He has made the mist disappear for them – John Smoke Johnson

The War of 1812 produced many well-known native leaders that we think of today, such as John Norton and Tecumseh. However, one lesser-known individual, John ‘Smoke’ Johnson, made a large impact during his involvement in the war and after. 

John ‘Smoke’ Johnson was born a full-blooded Mohawk in 1792 in Upper Canada. His native name, Sakayengwaraton, translates to “he has made the mist disappear for them” and this translation helped earn his better-known name as Smoke Johnson. Johnson was well acquainted with Joseph Brant and they both regularly attended the Mohawk Church near Brantford.

 

John Smoke Johnson

At the age of 20, Johnson joined John Norton serving throughout the War of 1812. Johnson fought at Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek and Lundy’s Lane. In addition, legend has it that Johnson kindled the fire that burned Buffalo in December 1813. For his service, he was awarded a pension of $20 per month.

After the war, Johnson took a lead role in the Grand River community. He served as a speaker of the Grand River Council for over 40 years, and although he was a staunch Anglican, he served the community by encouraging traditional Iroquois values. Until his death in August 1886 at the age of 93, Johnson remained physically and mentally active in the community earning the title “grand old man” in the Six Nations community.

If you want to find out more about Iroquois involvement in the War of 1812, come out to Old Fort Erie on February 1 for The Niagara 1814 Campaign Symposium where Richard Hill will talk about the Iroquois involvement in 1814. The symposium will also include presentations by Donald and Dianne Graves, and Doug Kohler. Click here for more information and to register.

High treason – Joseph Willcocks

Joseph Willcocks emigrated from Ireland in 1800 and when he arrived in Canada, he served as the sheriff of the Home District of Upper Canada from 1803-1807. In 1808, Willcocks began serving as a member of the Upper Canada Legislative Assembly. During his time in the legislature, he made a name for himself as a critic of British policies.

With the outbreak of war, Willcocks initially supported the British by helping to secure Iroquois support, recruiting men for the militia and even fighting at the Battle of Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812. Despite initially helping the British, Willcocks switched his allegiance when the Americans invaded the Niagara in May 1813. By July 1813 Joseph Willcocks, joined by Banajah Mallory and Abraham Markle who were both former members of the Upper Canada Legislative Assembly, created the Canadian Volunteers. This group of militiamen served as scouts for the Americans and spoke to the loyalty of various citizens.

The most infamous act perpetrated by Willcocks and the Canadian Volunteers was their participating in the burning of Newark. On December 10, 1813, General McClure commanding American forces at Fort George ordered the destruction of Newark at the behest of Willcocks. Many inhabitants of Newark recalled the participation of the Canadian Volunteers during the burning.

For his actions, Willcocks was charged with high treason in absentia in the spring of 1814 during the Bloody Assize trials in Ancaster. Willcocks managed to escape the hangman’s noose, but he did not go on to live a prosperous life. In September 1814 during a skirmish around Fort Erie Willcocks was shot and killed. After his death, the Canadian Volunteers melted away as an influential force and they were disbanded in 1815 after their numbers fell and the US government denied further recruiting funds.

On November 7, you can head to the Niagara Historical Society Museum for “In the Grip of the Eagle.” The event combines dinner, period music and a light-hearted military tribunal to address those subjects who are resistant to American occupation. Click here for more details and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Flames Across the Niagara event happening on December 6 and 7. Click here to find out more about that event.

The Green Tigers

The 49th Regiment of Foot or the Hertfordshire Regiment formed during the War of Austrian Succession in 1744. They became known as ‘The Green Tigers’ for the green facings on their uniform. The regiment took part in the American War of Independence before being sent back to Europe. During the Napoleonic Wars, the 49th campaigned in Holland with the Duke of York in 1799 and served as marines during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

By 1803, the 49th came back to North America. The regiment was spread out across Upper and Lower Canada performing garrison duties. With the declaration of war, the 49th’s orders to return to Europe were cancelled. In October 1812, the 49th was in the Niagara when the Americans launched their invasion on October 13. The 49th performed well during the Battle of Queenston Heights where their former commanding officer Isaac Brock was killed. 

 

49th belt plate

As the war progressed the 49th found themselves fighting in a number of battles including Queenston Heights, Fort George, Stoney Creek and Black Rock, to name a few. Perhaps their most famous battle was at Crysler’s Farm in November 1813. The 49th, along with the 89th, fought against the Americans facing three-to-one odds and won the battle.

