Patriotes, Reformers, Rebels and Raiders, Tracing your ancestors during the 'troublous' times in Upper and Lower Canada 1820-1851

By Kenneth G. Cox

This detailed book identifies and explains Rebellion of 1837-38 historical records, including transcribed lists of many of the players in this often ignored chapter of Canada's history.  The search for a family connection between two men, as they experienced the 'troublous' times between 1820 and 1851 in Upper and Lower Canada, is the basis for this research guide, and serves as a case study to help readers understand the process.

The case study of two men, Jean Baptiste Turcott & Louis Turcott: 

In 1840 Jean Baptiste Turcott submitted his application to Governor Lord Durham for a land grant claiming his service during the War of 1812 as a right to entitlement. It can be assumed that because of the date on the application Jean Baptiste must have remained loyal to the Crown during the recent rebellions which had occurred in both Upper and Lower Canada in 1837. A year before Jean Baptiste's application another Turcot, Louis, had stood before a military court martial and been sentenced to death by hanging for his active role during the same rebellions.

Jean Baptiste would eventually move his family to Wolfe Island near Kingston, Upper Canada (Ontario), while Louis would be exiled to Australia. Both would eventually appear on the 1851 census with one living in the newly renamed Canada West (Ontario) and the other back with his family in Canada East (Quebec). 

Contents include:

• Introduction: British North America and the rebellions of 1837, - resources to consider when tracing your pre-rebellions ancestors
  
  
• Chapter One: The Roots of Rebellion - the Constitutional Act of 1791, Robert Gourlay's list of grievances and the rule of the colonial elite
  • Appendix 1-1 The 1818 Civil list and the Family Compact
  • Appendix 1-2 Treason Act, 1814, list of those suspected of sedition under the Act
  • Appendix 1-3 Register of Persons connected with High Treason, War of 1812-14
  • Appendix 1-4 Ontario census predating 1851 available at the Ontario Archives
  
  
• Chapter Two: The Rebellion in Upper Canada
  • Appendix 2-l 'tried for treason' - list of those held in prison in Upper Canada following the rebellion
  
  
• Chapter Three: The Rebellion in Lower Canada
  • Appendix 3-1 'tried for treason' - Example of the official list of those held in prison in Lower Canada, Colonial Office resources
  
  
• Chapter Four: The Aftermath of the Rebellions
  • Appendix 4-1 Executed for high treason, names of those sentenced to death following the rebellions of 1837 and the subsequent border raids
  • Appendix 4-2 'tried for treason' - list of captives following the Battle of the Windmill, Short Hills
  • Appendix 4-3 list of individuals indicted under the Bermuda Ordinance
  
  
• Chapter Five: Transported - trial, transportation and life in Australia
  • Appendix 5-1 Transported and executed - list of individuals sent to Australia's Van Diemen Land or New South Wales or hanged for inciting insurrection
  
  
• Chapter Six: The Rebellion Losses Bill - 'Claims for Losses'
  • Appendix 6 - 1, Government list of claimants made for losses resulting from the rebellions, Colonial Office documents
  
  
• Chapter Seven: Military Records
  • Appendix 7-1, militia records held at Library and Archives Canada
  • Appendix 7-2, militia units by district
  • Appendix 7-3 militia units incorporated during the disturbances
  • Appendix 7-4, British Regiments serving in North America during the Rebellions and Border Raids
  
  
• Chapter Eight: Women and the Rebellions
  • Appendix 8-1, Signatures requesting leniency for Samuel Lount
  • Appendix 8-2, Petitions for leniency from Orillia U.C.
  • Appendix 8-3, Letter from Wm Henry listing the number of petitions received with transcription

Details:
308 pages
5.5 X 8.5"
Illustrations (color and B&W)
Soft cover (paperback out of print)
Published by author, Toronto, 2014,  ISBN 978-0-9937871-0-2 (pbk)