Pioneer Methodist Families of Wellington County, Ontario
The founder of this family in Canada was Charles Roszel, who came from New York State about 1800, and settled on a farm on the Sixteen road in Gainsboro Twp., about two miles from Smithsville, where some of the descendants still live. (1906)
Five of his sons served in the war of 1812, and were in General Brock’s command, but escaped without wounds.
Nathaniel, Eldrich and George were given grants in Erin Twp. for their services, getting 100 acres each on payment of $26 to defray expenses of deeds etc.
George and Nathaniel were to receive lot 2, con. 6, but the deeds by mistake were drawn for lot 1, con. 7.
In November 1820 George and Nathaniel came to Erin Twp., but George did not like the country, so sold his 100 acres, east half, lot 1, con. 7, to Nathaniel, who stayed there. The journey was a hard one, as they had to cut their way in from Georgetown, and the difficulties of the trip can be judged by the fact that the path they cut to their locations was nine miles in length, and the journey now is made in six. They brought horses with them, but finding them of little service, Nathaniel sent his home with George, and they were returned to him later; these were probably the first horses in the township.
Eldrich Roszel came to Erin Twp. in the spring of 1821, and settled on his grant, the west half, lot 2, con. 7. Nathaniel was born on July 3, 1878 and came with his parents to Gainsboro Twp.
He served in the war of 1812, and was in the battles of Queenston Heights, and Lundy’s Lane, where he waded through blood to his shoe tops.
In the fall of 1820 he settled on the land grant which he received for his services. He was the first settler in the township of Erin. He used to clear 8 acresof land every winter, and was conscientious and a hard worker. In the early days he took his grist to Jones’ mill on the sixth line of Esquesing Twp.
He was a Methodist, and his house was headquarters for the ministers in the early days, and he gave ground for the church and cemetery. He was a Reformer in politics, and in the first elections, went all the way to Palermo to vote the freehold ticket.
He married on October 25, 1809 Christeen Felker, who died on October 10, 1812.
On January 10, 1813 he married Hannah Fowler. Issue: Charles P., Carrick Twp.; Jacob was born and died in 1813; Jane was born in 1814 and she married John Sharp, of Acton; James was born in 1815 and settled at Hatchley; Ann was born in 1816 and she married Thomas Ismound of Erin Twp.; Joseph was born in 1818 and he settled in Elma Twp.; Hannah, was born in 1819 and died in infancy; Martha was born in 1820 and she married George Havens of Erin Twp.; Benjamin was born on November 11, 1821 and was the first white child born in Wellington County.; Solomon was born in 1824 at Erin; Christeen was born in1826 and she married William Sayers of Erin Twp.; Stephenwas born in 1829 in Erin Twp.; Nathaniel was born in 1834 and died in infancy; George was born in 1835 and died in infancy; and Wilson was born in 1839 and died in infancy;
George was born in 1832, occupies a part of the homestead. He married Alice Vanatter of Erin Twp. Issue: Mrs. E. Hilts, Norval; Sarah who died at the age of 24 years, Mrs. Comfort Thompson, Hiram and Elijah who died in infancy, Mrs. Robert Wood, and Ira, Erin Twp.
Benjamin Roszel, who was the first white child b. in Wellington County., was born in Erin Twp., in 1821, on lot 1, con. 6, and practically passed his life in that Twp. He never sought or held municipal office, and was very much respected.
He was a member of the Methodist church, and a Liberal in politics.
He married Elizabeth O’Reilly, who died at the age of 66 years, while he died in 1897 at the age of 76 years. Issue: George A., Charles H. who married Hannah Awrey and settled in Erin Twp.; John H. married Isabella Tolton and settled in Erin Twp.; Mrs. Wm. Mooney, William J. married Margaret Aitcheson and settled in Erin Twp.; Mrs. Duncan McArthur, Michigan USA; and Benjamin who first married Miss King, and second Annie Whiteside, and settled in Erin Twp.
George A. was born and brought up in Erin Twp. He owns 150 acres, lot 23, con. 7, Eramosa Twp., upon which he resides, and also 50 acres, lot 21, Erin Twp. He carries on mixed farming, and has acquired his property by his own exertions.
He is a Presbyterian and a Liberal. He married Catharine Howe. Issue: Mary E., William H., John E., Charles, George, Howard, James, Irvin, Mary P., and Herman.
…from the Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906
