Oldal 32 [32]
OCR
a shanty, which generally consisted of a log cabin, about 15 by 20. One door and one window were considered sufficient. The roof was constructed by placing straight poles lengthwise of the building, over which were spread strips of elm bark, four feet in length, and from one to two feet in width, the layers overlapping each other, and held down by poles above, which were fastened by means of withes to those below. The hearth was made of flat stones, as well as the fire-back, which was carried up as high as the logs, in some instances ; in others, the chimney consisted of a flue made of green timber, plastered with mud. No _ boards could be procured for forming a floor, consequently the material was split out of basswood logs, and planed by means of a settler’s axe. The door frequently consisted of a blanket, while the furniture of the cabin was such as could be fashioned with an augur and an axe. The following interesting memoir was furnished by the late Adiel Sherwood, Esq., to Dr. Canniff, of Toronto, and to that gentleman we are indebted for a copy for publication : MEMOIR. “At the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, in 1783, the first settlers of Upper Canada were residing in Lower Canada, at and between Quebec and Montreal. Two Provincial corps deserve especial notice; they were stationed at St. Johns, about twenty-seven miles from Montreal, on the south side of the River St. Lawrence. One was commanded by Major Jessup, the other by Major Rodgers, the forces under their command being actually the very first settlers of Leeds and Grenville. “About the first of June, 1784, they came up, and located along the bank of the St. Lawrence, commencing a short distance west of the Province line, and extending even to the Bay of Quinte. The total number of new settlers who entered the Province in 1784, was computed at 10,000. “The river was ascended by means of small boats, called batteaux. These barques were built at Lachine, and were capable of carrying from four to five families each. Twelve boats constituted a brigade. Each brigade was placed under the command of a conductor, with five men in each boat, two of whom were placed on each side to row, with one in the stern, to steer. It was the duty of the conductor to give directions for the safe management of the flotilla. When a rapid was ascended, part of the boats were left at the foot, in charge of one man, the remaining boats being doubly manned, and drawn up by means of a rope fastened to the bow, leaving four men in the boat, with setting poles, to assist. The men at the end of the rope walked along the bank, but were frequently compelled to wade in the current, upon the jagged rocks. On reaching the head of the rapid, one man was left in charge, and the boatmen returned for the balance of the brigade. “The Loyalists were furnished rations by the Government, until they could clear the land, and provide for themselves. The seed given consisted of spring wheat, pease, Indian corn, and potatoes. Farming and other implements were provided, consisting of axes, hoes, augers, etc., and, in some instances, a kind of metal mill, in which to grind their corn and wheat. Iam not aware that any of the mills were distributed in Leeds and Grenville. Commissioners were appointed to issue the .rations and other supplies. “At that time, the country was a_ howling wilderness. Not a single tree had been cut by an actual settler, from the Province line to Kingston, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, By the original survey, the lots were designated by a post planted, plainly marked with the number of each lot. ; “The following is a short list of the actual first settlers in the County of Leeds, whom [ remember: “First, there was my father, Thomas Sherwood, who was the first actual settler in the counties. He located on lot number one, in the first concession of Elizabethtown, about the first of June, 1784. My father was one of a family of three brothers, named Seth Sherwood, Thomas Sherwood, and Adiel Sherwood. Thomas was born at Old Stratford, in the State of Connecticut, inthe year1745. He emigrated to the State of New York, where he located on a beautiful farm, situated about five miles north of Fort Edward, and but a short distance from the spot where General Burgoyne surrendered. Both of my father’s brothers settled in the same neighborhood. “At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, my father remained loyal to the British Crown, and, as soon as he could escape, made his way, va Lake Champlain, to St. Johns, Lower Canada, where he found assembled a large number of British troops. He was at once employed in the Secret Service, going into the States and enlisting men to serve His Majesty King George III. His family remained in the States until 1779, when they removed to St. Johns, and he was appointed a subaltern officer in Major Jessup’s corps. Both of his brothers entered the Continental army as officers. “My father was frequently called upon to run the side lines of the lots for the first settlers, and to show them the location of their land. Though REPELS yates Shai ee ot ee Sage . szar al NT rét zadót Ana leMé ar -* OV ees
