World War I for Canada was the defining series of events, where our country became a fully independent “nation”.  We fought with Britain as equals. We had our own commanding officers. More than 60,000 made the supreme sacrifice. Our soldiers were feared and respected in combat. Canada as a small county of eight million, punched far above its weight.

But what of the individuals who served and returned. What became of them?

They brought back the stories of the bravery and the horrors of war. They said, “Never again”! Many returnees were amputees, others with broken and gassed bodies. Minds were damaged and twisted, that cried out for care, but they were labeled as weak and silenced by scorn. Many men fared well.

I will explore three survivors and thrivers in my family connection: Lt. Col. J.A.V. Preston, Pte. A.B. Preston and Pte. P.B. Seymour.

First, Percy Balfour Seymour. Percy signed up for the Canadian 3^rd Division in January 1916. He had wanted to be a dentist. He was a farmer’s son who had to work on the farm. However he felt it was his duty to join the army. He would return over three years later to his beloved Cavan Township, near Peterborough, a changed man.

Three years ago, I learned from his daughter, Marion Penrose, what he actually did while on the front. Percy was a driver in the 3^rd Division Ammunition Column. His drove a team of horses, either with a gun in tow or with artillery shells. His role and that of his unit was to keep the Canadian 3^rd Army supplied at the front with ordnance. That meant driving the supplies from the behind the lines depots, to the guns on the front or in the trenches.

Percy also would strap 4 shells in a mule’s back, walking through No-Man’s Land at night.  His commander’s said he should have been killed many times over. He was not. He was gassed at the Somme, surviving and returning to action.

He led a productive life following WWI.

Now there is a story to tell!

Dr. John Carter’s article from Thousand Islands Life – posted June 13, 2016

Patriot Chronicles: The Amherst Island Raid

Written by John C. Carter posted on June 13, 2016

Introduction

They were troubled times; between December, 1837 and December, 1838, at least 14 armed incursions from the United States into Upper Canada were recorded. During this period there was unrest and uncertainty, terror and tumult, as well as agitation and anxiety along the Canadian/American border.

I’ve written about several of these incursions in previous articles in “Thousand Islands Life,” and the literature is abundant for most of the activities and events associated with the 1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion/Patriot War (see Carter & Raible, “Bibliography,” pp. 165–231.). This article deals with a little known and sparsely documented raid, which occurred in June of 1838 on Amherst Island, then known as the Isle of Tonti.

Descriptions of the Raid

The first published information about this raid appeared in an article entitled “Disgraceful Outrage,” which appeared in the June 9 edition of the “Kingston Chronicle & Gazette.” It detailed actions that took place on June 6 and 7, 1838:

“We are sorry to learn, that the sympathizers are not content with the burning of the S.B. Sir R. Peel, but must carry out their work of destruction and devastation at our firesides and beds, in the dead hour of night. On Wednesday night, about 11 o’clock, a boat of lawless villains, 30 or 40 in number, went to the Isle of Tonti, or Amherst Island, entered the house of Mr. Isaac Preston, and after some threats which Mr. P. was inclined to resent, one of the band struck him violently and fired a pistol, which luckily missed him, but wounded his son severely in the hand, who was aroused from his rest by the noise. Another son of Mr. P. On moving in his bed was knocked senseless by a blow with the butt end of a pistol in the cheek. Mrs. Preston, with true heroic British courage, regardless of danger, although there were double sentinels on the door, managed to get out to alarm her neighbours, which the lawless mob facing the consequences, did not wish to see, but after abstracting $180 in money, some provisions, two silver Watches, two Guns, and a quantity of bed clothes, went off quietly, but afterwards paid a visit to an old infirm yeoman, Mr. Patterson, who told them he would make no resistance; but this did not prevent the miscreants from robbing him of a musket and bayonet, clothes and provisions. His son, who escaped their vigilance, followed the lawless group to the water’s edge, along with some neighbours, and having his musket loaded with 3 or 4 balls, proposed firing at them, but his companions advised him not to do so, lest the merciless band should return and burn their houses. The piratical crew with their oared boat or boats, made off in the direction of Cape Vincent, from whence, or from Sackett’s Harbor where it is believed these miscreants had come. We learn Mr. Preston could not identify them, but from their tone and accent, he believed them to be Americans, and thinks one of the band is an old book, or pamphlet peddler, who occasionally, some two or three years since, got a night’s lodging and victuals at his house.”

