Dundas County Militia

The military history of Dundas County dates back to the early settlement days, when Loyalist veterans of the American Revolution were granted plots of land in Upper Canada and raised a local militia. The first Loyalist settlers landed in Dundas on the banks of the St Lawrence River in June 1784 and almost immediately raised a local militia force. Many of the families were German Palatines who had remained loyal to Great Britain and fought with the King's Royal Regiment of New York, Butler's Rangers, and Loyal Rangers. The oldest commission found for what would become the Dundas Militia was on June 20, 1788, when Jacob Farrand (Farran) was issued a commission as a Captain by Lord Dorchester in the Williamsburg and Matilda Battalion of Militia.[1] In 1792, Dundas County was formally established by a proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, and by the end of the 1790s the Dundas Militia had been formally raised within the county.

By 1803, the regiment had grown in size, and a report from that year lists the following officers:

• Lt-Col. Allan McDonell
• Maj. Malcolm McMartin
• Capts. Michael Hanes, Farquhar McDonell, Cornelius Munro, Allan Patterson
• Lts. Jacob Merkley, Henry Merkley, Michael Ault, Jacob Weegar, Jesse Wright, John Serviss.

The 1808 report gives the following statistics of the regiment: 1 Lt-Colonel, 1 Major, 4 Captains, 5 Lieutenants, 6 Ensigns, 1 Adjutant, 1 Quartermaster, 1 Surgeon, 14 Sergeants and 238 rank and file.[2]

When the War of 1812 broke out in June 1812, the Dundas Militiamen gathered to prevent an invasion of their homeland and the companies were formed into the 1st Regiment of Dundas Militia. This regiment fought throughout the war, with many men from the regiment being transferred to the Incorporated Battalion of Canadian Militia fighting in the Niagara campaign and at the Battle of Lundy's Lane.

The principle engagements of the 1st Regiment of Dundas Militia were:

Battle of Matilda – On September 16, 1812, soldiers from the 1st Dundas Militia under Captain Ault and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment were escorting a shipment of supplies from Montreal to Kingston when they were attacked near Matilda by 500 American Militia who were hiding on Toussaint Island. The Dundas militia landed on Presqu'ile Island just as an American force landed on the same and an exchange of fire occurred. The Americans were driven back and retreated to Toussaint's Island, and soon more Dundas men arrived on Presqu'ile in case of a second invasion. Col. MacDonell in command of the Dundas Militia, along with Capt. Shaver and Capt. Ault were joined by Grenville Militia and a 9-pounder artillery piece from Prescott that had originally been captured during the Battle of the Thousand Islands. After a few rounds of fire from the cannon and muskets, the Americans abandoned the island and retreated across the border. Canadian losses were one killed and several wounded.[2]

First Battle of Ogdensburg – The Dundas Militia next fought at the First Battle of Ogdensburg on October 4, 1812, launching an amphibious raid from Prescott to gather supplies but being turned back by American artillery and militia.

Battle of French Mills – New York State Militia captured the British post at Akwesasne, an Indian community that straddled the St. Lawrence River in a location where the present-day borders of Ontario, Quebec and New York State intersect. It, and the nearby American post at French Mills on the Salmon River, were recaptured on November 23, 1812, by a British Canadian force, including the Dundas Militia, carrying supplies up the St. Lawrence River.[2]

Battle of Ogdensburg – On February 22, 1813, a British Canadian force including the 1st Regiment of Dundas Militia, crossed the frozen St Lawrence River and charged the American fort at Ogdensburg. The Americans fought back but were eventually forced to retreat and the British and Canadians captured the town, burning the boats and taking the artillery and military supplies back to Prescott.

Battle of Crysler's Farm

Battle of Crysler's Farm – American forces under General James Wilkinson crossed the St Lawrence River and hoped to march on Montreal, but the local British and Canadian forces engaged them before they could move past Dundas County. On November 10, a force of Glengarry and Stormont Militia engaged the Americans at the Battle of Hoople's Creek and on November 11, they along with the Dundas Militia and the 49th Regiment of Foot and the 89th Regiment of Foot engaged the main American force at John Crysler's farm in Williamsburg township. John Crysler was now Lt. Col. in command of the Dundas Militia and led the regiment bravely, repelling the Americans and forcing them back into New York.

