Oct 1788 in 8th Town (Sidney), daughter of CAPTAIN MEYERS and MARY KRUGER. She was born 18 Mar 1767 in Wurtenburg, Rhinebeck, Dutchess Co., NY, and died Abt. 1791 in Upper Canada. He married (2) MARY OR MARIA MEYERS 11 Nov 1797 in Kingston, Upper Canada, daughter of CAPTAIN MEYERS and MARY KRUGER. She was born Abt. 1774 in near Poughkeepsie, NY, and died 1868 in Trenton, ON. Children of JOHN BLEECKER and CATHERINE MEYERS are: 2. i. JOHN RICHARD2 BLEECKER, b. 17 Jul 1789, Carrying Place, Ameliasburgh; d. 25 Nov 1874, Trenton. ii. GEORGE BLEECKER, b. 07 Mar 1791, Amelaisburgh, PEC; d. Aft. 1851; m. ELSIE RITCHIE, Aft. 1815. Children of JOHN BLEECKER and MARY MEYERS are: iii. TOBIAS2 BLEECKER, b. 11 Jul 1797, Sidney Tp, Hastings; d. 19 Sep 1866, Thurlow Tp, Hastings; m. ISABELLA MARIANNE, Bef. 1822. iv. GILBERT BLEECKER, b. 07 May 1799, Sidney Tp, Hastings; d. 26 Dec 1850, Sidney Tp, Hastings; m. MARY ANN WALKER, 07 Dec 1823, Belleville, ON; b. 21 Nov 1800; d. 14 Jan 1859, Whites Cemetery. v. CATHERINE BLEECKER, b. 1801, Sidney Tp, Hastings; m. JOHN WESLEY ORR, Aft. 1816. vi. JANE BLEECKER, b. 04 Jun 1803, Sidney Tp, Hastings; m. WILLIAM RIPSON, Aft. 1818. vii. HENRY BLEECKER, b. 10 Aug 1805, Sidney Tp, Hastings; d. 15 Sep 1881, Sidney Tp, Hastings; m. SARAH LEAVENS, 05 Oct 1839, Sidney Tp. Generation No. 2 2. JOHN RICHARD2 BLEECKER (JOHN1) was born 17 Jul 1789 in Carrying Place, Ameliasburgh, and died 25 Nov 1874 in Trenton. He married ELIZABETH CONNOR RICHARDS 08 Jun 1812 in Ernestown, L&A. Child of JOHN BLEECKER and ELIZABETH RICHARDS is: i. ANNA3 BLEECKER, m. JOHN HENNESSY; b. 1817; d. 1899. Back to Top |
9A. JOHN RICHARD BLEECKER John R Bleecker was the heir at law and executor of the estate of his father, John Bleecker. Over time he sold off the Fredericksburgh and other lands. Below is a collection of records relating to his activities. His wife was a DUE and her petition is number 112. SECOND HEIR AND DEVISEE * 10 Apr 1810, Kingston, John R Blacker, Murray, yeoman, claims lot 11, Con 1, Rawdon, the original nominees John Blacker and Caleb Gilbert * 1 June 1810, * 6 June 1810, John Walden Meyers, Thurlow, gentleman saith that John Richard Blaker is the eldest surviving son of the late John Blaker Esquire deceased and this deponent further swears the said John Blaker died without, making a will. Sworn before Allan MacLean, Commissioner Source: Second Heir and Devisee Commission, RG 40-5, MS 657, reel 16, 40-112 SECOND HEIR AND DEVISEE * 15 July 1817, * 9 May 1817, Murray That at the next sitting of the Commissioners for ascertaining titles to land in cases where no Patent hath issued for such lands – John Bleeker of Murray will claim lot 37, Con 3, Sidney, 200 acres as Heir at Law to the late John Bleeker Esq, deceased. [signed] John Bleeker I certify that this above claim has been put up in the Office of the Clerk of the Peace and has remained in a conspicuous situation therein for the space of Thirty days and upwards. Robert Macaulay, Deputy Clerk of the Peace * 10 Jul 1817, Newcastle District, Jacob Walden Meyers, Sidney, maketh oath that John Richard Bleeker, Murray, gentleman, Is the older son and Heir at Law of the late John Bleeker, Murray, Esq, deceased and that the said john Bleecker died intestate. [signed] Jacob W Meyers, T Ward Commissioner * 2 Sep 1811, John R Blacker has taken the Oath of Allegiance before me …. And do certify that John R Bleaker, Source: Second Heir and Devisee Commission, RG 40-5, MS 657, reel 18, 40-277 COURT 7 Oct 1817, John Blaker is one of 4 Crown witnesses in the case of The King vs Eliakim Weller et al, charged with "riot and assault." Weller et al are found guilty. Source: Early Assize Court Records of Ontario, V2, 1810-18, Linda Corupe, 274 PETITION 132 * 23 Jul 1819, York, John Richard Bleecker, Murray, farmer, petitioner is a native of Upper Canada and son of the late John Bleecker, Murray, Loyalist, that he is married and has 4 