Another description, taken from a letter written from Kingston on June 8, 1838, was published in the “Brockville Recorder” of June 14, 1838. It offered the following information and details about the raid:

“On Wednesday night last, a gang of robbers plundered several houses on Amherst Island [Isle Tonti], which extends for 10 to 24 miles above Kingston and opposite Ernest-Town towards the Lake, into which are the entrances called the upper and lower gaps. The first accounts received were of the most distressing nature, stating that several persons were wounded and lives lost. We learn that Mr. Preston and his son were wounded in the resistance they made to the party of robbers, and that they came to Booth’s Mills on the main land, and carried away some flour. An armed schooner, with soldiers on board, has been towed to several places, in hopes of being able to fall in and take these desperadoes, but as yet without meeting with any of them.” Another victim of this raid, David Tait, recounted that he thought he could count about 30 men who formed the raiding party and escaped by boat. John C. Clark, Lieutenant-Colonel in the 1^stRegiment Addington Militia, confirmed some of these events in his June 7 diary entry; “…several houses robbed last night on Amherst Island. Mr. Preston and Son got severely wounded by Rebels.”

A first-hand account was provided in a June 8, 1838 deposition given by Isaac Preston to local authorities. This sworn statement was provided in person to William J. MacKay and Alexander Pringle, Justices of the Peace for the Midland District. It said in part; “…that on Wednesday night last, about half past eleven o’clock; shortly after Deponent had retired to Bed, he was suddenly alarmed by a Knock at the door – enquired who was there and what they wanted? When a person answered that they wanted provisions, Deponent then opened the door, and immediately two persons entered who were strangers, and who made by their tone and accent Deponent thinks were Americans.

After some conversation with one of the men who was in the House, Deponent went to the door, when he perceived a man standing at each window, Deponent then turned and came into his house and called his family to get up. The person who first entered then turned to the door also and called out to his party ‘Quick’ and immediately sprang at Deponents two guns which were hung upon the beams. Deponent then closed with the robber and received four severe blows on the head by the Butt of a large Pistol, one of the party then fired another pistol which wounded one of his Sons in the hands, carrying off one of his fingers; and another was at the same time severely wounded on the cheek. The party threatened two young women in the house, that if they moved they would cut their throats. They then commenced plundering the house and besides the two guns referred to, they took two silver watches, a quantity of wearing apparel, about one hundred and seventy five dollars in paper money and specie, besides a number of valuable papers. In the confusion Mrs. Preston the wife of the Deponent fortunately made her escape and alarmed her nearest neighbour [John Spring], in Consequence of which the party suddenly decamped.” James and David Preston, sons of Isaac Preston, duly corroborated their father’s affidavit “…as far as concerns the transactions in the house.”

In the confusion Mrs. Preston, the wife of the Deponent, fortunately made her escaped and alarmed her nearest neighbour [John Spring], in Consequence of which the party suddenly decamped.” James and David Preston, sons of Isaac Preston, duly corroborated their father’s affidavit “…as far as concerns the transactions in the house.”

In addition, two other isolated farm houses on the island, owned by the Patterson and Tait families, were also plundered. Sir Richard Bonnycastle provided his remembrances of the raid: “On the 7th of June, this robber, [Bill Johnston], or some of his friends, made a descent during the night upon the fertile island of Tanti (sic), Amherst Island…Three isolated farm-houses were plundered, and many valuables and some money obtained; whilst one farmer, in defence of his property, was inhumanly shot at, and lost three fingers and part of his hand. The pirates were dressed as sailors, and well-armed; and it is said had one sixteen-oared boat, mounting to two three-pounders.”

The Aftermath

This unprovoked attack by a gang of armed and lawless desperadoes greatly alarmed the residents of Amherst Island/Isle of Tonti. Initially a company of the 1st Frontenac Militia was stationed in Bath to prevent further raids. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dundas sent off two armed boats hoping to catch the marauders, but to no avail. Then a company of volunteers was called out, armed, and placed under the command of Captain John S. Cummings. They were stationed in the stone house of William Gelson, on his farm opposite the “Brothers” islands until a proper barracks was constructed. The militia was quartered in this new building until peace was restored, and then disbanded (see below for names of those enrolled in the Amherst Island Volunteer Company).

