Brockville Public Library – Complete

Anderson, Charles D. Bluebloods and Rednecks: Discord and Rebellion in the 1830s. Burnstown: General Store Publishing, 1996.

• An essential tool for the Rebellion section, Anderson goes to great lengths to detail the politics and law of the Patriots War with details of various skirmishes, some of which are little known, characters and border relations
• Gives a thorough history of the rebellion in Upper Canada beginning with its political routes and describing in detail the events of the rebellion and American involvement (Hunters Lodge)
• Much of the perspective is from the Leeds and Grenville area and is thus unique and of merit for the study; tells the history of those involved in places such as Brockville and surrounding area and the political in-fighting that took place between prominent families and groups such as Tories, Reformers, and Orangemen
• (p. 26...) Describes the Loyalists landing at New Oswegatchie and the allotment and settlement of the land, 1784
• Ch. 10 Preparations for War; discusses the conflicts that ensued along the St. Lawrence following Mackenzie’s defeat
• (p.185) Patriots and Americans form Hunters’ Lodges
• (p.186) 21 Lodges along the American St. Lawrence, Watertown boasting 1900 members
• (p.189) The Hickory Island incursion; volunteers led by Van Rensellaer and guided by Bill Johnston, Americans and Patriots took the little island but volunteer numbers seemed to dwindle and the plan to attack Gananoque was abandoned
• (p.190) Fight at Aikin’s Inn, near Prescott; Americans, some who had been involved with Hickory Island, came to buy a horse, staying at the Inn, were refused service, turned into a brawl with British Dragoons and the owner, Aikins, was beaten by the Americans and had his two wall-mounted swords stolen
• (p.190) Pirate Bill Johnston as “Admiral of the Patriot Navy” and the sinking of the Robert Peel; excellent details of the enigmatic character with descriptions of his exploits and person. Also discusses his other exploits during the war and his excellent knowledge of the islands which made him and his crew more than a match for the British
• Discusses the legal battles across the borer to bring the Patriots to justice and adds an interesting American perspective by discussing the popularity of the war on the American side and the waves of American nationalists who volunteered to help the Patriots
• Ch.11 Cannons at Windmill Point
• Extremely detailed and in depth history and analysis of the important battle near Prescott and the aftermath for the Patriots

Carter, J. Smyth. The Story of Dundas. Iroquois: St. Lawrence News Publishing, 1905.

• Provides an in depth view of the county of Dundas with an emphasis on the settlement of the region

Connell, G.(ed) Augusta: Royal Township Number Seven. Prescott: The St. Lawrence Printing Co., 1985.

• Describes how Governor Haldimand laid out the townships along the St. Lawrence. Township No. 1 was Charlottenburgh, No. 8 was Elizabethtown & and No. 7 was Augusta. Other sources state that there were 11 townships laid out by Haldimand.
• Describes and extensive prehistoric Iroquoian village on the north half of lots 2 and 3, concession 6 in Augusta. The site was excavated in 1912 and 1915 and is believed to be about 500 years old and was abandoned before Europeans arrived. A road side monument mark
• s the sites.
• Edward Jessup was one of Augusta’s most prominent early settlers. Jessup headed they Loyal Rangers ( aka Jessup’s Loyal Rangers) during the Revolution. After the Revolution, land grants were given to the Loyalist. Continues on to describe the allocation of land and the early years of the first settlers. Lots on the river went mainly to the military
• Land speculation was common, linked to the Family Compact, and with member of local oligarchies.
• Briefly describes how ‘negroes’ were brought to the area by prominent families. Most were freed, and some lived out their lives in the area, some even fighting in the war of 1812 with the British.
• Gives details of Mr E. A. McKim’s history of Augusta. McKim was a historian who, in 1932 documented the history of each lot between Brockville and Prescott.
• Describes ‘Logging Bees’ and the Potash Industry. Gives a good overview of the importance of potash to the local economy and what it was used for. (pg 37)
• Details the dairy industry from the mid-19^th century onwards (pg 61)
• Details the emergence of the brewing and distilling in Prescott. How JP Wiser started his distillery.
• Details the emergence of the chemical industry in the area after WWII
• Chapter 5 is entitled `Transportation and Travel` and highlights the first ferry service between Prescott and Ogdensburg in the 1770`s. Also notes that the first internal combustion vessel on the St. Lawrence was the Miss Vandenburg operated out of Prescott.
• The Chapter entitled `Augusta`s Many Communities` covers the history of specific communities including: Blue Church Settlement, Maitland, Prescott before 1849

Corbin, Les and Verda. The Visger`s World. Clayton NY: Les and Verda Corbin, 1987.