children and has never received any land. Prays for 200 acres as a SUE and permits Messrs Seale? And Fitzgibbon of York to be his agents * 28 Jul 1819, Recommended, 200 acres [fold] * 14 Jan 1818, Court House, Hastings, David MG Rogers, Esquire, Chairman and Thomas Ward Clerk of the Peace, certify that John Richard Bleecker is the son of John Bleecker, late of * 24 Jul 1819, Cramahe, I do hereby certify that the bearer John R Blaker, son of the late Lieut Colonel John Blaker, has resided upwards of 25 years in the District of Newcastle and that he served faithfully as a Private in the First Regiment of Northumberland Militia during the late War with the Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 42, B/12, #132, film C-1625 PETITION 112 * Undated [1818?], Elizabeth Connor Bleecker, wife of John Richard Bleecker, Murray, is the daughter of John Richards of the Island of Amherst in the Incorporated Counties of Lennox and Addington, Gentleman and UE Loyalist. Your petitioner has attained the full age of 21, has never received land and prays for 200 acres as a DUE. [signed] * 14 Jan 1818, David MG Rogers, Esq, Chairman and Thomas Ward, Clerk of the Peace, certify that Elizabeth Connor Bleaker is recognized to be the daughter of John Richards of * 28 Jul 1819 Recommended [112b] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 68, B Misc, #112, C-1635 PETITION 226 * 30 Apr 1823, In Council, ordered that John R Bleecker shall receive a lease of the Clergy Reserve, lot 2, Broken Front A in the 1st Concession of Murray, regulations 13 Apr 1819 as to rent and 30 Dec 1815 as to patent fee. Rent to commence after the next Quarter day after this date. Patent fee paid. [226 and 226a] * 29 Jan 1825 at Murray, we hereby certify that John Bleecker settled on lot 2, Concession A, Murray rising of 28 years ago & made large improvements on the same, we further certify that his son John R Bleecker now resides on lot 1 at the mouth of the River Trent and has been in possession of and made about 10 acres of improvement on lot 2 in the 1st concession exclusive of his buildings at the mouth of the Trent on number 1 for the space of 12 years and now with his family resides on the same. James Young JP, Benjamin Young, Richard Hennesy, ???, Johnathan Greeley? [226c] * 6 Feb 1823, York, petition of John R Bleecker, Murray, yeoman, prays to lease lot 2 in the Broken Front A, Con 1, Murray. That his father settled the above lot in Broken Front A upwards of 20 years ago and made large improvements on the same before it was surveyed, he humbly prays that he may be granted a lease. [226e] * 30 Apr 1823, referred to the Executive Council, recommended, No 3196. [226d] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 86, B Leases, #226, film C-1645 SECOND HEIR AND DEVISEE 16 Mar 1830, take note that John R Bleecker, Murray, yeoman, will claim at the next sittings of the ?? The Commissioners for ascertaining titles to land in cases where no Patent has issued, 30 acres of lot 2 in front, otherwise Con A, Murray, as eldest son and Heir at Law of John Bl[torn ??? ???] the original nominee, under Order of Council bearing date 29 June 1793. Claim allowed, No 49 Source: Second Heir and Devisee Commission, RG 40-5, MS 657, reel 26, 40-973 TOWNSHIP PAPERS Source: Township Papers, * 22 Feb 1832, Long letter reacting to the news that the Council had granted Lot 2 west side of the Source: Township Papers, CHILD - Not sure if this is the correct John Bleecker, possibly his son John R Bleecker Susanna, born 19th Sept 1838 (out of matrimony) daughter of John Bleecker of this township & of Harriet Wessels, spinster, was publicly baptized this day 16th January 1839 by me, John Grier, Minister of St Stephens Church, Murray William Terril Godfather Mrs Susn Wessels, Godmother Harriet Wessels, Godmother Source: Register, St John's Anglican Church, Ameliasburgh, 1833 - 1848, held at Anglican Archives, Kingston, 2-A-1, baptism 794, image 104 in file AA Ameliasburgh 781-1043 Back to Top |
