"Tales of pioneer hardship and deprivation have been told many times. Yet still we remember in wonder, that people accomplished so much with so little; that men and women with simple tools, their bare hands, and their own inventiveness cleared the land, drained the swamps, made their own clothing and provided their own food. Through all these difficulties God was with them and they wanted their children educated intellectually and spritually." from Norfolk Street United Church history

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Roszel Family – War of 1812 Survivors Erin Township Wellington County

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

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Imperial War Museums - Google Art Project

The Imperial War Museums (IWM) is a group of five museums in Britain with collections documenting conflicts from the First World War to the present.

IWM has made a contribution of 78 works of art by 53 artists to the Google Art Project: a collaboration between Google and 151 partners located in 40 countries to make digital versions of art visible to more people.

Most of the works contributed by IWM date from World War I, including John Singer Sargent's 1919 painting “Gassed,” showing the aftermath of a mustard gas attack, or from World War II, such as “Preparations for D-Day” and “1944” by Richard Ernst Eurich.

Works in the IWM gallery at Google Art can be viewed on a timeline, zoomed in, with extensive captioning for details, or on a map. There is also a link to the Museum's website to see more related art from the other 156 collections available. [DS]

Visit the site at: http://www.googleartproject.com/collection/imperial-war-museum/

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2012. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Get Ready to be Spooked at Howling Hootenanny and All Hallows Eve at Black Creek Pioneer Village

TORONTO, October 17, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Enjoy a howling good time at Black Creek Pioneer Village with two great Halloween events.

Howling Hootenanny

Howling Hootenanny is a family friendly, activity packed, daytime event for trick or treaters young and old. Families will discover the spooky traditions, superstitions and history of Halloween from the 19th century - and have a lot of fun in the process! Walk through the Haunted Maze, get amazed by Dracula The Magician, watch The Fire Guy eat fire and juggle pumpkins, decorate and take home a free pumpkin, shoot apples into the valley with the popular apple slingshot and visit unique artisans that make sand art, leather goods, paint faces, braid hair and more. Kids can make their own trick or treat bags and trick or treat around the Village.

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 20/21 and October 27/28
Time: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
For full list of activities please visit: http://blackcreek.ca/v2/events/howling-hootenanny.dot

All Hallows Eve

All Hallows Eve, is a ticketed event, that will give the older set a frightening fun night! Some of the chilling activities include a chance to learn what spirits lurk in the deep dark corners of a 19th century village with tales of the ghosts of Black Creek, entertainment by Zoltan the Adequate with his fire-eating and gargling razor blades show, and postmortem photography, creepy but popular with the Victorians. Confront your fears of what's looming around the corner in the Haunted Maze and learn the horrifying truth about the epidemics that rocked the town of York in the 19th century. Visit one of a kind artisans that make unique masks, high end leather clothing, and even predict your future. Once you've been spooked out, head down to our Historic Brewery and treat yourself to a pint of our special Pumpkin Ale.

Date : October 27
Time : 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
For full list of activities please visit: http://www.allhallowseve.ca

Admission:

Howling Hootenanny: $15 for adults, $11 for children, and $14 for seniors and students (plus HST)

All Hallow's Eve: $20.00 /person-pre-ticketed, $25.00/person at the door (plus HST). Members to call Customer Service at 416-667-6284 to receive discount.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.allhallowseve.ca/ or by calling customer service.

About Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village is Toronto's premier outdoor living history museum, located at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto. Visitors can explore heritage homes and buildings restored to re-create an 1860s Ontario village. Historic interpreters in period dress demonstrate how villagers lived, worked and played. The Village hosts learning programs and special events that highlight local heritage and culture. The tranquil setting, rural landscapes, heritage gardens and period farm animal breeds make Black Creek Pioneer Village the perfect place to break out of the modern world and journey into the past. Located in north Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village is owned and operated by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). Black Creek Pioneer Village acknowledges support from the City of Toronto, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, The Living City Foundation and the public. For more information please visit www.blackcreek.ca.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Catching up with the Curator: The White House Fire of 1814

Go inside the White House with White House Curator Bill Allman as he shows you how the effects of the White House fire of 1814 still linger untill this day. For information on fire prevention or general emergency preparedness head on over to http://www.ready.gov

