The Clothier Chronicles

Founding of the Canadian Clothier Line

By Ken Dempsey

The story of the founding of the Canadian line of the Ambrose Clothier family branch is both fascinating and replete with historical speculation. A number of our Canadian cousins are currently conducting research into their own lines of this original branch. However, all those who trace their ancestry from the original Jeremiah who arrived in Boston from Bristol, England in the Spring of 1662 must inevitably begin their Canadian journey with the story of Lyman Clothier (1762-1839). (in addition to my own research, I am much indebted to Tony Clemente [Warren, Michigan], Janet Clothier [Los Angles, California], and David Andrews [Kemptville, Ontario, Canada] for both their research and assistance. Finally, I have used the modern spelling of the family name [Clothier] throughout this work for the sake of consistency, although Lyman and many of his descendants used the [Clother] spelling.)

Lyman's story begins with that of his celebrated father, Ambrose Clothier (See The Clothier Chronicles, Winter 1999). Ambrose married Mercy May (daughter of Edward May and Ann Parris) in June of 1761. The first child of that marriage was Lyman Clothier born on January 29, 1762 in Cornwall, Connecticut. Lyman's siblings were:

3) Salmon, July 2, 1767, died 1853, married Merriurn Smith

5) Ruth, born March 1, 1774, died September 1, 1777,

7) Mercy, born April 6, 1780, died 1864, married Jacob Burch

9) Ambrose N. Jr., born July 3, 1786, died June 1, 1874, married Lydia Smith

Ambrose and his sons were farmers (their major crop appears to have been kale) and they also did work for others from time to time to supplement the family's income. Ambrose, and his brother, John, bought and sold land not only in Cornwall, but also in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. They both owned land near the town of Hancock, Massachusetts (where today there is still a small Clothier Cemetery). While John did live and farm in Hancock, it is doubtful that Ambrose ever lived or farmed his holdings there. However, it is speculated that his son, Lyman, did live there and farmed the land owned by Ambrose. Indeed, in March of 1788 Lyman married Emmeline Garlick from the town of Lanesboro, Massachusetts located just seven miles from Hancock.

Following his wedding in 1788, which appears to have taken place in Philipstown, New York, Lyman and his bride returned to Cornwall, Connecticut where the first five of their ten children were born:

1) Adelia, born about 1790, married William Beach

4) Mercy May, born May 12, 1798, died December 6, 1879, married Mahlon Beach

In 1795 both Lyman's father, Ambrose and his uncle, John, moved their families to near what is today the town of Wilton, Saratoga County, New York to land which Ambrose and Lyman had cleared the previous year. It is speculated that the route took Ambrose from Cornwall to Hancock where he was joined by the wagons of John for the final leg of the journey.

In about 1799, Lyman also moved his family to upstate New York from Cornwall to the town of Ellenberg Depot (near Altoona) where he was thereafter engaged as an Inn Keeper. It was here that Lyman's remaining five children where born: Harrison, born 1802, died March 30, 1869, married Emeline Smalley; John, born 1804, died after 1871, married Mary Briesa Kilburn; Emeline, born 1809, died June 6, 1826?; Sophia, born 1811, married Joel Row- Lydia, born November 12, 1812, died June 1830.

Lyman has been referred to as a United Empire Loyalist by at least two Canadian sources. His name appears on a request for bounty land for Loyalists of the American Revolution and also some historical records of Grenville/Leeds, Ontario refer to him as "a New Englander driven out of the United States in the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War'. However, several researchers are skeptical of that assessment and even speculate that Lyman may well have served in a Connecticut Regiment of American revolutionary forces together with his father, Ambrose, and his uncle, John. Although Ambrose's and John's service is documented, an earlier family report that they served under George Washington was initially discounted because it was doubted that Washington, as Commander in Chief, ever directly commanded any Connecticut or Massachusetts units.

However, a closer examination shows that when Washington was commissioned by Congress in 1775, he went directly to take over the forces engaged in the siege of Boston which was already underway and made up of largely Connecticut and Massachusetts volunteers. However, no records of Lyman's American service have been found and we have been unable to positively resolve the Loyalist question. (Note: Lyman would have been only 14 years old at the siege of Boston.)