| 9B. GEORGE BLEECKER OVERVIEW Both George and his brother Tobias lived in Belleville. BAPTISM George, son of John & CatherineBLACKER, Ameliasburgh, 7 Mar 1791 Source: Anglican Registers 1787-1814, Rev John Langhorn, Lorel and Mildred Wanamaker, OGS, Kingston Branch, 1980, baptisms, 49 1865 DIRECTORY Living in Thurlow. George Bleecker, JP, Yeoman, part lot 7, Con 1, Thurlow Tobias Bleecker, JP, Yeoman, part lot 11, Con 1, Thurlow Source: Ancestry, Hastings County Directory, 1864-65, Thurlow, page 382 PETITION 83 25 Jan 1827, Adolphustown, George Blaker, Sydney, son of John Blaker, Murray, UE Loyalist, has never received land, prays for 200 acres, appoints John Smyth to be his agent, [signed] George Bleecker. William McKenzie and Alex Fisher Chairman were present for the oath of allegiance. Allan MacLean Clerk of the Peace and Alexander Fisher Esquire Chairman state that George Blaker is the son of the late John Blaker. George Bleecker has taken oath of allegiance 16 July 1822 at Recommended, In Council 7 May 1828 for 200 acres [83c] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 50, B/15, #83, film C-1628 BELLEVILLE Residence: circa 1840, Thurlow Twp., Belleville, Hastings Co., Ontario, "Two buildings remain in Belleville that are directly associated with the Meyers family. The first is a house built by George Bleecker, a son of John Walden Meyers' daughter Catharine and her husband "Squire" John Bleecker. ... It was the first home of George and his wife, Elsie Ritchie [Richards]." Source: "Homesteads: Early buildings and families from Kingston to Toronto" by Margaret McBurney and Mary Byers, 1979, pg. 1043 1851 CENSUS George Bleeker, farmer, born canada, 61 (c 1790) Alice Bleeker, b Canada, 57 (c 1794) Source: Ancestry, Canada West, Hastings County, District Number 15, Sub-District: Thurlow, Sub-District Number: 129 Back to Top |
| 9C. TOBIAS BLEEECKER OVERVIEW We conclude that Tobias is the father of Rev George Blaker. Tobias was a witness to the Grape Island indenture signing in 1826 where the Mississauga were settled on Grape Island across from Belleville. The full text of this indenture is above. More conclusively is the story reported by Robert Bleecker within the Bleecker family that "Tobias Bleecker had a child or children with a native mother." PETITION 99 * 21 Jan 1821, Tobias Bleecker, Thurlow, son of John Blaker UE, late of the * 16 Feb 1822, at Thurlow, This is certify that Tobias Bleecker hath taken the oath of allegiance. [signed] William Ball JP [99a] * 27 Jun 1822, Certify that Tobias Bleecker is now a resident of * 24 Jul 1822, Read in Council, recommended for 200 acres. [99c] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 44, B/13, #99, film C-1626 PETITION 100 * 11 Jun 1822, Belleville, Tobias Bleecker, Merchant, prays for a grant of town plot in Belleville … a small gore adjoining to lot number forty one on the east side of Church Street in the Town Plot of Belleville [signed] Tobias Bleecker [100a] * 24 Jul 1822, Read in Council, Recommended [100b] * 4 Jul 1822, Belleville, Robert Smith JP certifies that Tobias Bleecker, Thurlow, gentleman is the grand son of Captain John Walden Meyers, late of the Township aforesaid, deceased and to the best of my knowledge and belief is a native of His Majesty’s province of Upper Canada, and has been a constant resident therein, and as having my observation and knowledge his character extends? ???? habits in society. [100c] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 44, B/13, #100, film C-1626 SECOND HEIR AND DEVISEE * 3 Apr 1843, Donald MacKenzie, Madoc, Esquire, will be at the next sitting of the Commissioners under the Heir and Devisee Acts claim lot 18 in the west side of Church Street in the Town of Belleville as the assignees of Tobias Bleecker who with me was the joint assignee of Casper Riess the original nominee of