Salmon River Raid – In February 1814, the American forces near French Mills began leaving their supply depots and garrisons for Plattsburgh and Sackett's Harbor. On the 19th, a British Canadian force including the Dundas Militia crossed to the Salmon River, setting fire to the abandoned boats and barracks of the Americans, capturing considerable amounts of ammunition and supplies to bring back to Dundas.[2]

Military General Service Medal awarded to Sgt. Peter Brouse, Dundas Militia

In 1848, the Military General Service Medal was created with a clasp for Crysler's Farm and the following men were awarded the medal for service with the Dundas Militia:[3]

• Capt. John Crysler
• Sgts. Peter Brouse, John Cook, John Loucks
• Ptes. Nicholas L. Ault, Peter Baker, Jacob Brouse, George Cook, John Doran Frederick Laut, Peter Loucks, Angus McKay, John Pillar, Robert Redman, Conrad Kintner, Joseph Langevin, John Strader, Edward Shaver, Robert Thompson

In 1837, the 1st Regiment of Dundas Militia was reorganized into two battalions to better serve the new townships of Winchester and Mountain. The 1st Battalion would serve Winchester and Williamsburg and was commanded by Col. John Crysler and Lt. Col. J. MacDonell. The 2nd Battalion would serve Mountain and Matilda and was commanded by Col. George Merkley and Lt. Col. MacDonell.[1]

With the outbreak of the Rebellions of 1837–1838 the Dundas Militia was again called out for defence of the county. On November 12, 1838, men of the Hunters' Lodges came ashore in Prescott and took refuge in the windmill there, and a Canadian force of Grenville Militia, Glengarry Highlanders, Incorporated Militia, and Dundas Militia were dispatched to drive them back across the St Lawrence River. At the Battle of the Windmill the Dundas Militia was commanded by Col. John Crysler and participated in the first attack on November 13 and were present for the surrender on November 16.[1] Casualties from the Dundas Militia were four killed and seven wounded.

Killed:

• Private Jeremiah Bouck

Wounded:

• Lieutenant John Parlow
• Private William Errington[1]

In 1842, the Dundas Militia was reorganized, being split into three battalions. The 1st Battalion would serve Williamsburg Township, the 2nd Battalion would serve Matilda Township, and the 3rd Battalion would serve Winchester and Mountain Townships.[2]

The Militia lists for 1851 record the following officers of the Dundas Militia with their dates of commission:

1st Battalion (Williamsburg): [4]

Lt Col. John Crysler - Nov. 5, 1846

Majors Cephranus Casselman - Jan. 13, 1847, John P. Crysler - Aug. 16, 1850

Captains John Hickey, George Cook, William Kyle, Isaac N. Rose, Adam Nudle, George Weaver, Henry Weagear, William Swayne - Jan. 13, 1847, Conrad Casselman - Dec. 19, 1850

Lieutenants Josiah Southworth, Peter J. Loucks, John W. Loucks, Alex. Colquhoun, Walter Bell, John Marsellis, Cornelius Nevins - Jan. 13, 1847, Samuel J. Crysler, Pembroke Crysler - Oct. 7th, 1847, Jacob Merkley - Dec. 19, 1850

Ensigns Michael Pellar, John Brouse, William Weaver, John Munro - Jan. 13, 1847, Samuel Weagant, Michael Hickey, Seph. M. Casselman, William Dicks, Guy J. Loucks - Oct. 7, 1847, John R. Crysler - Dec. 19, 1850

Adjutant James Baker - Oct. 7, 1847

Quarter Master Jacob Hanes - Jan. 13, 1847

Surgeon John Grant - Jan, 13, 1847

2nd Battalion (Matilda):[4]

Lt Col. David Robertson - Dec. 9, 1846

Major George Ault - Mar. 31, 1847

Captains John Savor, George Brouse, Sydney Doren, James West, Samuel Shaver, John Sirader, Simeon Ault - Mar. 31, 1847, John Parlow - Sep. 25, 1850

Lieutenants David Coons, George Carman, Alonzo C. H. Shaver, James Doren, Nicholas N. Brouse, Isaac Keeler, Alex. Macdonell, Henry Van Allen - Mar. 31, 1847, Matthew Coons - Sep. 25, 1850

Ensigns Nicholas Carman, George J. Brouse, Henry Merkley, John Flagg, Alonzo B. Robertson, James N. Nettleton, John Servis, James Glasford - Mar. 31, 1847, David Mcintosh - Aug. 2, 1847

Adjutant Nicholas N. Brouse - Mar. 31, 1847

Quarter Master George Robertson - Aug. 2, 1847

3rd Battalion (Winchester and Mountain):[4]