Conclusion

Several contemporary writers have suggested that Bill Johnston was responsible for the raid on Amherst Island/Isle of Tonti. Mary Beacock Fryer has written that; “He (Johnston) also plundered homes on Amherst Island early in June.” H.C. Burleigh added that; “Bill Johnston and a few kindred spirits…came in boats to the north shore of Amherst Island, and in the dead hours of the night made an attack on the house of Mr. Preston.” I have uncovered no concrete evidence to prove that Johnston actually participated in this incursion. While blamed for many things during these tumultuous times, I tend to agree with Johnston blogger and author Shaun McLaughlin. He suggests that the bandits who invaded Amherst Island may have been associates of Bill Johnston, but that Johnston himself was not directly involved, nor did he sanction this attack.

The Amherst Island/Isle of Tonti Raid constituted the 7th of 14 recorded incursions of the 1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion/Patriot War. While not as momentous or memorable as other period raids along the Canadian/American border, it does constitute a small part of the history of the 1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion, as well as an almost forgotten chapter in the historic annals of the Thousand Islands.

By Dr. John C. Carter.

Dr. John C. Carter is a frequent contributor to “Thousand Islands Life.” He is currently a Research Associate, History and Classics Programme, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Author’s note: The original Preston home is now the Poplar Dell Bed & Breakfast, operated by Susan and Bruce Caughey. Contact them at [email protected] for further information.

Loyalty, the historical fiction story is now complete. Editing done. All it needs now, is a agent or publisher that would like to bring the “sweeping saga” of Ireland, United States and Canada,  to life.

Synopsis: Loyalty

The Year 1798. Rebellion. Ireland is ablaze. The British 23^rd Light Dragoons, smash into the line of United Irishmen Rebels and French Army. A slaughter of the rebels ensues. Posted to Donegal, the handsome Isaac Preston of the 23rds meets the pretty, yet strong-willed Sarah Porter, a captain’s daughter. Her proud, overbearing father forbids her courtship by the tenant farmer’s son, he of inferior class. Facing a decision between love and privilege, she chooses to elope, leaving a life of comfort for common living in the Belfast Barracks. History unfolds conflicts and challenges, with Isaac employed as an agent on an Irish estate, the family fleeing the Napoleonic Wars to New York State, imprisonment during the War of 1812, Sarah’s harrowing four year survival as a lone parent, homesteading in the wilds of Ontario, the Upper Canada Rebellion and a shootout with pirates. The fearless Sarah is recognized for her “true heroic British courage”, the stubborn Isaac remembered for his lifelong membership in the Orange Order.

Loyalty is tested on many fronts and on many levels.

Based on the true story of Sarah Porter and Isaac Preston, this sweeping saga of the Jane Austen era, follows the key events and historic characters they touched: General Sir Edward Pakenham; Archibald Acheson, Governor General of Canada; Benedict Arnold; Sir John A Macdonald and the pirate Bill Johnston.

As Canada approaches its one hundred and fiftieth birthday, we should celebrate those who built and defended Canada, people like the Prestons.

The opening lines …

The rider had been on the move for four days. Four days of little sleep; pursue and be pursued, fighting and fleeing, living and dying. The line was now drawn. Desperately tired, he was, nevertheless, ready. It was his duty. Yet another battle was being waged, his disdain for those of the other colour.

On summer vacation, I recall walking the Holstein cattle in from overnight pasture at six o’clock in the morning as the sun rose in the east and our feet got wet with the dew. The smell was of things growing, and if there was a fresh cut hay field beside the fences, that sweet smell of clover, alfalfa, brome grass and others, filled my nostrils. Birds would be calling, swallows soaring and diving; catching insects. Later in the day, the Meadowlarks and Bobolinks would hop from fence wire into the grasses, when you got too close.