the Crown who is absent from this Province * 12 July 1842, * There are more documents on this including an indenture 12 Aug 1833 where Tobias Bleecker sells the lot to Donald MacKenzie. Another in 142 where Rufus Huntley swears that Caspar Reiss has left the province and has made no return. Lastly an indenture dated 21 Jan 1824 where Caspar Rice, Source: Second Heir and Devisee Commission, RG 40-5, MS 657, reel 51, 40-2646 1866 WILL OF TOBIAS BLEECKER 27 Aug 1866, Tobias Bleecker, Thurlow, Esquire, this my last will and testament .. executors are Nathan Jones, * Bequeath to my wife Eliza, 2 acres, West ½, lot 7, Con 1, Thurlow, bounded on south by * To the children of my son William, by his wife Jeanette, now 400 acres, * Sarah Ann Stapely, wife of Daniel Stapley, part lot 4, Con 1, Rawdon Tp and land in Con 9, Sidney Tp adjoining Samuel Danford’s lot. * Daniel Stapley and Sarah Ann Stapley, my son in law and daughter, lot 5, Con 1, Rawdon Tp. * To the mother of Daniel Stapley, ½ acre part of west ½ lot 7, Con 1, Thurlow Tp and after her death the land goes to Daniel Stapley. * Henry and John Bleecker, the sons of my brother Henry Bleecker, ½ acre to each to a value of $400 each. * George S Ripsom, ½ acre to each to a value of $500. * Samuel Danford , son of Samuel Danford, ½ acre to each to a value of $400. * John and Henry Bleecker Stevens, sons of Eliza Stevens, ½ acre to each to a value of $400 each. * To my wife, household furniture, implements, grain in the barn and $100 per year in lieu of all dowry. * Daughter Mary Elizabeth Bleecker west ½, lot 11, Con 1, Thurlow including the broken front. * Daughter Catherine Matilda Bleecker east ½, lot 11, Con 1, Thurlow including the broken front. * Son William Bleecker £800 cash. * Lay open and dedicate as a Public Street the street called Bleecker Street in said west ½ of lot 7, Con 1, Thurlow. * Executors to convert estate to money to secure said wife, also to pay Sarah Ann Stapley $800 at $100 per year and to pay to secure lot 5, Con 1, Rawdon to Daniel Stapley. * To equally share in the residue, my 5 children; William Bleecker, Jane Burrell, John J Bleecker Flint, Mary Elizabeth Bleecker, Catherine Matilda Bleecker. * Executors to establish trusts for his two younger daughters and do not have to sell land if an agreement among the children can be reached. The trusts shall not be carried out till 4 years time and the trustees will direct how the farm will be occupied. * For 4 years William Bleecker to have use, rent free, of saw mill built by him on my property on the west side of the Moira River. * The machinery in the stone work shops on the said River property to Ellis Burrell, my son in law and he is at liberty to remove the same. * Town lot, east side of Church St for which no patent has yet issued and of which I have long been in possession; and that land on the north and west side of Front St and between Front St and the River Moira of which for many years I have been in possession shall form part of the land embraced in the devisee to my said trustees and shall be subject to the trusts herein. * Registered 21 Sep 1867 and witnessed by D P? Robertson and Nicholas Connor. Source: Back to Top |
9D. GILBERT BLEECKER PETITION 84 25 Jan 1827, Adolphustown, Gilbert Blaker, Sydney, son of John Blaker, Murray, UE Loyalist, has never received land, prays for 200 acres, appoints John Smyth to be his agent, [signed] Gilbert Bleecker. William McKenzie and Alex Fisher Chairman were present for the oath of allegiance. Allan MacLean Clerk of the Peace and Alexander Fisher Esquire Chairman state that Gilbert Blaker is the son of the late John Blaker. Gilbert Bleecker has taken oath of allegiance 28 Apr 1823? At Recommended, In Council 7 May 1828 for 200 acres [84c] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 50, B/15, #84, film C-1628 |
