Due to the large amount of data, this family history in split up in chapters. This page is about Alexander and his children. Each child can be found on their own page on the following links.
Descendants of Alexander V. Laughlen
Generation No. 1
1. U.E.L. ALEXANDER V.1 LAUGHLEN1 was born 1756 in Stirlingshire, Scotland1, and died 30 Jan 1822 in Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada1. He married MARY L. SNYDER1 30 Nov 1782 in New Hackensack, Dutchess, New York, USA, daughter of SIMON SNYDER and MARY LANE. She was born 17 Apr 1760 in New York, USA, and died Bef. 1798 in Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada.
Notes for U.E.L.
ALEXANDER
V. LAUGHLEN:
Most of the knowledge on the history of Alexander Laughlen and his descendants was obtained from the works of Dr. Edgerton Ross Laughlin, Canadian census reports and legal documents ("Petitions for Crown Lands") currently in the possession of the Public Archives, Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada and New York in the Revolution as Colony and State, p. 240. Book: The Loyalists in Ontario, Canada, William D. Reid, The Sons and Daughter of The American Loyalists of Upper Canada 971. 3 V. 23, page 178.
A family history compiled in 1955 by M. E. Laughlin and E. R. Laughlin provides an abundance of information, which I have continued. The complete works has be included with this family tree and added on too. I have corrected, what I know to be true and left what they have written in the case of no further information has been found, or I have not researched that person as of yet. With the tools available to us in the 21st century that E.R. Laughlin did not have, many corrections have been made. www.SandiSullivan.com
In this history, it is stated that Alexander and his wife were buried in unmarked graves in a Cemetery near Odessa. M. E. Laughlin erected a headstone in the nearby Union Lutheran Cemetery, as a memorial to Alexander Laughlen. Union Lutheran Cemetery, Odessa, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada is located at: Concession 11 lot 16 (being Highway 133 and Millhaven Road, on Ham Road.) You can find a map on my Picture Page at www.SandiSullivan.com
Some people would like to know the correct spelling out our name. Our earliest ancestor spelled his name Laughlen, but hat does not mean it is the correct way to spell the name. We know nothing about the about the parents, brothers and sisters, and other ancestors of Alexander Laughlen, so we do not know how they spelled their names. It is said a brother of Alexander Laughlen come out from Scotland and visited him when he lived in Ernestown, Ontario. Alexander Laughlen's son James Laughlen continued to spell his name Laughlen. His sons Jacob and John spelled their names Laughlen until after they married and mover away from home; after that they spelled their names McLaughlin and their descendants are still know as McLaughlin. Some members of the Laughlen family spell their name Laughlin. It does not make much difference how we spell our names; we are all member of the same fine family.
All the following is from various sources. All documents quoted from i.e.: the Archives of Canada are word for word, as written. Over the years some researchers have corrected the spelling and grammar, but I have reverted back to as it is written. I have also put documentation is the order of date.
Alexander Laughlin was born in 1756 in the province of Stirlingshire, Scotland. It is said that his parents were weavers. (NOTE: Other Scotland ancestors are still being researched). Alexander was likely a descendant of Maclauchlan of Auchintroig, in the shire of Stirling, this branch of the clan dating back to 1394. (as noted in "An account of the surname Maclauchlan" from "de Rebus Albanicis", Glasgow, 1723). It is reported by Dr. E. Ross Laughlin that a brother of Alexander visited his children, in Upper Canada after Alexander's death. The name of this brother is not known.
In 1774, Alexander left Scotland and emigrated to America, landing at port of New York Were he remain but a short time and then traveled up the Hudson River by bateau (flat bottomed boat) to Albany and finally settled in Ballston, Saratoga, New York where he remained quietly until 1777, when turbulence and troubles arising out of the War of Independence caused him to go to the city of Albany where he enlisted in the Royal Americans. He enlisted in a corps then being formed under the authority of General Sir William Howe by Captain Daniel McAlpin of the 60th Regiment in joint action with Lieutenant Colonel William Edmonston of the 48th Regiment. Five hundred and seventy-two (572) men (Tories, loyalists to the King of Britain) quickly enrolled in this corps which was pulled together under the command of Major Daniel McAlpine. This corps was known as Major McAlpin's corps of Royal Americans, and was later called the Loyal Ranger
In 1777, a detachment of Major McAlpin's corps under the command of Captain William Fraser, with Lieutenant Thomas Fraser, was ordered to proceed to Upper Canada from Albany. After ten days of marching, they were captured by a group of American troops and were taken to Albany. There, Alexander Laughlin was incarcerated in close confinement. During the next 3 years, he was kept a prisoner in various military prisons in New York and the New England States and suffered many hardships. The following petitions from the Canadian archives illustrate these facts:
The following is Land Petition: RC 1 (L-3) Volume 285 File Reel C-2125 File Number Petition 51 - 51 A - 51B Feb 1798 / Bundle 4 Public Archives of Canada
"I hereby Certify that the bearer Alex Laughlen has been taken prisoner with us when endeavored to come to canada in the spring 1777 and carried prisoner to albany and from thence to new England where he suffered mutch for his loyalty and attachment to the british government given under our hands at Edwardsbury, this 9th day of February 1798. (Signed) Wm Fraser Capt. Thomas Fraser, late Loyal Rangers."