• The book highlights the history of the Visger`s, who owned the Captain Visger Line of Steamboat which was established in 1879 out of Alexandria Bay, NY. While the book is written from an American perspective, it gives a broad overview of the beginnings of the tourist industry in the 1000 Islands. Also includes some unique images.

Croil, James. Dundas or A Sketch of Canadian History. 1^st Edition, 1861. Belleville: Mika Silk Screening, 1972.

• While describing in detail the history of the county to 1861 there are some points of interest relating to the conflicts of 1812 and the Rebellion
• Croil goes into great detail describing the events at Crysler’s Farm (p.77) and discusses two minor skirmishes that took place in the region (p.98); the battle of Matilda at Toussant’s Island and another at Mariatown, Oct. 1813 in which Americans crossed the river hoping to taking provisions but were ambushed and sent fleeing back across the river (101) as well as the Salmon River Raid, 1814 (101)
• Describes life of the settlers, their way of life, with unique local histories
• (p.131) The Log Shanty; the first dwellings constructed were all very similar, some temporary until time and energy could be afforded for the permanent stone structures that reflected the Georgian homes of New England. Describes these homes and their construction
• (p.140) Brief description of the early mills that used the St. Lawrence’s current
• For a time before the steam-tugs of the 1850s, forwarding was lucrative; describes the pay and operations which used horse-towed boats to travel upriver from Dickinson’s Landing to Prescott (p.152)
• (p.163) Ch.VIII is on the Geology and Natural History of the county which may prove interesting when studying to greater depths the natural history of the St. Lawrence; can provide an older perception of this heritage
• (p.245) A lock-gate factory was once in operation in Morrisburg, operated by a Chaffey, it produced lock-gates for the St. Lawrence canals, c. 1859 7 pairs were made
• (p.287) Describes the St. Lawrence Canals, or, the Galops which included the Williamsburg (Farrans Point), the Point Iroquois, the Rapide Plat, and the Junction

Disotell, Russ. Brockville: The River City. Toronto: Natural Heritage/History Inc., 1997.

• Provides a general overview of the history of Brockville with some particular points of interest
• Begins with arrival of the Loyalists discussing Deputy Surveyor, Justus Sherwood’s surveying for Haldimand (p. 14) in order to lay out a plan for suitable settlement; Sherwood became assistant to John Johnson, overseeing the resettlement of the refugee loyalists. The Sherwood family would go on to be a very influential and powerful family in Brockville and surrounding area
• (p.30) Chapter devoted to battles and skirmishes on the St. Lawrence
• 8 Schooners battle, June 1812
• Moira, Gloucester and the US Julia
• Forsyth’s raid on Brockville, Feb. 7, 1813
• Discusses the bluff by Reuben Sherwood and his Lieutenant, Peter Grant; came upon Americans building a blockhouse at Cape Vincent and fooled them into thinking that the British were invading, taking two officers as captives to be traded for two British prisoners
• Cryslers Farm
• (p.39)Discusses competition with the Prescott and Kingston forwarders; creation of the Montreal and Brockville New Steam Boat and Coach Company and launching of the Brockville to compete with the Forwarding Association of Prescott and the Great Britian
• Coming of the railway and industry (~p.62)

Dumbrille, Dorothy. Braggart In My Steps: More Stories of Glengarry. Toronto: Ryerson Press, 1956.