After the War of 1812, the 49th became a royal regiment and had its name changed to Princess Charlotte of Wales' Hertfordshire Regiment. They served in the First Opium War and during the Crimean War before being amalgamated with the 66th regiment to form The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's). This new regiment went on to serve in both the First and Second World War.

If you want to find out more about the re-enactors who portray the 49th Regiment of Foot, you can check out their website by clicking here.

The canal builder – William Hamilton Merritt

William Hamilton Merritt was born in Bedford, N.Y. in 1793. Merritt’s father fought for the Loyalists during the American Revolution. After the war, the Merritt family moved to New Brunswick and by 1795 the family moved to the Niagara Peninsula. Merritt studied mathematics and surveying, and was involved in different businesses before the War of 1812.

William Hamilton Merritt

Shortly before the outbreak of the War of 1812, Merritt was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Lincoln militia. Merritt served with the Niagara Light Dragoons and fought at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812. By 1813, the 20-year-old Merritt was promoted to captain and continued to serve with the dragoons by patrolling the border and relaying messages along the Niagara. By 1814, Merritt fought at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane where he was captured and remained a prisoner in Cheshire, Mass. until early 1815. On his return trip home to Niagara, Merritt stopped in Mayville, N.Y. where he married Catharine Prendergast.

After the war, Merritt ran different businesses in Niagara, but he is best known for his involvement in the building of the Welland Canal. In 1818, Merritt, along with others, petitioned the Upper Canada Legislature to provide for the construction of the canal. In 1824 the legislature formed the Welland Canal Company and selected Merritt as its financial agent. Merritt traveled extensively through Canada, the U.S. and Great Britain to help raise funds for the project. From 1832 to 1860 Merritt served in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada and later the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. 

Merritt often worked long days, as he was involved in many projects. Merritt had four sons and two daughters, one of his sons became a member of the Canadian House of Commons. In 1862 Merritt died on a ship near Cornwall and his body was returned to Niagara where he rests in Victoria Lawn cemetery in St. Catharines.

Canada’s heroine – Laura Secord

Many Canadians know of Laura Secord’s famous trek through the Niagara to warn the British of an impending attack, but many don’t know about Laura herself.

Laura Ingersoll was born in Massachusetts in 1775. She was the oldest of four children, and after her mother’s death in 1784 and her stepmother’s death in 1789, Laura became the primary caregiver to her sisters. Laura’s father, Thomas, fought on the Patriots side during the American Revolution but eventually became dissatisfied with the continued persecution of Loyalists and the poor economic situation in America. Thomas, along with others, petitioned Lieutenant-Governor John Simcoe for a land grant in Upper Canada. Upon moving to Canada, Laura married the wealthy James Secord in 1797. Laura and James had five children before the outbreak of the War of 1812.

On October 13, 1812, James Secord was on the frontlines during the Battle of Queenston Heights when he was wounded. Laura found her wounded husband on the battlefield and nursed him back to health at their home in St. Davids. In May 1813, the Americans took over the Niagara, along with the Secord home. On June 22, Laura became aware of American plans to ambush James FitzGibbon’s force at Beaver Dams. Laura undertook a 20-mile (32 kilometre) trek through the harsh Niagara Peninsula to reach DeCew House and warn FitzGibbon. Thanks to Laura’s information, a native force ambushed about 500 Americans, forcing their surrender.

 

Laura Secord warning FitzGibbon

After the war, Laura did not speak openly about her heroic trek. In 1827, FitzGibbon mentioned Laura’s contribution in a letter,

“The weather on the 22nd day of June, 1813 was very hot, and Mrs. Secord, whose person was slight and delicate, appeared to have been and no doubt was very much exhausted by the exertion she made in coming to me, and I have ever since held myself personally indebted to her for her conduct upon that occasion...” 

It was not until 1860 when the Prince of Wales, later King Edwards VII, was visiting the Niagara and heard of Laura’s trek that she received official acknowledgement. Edward became aware of Laura’s plight as an aged widow and sent her an award of £100. This was the only official recognition of Laura’s heroism during her lifetime. Laura Secord died in 1868 at the age of 93 and is buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls.

This Saturday you can celebrate the 200th anniversary of Laura’s heroic trek through the Niagara Peninsula by retracing her steps. The Friends of Laura Secord have put together a commemorative walk for all abilities. Click here for more information on this Niagara Signature Event.

Prisoners of war

Captured soldiers during the War of 1812 faced different forms of confinement. Some men could face severe forms of incarceration where others were released soon after being captured.

When militiamen were captured, both the British and Americans often paroled these men after they promised to not fight for the remainder of the war. If men broke this promise, they could be summarily executed if captured.