Back to the cattle. When you arrived at the pasture, the cows knew it was milking time. They roused from their lying or standing positions as the gate opened. My grandfather would call. “Co boss, co boss” which I always assumed was his version of “Come Bossy”. The lead cow would respond, venturing first to the laneway. We then circled behind making sure all were moving along. In their pecking order, they left, teats swollen, waving back and forth, looking for relief. We followed. Back at the barn, the door opened, the lead cow, entered, moving to her spot in the stanchion line. The others moved into theirs, all in relation to the lead cow. My job as a boy would be to lock the stanchion around the head, keeping bossy in her place.  Then I would be allowed to portion out feed to each, hay and silage corn in winter, milled grain in the summer.

The Holstein herd – photo 1940’s.

Once the cows were “locked in,” my grandfather would milk them in order, cleaning the teats, attaching the “Surge” vacuum milking system (see photo below). The “Surge” buckets would then be poured into transfer pails. The milk house was detached from the barn, so all pails had to be slogged about 150 feet. Inside the milk house the milk was poured through a paper filter into the metal milk cans. (next photo). At the end of the process, some milk and or the filters for the barn cats to enjoy.

Cans were stored in a chilled water bath. Full cans were picked up on alternate days. Destination: for many years the Silverwood’s dairy in Peterborough. When dairy farmers upgraded to chilled bulk tanks, in attached buildings to the stable, it was time to retire for my grandfather. (1967).

Delivery in the 1940’s

Accidents on the farm do happen. Witness the recent deaths of three Alberta sisters, who smothered in a grain bin. A university friend of mine had his foot torn off in a grain auger. My cousin’s father was blinded by an exploding tire. I have a terrible incident involving tree removal in my book. A death. And it was true.

Fortunately farm safety organizations, better practices and safer equipment raise awareness and reduce risk. However, one must be careful. As a child I was cautious, which was a good thing and maybe that was a reason why I was allowed to spend time on the farm. I do recall my grandfather warning me not to go into the silo alone. The fermenting silage gave off carbon dioxide, which displaces oxygen. The back end of a large cow was scary, for a small child, never mind when she decided to pee or poop. Sometimes a back leg would shoot back if she was annoyed. My grandfather had a femur broken from a cranky cow kicking out. I gave them lots of space at the back end. The whirling knuckle joins of a tractor’s power take off drive was also frightening. The guarding, poor.

Here is a typical barn sketch with ramp access to the upper level.

Back to the story. Many days during hay season when the weather was fine and the threat dew or rain was coming, we would squeeze in another load of baled hay after supper. My grandfather would end the day by driving the tractor and loaded hay wagon into the barn, often by 9 ‘clock.  Unloading could wait for the following day.

This particular morning, my grandfather and I began unloading the bales from the wagon, front of the wagon first as we had the bale elevator positioned near the front of the load. As the load was half removed, there was a simultaneous crack and ejection. Both of us were catapulted up and out the barn door, a distance of about thirty feet, onto the ramp. Luckily we both a landed on some bales. Slightly bruised, my grandfather and I laughed at our flying expedition.

I surmise that the “U” or other bolts, snapped which held the wagon deck onto the wood undercarriage, due to the counter weight effect. My grandfather said when we picked ourselves up, “I guess I will have to fix that wagon.” Yes and no more flings out the back door.

Bernard Preston purchased the 100 acre farm at Lot 3, Concession 12, North Monaghan Township, Peterborough County in 1925. With a loan from his father, he and my grandmother began their life together, following their wedding January 21, 1925.  I remember him telling me and anyone who would listen, that the day they moved, was the coldest day in his memory. Late-January. Buffalo robes would not keep his new wife Blanche or him warm, hauling household belongings by horse from Lindsay in an open sled. The distance was 38 kilometers. A trip with a loaded sledge and pulled by horse at 3 miles an hour, would have been an 8 hour trip! Weather records for January 28, 1925, the high was -16C and the low -38C in Peterborough. Whether or not they moved that day, the entire week was brutal. Imagine that trek and arriving to a cold house. Ouch! Oh, the warmth of new lovers.

Here is the house and barn, April 1926. Looks pretty bleak – but when things warmed up – green and bountiful!  It was a fine productive farm, light loam, with a gentle rolling terrain. The back eight acres were the sugar bush, the rest all arable.

My grandparents were hard working, not for complaining (maybe a little bit) but digging down and getting on with it. Life provided set-backs, The Depression, poor crop years, the War Years, but they thrived. So, when times are hard, just get on with it.

