Could my George Graves have fought in the War of 1812?
This George was working for the Lower Canada Militia.
Was he a Quatermaster? And what is a Quartermaster?
Did he have a brother, cousin, nephew, uncle named Jacob?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Deed of George Graves and wife to Samuel Chestnut
So I had transcribed the deed of George Graves and wife to Samuel Chestnut, but then decided I was probably breaking a copyright law to have it on the internet, so I'm just going to summarize it.
George and Mary Graves lived in Kingston Township and sold Concession I Lot 12 in Pittsburgh Township to Samuel Chestnut on 7 April 1848 for 237 pounds.
This is the George Graves who is the son of George Graves and perhaps Catherine Percy. He got the land from his father in 1839. His father would have died about January 1848. I wonder why he sold the land just after he died, and I wonder why he didn't sell it to one of his four brothers.
Samuel Chestnut was married to Mary Dunlop, the sister of my 3x great grandmother Anne Dunlop Wilmot.
George and Mary Graves lived in Kingston Township and sold Concession I Lot 12 in Pittsburgh Township to Samuel Chestnut on 7 April 1848 for 237 pounds.
This is the George Graves who is the son of George Graves and perhaps Catherine Percy. He got the land from his father in 1839. His father would have died about January 1848. I wonder why he sold the land just after he died, and I wonder why he didn't sell it to one of his four brothers.
Samuel Chestnut was married to Mary Dunlop, the sister of my 3x great grandmother Anne Dunlop Wilmot.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
NOTES ABOUT GEORGE GRAVES' WILL
I received the will of George Graves on the weekend. The good news is it confirms that George Graves was married to Catherine (assume Percy from her grave marker) and they had children together that are still alive and living with her on the 1852 and 1861 Census of Canada.
The confusing part is there are more children than I thought and they don't seem to fit anywhere. And it's not entirely clear if this is the George Graves who went to Sorel, Quebec in the 1780's.
It would seem that the will was written on 24 March 1847. It was registered by Henry Graves on 14 January 1848, so I assume that's the time when George Graves died.
He asked for the best of care for his wife Catherine after his death "accounting to her condition in life". When I first read that, I thought that perhaps she had a medical condition, but it could also mean that she be kept at the same standard of living that her husband had maintained for her.
George Graves mentions the following children:
Elizabeth, Henry, Michael, Hanah, Susan, Sarah Bryant, John and William. I believe these children are also children of Catherine. They are living near each other on the 1852 and 1861 census of Pittsburgh. Elizabeth was a spinster and he asked that Henry and Michael take care of her until her death. Susan, Sarah Bryant and Hanah were to be given a bed, a cow and six sheep when they turned 21 or got married, so they were younger than 21 in 1847 (this is consistent with the 1852 and 1861 census). Michael and Henry got the land at Concession 1, Lot 11&12. Sons John & William each would receive 50 pounds when they turned 21.
There are three other children, Elenora Graves, Jane Graves who married James Reunil and George Graves. He keeps these three children separate from all the others. I'm not sure how they would fit with the family, but it makes me wonder if they were from a previous marriage. Elenora and Jane only got one shilling sterling. Father George says that son George already got land and therefore wasn't going to get any more in his will. Unfortunately he doesn't say where the land is, but Instrument Number N122 registered in 1839 has George Graves the Elder and his wife Catherine giving land to his son (it's not clear if he's also her son) George Graves the younger on C1 Lot 12&13. If son George was receiving land, I think it's safe to say that he must have been 21 or older at the time. It also says that this son George was the eldest son of George Graves, so why was Henry the executor in the 1847 will?
At the end of the will, George Graves signs his name and the abreviation for Lieutenant. This I think is the biggest question of all. Is this the same George Graves who was the Lieutenant who recieved his land in 1797? He also calls himself "George Graves the Elder" at the beginning of his will, so why would he do that if his father's name was George? Would not his name be then George Junior? Or would it have changed to "Elder" when his own father George died? If it is the same man, he would have been 60+ when having children with Catherine Percy in the 1840's. While that's not impossible, it makes more sense to me that Lieutenant George who got his land in 1797 is not the same Lieutenant George who married Catherine Percy, but that both the father and the son were a Lieutenant. I'm not sure how to confirm this information. There must be early Canadian military records, but I don't know how to access them yet. On the 1891 census, Michael Graves says his father was born in the USA, and if it is the same George Graves who got land in 1797 then I think it's the same George Graves who came from Maryland to Sorel in 1783. If that George Graves had a son who is in fact married to Catherine Percy, how could he be born in the USA if his father left the states in the 1780's?