"This is to Certify all Gentlemen Whom It may Concern That Alexander Laughlen Was a good faithful Subject To King George during the Last Rebellion and Sufered Domstick Vilence by the hands of the Userpeis Was taking Prisoner Going to the British And Was keep three years In Close Confinement Which was a Very hard fate And Now means to maake his Residence under protection of King George. Given Under my hand This twenty fourth Day of may and In the year of our Lord 1788 and The Twenty Eighth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the third By the Grace of God, King of Great Britten France And Ireland, Defender of the Faith
(Signed) James Dearin
Lodewick Miller
John Dearin
John S. Penkney"
History of the County of Lennox and Addington, Page 163
"Wednesday, April 14th, 1790, Charles Justin McCarty appears upon his recognizance taken upon information that he is a vagabond, imposter, and disturber of the peace. Witness for pro. Sworn Benj. Clapp. For Defendant, John Ratton, Wm. Williams, Emanuel Elderbeck, Alex. Laughlin, David Lent, Eliz. VanSickler, Florence Donovan. The court having heard the evidence for the prosecution, likewise the evidence for the defendant, will deliberate on the merits of the information against the defendant. The court having consulted with the Grand Jury, do order that the said Charles Justin McCarty shall, within the space of one month, leave this district and not return, and that the Sheriff of this district shall see this order duly executed."
"To His Honor Peter Russell Esqe - President Administering the Government of Upper Canada, Etc Etc Etc In Council
Alexander Laughlen humbly prays to have his name put on the U.E. list, he being intitled to that benefit as will appear by Vouchers hereun to annexed. Kingston, 10th. May 1798 C. Robinson, atty. for Petitioner."
(End of Petition, Copy in Family Binder)
The following is Land Petition: RG 1 (L-3) Volume 285 File Pettition Number 26 3 page UCLP / Bundle 4 Reel C 2125 Public Archives of Canada
The Honourable Robert Russel, in Council, administering the Government of Upper Canada.
The Memorial of Alexander Laughlen humbly sheweth that whereas in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four he left Stirlingshire in Scotland and came to America, that he settled in Ballstown, State of New York and that in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven having voluntarily joined a party of Loyalists, was enlisted under Captain McAlpin and was put under the direction of Captain William Fraser and Lieutenant Thomas Fraser who had the command of said party on their way to Canada. That after ten days' march the party was surprised by the Rebells, taken prisoners and conducted to Albany. That your Memorialist remained in close confinement during three years; that having made sundry attempts to join the British standard without success, did remain in the Country until the close of the war. That having a young family it was extreme difficult for him to remove into Canada sooner than the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, that since he hath made application and did draw one hundred acres of the first draft lands, on which he is settled in the Township of Ernest, Upper Canada, that his family at present consists of six souls - himself, three sons and two daughters; his wife, a son and daughter being lately deceased. That your Memorialist hath only one hundred acres of land and humbly prays that he may be allowed the residue of his right of land; and your Memorialist as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Copy in Family Binder
ENDORSED. No. 26
Memorial of Alexander Laughlen July 12, 1789
Recommended for 100 acres in addition as U.E.
J.E."
In 1775, New York served as the capitol of the new United States. On February 6, 1778, New York approved the Articles of Confederation and ratified the United States Constitution on July 26, 1788, during which time Alexander was still a prisoner of war.
The following information is taken from "New York in the Revolution as Colony and State," (The Comptrollers Office, New York, USA). On page 240 Alexander Laughlin is listed as a British prisoner of war. Also listed are Alexander McLachlin and John McLachlin. The book states that prisoners were at times sent from New York, USA to Connecticut, USA, (Hartford, Litchfield and Sharon), to Massachusetts, (Springfield and Worcester), to New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. On Page 256, under "Estates Confiscated" are the names Captain McAlpin and Daniel McAlpin.
In 1780 he was released. Upon returning to his home in lower New York, he found that his land and property had been confiscated. While trying to begin again, he met Mary Snyder (also written as Schneider and Snider) (her last name is not confirmed but educated guess is that she belong to the Snider line. There is a 2 year gap in records in Dutchess, New York, USA records that would confirm this), and on December 24, 1782 they were married. IGI Fiche Z0001 marriage of Alexander to Mary Snyder sometimes Schneider, lists where some children were born.
Mary was born on April 17, 1760 in New York. They stayed in the New York City area for a few years. Their first child, John, was born on September 16, 1783 in Poughkeepsie, Duchess, New York. Their second son, James, was born on March 5, 1785, and records indicate he was christened in New Hackensack, Duchess, New York. Their third child, Elizabeth, was born October 10, 1788 in Little White Creek, New York. Their third son, name unknown, born about. 1784, died prior to 1788.
By the fall of 1788, Alexander had begun to pack up his family, and along with other Loyalists (eventually some 30,000) emigrated Northward out of New York, USA. They succeeded in traversing through the wilderness of Northern New York by the Onondaga trail in the depths of winter, until reaching the shores of Lake Ontario, Canada. In the vicinity of Cape St. Vincent they crossed the ice on sledges to the Canadian City of Kingston. They later settled about twenty miles from Kingston in Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada, Lennox and Addington, Ontario, Canada.
He had petitioned for and was granted land by the crown, he selected the West half of Lot 17, second concession of Ernestown consisting of 100 acres. The Certificate of Location of this land is dated October 18th, 1789. A few years later, Alexander donated a portion of this land for a Lutheran church and Cemetery, later named Union Lutheran Church Cemetery.
U.E. Loyalist by The United Empire Loyalist 1784 - 1884
The soldiers at Adolphustown, Toronto and Niagara with an appendix, page 204. "Laughlin, Alexander, descendants - inserted by Order in Council 12 July 17 1789, was 10 days a soldier in McAlpin's Corps, taken prisoner, etc."