The Preston family legacy of service to country started from my point of view, with that of Old Isaac Preston. He served five years in the 23^rd Light Dragoons, 1797 – 1802, under the famous Major, that story that passed down through generations. That also left his descendants with the expectation of serving one’s country in the military, in government and in community.

The Preston family stories had Isaac serving in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, as a cavalryman. His rank unsure. In commissioning a search of British Military Records from Kew London, in 2013, all Isaac’s pay records were photographed and emailed back to me. Isaac was a private for all five years. However the name that jumped off the page was Edward Pakenham. In researching him, I discovered: he was 1 year younger than Isaac, went to school 5 miles from Isaac, rose to become general, was a hero in the Peninsular Wars, (1807-1814), lead the British forces at the Battle of New Orleans against Andrew Jackson (died there) and was the Duke of Wellington’s brother-in-law. As capable as a leader, he was also as Jane Austen would put it, “very dashing.” He was well respected by his troop as being courageous, fair, honest and of good spirits. Attached is the pay register of the 23^rd’s from September 1798, when they fought a number of significant battles against a French army and Irish rebels. This is the troop in the opening scene of my book “Loyalty”. Pakenham’s name and signature is at the top. (Check the pay levels – Isaac is #38). Also is a painting of Pakenham himself, as general.

I wish my grandfather had this information to add to his knowledge of the story.

FYI – Isaac’s monthly pay was 1 pound, 15 shillings and 6 pence. Pakenham’s – 28 pounds, 17 shillings, 6 pence.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Pakenham

The original Preston home was built in the late 1840’s along Lansdowne Street, just west of Peterborough. (Lot 3 Concession 12, North Monaghan Township). The original front rectangle was a three deep brick structure with lathe and plaster interior. There was no insulation. (I recall as a boy staying over at Christmas and feeling thick frost on the interior walls of the bedroom!). The original house was heated by two fireplaces, then by wood stoves, the pipes extending up through the upper bedrooms, radiating a “little” heat.

The first floor rooms in the 1930’s were: kitchen, den, parlour and spare bedroom.

Later, a brick addition was added to the back of the house, creating a “T” shape. This allowed for the hired man’s bedroom above the summer kitchen. My recollection of the summer kitchen was a large airy open area, with breezes wafting through the two screened doors. Inside the pantry was a hand operated well pump, for water. A deep well, it was cold, always.

My grandfather added the front porch and sun room seen above in the 1967 photo.

Centered in the summer kitchen was a four burner, enameled wood stove.

Past the summer kitchen was the “Back Kitchen” which in my childhood was storage. But, dominating was the thick walled ice box.

The wood shed was stacked inside were firewood logs and splits, maple, apple, spruce. Although the outhouse was closed for “business” when I was little, the shack was still standing. Cold behinds and Eaton’s catalogs.

Typical hand operated well pump

My grandfather was an eco-pioneer in my opinion. To the west, he planted a row of spruce trees which acted as a wind break to reduce wind cooling and provide shade. To the south, he planted a red maple, which shaped the house in summer, but allowed the sun to warm the second floor glassed-in “sun room”. (The old wicker chairs we lounged in as kids now are at our cottage.)

The basement floor was rough cement – always cool in summer. (Previous to 1925, it would have been earthen). Also in the basement was a water cistern, which captured the rainwater from the eaves troughs. (For laundry). It acted as a heat sink.  With the windows open and the basement and upper stair door open, cool air would be pulled up from the basement, cooling the house. (Cool being relative).

The back kitchen, wood shed and garage and machine shed were housed in one long plank building.

In the 1960’s the hired man’s quarters, up the narrow stairs, above the summer kitchen was a treasure trove of old items, furniture, games, pictures and my favourite – my grandfather’s cornet. (See previous posting of Orangemen).

The Prestons were Orangemen at least for 4 generations, about 130 years. I believe, as Isaac was one of the originals, it was expected of you as a family member to belong. That membership was part of your identity. And as Isaac had helped form the order, I expect that there was pressure and pride to stay with it, be active and provide leadership, which they did. However, times changed. Membership shrank quickly after the peak in the 1920’s, especially after World War II. The world had changed. My grandfather left the order at some point. It may have been after his move to the Peterborough farm in 1925. His efforts would have been spent building his farm, providing for his wife and children and engaging in his new community. His change may have also been a result of Catholics being his neighbours. They too were fine people, so why stir up a fuss against fellow Canadians? The world’s enemies were now the Germans and the Russians. And why march in those parades, digging up all the old memories; good or bad.