As for census information, the 1852 census for Kingston is lost so it's difficult to know where the other three children might have lived. There are three George Graves in Upper Canada over the age of 20 on the 1852 census, but it would seem that he was given land in 1839 in Pittsburgh Township. He must not have been living on that land in 1852. The three choices for George Graves from the 1852 census do not appear to be a good match as a possible son of George Graves who did in the 1840's.
George Graves age 39 of Camden East Township, Addington County
George Graves age 27 of Pickering Township, Ontario County
George Graves age 29 of Markham Township, York County
These three locations are east of Kingston. I would have expected George's land to be somewhere between Kingston and Sorel. I think it's more probable that George lived in Kingston Township where the 1852 census is lost. Perhaps there are tax assessment records for earlier years than 1852 for Kingston Township; there are for Pittsburgh Township in 1844 and 1846.
I also searched the 1852 census for James & Jane Rennil but no luck. I tried variant spellings such as Renil and Renal. There is not an Elenora Graves on the 1852 census.
None of these names match the children of George Graves and Agness Wilson from the Sorel Christ Church Anglican Baptism register.
I have to contact the land records office in Toronto to find the patent of George Graves in 1797. Perhaps that will have more information.
And did his children apply for land as a DUE or SUE? I will also need to explore that avenue.
The confusing part is there are more children than I thought and they don't seem to fit anywhere. And it's not entirely clear if this is the George Graves who went to Sorel, Quebec in the 1780's.
It would seem that the will was written on 24 March 1847. It was registered by Henry Graves on 14 January 1848, so I assume that's the time when George Graves died.
He asked for the best of care for his wife Catherine after his death "accounting to her condition in life". When I first read that, I thought that perhaps she had a medical condition, but it could also mean that she be kept at the same standard of living that her husband had maintained for her.
George Graves mentions the following children:
Elizabeth, Henry, Michael, Hanah, Susan, Sarah Bryant, John and William. I believe these children are also children of Catherine. They are living near each other on the 1852 and 1861 census of Pittsburgh. Elizabeth was a spinster and he asked that Henry and Michael take care of her until her death. Susan, Sarah Bryant and Hanah were to be given a bed, a cow and six sheep when they turned 21 or got married, so they were younger than 21 in 1847 (this is consistent with the 1852 and 1861 census). Michael and Henry got the land at Concession 1, Lot 11&12. Sons John & William each would receive 50 pounds when they turned 21.
There are three other children, Elenora Graves, Jane Graves who married James Reunil and George Graves. He keeps these three children separate from all the others. I'm not sure how they would fit with the family, but it makes me wonder if they were from a previous marriage. Elenora and Jane only got one shilling sterling. Father George says that son George already got land and therefore wasn't going to get any more in his will. Unfortunately he doesn't say where the land is, but Instrument Number N122 registered in 1839 has George Graves the Elder and his wife Catherine giving land to his son (it's not clear if he's also her son) George Graves the younger on C1 Lot 12&13. If son George was receiving land, I think it's safe to say that he must have been 21 or older at the time. It also says that this son George was the eldest son of George Graves, so why was Henry the executor in the 1847 will?
At the end of the will, George Graves signs his name and the abreviation for Lieutenant. This I think is the biggest question of all. Is this the same George Graves who was the Lieutenant who recieved his land in 1797? He also calls himself "George Graves the Elder" at the beginning of his will, so why would he do that if his father's name was George? Would not his name be then George Junior? Or would it have changed to "Elder" when his own father George died? If it is the same man, he would have been 60+ when having children with Catherine Percy in the 1840's. While that's not impossible, it makes more sense to me that Lieutenant George who got his land in 1797 is not the same Lieutenant George who married Catherine Percy, but that both the father and the son were a Lieutenant. I'm not sure how to confirm this information. There must be early Canadian military records, but I don't know how to access them yet. On the 1891 census, Michael Graves says his father was born in the USA, and if it is the same George Graves who got land in 1797 then I think it's the same George Graves who came from Maryland to Sorel in 1783. If that George Graves had a son who is in fact married to Catherine Percy, how could he be born in the USA if his father left the states in the 1780's?