If American regulars were captured, they would often be sent to Quebec to remain in prison for the duration of the war. In order to get to their prison some soldiers had to face hardship along the way. The Americans captured after the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812 were paraded through the streets of Montreal while the band played ‘The Rogue’s March’ and ‘Yankee Doodle.’ The hungry and half-naked prisoners, Winfield Scott being among them, were presented to Sir George Prevost where the prisoners were compelled to remove their hats during the playing of ‘God Save the King.’

 

Winfield Scott

Some American prisoners were not as ‘fortunate’ as those in Montreal. For captured British subjects who joined the American military, they were given a tough choice, join the British military or face trial and execution as traitors. This harsh treatment caused the Americans to threaten the execution of British soldiers in return, leading to a long negotiation between both countries.

Officers of both countries did not have to fear long incarceration. Some officers were permitted to return home until officially exchanged and those that remained prisoner often lived luxuriously compared to their non-officer comrades. The exchange of officers could prove unfortunate for the liberating country. After Winfield Scott’s return to the American Army, he was quickly promoted and proved quite a challenge for the British in the Niagara 1814 campaign.

For some paroled officers lives could get worse. After Lieutenant Porter Hanks surrendered Fort Mackinac in 1812 he was paroled back to the United States. Hanks was held at Fort Detroit while awaiting his court martial for the surrender of Fort Mackinac. While waiting for his trial the fort was attacked by Isaac Brock’s forces. During the bombardment of Fort Detroit, a cannonball ripped through the room where Hanks was standing, cutting him in half and killing the officer beside him.

If you want to learn more about this topic, make sure you head to the Niagara Historical Society on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. David Hemmings will be speaking about prisoners in the War of 1812. Click here for more details. Furthermore, this weekend you can head to Fort George for their School of the Soldier event. 

Unsung Hero

The War of 1812 is filled with heroes who have become icons in the nations that they served. However, the war is also filled with veterans who simply performed their duty and have since been forgotten. One such veteran is interred at the Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls.

Thomas Allison has the distinction of being the first white child born in St. Davids. His father moved from Yorkshire, England to the Niagara in 1790. His father served in the militia during the Battle of Queenston Heights and Thomas was present to see the American surrender. Upon his father’s death in December 1812, Thomas took up the fight by carrying despatches to British forces at Beaver Dams, and he witnessed the burning of Lewiston, both events happening in 1813.

 

 Allison family grave, Drummond Hill Cemetery

In 1814, Thomas was officially part of the militia when he participated in the first phase of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. During the fierce fighting, Thomas was redeployed to drive wagonloads of wounded to Niagara. Thomas did not end his military service with the War of 1812. During the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837, Thomas served with forces loyal to the crown and joined a team that delivered a mortar to Chippawa in order to bombard William Lyon Mackenzie who was holdup on Navy Island.

Thomas Allison’s feats may not sound too heroic at first, but it is important to note that Thomas was only 13 when he delivered dispatches through enemy territory at Beaver Dams. In 1814, the young Thomas was only 14 when he stood on the frontlines at Lundy’s Lane before delivering the dead and dying back to Niagara. As you think about this story, you can ask yourself; what was I doing at 13 years old?

On Saturday, April 6th, you can head to the St. Catharines Museum to see the opening of their new War of 1812 exhibit. They will have presentations and a play about domestic life in 1812. If you don’t want to see the exhibit, then you can head over to the Jordan Historical Museum to watch a play about a domestic servants’ personal story in Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Both events look great.

The forgotten Battle of Frenchman’s Creek

It was Saturday, November 28, 1812 when the Americans made a renewed attempt to invade the Niagara above Niagara Falls at Frenchman’s Creek.

After the failed invasion at Queenston Heights, the Americans amassed a force under the command of Brigadier-General Alexander Smyth. The Americans gained some initial success by dispersing a small British force and spiking the British guns, but soon the American invasion ran into problems. The force sent to destroy the bridge over Frenchman’s Creek did not bring enough axes for the task. After destroying part of the bridge, the Americans were forced to retreat due to incoming British forces from Fort Erie.

Battle of Frenchman's Creek plaque

After learning that the British guns had been spiked, Smyth sent William Winder with a force of about 300 to cover the evacuating troops. However, Winder’s force came under heavy fire soon after landing from over 300 British reinforcements. Smyth attempted to send his 3,000 reinforcements across but only about 1,200 could fit in the boats. With torrential rain and freezing temperatures, Smyth decided to postpone the invasion. Smyth never managed to renew his invasion of Canada before withdrawing his force to winter quarters.