On April 22, 1806, Alexander left Lot 17 and purchased Lot 28, third concession of Ernestown, consisting of 200 acres, from Elizabeth O'Neil. She received this land from the British Crown by deed dated May 17, 1802 and on November 16, 1803, a deed for this land was granted by the British Crown to Alexander Laughlin. Alexander resided on it until his death on January 30, 1822
This land was passed on to later generations. According to "The Loyalists of Ontario, Canada" (Reid, p. 178), Mary, John and James all of Ernestown, claimed land on February 27, 1818.
On September 29, 1818, Alexander deeded Lot 28, third concession of Ernestown to his son James Laughlin. James Laughlin by will dated November 2, 1838 devised the homestead to his two sons, John and Henry.
Alexander Laughlen (grandson of the pioneer), eldest son of John Laughlin, was given the old homestead and he later sold or traded it to Harriet R. Booth by deed dated October 24, 1836.
John Laughlin by deed dated February 25, 1851 conveyed his half interest in the homestead to his brother Henry Laughlin.
Henry Laughlin must have willed the homestead to his wife, Margaret Hymers Laughlin for on April 7, 1892, she deeded the homestead to her son Alexander Hymers Laughlin.
Alexander Hymers Laughlin in turn deeded the homestead to his son Harry F. Laughlin who occupied the farm in 1939. Note: Jonas Amey received a deed for the East half of Lot 17, in the second concession of Ernestown from the British Crown on November 6, 1803. Descendants of this family married into the Laughlin family. Christopher Lake, Sr. Also received a grant of land in Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada and his son, John Lake, married a daughter of Alexander Laughlen.
Miscellaneous Notes
Letter dated Ottawa, November 14 1930 to ER Laughlen
Dear Sir; In reply to your letter of the 27th ultimo, transferred to this department by the Department of National Defense, I bet to say that I could not find nay record of the enlistment of Alexander Laughlen in Major McAlpines Corps., nor in any list of names of men who served in this Corps.
McAlpines Corps was formed on the 1st. August 1777 by General Burgoynes orders and its men were recruited in Albany. On the 17th. June and on the 3rd. August 1778 it was stationed at Québec, Canada; on the 26th. September 1778 a detachment belonging to McAlpines arrived at Sorel from St. John.
The following document describes McAlpin's Corps and shows that anyone who enlisted in it lost everything they had, as their property was confiscated. Reference: Public Archives of Canada. B. Series, Vol. 214, p. 84
"To His Excellency Frederick Haldimand, Esq. Governor General of Canada and Territories thereon depending General and Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's Forces therein, etc. "
"The Memorial of Captain Daniel McAlpin of the 60th Regiment humbly sheweth Your Excellency's Memorialist having in concert with Lieutenant Colonel William Edmonston of the 48th Regiment proposed a plan for raising a battalion of his Majesty's loyal subjects in Albany and in the neighbouring counties.
Such plan was laid before General Sir William Howe and His Excellency was pleased to approve of the same and he gave this instruction to engage the men, taking care not to appoint more than one captain, two subalterns, three sergeants, three corporals, and one drummer to every 50 men.
In consequence of General Howe's instructions your Excellency's Memorialist employed proper people at a considerable expense to engage volunteers for this service and he was so successful that in six months time five hundred and seventy-two men were engaged, two hundred of which number joined General Burgoyne's army as will appear by a certificate signed by the Deputy Commissary of Musters.
Your Excellency's Memorialist did appoint Mr. Peter Drumond to be captain of a company and several other good men to be subalterns. Captain Drummond had the misfortune to be taken prisoner in the field of battle on the 19th September 1777 when he was exerting himself in the execution of his duty and he has since suffered much, being a long time confined in irons in a dungeon. As your Excellency'' Memorialist did not appoint but one captain, five lieutenants, five ensigns, and one quarter master to the above number of men he humbly hopes that your Excellency will be good enough to support them in those different stations as they have sacrificed all they had for their loyalty. "
Québec, Canada, 18 November, 1778 (Signed) Daniel McAlpin, Captain 60th Regiment
Reference: "The United Empire Loyalists" by William Stewart Wallace
"In 1776 Sir John Johnson fled to Canada with 300 Scottish dependants and the Mohawks under Chief Joseph Brant. He received a Colonel's commission to raise two loyalist battalions which were known as the King's Royal Regiment, 1000 men. They were called the Royal Greens. "An offshoot of the first battalion of the Royal Greens was known as Jessup's Corps. This corps was with General Burgoyne's army at the Battle of Saratoga. "
(Room 326, sec box 310 and 295, U.S. History, Revolution, Loyalists)
Also see next card IA.A.N.Y. State-Detecting and defeating conspiracies. See S.L.V. See H.W.E. p.v.19.
"The township of Ernestown was given to Sir John Johnson with his company of U. E. Loyalists. Apparently land was selected by lot." "Colonel Rogers was given the township of Fredericksburg." "Major Van Alstyne was given the township of Adelphustown. " "Colonel McDonnell was given the township of Marysborough (burg)."
Collections New Brunswick Historical Society, Vol. 2, parts 4 & 5, Page 224.
Roll of Officers of the British American or Loyalist Corps. No. 6 - Major McAlpins Royal Americans. (see Royal American Regiment or 60th. Of the British line, 4 battalions, organized in America about 1750).
Page 165 - Royal American Regiment or 60th. Regiment of Foot, was raised in America about 1755. At that time it was commanded by General Sir Jeffrey Amherst. Robert Moncton was one of its colonels. The regiment was disbanded at the close of therRevolution.
