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Pioneers
of the Bay of Quinte WHY I AM INTERESTED IN THESE PETITIONS These three petitions highlight the struggles and frustrations of the settlers getting quick response to their urgent needs. The first petition is asking for a mill in Rawdon Tp and the last 2 are supporting John W. Meyers in his wish to be granted part of lot 4 at his mill in Thurlow. Also, these petitions act as an alternative census indicating that the settler was present at the date and location. There are 115 names of settlers. See the great early map of Belleville at the bottom of this page. Signatures are not always easy to decifer. Please contact me if you think I have misread a signature. © Randy Saylor, transcribed Dec 2010 | ||
7 Aug 1797, Sidney (13 names)
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21 Dec 1798, Thurlow (44 names) The Honorable Peter Russel Esquire President of His majesties Province of Upper Canada etc etc etc In Council The petition of us whose names are hereunto subscribed: That your Honour Petitioners being customers of Captn John W Meyers Mills which are erected on Lot number 5 in the first Concession in Thurlow and the said Captain W Meyers having been at a considerable expense of Improving and fencing a pasture on Lot number four near the Landing for the purpose of keeping a team (for our conveniency) to transport our grain and flour to and from his Mills, and as said Lot number 4 is a Reserve we pray it may be confirmed (for our benefit) to the said Captn Meyers either by Grant or Lease or as your Honour in your Judgement may think fit – and Honours Petitioners as in duty bound will ever Pray –
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Thurlow 21st December 1798 (58 names) The petition of us the subscribers Inhabitants of the Towns of Sidney, Thurlow and Ameliasburgh Humbly Sheweth That your Honors Petitioners begs leave to inform your honour that we experience many great inconveniences and difficultys in this Quarter for a number of years for want of Mill and that at our repeated requests and earnest entreatys we prevailed on Captain John W Meyers to erect mills on lot No 5 in the first concession of Thurlow, and that he found it impossible to complete said mills without interfering with lot No 4 in first concession of said Thurlow adjoining which appears to be a reserve and that the said Captain J W Meyers has been at considerable expense in improving and fencing a meadow on said reserve for the convenience of a team to transport our grain to and from his mills, on account that the road is obliged to pass directly through said lot No 4 and that it is our sincere wish and request that said reserve may be confirmed to Captain J W Meyers either by grant or Lease or as Your Honour in Your Judgment may think fit – and we Your Honours Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray – please turn over Thurlow 21st December 1798 John Bleecker Caleb Gilbert George W Meyers [fold] rec’d 27 Jan 1799 [reverse side]
Source: UCLP, RG 1 L3, LAC, S Misc/69, 1783-1818, V446a, C-2805, see image 198 on line This 1798 drawing below of what eventually became Belleville, is part of this petiton. Gerry Boyce, well known historian in the Belleville - Hastings area, had this to say about this map, "it shows the |
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