Friday, October 5, 2012

Canadian Government Invests in McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Prudence Heward (1896-1947)
The Blue Church, Prescott, 1933
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Gift of Dr. Naomi Jackson Groves

KLEINBURG, Ontario, October 5, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Investments in arts and heritage by the Government of Canada will increase tourism, create jobs and benefit residents and visitors. Support for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection was announced today by the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister for International Cooperation and Member of Parliament (Vaughan), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This investment will support the redesign and upgrade of the museum's three art collection storage vaults. New specialized compact storage units will be installed to improve the efficiency of the available space. The funding will also support the necessary move of the permanent collections to temporary storage during the renovation of the vault storage areas, protecting the valuable Canadian artwork.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects like the McMichael upgrade, which contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."

"The McMichael Canadian Art Collection offers our community and visitors a truly Canadian experience," said Minister Fantino. "With the funding provided by our Government, the art gallery will improve the presentation and preservation of its collection for all Canadians to enjoy."

"Our museum holds in trust for the people of Ontario and Canada a superb collection of the works of the Group of Seven and other Canadian and Aboriginal artists," said Victoria Dickenson, Director and CEO, McMichael Canadian Art Collection. "We are delighted that the federal government is helping us to preserve these works for the enjoyment and inspiration not only of today's visitors but for future generations."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $145,000 through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: $95,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $50,000 through the Museum Assistance Program. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. The Museums Assistance Program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

Canadian Government Invests in War of 1812 Commemorations in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick October 5, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - An investment from the Government of Canada will enable the people of New Brunswick to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Support for The St. John River Society was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The St. John River Society will commemorate the involvement of New Brunswick in the War of 1812. One of the activities will include a re-enactment of the March of the 104th Regiment of Foot. During the War, this Regiment marched more than 1,100 kilometres from Fredericton to Kingston, Ontario, to reinforce British troops and thwart an expected invasion by the Americans. This effort by a regiment of poorly clothed, frostbitten, and hungry soldiers stands as an incredible feat in military history.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."

"Because of our Government's investment in The St. John River Society, our community, tourists and Canadians will learn about the important role played by New Brunswick—and specifically the March of the 104th Regiment of Foot—during the War of 1812," said Minister Ashfield. "The commemorative activities planned for the next three years are an exciting opportunity to remember our ancestors' contributions that helped pave the way to the independent nation we live in today."

"Thanks to the funding received from the Government of Canada, The St. John River Society will be able to play a key role in marking the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in New Brunswick," said Wanda Hughes, President of the Society. "New Brunswick has an important piece to contribute to the national narrative of this war. Through this project, The St. John River Society and its partners will ensure that this incredible story gets its just due on the national stage."

The St. John River Society is a not-for-profit organization that is acting as a regional coordinator for War of 1812 commemorative activities in New Brunswick. In 2011-2012, the Society received funding of $142,060 through the 1812 Commemoration Fund for research, planning and coordination of the re-enactment of the March of 104th Regiment of Foot and associated school and community commemorative activities.

The Government of Canada has provided additional funding totalling $435,000 ($335,000 for 2012-2013 and $100,000 for 2013-2014) through Canadian Heritage's 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding of the importance of this conflict.

Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

October to be Named a Month of Commemoration of the Heroes and Key Battles of the War of 1812

OTTAWA, October 1, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages:

Canadians will celebrate and commemorate many important events and milestones on the road to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017.

The War of 1812 paved the way for Confederation. It was the fight for Canada and a defining moment in our country's history that saw British army and navy, English- and French-speaking militia, and First nations and Métis allies join together to defend our borders. Without their courage and sacrifice, Canada as we know it would not exist.

Today marks the start of a month of commemoration of the heroes and key battles of the War of 1812.

Events are currently taking place across Canada in tribute to key battles of the War of 1812—from the victory at Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812, in which Major-General Brock died leading a charge against the Americans and earned the title "the hero of Upper Canada," to the victory at Châteauguay on October 26, 1813, in which Lieutenant-Colonel Salaberry's force of Canadian militia from Quebec and First Nations allies won an incredible victory against a larger American army. Battles such as these represent our past and define who we are as Canadians.

I encourage all Canadians to take part in a local celebration, visit a local museum and learn more about Canada's history, which would have been forever changed had we not successfully repelled the American invasion.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to join me in commemorating the events that took place during the War of 1812 and honouring those who fought for Canada.