In the end, the British suffered more casualties during the Battle of Frenchman‘s Creek than at Queenston Heights with 17 killed, 47 wounded and 35 missing.

On Sunday, November 25th the Fort Erie Bicentennial Committee will be having a commemoration service for the Battle of Frenchman’s Creek. Don’t miss the commemoration of this historic event. Click here for more details.

Not one in ten thousand knows your name

This line comes from a song by Stan Rogers called Macdonell on the Heights. Rogers laments that although Macdonell led a charge up the heights to retake the redan battery during the Battle of Queenston Heights, his death from the charge is not remembered by many.

John Macdonell was born in April 1785 in Scotland. At the age of seven he came with his family to Canada where at the age of 23 he became a lawyer. He later earned a seat in the legislature and in September 1811 he was appointed attorney-general.

Macdonell was not loved by all, especially William Baldwin who duelled with the attorney-general, but his position brought him closer to Isaac Brock, who asked Macdonell to serve as his aide. Macdonell was a lieutenant-colonel in the York Militia where he served as Brock’s aide with energy and poise.

Plaque marking the spot near where Macdonell fell

During the Battle of Queenston Heights Macdonell was not far behind Brock, who had left in the early hours from Fort George to the site of the American invasion. It was not long after Brock’s failed advance up the heights that Macdonell led his own desperate charge to retake the redan battery. Macdonell’s small force did push the Americans back briefly, but a musket ball hit Macdonell’s horse, which reared up as a second musket ball struck Macdonell’s back. Macdonell was shot four times but it did not prevent him from attempting to stand and continue the attack. Fellow officers pulled the lieutenant-colonel from the battlefield as the attack failed to capture the redan battery.

The next day, Wednesday, October 14 in the morning Macdonell succumbed to his wounds. The Niagara Bee lamented: “one of the most enterprising men … has appeared and passed away from us like a brilliant meteor in the firmament.” As in life, Macdonell continued to be at Brock’s side in death as the two men were buried together at Fort George on October 16. Even today the two men serve together under Brock’s Monument on Queenston Heights.

 
Don’t forget that this weekend is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights. Make sure you check out all the activities taking place to commemorate this historic event. Click here for details.

Brock's Final Resting Place(s)

The current monument towering over Queenston Heights honouring Isaac Brock is not the first. In 1815, the legislature of Upper Canada approved the creation of a monument honouring the late general. Work started on the monument in 1823 and was dedicated on October 13, 1824, 12 years after Brock’s death. A solemn ceremony took place as Brock and his aide John Macdonell’s remains were removed from Fort George and interred under the new monument.

First monument after the explosion

In 1840, the monument was severely damaged by an explosion. Benjamin Lett, who was said have had republican sympathies, was held responsible for the bombing. Lett managed to escape to the U.S. were he was eventually pardoned after committing nefarious acts. Lett eventually died in Milwaukee after being mysteriously poisoned.

After the bombing, a committee formed to create a new monument. Brock and Macdonell’s remains were removed from the damaged monument and placed in the Hamilton family cemetery in Queenston during the construction of the new monument. The new monument’s cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1853 with Brock and Macdonell’s remains being re-interred under the new monument where they currently rest. The monument officially opened in 1859 with many in attendance.

Town of Queenston from atop the monument

One of the most impressive features of the new monument is a statue of Brock at the summit. From the top, you can see the heights and the Niagara River. During the Queenston Heights events from October 12 to 14, the monument will be open to the public. In addition, guided tours of the battlefield will begin at the monument throughout the weekend. Click here for more information. 

The boldest measures are the safest

Isaac Brock is perhaps the most famous War of 1812 figure in Canada. Best known for his charge at Queenston Heights that spelled his end, the general lived by Admiral Nelson’s motto: the boldest measures are the safest. On one occasion this motto helped save Brock’s life, but at Queenston Heights it led to his end.

Brock came from a strong military tradition where four of his brothers served as officers in regular or militia corps. Brock’s brother purchased an ensigncy for Isaac Brock in the 8th Foot in 1785. By 1791, Brock was promoted to captain and transferred to the 49th regiment.

Brock's coat worn at Queenston Heights

Upon joining his new regiment Brock was challenged by one of his fellow officer, who also happened to be a professional duellist. Since Brock was challenged, he had the choice for setting the terms for the duel. Brock decided to go with pistols instead of sabres, to which his friends were shocked that Brock would challenge someone who was considered an excellent shot. Before the duel began the challenger asked Brock how many paces they would take. Brock insisted that the duel would take place at a handkerchief’s distance (an extremely close range). The challenger declined and was later forced to leave the regiment in disgrace. Brock’s boldness helped to save his life and ingratiate him with his fellow officers.  