9E. CATHERINE (BLEECKER) ORR PETITION 126 * 27 Oct 1840, Catherine Bleecker, * 12 Nov 1840, In Council recommended, order of acres 17 Nov 1840. [126a] Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 65, B/22, #126, film C-1634 |
9F. JANE (BLEECKER) RIPSOM PETITION 36 25 Jan 1827, Adolphustown, Jane Ripsom, Murray, daughter of John Blaker, Murray, UE Loyalist, never received lands, took the oath of allegiance. Alex Fisher, Chairman and Allan Maclean JP. OC 7 May 1828, recommended for 200 acres. Source: [try this] UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 431, R/15, #36, film C-2745 |
9G. HENRY BLEECKER PETITION 111 * 11 Sep 1840, Ameliasburgh, Prince Edward District, to wit, Isaac Cole of Sophiasburgh in said district maketh oath and saith that he was personally acquainted with John Blaker or Bleecker of Ameliasburgh, late of the Township of Murray a UE Loyalist and that he the deponent saith that he never knew of another John Blaker or Bleecker in this part of the country and that this deponent has been a residenter in Sophiasburgh upwards of forty four years and never knew of any other John Bleecker but the one of Ameliasburgh & late of Murray, [signed] Isaac Cole Sworn before ? W Maker? JP [111] * 9 Sep 1840, * 22 Oct 1839, Belleville, petition of Henry Bleecker, Sidney, is the son of John Bleecker late of the Township of Murray, deceased, a UE Loyalist, your petitioner has never received land from the Crown, prays for 200 acres as SUE. David Fairman maketh oath that he is who he says he is. William Ketchison JP swears that he is the son of John Bleeecker and was loyal during the late War. [111b & c] * 29 Sep 1840, The name of John Bleecker of Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, Vol 66, B/22, #111, film C-1634 Back to Top |
| 10. BLEECKER ACCOUNT in the
PIONEER LIFE on the BAY OF QUINTE (PLBQ) The abridged account below comes from pages 31-37 of the famous book Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quinte, 1904 and reprinted 1978, Mika press. The Bleekers are descended from an old Holland Colonial family of John R. Bleeker, the During those early years of his bush life he had much to do with the Indians, and was recognized as a man of authority among them. Like all the old pioneers he looked upon rum as a panacea for every ill that human flesh is heir to, and always kept a good supply on hand. The red men who were dispossessed of their God-given inheritance were exceedingly fond of the fire water, not because it tickled their palates, but because it gave them dare-devil spirit and made them "big injuns" in their own estimations. It is related how on a certain occasion before the magisterial club of British authority had reduced Bleeker's red neighbors to a passive condition of law abiding citizenship, they resolved to attack the Bleeker castle and fill their red skins with Bleeker's rum. But as they had to scale walls of logs, Bleeker saved his rum by pounding on the knuckles of each red hand as it grasped the uppermost log in its owner's attempt to get inside. T. Howard Bleeker, of The following tradition relating to the legend which gave the small island at the head of the Bay the name of "Fighting Indian" Another member of the family relates how the old pioneer sat on a bench outside his cabin smoking a pipe when two Indians came paddling by in a canoe, and when directly opposite him one took deliberate aim and fired at him, the ball entering a log just above his head. Bleeker rushed to the shore, sprung into his own canoe and gave chase. As he neared the Indian's canoe the one who had fired the shot jumped overboard. But Bleeker caught him and gave him a thrashing, for in a rough-and-tumble combat he was a match for three or four Indians, and they were all afraid of him. The pioneer was commissioned a Justice of the Peace, and in the early days, Squire Bleeker, of He died, comparatively a young man, in 1807. Among his many enterprises was the building of a mill on Rawdon Brook near the present Back to Top |