Army list, 1797 page 272 - 84th. Regiment Foot. Alex. MacLaughlan, Lieutenant 1. April 1795
Page 131 - Alex. M'Laugjlan, Ensign, 16th Dec. 1795, 15th. (or the Yorkshire E. Riding) Regt. Of Foot.
Jacob M'Lachlan, Ensign, 16th Dec. 1795, 15th. (or the Yorkshire E. Riding) Regt. Of Foot.
Page 305 - D. M'Lachland, Lieutenant 4 Dec. 1796 and 5 Oct. 1795.
Page 122 - John MacLachlan, Lieutenant 29 Apr. 1795.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE ARMY AND ROYAL MARINES, 1820
Page 564 - Alex. M'Lachlan, Ensign, 21 Apr. 1814 - placed on half pay 12 May 1819.
Page 218 - Alex. Maclachlan, Lieutenant 10 May 1814 - Retired 23 June 1814. 49th. Regt. of Foot, The Princess Charlotte of Wales or the Hertford Regt.
Page 270 - Alex. MacLachlan, 2nd. Lieutenant Rifle Brigade, 19 May 1814. Retired 10 Nov. 1814.
The United Empire Loyalists by Edgerton Ryerson
"The Americans inaugurated their Declaration of Independence by enacting that all United Empire Loyalists (or adherents to the Mother Country) were rebels and traitors; they followed the recognition of Independence by England with an order exiling such adherents from their territories. But while this policy depleted the United States of some of their best blood, it laid the foundation of the settlement and the institutions of the country which has since become the great, free and prosperous Dominion of Canada.
Upper Canada was then unknown or known only as a region of dense wilderness and swamps; of venomous reptiles and beasts of prey, of fierce and numerous Indian tribes, of intense cold in winter; and with no redeeming feature except abundance of game and fish.
After the War of Independence, many Loyalists went to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and settle there. The British Commander of New York having found out that Upper Canada was capable of supporting a numerous population along the great river and the lakes, undertook to send colonies of Loyalists there. Five vessels were procured and furnished to convey the first colony from New York. They sailed round the coasts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and up the St. Lawrence to Sorel, Québec where they arrived in October 1784, they continued their voyage in boats, and reached their destination, Cataraqui, afterwards Kingston, in the month of July 1784. Other bands of Loyalists came by land over the military highway to Lower Canada, as far as Plattsburg, and then northward to Cornwall, Upper Canada and up the St. Lawrence along the north side of which many of them settled.
But the most common route was by way of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, through Oneida Lake and down the Oswego River to Lake Ontario. Flat bottomed boats, specially built for purchased for the purpose by the Loyalists, were used in the journey. The portages, over which the boats had to be hauled and all their contents carried, are said to have been 30 miles long. On reaching Oswego, some of the Loyalists coasted along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario to Kingston, and thence up the Bay of Quinte; others went westward along the south shore of the lake to Niagara and Queenston. Some conveyed their boats over the portage of ten or twelve miles to Chippewa, thence up the river and into Lake Erie, settling chiefly in what was called "Long Point Country", now the County of Norfolk. This journey of hardship, privation and exposure occupied tow or three months. The obstacles encountered may readily be imagined in a country where the primeval forest covered the earth, and where the only path was the lake or river. The parents and family of the writer of this history were from the middle of May to the middle of July making the journey in an open boat. Generally tow or more families would unite in one company, and thus assist each other in carrying their boats and goods over the portages.
"These excellent people" wrote Sir Richard Bonnycastle, "were willing to sacrifice life and fortune rather then forgo the enviable distinction of being British subjects". The stern adherence of the Pilgrim Fathers to their principles was quite equaled by the stern adherence of the Loyalists to their principles, but the privations and hardships experienced by many of the Loyalist patriots for years after the first settlement in Upper Canada where much more severe then anything experienced by the Puritans during the first years of their settlement in Massachusetts.
Canada has indeed, a noble parentage, the remembrance of which its inhabitants may well cherish with respect, affection, and pride".
May have been written by Edgerton Ross Laughlin
Stone monuments tell the deeds,
Of some great men, but some,
As true and great have no such fame.
Their lives, lived true and well,
Are now reflected in their children's name.
There is no stone at Alex Laughlen's head,
No eulogy of what he did and said,
Of how he left Scotland behind,
In New York a home to find:
How he toiled all his life,
Kept a little home and wife,
How the Revolution changed it all,
Did his duty when he got the call,
And enlisted in the British file:
Of the many years in rebel prisons vile,
How the jailors on him spat,
Till it seemed his mind would snap:
How the foe took all he had
Except his wife, his girl, his lad;
How he bore both cold and damp
On the long, long wintry tramp
On the way to liberty true
Land of Ontario, Canada, land of the new;
How he worked with tools crude,
Hewed out a home, simple and rude
When his life on earth was through,
Told his friends his wishes few
"I love Ontario, Canada, bury me here
Where all my friends will ever be near."
No monument did you say?
What finer monument can you lay,
Than a life, so good and true,
That friends will miss you when
You're through?