Lt Col. Peter Shaver - Nov. 5, 1846

Major Jacob Brouse - Mar. 24, 1847

Captains William S. Shaver, Robert Grey, John Dillabough, James A. Liddle, John Van Camp, Edward Brouse, George T. Shaver - Mar. 24, 1847, Elijah Van Camp, Andrew Summers, Peter Smith - May 12, 1847

Lieutenants William Shaver Jr., Henry H. Boulton - Mar. 24, 1847, Mark Redmond, Robert O. Mullen, Joseph Hindman, James Slater, Thomas Armstrong, George Fitchell, Charles Parker, Alex. H. Monro, Reuben Shaver - May 12, 1847

Ensigns John Armstrong, John White, Hezekiah Clark, Edward Price, Andrew Sipes, George Dillabough, Samuel Bigford, David Farrell, Jiles W. Bogart, John McCargar - May 12, 1847

Adjutant Edward Brouse - Mar. 24, 1847

Quarter Master William Laing - May 12, 1847

Again in 1852 the regiment was reorganized, with the 3rd Battalion splitting into two battalions, the 3rd Battalion serving Mountain Township, and the 4th Battalion serving Winchester Township. The first two battalions remained the same.[2]

With the passage of the Militia Act of 1855, the counties of Leeds, Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry became part of Military District No. 2.

The militia report for 1858 lists the following officers and their dates of commission:

• 1st Battalion (Williamsburg) – Commanded by Lt-Col. Alexander Macdonell – March 19, 1852 [5]
• 2nd Battalion (Matilda) – Commanded by Lt-Col. David Robertson – December 9, 1846[5]
• 3rd Battalion (Mountain) – Commanded by Lt-Col. Edward Brouse – April 3, 1856 [5]
• 4th Battalion (Winchester) – Commanded by Lt-Col. Jacob Brouse – May 13, 1853 [5]

The militia report for 1859 lists the following strength of the Dundas Militia:

• 1st Battalion (Williamsburg) – Commanded by Lt-Col. A.G. Macdonell, with 726 men fit for service and 187 in reserve, a total of 913 for the township.[2]
• 2nd Battalion (Matilda) – Commanded by Lt-Col. David Robertson, with 548 men fit for service and 150 in reserve, a total of 698 for the township.[2]
• 3rd Battalion (Mountain) – Commanded by Lt-Col. Edward Brouse, with 434 men fit for service and 35 in reserve, a total of 469 for the township.[2]
• 4th Battalion (Winchester) – Commanded by Lt-Col. John Pliny Crysler, with 549 men fit for service and 114 in reserve, a total of 663 for the township.[2]

Total strength of regiment: 2,983

The militia report for 1863 lists the following strength of the Dundas Militia:[6]

• 1st Battalion (Williamsburg) – Commanded by Lt-Col. A.G. Macdonell, 321 1st Class servicemen, 416 2nd class servicemen, 191 in reserve, total of 928
• 2nd Battalion (Matilda) – Commanded by Lt-Col. David Robertson, 246 1st Class servicemen, 383 2nd Class servicemen, 144 in reserve, total of 773
• 3rd Battalion (Mountain) – Commanded by Lt-Col. Edward Brouse, 210 1st Class servicemen, 256 2nd Class servicemen, 64 in reserve, total of 530
• 4th Battalion (Winchester) – Commanded by Lt-Col. John Pliny Crysler, 188 1st Class servicemen, 368 2nd Class servicemen, 128 in reserve, total of 624

Total strength of regiment: 2,855

During the 1860s there was much fear in the counties about a possible war between Great Britain and the United States. The Trent Affair and Chesapeake Affair caused alarm and many small volunteer militia companies were raised in Dundas.

The first militia rifle company raised in Dundas was the Morrisburg Rifle Company, formed on January 22nd, 1862 under the command of Captain Alexander Farlinger, Joseph B. Sherman commissioned Lieutenant, Charles P. Empey commissioned Ensign.[7]

By the mid-1860s there were at least three other volunteer infantry companies and one cavalry troop in Dundas:[1]

• 1st Williamsburg (Dundas) Rifles – Formed on October 16, 1856, under Captain James Holden, William Gordon commissioned Lieutenant, W. Casselman commissioned Ensign, George Dillon commissioned Ensign (1861)[8]
• Morrisburg (Dundas) Infantry Company – Formed on December 19, 1862, under Captain Isaac N. Rose, William D. Mickle commissioned Lieutenant, Samuel Garvey commissioned Ensign[8]
• 2nd Dundas Volunteer Infantry (Drill Association) – Formed on January 16, 1863, in Matilda Township under Lt-Col. Shaver as a ‘drill association’, the precursor to the Royal Canadian Army Cadets[6]
• Williamsburg Troop of Volunteer Cavalry – Formed on October 16, 1856, under Captain George W. Brouse, J.A. Weegar commissioned Lieutenant, J.G. Merkley commissioned Cornet[9]