As for census information, the 1852 census for Kingston is lost so it's difficult to know where the other three children might have lived. There are three George Graves in Upper Canada over the age of 20 on the 1852 census, but it would seem that he was given land in 1839 in Pittsburgh Township. He must not have been living on that land in 1852. The three choices for George Graves from the 1852 census do not appear to be a good match as a possible son of George Graves who did in the 1840's.
George Graves age 39 of Camden East Township, Addington County
George Graves age 27 of Pickering Township, Ontario County
George Graves age 29 of Markham Township, York County
These three locations are east of Kingston. I would have expected George's land to be somewhere between Kingston and Sorel. I think it's more probable that George lived in Kingston Township where the 1852 census is lost. Perhaps there are tax assessment records for earlier years than 1852 for Kingston Township; there are for Pittsburgh Township in 1844 and 1846.
I also searched the 1852 census for James & Jane Rennil but no luck. I tried variant spellings such as Renil and Renal. There is not an Elenora Graves on the 1852 census.
None of these names match the children of George Graves and Agness Wilson from the Sorel Christ Church Anglican Baptism register.
I have to contact the land records office in Toronto to find the patent of George Graves in 1797. Perhaps that will have more information.
And did his children apply for land as a DUE or SUE? I will also need to explore that avenue.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Will of George Graves
Microfilm #5153 (from Queen's University; I'm not clear if this is a microfilm number from Queen's or if this film number could also be used at the Library and Archives Canada)
Frontenac County Abstract Index Book, Instrument Number A32, (familysearch.org film #199690)
To the Register of the County of Frontenac. A memorial to be registered of a will in the following words. In the name of God Amen. I George Graves the Elder of the township of Pittsburgh in the Midland District of the Province of Canada Yeoman do make publish and declare this my last will and testament as follows.
In the first place I order that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid by Executor and executrix hereinafter named, I hereby charge all my real estate and hereditaments whatsoever with the payment of the several legacies and sums of money hereinafter mentioned, and also with the maintenance and support of my wife Catherine Graves and of such of my children as I shall hereafter make such provision for and I hereby expressly exempt my personal estate from the payment of such legacies, and such charges of maintenance as aforesaid, and charge the same wholly and solely on my said real estate.
Frontenac County Abstract Index Book, Instrument Number A32, (familysearch.org film #199690)
To the Register of the County of Frontenac. A memorial to be registered of a will in the following words. In the name of God Amen. I George Graves the Elder of the township of Pittsburgh in the Midland District of the Province of Canada Yeoman do make publish and declare this my last will and testament as follows.
In the first place I order that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid by Executor and executrix hereinafter named, I hereby charge all my real estate and hereditaments whatsoever with the payment of the several legacies and sums of money hereinafter mentioned, and also with the maintenance and support of my wife Catherine Graves and of such of my children as I shall hereafter make such provision for and I hereby expressly exempt my personal estate from the payment of such legacies, and such charges of maintenance as aforesaid, and charge the same wholly and solely on my said real estate.
I do further order and devise that my said wife Catherine Graves shall be supported and maintained in a decent and respectable manner according to her condition in life by my sons Henry Graves and Michael Graves, in consideration of the lands by one to them respectively devised and charged with such maintenance. Further I do will and devise that my daughter Elizabeth Graves shall be decently supported and maintained during her natural life, or until her marriage, by my said sons Henry Graves and Michael Graves and I hereby make such maintenance chargeable on the said lands hereby devised to them.
To my daughter Elenora Graves I bequeath one shilling Sterling. To my daughter Jane Reunil wife of James Reunil I bequeath one shilling sterling. To each and every of my daughters Hanah Graves, Susan Graves and Sarah Bryant Graves I devise and bequeath one bed and bedding, one cow and six sheep, the same to be given to each of them when they shall respectively arrive at the age of twenty one years or marry. I do further give devise and bequeath unto my son Henry Graves and his heirs and assigns the easterly one fourth part of lot number eleven in the first concession western boundary of the Township of Pittsburgh in the said Midland District and also the westerly half of lot number twelve in the said first concession of the said township of Pittsburgh, to hold the same unto and to the use of him the said Henry Graves his heirs and assigns for ever, subject nevertheless to payment of the legacies and other charges herein bequeathed and made chargeable on the same and half of my personal estate not herein otherwise dispersed of.