Brock continued to follow Nelson’s motto when the Americans invaded at Queenston Heights on the morning of October 13, 1812. When the Americans took the heights, Brock led a desperate charge to retake the position. Unfortunately, Brock’s boldness did not work in his favour as he was shot during the assault. Although the British managed to recapture the heights later in the day, their “active, brave, vigilant and determined” general, as Hamilton Merritt described Brock, laid dead.

If you want to see Brock’s boldness in action make sure you visit Queenston Heights from October 12 to 14. Hundreds of re-enactors will take the field to recreate the famous battle that took Brock’s life. In addition, on the October 14th there will be a funeral procession for the general. Don’t miss this historic event! Click here for more details.

The Coloured Corps

During the War of 1812, a number of Blacks served in both the British and American armies. These men often fought side by side with their white counterparts and frequently distinguished themselves in battle.

In Upper Canada slavery was limited in 1793, which was the first piece of legislation in the British Empire to limit slavery. This act was introduced after an incident in March 1793 when Chloe Cooley, an enslaved Black woman in Queenstown, was bound, thrown in a boat and sold across the river to a new owner in the U.S. Her distress caught the attention of Peter Martin, a free Black and former soldier in Butler’s Rangers. Martin convinced Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe to introduce legislation to ban slavery. Simcoe managed to pass a law that prevented the further introduction of slaves into Upper Canada, but it did not abolish slavery in Upper Canada.

Plaque located at Queenston Heights

In the Niagara Region during the War of 1812 there was a small British unit raised that was comprised of Black soldiers. When the war started Richard Pierpoint, a freed ex-slave who served in Butler’s Rangers, petitioned Major-General Sir Isaac Brock to form an all-Black militia unit. With Brock’s approval a small militia unit formed under Captain Robert Runchey, know as Runchey’s Company of Coloured Men. At the age of 68 Pierpoint served as a private under the command of white officers.

The new ‘Coloured Corps’ fought at the Battle of Queenston Heights where they were mentioned in reports as having been influential in the British victory. In 1813 the corps fought in the Battle of Fort George and by 1814 the unit was converted into an artificer unit where they helped to build fortifications and perform as blacksmiths. After the war, many veterans of the Coloured Corps received land grants in the Niagara.

On October 13 and 14, make sure you make your way to Queenston Heights to see the reenactment of this infamous battle where this corps distinguished themselves. The reenactment will include a morning march from Fort George to Queenston Heights, guided tours, and a battle reenactment at 3 p.m. Click here for more details.

Undaunted courage – Teyoninhokarawen/John Norton

The War of 1812 was full of courageous leaders who inspired and defended their beliefs. One of the noblest leaders was Teyoninhokarawen, better known as John Norton.

John Norton was the son of a Cherokee father and a Scottish mother. Norton was born and raised in Scotland before coming to Canada in the ranks of the British Army. He later become a teacher and an interpreter where he embraced the native culture. Through his work as an interpreter, Norton was accepted into the Mohawk tribe and became the adopted nephew of Joseph Brant. Eventually, Norton became chief under the name Teyoninhokarawen.

John Norton

During the War of 1812, Norton served as an Indian Agent for the British government and held the rank of captain in the British Army. Norton encouraged the Iroquois Confederacy in the Grand River Settlement to join the British against the Americans. Norton fought in many battles throughout the war including Queenston Heights (were he was wounded), Beaver Dams, Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane, among others.

Throughout the war, Norton placed the welfare and interests of the Iroquois on both sides of the Niagara as a top priority. An example of this occurred in July 1814 when Norton allowed nations from the American side of the Niagara to address the Grand River Iroquois in Burlington. The purpose of this meeting was to end the Iroquois involvement in the war.

Near the end of the war, Norton was promoted to the rank of major and granted a pension of 200 pounds annually for his service. In 1815, he traveled to Britain with his wife and son where he wrote a lengthy memoir concerning his experiences and the history of native people. Norton eventually returned to Canada and settled on a large tract of land that overlooked the Grand River where he began to translate the bible into Mohawk. Later in life Norton left Canada and traveled west in order to live with the Cherokee nation. He never returned to Canada and is believed to of died in the late 1820s or early 1830s.

Lieutenant General Gordon Drummond described Norton in 1815 by stating, “This man is of the coolest and most undaunted courage and has led the Indians with the greatest gallantry and much effect on many occasions against the enemy.” John Norton played a crucial role in aiding the British cause during the War of 1812 and his contribution, along with his warriors, helped to stave off American advances in Niagara.