As well as two volunteer artillery companies:

• Volunteer Militia Foot Artillery Company of Morrisburg – under Capt. Thomas S. Rubidge, raised on February 14, 1862, Lt. Henry Merkley, 2nd Lt. Guy Loucks. Reorganized as the Morrisburg Garrison Artillery in November 1865. Became No. 3 Battery, Provisional Brigade of Garrison Artillery of Prescott on October 5, 1866. Renumbered as No. 2 Battery, Provisional Brigade of Garrison Artillery of Prescott on April 12, 1867. The unit was disbanded on October 23, 1868.[1]
• Volunteer Militia Foot Artillery Company of Iroquois – Capt. Alexander McDonell, raised on 8 May 1862, Lt. Samuel Boyd. Reorganized as the Iroquois Garrison Battery in 1865. Became No. 4 Battery, Provisional Brigade of Garrison Artillery of Prescott on October 8, 1866. Renumbered as No. 3 Battery, Provisional Brigade of Garrison Artillery of Prescott on April 12, 1867. The unit was attached to the 56th Grenville Battalion of Infantry on May 14, 1869. It became an Independent battery on May 10, 1872, and disbanded on 27 March 1874.[1]

Fenian Raids

Canada General Service Medal awarded to Gnr. Almon Casselman, Morrisburg Garrison Artillery

During the Fenian Raids in 1866, the Dundas Militia and the Dundas volunteer infantry and artillery companies were called out for service along the St Lawrence River frontier, serving at Prescott and Cornwall. An attack on Prescott and subsequent advance to Ottawa was prevented by the presence of a considerable force of volunteers, including two companies from Dundas, and a British gunboat on the river. The Fenians then moved eastward to Malone and vicinity, and an attack on Cornwall was expected, but the presence of three thousand troops there again dissuaded them from attacking.[1] On July 1, 1866, a force of approximately 1,600 Fenians under General O'Neill appeared on the banks of the St. Lawrence across from Morrisburg. Theodore F. Chamberlain of Rose's Dundas Infantry Company was sent by personal orders from Sir John A. Macdonald to follow the Fenians and report back on their positions. After two weeks the threat of invasion was gone and Chamberlain returned to Morrisburg.[10]

In 1899, veterans of the Fenian Raids were awarded the Canada General Service Medal and the following are names of the men from Dundas County who received the medal for service in 1866 with:

The Morrisburg Garrison Artillery:[1]

• Capt. Thomas S. Rubidge
• Q.M. Sgt. Frederick Carman
• Sgts. Matthias Brice, Henry Moore, James Fox, Joseph Lane
• Cpls. John Pyper, Erastus Heagle, Joseph Sherbenant, Levi McMartin, David Simpson
• Ptes. Erastus Winegard, Charles Hughes, Gregory Brendstetter, Charles Colligan, Alexander Holmes, Sidney Merkley, James Porteous, William Rice, William James Simpson
• Gnrs. Cephrenus Hopper, John Hunter, Silas Hunter, John McPhee, John McMartin, Duncan Armstrong, Almon Casselman, Horace L. Casselman, Edward Cooper, Silas Merkley, Albert Porteous, Pliny Stata, Robert C. Stewart
• Bndsmn. Esra Cutler

The Iroquois Garrison Artillery:[1]

• Lt. Samuel I. Boyd
• Sgts. William Millar, Francis Rourke, Charles Z. Skinner, Edward McRobie,
• Cpls. James Price, J. A. Stewart,
• Ptes. Samuel Morris, James F. Macdonell, John Lahue, Nathan Burley, Guy Shaver, Thomas Warren, Daniel Armstrong, John Black, Angus Grant, Edward Strader, Thomas Campbell, William A. Warren, Alexander Eamon, Thomas Tuergeon, Eugene Serviss, Hiram Serviss
• Gnrs. Charles Shaver, William C. Hartle, Elijah Serviss, Duncan Armstrong, William Jennack, John Kane,
• Bglr. William Moore

• Dundas County, Ontario
• Canadian Militia
• Canadian units of the War of 1812
• Battle of Crysler's Farm
• Battle of the Windmill