Book: Soldiers of the King
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I am always haunting used book stores, and a while ago, I found a very interesting one.
It is titled "SOLDIERS OF THE KING .....The Upper Canadian Militia 1812-1815".
While it covers only about 4 years, the War of 1812-14, the information on the members of various Militia Regiments is almost invaluable to anyone interested in that period. While the author admits that a lot of information on various people and happenings has been lost to history, and therefore the book may be missing the names of some of the people who served. Part of this is the way records were kept in various regiments, changes in personnel, and lost or destroyed papers.
The author states "This is not a history of the War of 1812. It is a reference guide to the militia of Upper Canada from 1812 to 1815 with a general introduction to the war in this province."
This is probably one of the best books for information on the Militia Regiments, some of their actions, and THE NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVED IN EACH REGIMENT. It gives a brief service record of each regiment and person in that regiment, and also a list of casualties.
It will be of assistance to someone who is trying to trace a weapon, uniform, accoutements, or correspondence to a certain individual. For example: If someone came up with a drum that had the name "Rodgers" on it, and was told it came from the war of 1812, how would you research it?
This book has been laid out in Alphabetical order. A check of the "Battalion of Incorporated Militias" section would find that it probably belonged to Stilman Rodgers (Rogers). Joined April 7, 1813. Captain Archibald McLean's Company. Private. Drummer, Drum Major (December 25, 1813) Private. Captain John Kerr's No. 8 Company. Discharged March 24, 1815, and entered on Incorporated Roll.
The author, William Gray, spent over five years researching this book. I believe that it is an invaluable addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in this period, and certainly gives a good account of life in the Military of that era. I found it interesting that a private received 6 pence a day after deductions for rations were made. A lieutenant-colonel received 17 shillings (34 days of wages for the Private) and had deductions for rations and a 10 percent property tax deducted. However, a farmer could earn 20 shillings a day for his labour and team (about 40 days of wages for the Private and a fifth more than the highest paid officer) if contracted out to do work for the local garrison.
A very well researched and useful book.
Soldiers of the King....The Upper Canadian Militia 1812-1815
ISBN 1-55046-142-7
Williiam M. Gray
Published in 1915 by The Boston Mills Press, 132 Main Street, ERIN, Ontario, N0B-1T0
Telephone 519-833-2407
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An affiliate of :...Stoddart Publishing Co., Limited
34 Lesmill Road, North York, Ontario, M3B-2T6
Telephone 416-445-3333
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