More about U.E.L. ALEXANDER V. LAUGHLEN:
Burial: Union Lutheran Cemetery, Odessa, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada1
Deeded 1: 1803, Lot 17 (100 acres) as loyalist concession1
Deeded 2: 1806, Lot 17 purchased lot 28, 3rd concession of Ernestown, 200 acres1
Deeded 3: 1818, Lot 28 to son James Laughlin1
Emigration: 1788, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada1
Immigration: 1774, Scotland - New York, USA1
Imprisoned: 1777, by U. S. troops1
Membership: 12 Jul 1798, U.E.L. List, Midland District, Copy in Family File
Released: 1780, Returned to New York, USA1
Notes for MARY L. SNYDER:
From: Sharilyn Whitaker [mailto:sharilyn at northcoast.com) Sent: March 2, Dear Sandi, I don't want to overload you here with my problems, but I spent considerable time last year proving to my own satisfaction at least that Mary Snyder, wife of Alexander Laughlen was a daughter of Simon Snyder and Mary Lane of Rumbout Precinct in Dutchess, where Alexander and Mary were married and had their first children. If you are interested in my reasoning, which involves the gap in Poughkeepsie records during the time of her birth, and also the identity of Marcus Snyder U.E.L., whom I believe to have been her brother, also born to Simon and Mary in that Poughkeepsie Roman Catholic black hole. The Peters connection to the two lines supports my view in my opinion. So, I have something to offer you I return for your assistance.
Now, in shorthand form, there is an international Snyder/Peters research group in operation, and we have a mysterious Scot named WATCHMAN (possible given name William) that enters into our research in a big way. Unfortunately there is next to nothing to help us. Also involved, perhaps, is Israel Osborne, who was a captured Loyalist, and appears with his son, or perhaps sons, Alexander and Israel Jr. on the same list of Loyalist prisoners moved out of state as does Alexander Mc Laughlen. Bear with me for a moment. Here is how it goes:
About 1779, probably in Saratoga, New York, DORCAS WATCHMAN is born. In 1795, as DORCAS WATCHMAN spinster, just a tad under 16 years of age, she married Joseph Peters. Then, shortly after this, she petitions for land as a daughter of a U. E. Loyalist, calling herself DORCAS SNYDER, daughter of Mark Snyder, U.E.L.,. This petition was denied, but nearly four decades later, she tried again, never mentioning
Watchman, and the petition were granted. We have toyed with several ideas, a brief first marriage (how could she then have been a spinster at marriage?), adoption, but the option of her having been a step-child of Marcus Snyder, U.E.L., < possibly Mary Snyder Mc Laughlen's brother, seems the most viable idea. Her mother's name might have been Elizabeth, which was the name of Marcus Snyder, U.E.L. 's wife, and mother of his three known daughters.
Now, one of our group recently discovered a Marriage Certificate for the son of Dorcas Watchman and Joseph Peters, and for his mother's name he gives DORCAS WATCHMAN (not Snyder), and she also found an 1824 record where a man named Osborn WATCHMAN witnessed a marriage in Elizabethtown. It is almost certain, considering the dirth of those of the Watchman surname, which Osborn Watchman was related to our Dorcas Watchman, possibly he was her brother, and this fits with other things we know, which I'll spare you.
I got to thinking that Osborn sounded like a surname, and went into my large data base of Snyder/Peters related people, and particularly into the Mc Laughlen information I had put together from you and your site, and other on-line sources, looking for clues to the identity of Mary Snyder, and found the following. I am trying to DOCUMENT and confirm the accuracy this information, and anything you can add or correct would be deeply appreciated:
Eli Peters (brother of the Joseph Peters who married Dorcas Watchman) and his wife Phoebe Babcock have a son Eli Peters born 1824 that married Maria Elizabeth Mc Laughlen, daughter of Jacob, son of Alexander, and his wife Ruth Johnson/Johnston. Eli Peters and Maria Elizabeth have Thomas W. Peters b. ca 1851, who married Hannah Mc Laughlen.
Hannah, b. ca 1851 in Wilton, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada, first wife of Thomas W. Peters, was the daughter of JOHN Laughlen and Rosie Ann OSBORNE born about 1838. Hannah had a sister Hester who married Ben Mc Donald and died in childbirth with her first baby.
John Laughlen, born about 1814, was the son of Jacob Laughlen and his First. wife Almira, after whom he and second wife Ruth Johnson named a daughter. This makes John and Maria Elizabeth half-siblings.
Hannah Mc Laughlen and Thomas W. Peters named their first son ISRAEL.
OK now. Taking that name, adding it to Osborne, the maiden name of Hannah, I came up with a proposed "ISRAEL OSBORNE", whom I theorized might have been her father. I then went to the list of captured Loyalists taken out of state, from "New York in the Revolution as Colony and State, and there found Israel Osborne, Sr., Israel, Jr. and Alexander, and also, of course, Alexander Mc Laughlen.
Before we do anything else, are there mistakes in any of the above scenario that you are able to correct, and most important, can you clarify whether Jacob had TWO Marriages, the first to Almira producing John, and the second to Ruth Johnson/Johnston producing Maria Elizabeth. I found the two marriages in another source; you have only the one to Ruth. The name Almira among his daughters by Ruth seems to offer a clue, but I have never seen the Mc Laughlen genealogy used as a source by most researchers of this family.
This takes me to another question; can you help me access a copy of this Mc Laughlen genealogy? Among the very few things we have been able to come up with about the surname WATCHMAN, is that it is Scotch. We have developing links now between the families of Osborne, Watchman, Peters, Snyder and Mc Laughlen in Saratoga, during the period of capture of Alexander Mc Laughlen and Israel Osborne, and then in Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada. Studying the Mc Laughlen source material seems to be imperative to our research at this point.