Lyman's marriage to Emmeline Garlick may have given rise to much of the speculation that Lyman was a Loyalist who eventually left the United States for Canada after the Revolutionary War. Emmeline Garlick was the daughter of Reuben Garlick. Garlick, Lyman's father-in-law, was a graduate of Yale, and Anglican Minister, and a Tory who served in a British Berkshire Regiment as a surgeon during the Revolution. In 1791, it was Garlick who "certified" Lyman's petition to the Governor of Canada for Canadian bounty land which had been aside for American loyalists. Garlick actually petitioned for a total of 4,000 acres on behalf of himself, his seven sons, and two sons-in-law, one of which was Lyman Clothier. It is possible that Garlick simply "assisted" Lyman in acquiring the bounty land in question even though he may not have been a bona fide Loyalist. Finally, Lyman did not marry Emmeline until seven years after Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown and may not have even known her during the war.

As we examine this issue, it is well to keep in mind that only about one third of the population of the colonies supported the revolution in spite of very real abuses by the government of King George, the 3rd. Even as he took command of the American forces, Washington himself felt that there was still a chance for reconciliation with the Mother country. Finally, the dispossession of American Loyalists following the American Revolution, was an injustice which the United States attempted to rectify in later years. In the last analysis however, when compared to his life's accomplishments, Lyman's political
persuasion was probably of little more importance then than it would be today.

In any case, it appears that, while using his home in the Altoona area as a base, Lyman did search for land in southern Ontario. Canadian sources record that he owned "Crown Grant" land on lot 1 1 of the fourth concession in South Gower, Ontario in about 1804-05, even while his children were still being born in the Altoona area. That might be consistent with the earlier petition for a Crown Land grant. South Gower is located only about 13 miles southeast of present day Kemptville, Ontario. Canadian records and reports then tell an interesting story of Lyman being the first settler and founder of Clothier's Mills (later named Kemptville, Ontario). The story is that Lyman purchased 200 acres of land on the south branch of the Rideau river from one John Boyce in 1813 for a yoke of oxen and a rifle both valued at about $7.00. The report speculates that Lyman had long searched for land near a swift moving river suitable for the building of a saw mill.

Originally, the land in question was part of a very large land grant made in 1784 to one Captain Peter Drummond for his service in the famed Jessup's Rangers (British Forces) of the American Revolutionary War. Drummond, who preferred to live on land overlooking the St. Lawrence River near present day Prescott, Ontario, sold this 200 acres to Boyce, a discharged British soldier who also lived on grant land of his own and never occupied the acres bought from Drummond. In about 1812 or 1813 Lyman Clothier found the land he wanted and began negotiations with Boyce which culminated in the famous transaction. Lyman and his family became the first settlers and founders of what is today Kemptville, Ontario. His sons, Asa and Lyman, Jr. soon built cabins nearby.

Soon after acquiring the land, Lyman and his two oldest sons began building a mill dam on the Rideau river and, about 1815, opened a saw mill. The town, known then as Clothier's Mill, grew as a result of the

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availability of milled lumber and of flour from a grist mill, added by the Clothiers in 1817. In 1819 Asa Clothier built an Inn to serve travelers and patrons of the mills, which soon became known locally as "Clothier's Hotel". In 1820 the Clothiers built the first log school house which served the community for the next 23 years. The family thereafter expanded their holdings to include a blacksmith shop, a harness shop, a general store, and a meeting hall.

By 1829 the town had grown to a population of approximately 125 and the townsfolk sought to change the name of Clothier's Mill to Kemptville in honor of Sir James Kempt, Governor-General of Upper and Lower Canada (1 828). Sir James and his party had previously camped on the banks of the Rideau near the site where Lyman built his first mill. There appears to have been some debate on the matter, but the new name was adopted.

In the mid 1830s Asa, who assisted his father in running the family business, decided to explore possible locations for new mills. He located an ideal site four miles up the south branch of the Rideau. The new community which quickly grew up around that mill eventually became known as Oxford Mills. Lyman, Jr. who also assisted his father and brother with the family business as well as serving as a community leader, built a 1 1/2story stone home for himself and his family in 1842 which remains standing today and is the residence of the Director of The Kemptville Historical Society. The original mills were demolished in the early 1900's but the names of Clothier Street and Asa Street in Kemptville continue to honor the family.