• Although the bulk of Glengarry County is beyond the scope of the Riparian settlements of the St. Lawrence, it does include Cornwall and also South Lancaster on Lake St. Francis
• Ch. 2, Kirktown, describes in detail South Lancaster and the importance of Lake St. Francis
• Had been a busy shipping centre, with cabins for rent for passengers travelling by boat up and down the river
• (p.5-6) Describes “Hunter’s Home” owned by the Stewart Family, an Inn in South Lancaster
• (p. 8) Travel across the river during winter was by sleight, foot, or horse. On Lake St. Francis, bushed roads were made by marking the route with low evergreens stuck in the snow to mark the way when sleigh marks were covered by snowfall and windblown
• Service boats, Bohemian and St. Francis (p.12)
• (p.13) Stickler built barges on the Raisin River; the Lancaster and Glengarry were about 125 ft. wide and carried a load of 30,000 bushels of grain travelling between Kingston and Montreal
• Thriving community with sawmills, coal-oil refinery, tannery, hotels, a wharf
• Pest-Houses built in Lancaster to house the choleric immigrants

Harkness, John Graham. Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, 1784 – 1945. Ottawa: Mutual Press, 1946.

• A thorough history of the united counties with a focus on early settlement and life
• (p.49) Diary in Archives at Ottawa of Joseph Hadfield who travelled up the St. Lawrence in 1785, describing the scene and life as he stopped at various homes such as the temporary dwelling of John Johnson
• Ch. XXI on Industrial development with a focus on the industries of Cornwall

Hills. T.L. The St. Lawrence Seaway. Bristol, UK: Purnell and Sons, 1959.

· Pg. 23-48 details the evolution of the canal system on the St. Lawrence and the rest of the Great Lakes, starting in 17^th century. Not exclusive to the upper St. Lawrence, but gives a good idea of why the canals were built, their designs and who was involved.

· The rest of the book deals with the St. Lawrence Seaway project.

Keats, John. The Skiff and the River. Nantucket, MA: The Herrick Collection, 1988.

• Starts by stating that the few skiffs that remain on the river are reminders of attitudes, skills and a way of life of a time that was much slower than the present. The boat is unique to the 1000 Islands region, as evolved in response to pioneer need with respect to the local marine conditions.
• Theorizes that the first skiff was likely built by a Canadian.
• The Skiff continued to be the most widely used boat on the river well into the 1930’s, despite the fact that motorized boats was well used by this time. Fiberglass killed the skiff in the 1950’s.
• Describes fishing on the River. Details the techniques used to catch a giant fifty-pound muskie. Once a muskie was caught, the fishing day was declared over and the fisherman would row home, flying or trailing a white flag (or cloth) to let everyone know that they had caught a muskie. This tradition continues to this day.
• Chapter 3 details the builder of St. Lawrence Skiffs
• Details the evolution of the Skiff – how masts were added and sailing skiffs became popular. This led to skiff racing in the 1000 Islands.
• This is the definitive book on St. Lawrence Skiffs. It pays attentions to developments on both sides of the river.

Livingston, Edwin A. History of New Oswegatchie and the Blue Church Cemetery. Prescott: St. Lawrence Printing Co.

• Livingston has gone to great lengths to give a most detailed description of the settlement and precise allotment of acreage and to whom each section was allotted in the time of Loyalists settlement of the area
• Includes a description of the allotment process and how much land each position (i.e. officer, private etc.) warranted (p. 1)
• Also has an extensive section detailing the Blue Church cemetery with a description of each grave, who is buried there, and their families connection to the area, beginning with the first arrived loyalists

MacDonell, J.A. Sketches Illustrating the Early Settlement and History of Glengarry in Canada. 1^st Edition, 1893. Belleville: Mika, 1984.

• Through the use of primary sources, describes the early history by correspondents and editorial notes and background information
• Excellent source for primary notes, especially concerning the various wars and battles that involved the Upper St. Lawrence
• (p.44) Oct. 1781, two skirmishes were fought near Johnstown, the British, having assembled at Buck’s Island, were beaten by the Americans
• Focus on military history (Revolutionary War, 1812, 1838) and history of the regiments and their settlements

MacGillivray, Royce and Ewan, Ross. A History of Glengarry. Belleville: Mika Publishing, 1979.

• The first chapter deals with the settlement of Glengarry by Loyalist headed by John Johnson. The Loyalists were soon joined by a large group of emigrants from Knoydart, Scotland, headed by Father Alexander Macdonell (who looms large in the history and folklore of Glengarry Co.)
• Gaelic was common in Glengarry during the 19^th century and into the 20^th.
• 1909 there were 77 active cheese factories in Glengarry.
• Comprehensive history of Glengarry, but not specific to the river.
• (p.310) Mentions hotels and inns in South Lancaster, as many as 6.