Many thanks for your assistance. And, incidentally, forgive me calling everyone "Mc Laughlen". The variant versions of the surname still confuse me. Regards, Sharilyn Whitaker for the Snyder/Peters Research Group
More about MARY L. SNYDER:
Burial: Union Lutheran Cemetery, Odessa, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
More about ALEXANDER LAUGHLEN and MARY SNYDER:
Marriage: 30 Nov 1782, New Hackensack, Dutchess, New York, USA
Children of ALEXANDER LAUGHLEN and MARY SNYDER are:
i. JOHN HENRY2 LAUGHLEN2, b. 16 Sep 1783, New Hackensack, Dutchess, New York, USA; d. 09 Sep 1867, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; m. ELIZABETH STOVER3, Bef. 01 Jan 1806; b. 23 Sep 1782, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; d. 15 Apr 1867, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada.
Notes for JOHN HENRY LAUGHLEN:
The complete works of Dr. E. Ross Laughlen's John Line is included in this history. John probably received little or no education. He worked with his father and on April 22, 1806 he was given the West half of Lot 17, second concession of Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada by his father. This farm consisted of one hundred acres. On October 24, 1836 John deeded this farm to Harriet R. Booth. John was married to Elizabeth Stover of Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada. It is well to notice that John's sister Hannah Laughlin married Martin Stover who was a brother of Elizabeth Stover. We do not know the date of John's marriage but it was prior to January 1, 1806 at which time his wife petitioned the Crown for land. Elizabeth Stover was unable to sign her name in 1806.
John and his family moved from Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada to Sheffield Township. The time of this migration is not known. John received a deed to Lot 1, second concession of Sheffield, consisting of two hundred acres, on June 25, 1849 from the British Crown. Here John hewed out a home and lived the rest of his life. It is interesting to note that Robert McLaughlin, a descendant, is the owner of this homestead in 1939. On October 10, 1849 John deeded 150 acres of Lot 1, second concession of Sheffield to his son Martin Stover McLaughlin,
John McLaughlin had a family Bible in which were recorded the names and birth dates of his parents and brothers and sisters. This Bible was in the possession of Mrs. John Franklin Thompson, Empey Hill, in Richmond, near Napanee, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada in 1936. His name was originally Laughlin or Laughlen but after leaving Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada he adopted the name McLaughlin and all his descendants are known as McLaughlin.
John gave part of his farm for a Cemetery and it is now known as York Burying Ground. This McLaughlin family intermarried in the York families a great deal. John is buried in this York Burying Ground.
More about JOHN HENRY LAUGHLEN:
Burial: Ingle / McLaughlin Cemetery, Sheffield, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
Emigration: 1788, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
Orders of Council: 27 Feb 1818, As son of U.E.L., Alexander Laughlin, Ernestown.4
Notes for ELIZABETH STOVER:
TO HIS HONOUR ALEXR GRANT ESQR. President administering the Government of the Province of Upper Canada &c. In Council
The petition of Elizabeth Laughlin the wife of John Laughlin of Ernestown and daughter of Martin Stover of Ernestown humbly shewcth
That you petitioner is the daughter of Martin Stover of the aforesaid, a U.E. Loyalist, that she is married and has never received any land or order for land from the Crown wherefore you petitioner prays Your Honour may be pleased to grant her Two hundred acres of the waste lands of the Crown and permit Mr. John Detlor of the Town of York to be her agent to locate the same and take over the deed when completed and the petitioner will over pray,
Dated 1st. Jan. 1806 Ernest Town, Signed X Her Mark, Elizabeth Laughlin.
Endorsed - Petition L.36 Elizabeth Laughlen - Received 15 Feb. 1806 from Thomas Dorland Esq. the name Martin Stover appears on the U.E. list. It does not appear by the Council Book that the petitioner has received any order in Council for Land. - John Small
Read in Council 25 Feb. 1806. The petitioner Elizabeth Laughlin recommended for 200 acres land as daughter of U.E. Loyalist.
Needs to be looked at: ELIZABETH STOVER: Church records for Trois Rivier garrison 1768 - 1786 1783 - Elizabeth d/o Martin Stover and Blandean Shenry? b 8 Mar bpt 23 Sep.
More about ELIZABETH STOVER:
Burial: Ingle / McLaughlin Cemetery, Sheffield, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
More about JOHN LAUGHLEN and ELIZABETH STOVER:
Marriage: Bef. 01 Jan 1806
ii. JAMES LAUGHLEN5, b. 05 Mar 1785, New Hackensack, Dutchess, New York, USA5; d. 10 Jun 1850, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada5; m. (1) ELIZABETH DAVY5, Feb 1810, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; b. 08 Jul 1791, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; d. 1824, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada6; m. (2) MARY ELIZABETH DAVEY7, 01 Mar 1824, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; b. 30 Jun 1799, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; d. 11 Aug 1867, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada.
Notes for JAMES LAUGHLEN:
The complete works of Dr. E. Ross Laughlen's James Line is included in this history. James Laughlin was born in New York, USA. He emigrated with his parents from Albany County New York over the Onondaga trail in the depths of winter, crossing over the ice on sledges at the East end of Lake Ontario, Canada to the Village of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He probably received little or no education. He lived with his parents on the West half of lot 17, second concession, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada until they moved to lot 28, third concession Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
He continued to live with his parents after their marriage.