To my daughter Elenora Graves I bequeath one shilling Sterling. To my daughter Jane Reunil wife of James Reunil I bequeath one shilling sterling. To each and every of my daughters Hanah Graves, Susan Graves and Sarah Bryant Graves I devise and bequeath one bed and bedding, one cow and six sheep, the same to be given to each of them when they shall respectively arrive at the age of twenty one years or marry. I do further give devise and bequeath unto my son Henry Graves and his heirs and assigns the easterly one fourth part of lot number eleven in the first concession western boundary of the Township of Pittsburgh in the said Midland District and also the westerly half of lot number twelve in the said first concession of the said township of Pittsburgh, to hold the same unto and to the use of him the said Henry Graves his heirs and assigns for ever, subject nevertheless to payment of the legacies and other charges herein bequeathed and made chargeable on the same and half of my personal estate not herein otherwise dispersed of.
I do further give desire and bequeath unto my son Michael Graves the westerly three fourth parts of lot number eleven in the said first concession of the said township of Pittsburgh to hold the same to him the said Michael Graves his heirs and assigns to the use of him the said Michael Graves his heirs and assigns for ever, subject nevertheless to the [?] [?] of the legacies and other charges herein bequeathed and made chargeable on the same, and half my personal estate not herein otherwise disposed of. To my son George Graves I bequeath one shilling sterling, having already given him lands for his advancement.
To my son John Graves I do give and bequeath the sum of fifty pounds to be paid to him, when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years by [my said sons Henry Graves and Michael Graves. I also give and bequeath to my son Wil]liam Graves the like sum of fify pounds to be paid to him when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years by my said sons Henry Graves and Michael Graves and chargeable on the said lands devised to the said Henry and Michael. And I do further will order and devise that in case anyone or either of my said children excepting Eleonora Graves, Jane Reunil and George Graves shall happen to die in my lifetime or shall happen to die after my decease under the age of twenty one years or being daughters or a daughter shall die after my said decease not having married, then all such share or shares of my said real estate or personal legacy or bequest as shall have been herein by me devised or bequeathed by me to any such of my said children or either of them as shall happen to die as herein before mentioned shall be go and remain unto and to the use of the survivor or survivors of them my said sons Henry, Michael, John and William and my daughters Hannah Susan and Sarah Bryant and to their heirs and assigns according to the nature and description thereof respectively share and share alike. And I do hereby nominate and appoint my said son Henry Graves Executor and my said wife Catherine Graves Executrix of this my will written on five pages of paper. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourty seven.
Signed George Graves Leut (L.S)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Graves the Elder the Testator in the presence of us who in his presence at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Signed Arch. John Macdonell
Signed Geo. A. Cumming
Which will is witnessed by Archibald John Macdonell and George Alexander Cumming both of Kingston, Esquires and this memorial thereof is required to be registered by me Henry Graves one of the Devisees. As witness my hand and seal at Kingston this thirteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
Henry Graves
Signed and sealed in the presence of G.A. Cummings & H Smith Jr
by the oath of George Alexander Cumings within named the 14th day of January 1848
Register
One line appears to be missing from the photocopy. The italics are the line that I think should be there.
Signed George Graves Leut (L.S)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Graves the Elder the Testator in the presence of us who in his presence at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Signed Arch. John Macdonell
Signed Geo. A. Cumming
Which will is witnessed by Archibald John Macdonell and George Alexander Cumming both of Kingston, Esquires and this memorial thereof is required to be registered by me Henry Graves one of the Devisees. As witness my hand and seal at Kingston this thirteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
Henry Graves
Signed and sealed in the presence of G.A. Cummings & H Smith Jr
by the oath of George Alexander Cumings within named the 14th day of January 1848
Register
One line appears to be missing from the photocopy. The italics are the line that I think should be there.
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