William Van Every fonds, 1784, 1804-1806, 1815-1816, 1828, 1832, n.d.

William Van Every, son of McGregory and Mary Wilcox (Jaycocks) Van Every, was born in New York state in 1765. During the Revolutionary War he joined Butler’s Rangers and served under Captain John McDonnell. He was granted three lots of land in the Township of Niagara, with additional lands granted at later dates. William married Elizabeth, daughter of George Young. Elizabeth was the widow of Col. Frederick Dochstader and mother of Catherine Dochstader, b. 1781. William Van Every died in 1832, his wife Elizabeth in 1851. Both are buried in the Warner Cemetery, in present day Niagara Falls. The children of William Van Every and Elizabeth Young were Mary, Elizabeth, Phoebe, John, Peter, William, Rebecca, Samuel and Joseph. Source: Mary Blackadar Piersol, The Records of the Van Every Family, Toronto : Best Printing, 1947. And, Patricia M. Orr, Historic Woodend, sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, 1980?

Wilson - Jones Promissory Note, 1806

A promise by Mr. Jones to pay Thomas Wilson 10 pounds 1/10, New York Currency, with interest. Witness was Mr. T. McCormick

Admiralty Commissioner's Orders, October 13, 1812.

Sir John Thomas Duckworth (1747-1817) served as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Newfoundland when the United States declared war against Great Britain in 1812. He effectively prepared for the war by reviving and expanding the militia forces, establishing a signal station to warn of the approach of enemy ships, and strengthening the seaward forces. He resigned the post in December 1812 in order to take a parliamentary seat for New Romney, on the Kent coast. Sir William Domett (1752-1828) and Sir Joseph Sydney (1768-1831) were both naval officers and members of the Board of Admiralty when the United States declared war on Great Britain in 1812. Sir George Warrender, 4th Baronet (1782-1849), served as Lord of the Admiralty from 1812-1822, and as a Member of Parliament for various constituencies in Great Britain from 1807-1832. Sir John Barrow (1764-1848) was secretary of the Admiralty from 1804-1845, with the exception of the period from Feb. 1806-April 1807. He is best known for his support and encouragement of British exploration, especially in West Africa and the Arctic.

Laura Dexter letter, commenting on the McLeod murder trial, October 5, 1841

Alexander McLeod was Deputy Sheriff of the Niagara District during the Rebellion of 1837-38 in Upper Canada. On December 24, 1837, he became aware of a scheme by the rebels to use the American steamboat Caroline to provide supplies to William Lyon Mackenzie and his followers on Navy Island in the Niagara River. McLeod notified the authorities in Upper Canada about the situation. A few days later, on December 29, Commodore Andrew Drew led a band of men, including McLeod, to the American side, where the Caroline was moored at Schlosser’s Wharf. A scuffle ensued, in which American Amos Durfee was killed. The Caroline was then released from its moorings, set on fire, and drifted downstream before sinking. Many Americans viewed the incident as a violation of their sovereignty. Tensions between the United States and England were already strained over a boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick, and the situation with the Caroline further escalated the tension. McLeod was subsequently arrested in November, 1840 in Lewiston, NY and indicted for arson and murder. The British foreign secretary, Lord Palmerston, insisted that McLeod be released and could not be held personally responsible for the incident, as he was acting on orders from authorities in Canada. Eventually, McLeod was acquitted.

Indenture of Sale from Adam Hutt and wife Dorothy to Mathias Cairns, 1806

Indenture of bargain and sale from Adam Hutt and his wife Dorothy of Lincoln County regarding 27 acres to Mathias Cairns, of Stamford Township beginning at the northeast angle of Lot 29 of Stamford Township. This was registered on May 16, 1839 in Book U, folio 239 - instrument no. 12448, January 17, 1806.

Indenture of Land Sold by David Secord to George Shaw, Richard Woodruff, Timothy Street, Josiah Brown, Henry Pope

Indenture regarding land sold by David Secord of St. Davids to George Shaw, Richard Woodruff, Timothy Street and Josiah Brown, all of Niagara Township and Reverend Henry Pope of York. The land includes part of Lot no. 90 in the Township of Niagara. September 5, 1820.

Indenture Lease by Timothy Street to Stroughton Moore

Indenture by which Timothy Street of Niagara Township allowed Stroughton Moore of Lewiston, New York to lease a brick house in the Village of St. Davids for $160.00 payable annually. Mr. Moore would also have use of half the barn. Ezekiel Woodruff was a witness to the signing of this lease, January 29, 1822.

Indenture between Timothy Street and Abigail Street to Stroughton Moore

Indenture of bargain and sale between Timothy Street and Abigail Street of Toronto to Stroughton Moore of St. Davids for one part of Lot no. 1 in the town of St. Davids and part of Lot no. 90 in the Township of Niagara - instrument no. 8709, June 1, 1832.

Letter to Dexter Deverardo, clerk of Fonthill from the Welland Canal Office of St. Catharines

Letter to Dexter Deverardo, clerk of Fonthill from the Welland Canal Office of St. Catharines in order to see that the work is done in a satisfactory manner. This letter is signed in pencil by S.D. Woodruff (4 pages, handwritten), Jan. 8, 1855.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo in which he says the warden has been absent from home until this morning. Enclosed is 30 pounds, Feb. 7, 1855.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo discussing the survey results sent by Cook. He says that Mr. Misener will also be able to finish his survey this month. This item is burned on one side. This affects the text slightly, Feb. 26, 1855.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo discussing Mr. Misener’s calculations and suggestions (1 double-sided page, handwritten), March 31, 1855.

Letter [to Dexter Deverardo from S.D. Woodruff]

Letter [to Dexter Deverardo from S.D. Woodruff] discussing Mr. Cook’s and Mr. Misener’s calculations (2 ½ pages, handwritten), Apr. 7, 1855.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Dexter Deverardo stating that the council meeting will be held on the 28th, in Merrittville, June 25, 1855.