Here is a portion a wide photo from the early 1920’s, of the 100 plus member Bethany Brass Band, sponsored by the Bethany Orange Lodge. The Lodge had over 300 members in pre WWI. My grandfather, Bernard Preston is indicated with ink label.

My thoughts.

I, of course am not an Orangeman. I do believe that the bad side of the Order has tarnished the good side. The Cavan Blazers, the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland, stories of election riots in early Canada, have left us with images of prejudice and violence. The parades still stir the pot. And yet, they still parade, as they have for 195 years in Toronto.

In doing my research for my book and talking with Orangemen, there is still charitable work in their efforts. Members in the early 1800’s looked after their neighbours, with food, labour and a caring oversight.

Yet, we are identified today by the team colours we wear. I remember coaching my son’s house league hockey team. We were Meadowvale. We wore black and gold – like the Bruins! The other kids, their parents, they were the enemy. Parents chose sides in the stands. I recall two opposing parents willing to go to the parking lot to do battle. The reason, a trivial slight.

Our neighbours are everyone, coming from everywhere. It is a delight to discover another person’s story. How they came to Canada. What obstacles they faced, and still do. We do have much in common with values and humanity. There is much that is different, like cultural practices. Embrace those differences.

Heber Preston and fellow Orangemen – early 1920’s.

What is your first impression of the Orangemen? Angry old white men with black bowler hats and orange sashes, marching to the fife and drum? Not letting long ago battles die?  Bigotry? “Raisin hell”? Yes? Well it is yes and no. How about doing charitable work? Defending Canada in the Upper and Lower Canada 1837 Rebellions and the Fenian Raids when there was no Canadian army? All true. The Orange Order were both bad and good, and are woven into my book, from the characters’ experiences.

Here’s a sample of ongoing Belfast traditions – 2015.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3158098/Homes-boarded-residents-moved-ahead-spectacular-Eleventh-Night-bonfires-Northern-Ireland-eve-high-point-loyalist-marching-season.html

And a while back, the Orange parade of 1896 in Orono Ontario

History

The first Orange parade took place July 12, 1796, through the property of the Gosford Estate, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. My 3G grandfather Isaac Preston was there as one of the first members. The order, with traditions taken from the Masons, established themselves a defenders of the British ways and power, as opposition to the growing swell of Irish Catholic discontent. To be Catholic in Ireland was to be a second class citizen. Orange members were farmers, tradesmen, merchants, military men and ministers! Membership and lodges were formed in a feverish pitch. When the Irish Rebellion of 1798, broke out, the Orangemen filled the militia and professional forces of the Crown.

In Canada, as settlers of Irish descent, became established, so too did the Lodges. The 1878 Historic Atlas of Northumberland and Durham County listed 6 Lodges for a population of 4,114 in Manvers Township. Most of the adult men, would have belonged.

Social club

In early Ontario, many areas including the north shore of the St. Lawrence and the northern townships of Durham County, were settled by Irish Protestants. The Order provided a social scene, initially for men to gather, share stories, and a little drink. (Little being a relative term). Later women were included with their own activities in the early 1900’s. I recall women marching in the early 1960’s in Peterborough on July 12, with white dresses and white gloves.

Community service

Collections were made and turned over to those less fortunate in the community. That included non- Protestants. Work bees were organized to help raise barns, bring in crops, help the sick or injured.

Militia service

The bulk of the Upper Canada militia during the Rebellion of 1837, were Orangemen. To volunteer to defend your country (Great Britain) and your faith, was to be admired, and expected. Again, when the Fenians crossed the Niagara River in 1866, the Orangemen went to battle against the Irish Republican invaders from the USA.

Note: Captain Isaac Preston Jr., in the second row. Col. Williams died during the Riel Rebellion.  Sub note: Isaac Jr.’s daughter Caroline married Sam Hughes, but she died shortly after her marriage. Hughes became Canada’s Minister of Militia and Defense during WWI.

Continued …