Malo, Paul. A Floating World: More People, Places, and Pastimes of the Thousand Islands. Fulton, NY: Laurentian Press, 2004.

• Mainly from an American perspective, but this book to cover some important points. The book is primarily concerned with the 19^th and early 20^th century. The first chapter is an account of famous visitors who have been to the 1000 Islands in their early days.
• Chapter 5 covers the beginnings of the resort era in the 1840s, but focuses mostly on American resorts. Makes note of some of the Presidents who have visited the area, including Van Buren, Grant and Arthur for fishing expeditions.
• The section on yachting the 1000 Islands outlines the history of the Fulford`s Megadoma, which at the time was one of the three grandest yachts in the world. The author traces the Megadoma`s history up to its present whereabouts in a California ship yard where it is being restored. The owner hopes to eventually sail it back up the St. Lawrence once it is restored.
• Attempts to give an unbiased account of Pirate Bill`s escapades. Claims they were in part due to breakup `Family Compacts,` prominent oligarchies on the Canadian side that controlled most of the industry and owned most of the land (249)

Malo, Paul. Fool`s Paradise: Remembering the Thousand Islands. Fulton, NY: Laurentian Press, 2003.

• The first part of the book covers the memories of Julia Bingham McLean Hass, who recollects her years on the river with the author in 1948. Briefly details Julie`s memories of Nokomis Lodge, the Fulford`s Place and their yacht Megadoma. (pg 58, 67); talks about the Benson’s, who owned Canada Starch Co., and their cottage on Hill Island (90). Mentions other notable cottages on the Canadian side, such as: ‘The House of Seven Gables’ on Wellesley Isd

Marin, Clive and Frances. Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, 1945 – 1978. Belleville: Mika, 1982.

• Continues were Harkness’ book leaves off
• In depth look at the construction and completion of the seaway and its impact and effects on such thins as industry
• Describes the transportation, movement, relocation etc. of the towns to be flooded
• Description of the ‘Lost Villages’ and Upper Canada Village
• (p.49...) Discusses the creation of Upper Canada Village and its history and importance during a transition to tourism as a major source of revenue
• Appendix 3A has a list of the Upper Canada Village buildings and their origins
• Ch. 3 also discusses the creation of the parks commission and construction of parks, beaches and paths along the river; the Long Sault parkway

Matthes, Robert. Glimpses of the St. Lawrence Summer Life: Thousand Islands Souvenirs. Brockville: The Antique Boat Museum, 2003.

• This book services mainly as a guide to 1000 Island Souvenirs. It covers the period from the 1870’s to WWI. The book is primarily focused on American tourism and souvenirs, but there is some Canadian content. Good images.

Morgan, Eleanor Wickware. “Up the Front” a story of Morrisburg. Toronto: Ryerson Press, 1964.

• History of Morrisburg from settlement to establishment of Upper Canada Village with focus on settlement and anecdotal history
• (p.14) Description of the Galops Canal; beginning 1844 – Williamsburg Canal was comprised of the Farran’s Point Canal with one lock, the Rapide Plat with two locks, and the Galops with two locks; gives measurements and details of the locks and canals
• (p.17) Mentions briefly the Calvins of Kingston, one of the largest firms dealing in lumber; describes the drams and rafts that were made to travel the river (p.19)
• Ch. on the St. Lawrence at Morrisburg provides much information on the happenings on the river such as recreation and shipping
• (p.19) Families using small watercraft to shop in Waddington
• Also a chapter on Industry which describes Chaffey’s first gristmill at the locks, 1847
• Morrisburg, 1878 is an excellent chapter on daily life in the town and what the scene may have appeared like at that time
• (p.22) Swimming and bathing was popular in the canals and river; “Favoured spots were just below the locks, at the shipyard, in Mariatown, and in fact almost anywhere along the canal. Many strong swimmers developed, and I believe for such a large river disaster was kept at a minimum”
• (p.22-23) Fishing for profit probably took place at most locations along the river to be sold locally to such places as hotels and taverns i.e. Morrisburg

Stuart, Donald. No Road Back: A Grown Boy`s Stories of Wales. Ingleside ON: Old Crone Publishing, 1999.

• Pg 47, describes hauling ice out of the canal during the winter month near Hoople`s Creek.