From the Public Archives Ottawa, Ont., Canada
To his Excellency Major General Sir Peregrine Maitland xc.-The peotion of James Laughlen of the Township of Ernestown, humbly sheweth, That your petitioner is the son of Alexander Laughlen of the township of Ernest Town, a U.E. Loyalist, that he has attained the full age of twenty one years and has taken the oath of allegiance as will appear from the annexed certificates and has never received any lands or order for lands from the Crown. Wherefore your petitioner prays that your excellency will be pleased to grant him two hundred of the waste lands of the Crown and permit Isaac Fraser, Esqr. of the Townsip of Ernest Town to locate the same and take out the deed when completed. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. Kingston 14th. October 1818 Signed-James Laughlen
On 9-29-1818 his father deeded him lot 28 Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada consisting of 200 acres. All of the children of James Laughlin were born on this farm. There was a creek running through this property which furnished power for a saw mill built by James and his father. The mill was still standing in 1925. On November 2, 1838, James willed the homestead to his two sons, John and Henry.
Elizabeth died in 1824. James then married Mary Davey, daughter of Michael Davey and the first cousin of his first wife, Elizabeth Davey. A piece of the homestead property was donated to the church as a Cemetery, and is now known as Union Lutheran Cemetery.
James Laughlin had a family bible which passed to his son Benjamin, then to John Shannon Laughlin, then to Mrs. Fred Laughlin of Napanee Ontario, Canada, then to Harry Scott of Napanee and then to his daughter Mrs. George Templeton who had it in 1954.
More about JAMES LAUGHLEN:
Burial: Union Lutheran Cemetery, Odessa, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada7
Christening: New Hackensack, Dutchess, New York, USA
Occupation: Farmer7
Orders of Council: 05 Nov 1818, As son of U.E.L., Alexander Laughlin, Ernestown.8
Notes for ELIZABETH DAVY:
The petition of Elizabeth Laughlin of the Township of Ernestown, Midland District, humbly sheweth, That your petitioner is the daughter of Henry Davy of the township aforesaid, a United Empire Loyalist, that she is married to James Laughlin and has never received any land or order for land from the Crown. Wherefore your petitioner prays that your Excellency may be pleased to grant her two hundred acres of waste land of the Crown and permit Charles Baynes of the Town of York, gentlemen, to be her agent to locate the same and take out the Deed when completed and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. Signed Elizabeth Laughon Elizabeth Laughlin maketh oath before me the 28 day of May 1810 at Ernestown Robert Clark, J. P.
Petition read in Council 5 June, 1810 - Recommended for a grant of 200 acres of lands as the daughter of a United Empire Loyalist Approved, Thomas Scott, chairman. Warrant issued 7 June 1 810 to the Attorney General. Elizabeth Davey petitioned for Crown lands 5/23/1817 as follows "Mary Davey, daughter of Henry Davey, United Empire Loyalist of Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada has attained the age of 21 years and is daughter of Henry Davey who retained his loyalty during the late war without suspicions of aiding or assisting the enemy and did his duty in defence of the Province during the late war. Andrew Mercer of town of York was her agent to locate her land and take out the deed. Her petition granted June 3, 1817
More about ELIZABETH DAVY:
Christening: 30 Jul 1791
Orders of Council: 05 Jun 1810, As daughter of U.E.L., Henry Davey, Ernestown.9
More about JAMES LAUGHLEN and ELIZABETH DAVY:
Marriage: Feb 1810, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
Notes for MARY ELIZABETH DAVEY:
Her cousin Elizabeth Davy daughter of Henry Davy was the first wife of James Laughlin.
More about MARY ELIZABETH DAVEY:
Burial: Union Lutheran Cemetery, Odessa, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
Orders of Council: 04 Sep 1834, As daughter of U.E.L., Micheal Davey, Ernestown.10
More about JAMES LAUGHLEN and MARY DAVEY:
Marriage: 01 Mar 1824, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
iii. ELIZABETH LAUGHLEN11, b. 09 Feb 1787, The American Colonies; d. Bef. 1798, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada11.
iv. MARY LAUGHLIN11, b. 10 Oct 1788, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada11; d. Bet. 1827 - 1878, Battersea, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada11; m. SR. JOHN LAKE11, 1806, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada11; b. 1782, Little White Creek, Rennsler, New York, USA11; d. Bet. 1829 - 1874, Battersea, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada11.
Notes for MARY LAUGHLIN:
This history now includes the full history from Dr. E. Ross Laughlin
Under an order in Council dated 2-27-1818, Mary, wife of John Lake of Loughboro Township was allowed 200 acres of land as a daughter of Alexander Laughlen of Ernestown, a United Empire Loyalist. The location of the land allotted to her was Lot 28 Concession 8, Collingwood, Simcoe County She never lived on the property.
She and her husband John Lake lived in Battersea, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada all of their adult lives. They are thought to be buried in unmarked graves at Sand Hill Cemetery, near Battersea.
More about MARY LAUGHLIN:
Baptism: 15 Mar 1789
Burial: Sand Hill Cemetery, Battersea, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada11
Emigration: 1788, USA to Canada11
Orders of Council: 27 Feb 1818, As daughter of U.E.L., Alexander Laughlin, Ernestown.12
Property: 27 Feb 1818, Granted 200 acres of land, Lot 28, Concession 8 Township of Collingwood, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada13
Residence: Loughborough, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada13
Notes for SR. JOHN LAKE:
John was the son of Christopher Lake Sr. United Empire Loyalist, who served in General Burgoyone's army in the Revolutionary War in 1777 and was taken prisoner. In 1795 Christopher Lake immigrated to Upper Canada and in 1807 his family numbered seven children, the youngest was 16 years old. Christopher's four brothers, James, Thomas, Nicholas and John also served in the British army in the Revolutionary War and all immigrated to Upper Canada after the end of the war.
Heads Of Families At The First Census Of The United States Taken Indiana, USA The Year 1790 New York New York City And County. New York City, Dock Ward. Name of head of family: Lake, John. Free white males of 16 years and upward, including heads of families: 5. Free white males under 16 years: 2. Free white females, including heads of families: 1. All other free persons: 5
More about SR. JOHN LAKE:
Burial: Sand Hill Cemetery, Battersea, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada13
Orders of Council: 27 Feb 1818, As son of U.E.L., Christopher Lake, Ernestown.14
Property: 27 Feb 1818, Granted Lot 12, Concession 7, Township of Wolford, Grenville, Ontario, Canada
Residence 1: 1818, Loughborough, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada15
Residence 2: Battersea, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada15
More about JOHN LAKE and MARY LAUGHLIN:
Marriage: 1806, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada15
v. HANNAH LAUGHLIN15, b. 19 Nov 1790, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada; d. 25 Nov 182215; m. (1) U.E.L. MARTIN STOVER16, 180717; b. 20 Aug 1785, New York, USA17,17; d. 28 Jan 1814, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada17; m. (2) BENJAMIN BOICE17, 13 Oct 181417; b. Fredericksburg, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada
Notes for HANNAH LAUGHLIN:
According to an act passed March 13, 1813, a widow of an officer, a non-commissioned officer or a private militia man killed in actual service was entitled to receive, during her widowhood, and in case of the death or marriage of such widow, then the oldest child or guardian, for the use of such child or children, until the youngest thereof had attained the age of 16 years, an annuity of 20 pounds, lawful money of this Province. The names of martin, Jacob and Adam Stover children of Martin Stover Jr. are recoded as militia pensioners, the guardian being Hannah Bice. The listing of Martin Stover as a child of Martin Jr. is an error and the name Mary should be substituted. It has not been possible to find where the children were living when the pensions were discontinued or the date when the pensions were stopped.
The complete history of Hannah Laughlin done by Dr. E. Ross Laughlin is included in this history.
More about HANNAH LAUGHLIN:
Baptism: 13 Feb 1791
Notes for U.E.L. MARTIN STOVER:
He served as a private in the Addington Militia in the War of 1812-1814. The war was still in progress when he died January 28, 1814. It is not known if he died of wounds or disease. His burial place is probably in a military Cemetery or unmarked grave. After his death, his children received military pensions as descendants of a United Empire Loyalist. His wife Hannah became their guardian.
More about U.E.L. MARTIN STOVER:
Military service: Bet. 1812 - 1814,,
Addington Militia17
Occupation: Farmer17
More about MARTIN STOVER and HANNAH LAUGHLIN:
Marriage: 180717
More about BENJAMIN BOICE:
Occupation: Farmer
More about BENJAMIN BOICE and HANNAH LAUGHLIN:
Marriage: 13 Oct 181417
vi. ISAAC JACOB LAUGHLIN17, b. 06 Nov 1792, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada17; d. 17 Mar 1881, Yarker, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada17,18; m. RUTH JOHNSON19, 26 May 1816, Dutch Reformed Church (Presbyterian), Mecklenburg District, Ontario, Canada20; b. 1802, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada21; d. 21 Mar 1882, Yarker, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada22.
Notes for ISAAC JACOB LAUGHLIN:
This History of Jacob includes the complete works of Dr. E. Ross Laughlin's Jacob line.
Jacob was the youngest son of Alexander Laughlin. He lived with his parents on their 100 acre farm concession 2, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada, West half of Lot 17. He moved with them from that farm to a 200 acre farm, concession 3, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada, Lot 28. Jacob enlisted in Company D. of Washburn Company Militia of Canada and served for two years during the War of 1812-1814. He was actively engaged in battle at Fort Niagara on December 10, 1813, at Lundys Lane July 25, 1814 and at the siege of Fort Erie in September and October of 1814. He was discharged at York as a Private on March 24, 1815. His discharge paper stated that he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and that he had been born in Marysburgh. His place of residence at the time of his discharge was Camden East. Although his discharge paper indicates his name as "Jacob Laughlin", he signed his name as "Jacob McGlaughlin".
All his children were known as McLaughlin.
When he petitioned for land, he spelled his name "Laughlen". When he married, his given name was recorded as Isaac, which was possibly his "real" first name. He married Ruth Johnson of Ernestown and they lived in Yarker, Ernestown, Lennox Addington, Ontario, Canada for many years. Jacob was a laborer. He changed his name to McLaughlin and his descendants carry that name. No headstones could be found at the Yarker and Wilton cemeteries, so their graves were probably unmarked.
This information was collected by Edgerton Ross Laughlin, probably from the Archives of Canada, although he does not note the record number: The following petition for Crown Lands was directed to His Excellency, Sir Peregrine Maitland, K. C. B., Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada and Major General commanding his Majesty's forces in the same, etc.
"The petition of Jacob Laughlen of the Township of Camden, humbly sheweth that your petitioner is the son of Alexander Laughlen of the township of Ernest Town, a United Empire Loyalist; that your petitioner has attained the age of twenty one years, has taken the oath of allegiance and did his duty in defence of the Province during the late war as will appear by the annexed certificates and has never received any lands from the Crown. Your petitioner therefore prays that your Excellency will be pleased to grant him 200 acres of the waste lands of the Crown & permit Isaac Fraser, Esq. to locate the same and take out the deed when completed; and your petitioner