Lyman's family continued to prosper and to provide leadership to the community. In 1842 Lyman, Jr. was named Kemptville's representative on the District Council. On January 26, 1857, the first Council of the municipality of Kemptville met in the home of Lyman, Jr. and elected Ambrose, grandson of the founder, as the first Reeve of Kemptville.

We have every reason to believe that Lyman continued to enjoy both his prosperity and his family as he approached old age. His four sons and several daughters lived in the Kemptville area and produced many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His last years appear to have been happy ones. Lyman died at home on February 25, 1839 at the age of 77 years. His wife, Emmeline, followed him in death on July 13, 1840 at the age of 70. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery of St. James Anglican Church in Kemptville, Ontario. However, the family they produced continues to grow and prosper both in Canada and the United States.

Note: The poems we've printed recently have been so well received I'm adding my favorite. Dad would recite this poem when we were little kids. GMC

ST. PETER AT THE GOLDEN GATE

St. Peter stood guard at the Golden Gate With a solemn look and an air sedate When up to the top of the golden stairs A man and a woman ascended there and applied for admission.

They came and stood before St. Peter so great and good The harps in the distance the echo's awoke and the man kept still while the woman spoke.

Oh Thou who guardest the Gate, says she we two come hither beseeching thee to let us enter the heavenly land and play our harps with the Angel band. Of me St. Peter there is no doubt There's nothing from heaven to bar me out. I've been to church 3 times a week and almost always I'd rise and speak. I've told the sinners about the day when they'd repent of their evil ways. I've told the sinners, I've told them all about Adam and Eve and the primal fall. I've talked and talked to them loud and long for my lungs are good and my voice is strong. But my old man, I regret to say hasn't walked exactly the narrow way. He smokes and he swears, grave faults he's got

PASSAGES

Due to the lack of space in the spring issue some of the following Passages were slightly delayed. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Linda Kay Sharman, daughter of

Cheryl Sims, wife of Gordon Sims

(Wiley Clothier), on 14 December 1999, at Sacramento, California, age 55.

Glen Bagley passed away on 22 June 2000 . age the age of 92, at Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Mikhayla Dawn Clothier, born 4 January 2000 toTerry and Yolanda Clothier. Gary (James) and Ruthie Clothier are the grandparents.

Tanner Christenson, born 14 February 2000 to Kirt and Emily (Spear) Christenson. Grandparents areMark and Karen Spear;

Daryl and Ellen Spear; and great-great grandmother is Alta Spear.

MARRIAGES:

CONGRATULATION:

To Robert Byron Clothier and Jennifer Leigh Ganus who were married 8 July 2000 in Augusta, GA. Byron is the son of Gary and Ruthie Clothier.

CONGRATULATIONS:

Violet Murdock (Newton) will celebrate her 95th birthday on 10 December.

Tim Clothier, Director of Retail Operations Associate in Customer Support for

Payless Shoe Source in Topeka, KS was reelected to the USD 501 board of Education. He is PastPresident of the Emporia State University Alumni Association, and in October was elected to the ESU Board of Trustees.

Dave Clothier (Orval) has been collecting vintage guitars, drums, keyboards and amplifiers for years. In 1998, he began selling his equipment and instruments on the ebay Internet. After a year, he decided he could profit even more by starting an actual store where he could sell his items, as well as new products. The result <Britishsound.com> where he sells vintage instruments and new equipment.

Roy Clothier, Jr. (Milton) is President of Pacific Coast Feather Co., the second largest bedding company in America. The company is a very innovative and dynamic company that truly focuses on the consumer through extensive research, according to the editor of a trade publication that covers home furnishings.

Katie Clothier (Louis) co-starred as Wendy in the summer production of Peter Pan presented at the Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. Katie is a senior at Olathe North High School.

I received a great letter from Laura Clothier,Lynnwood, WA. She is the widow of Roy Clothierand is still active at he age of 91. In addition to Roy, Jr., she mentioned her step-son Arthur, retired from the Air Force and living in Olympia, WA; Rich, who has been Crew Coach and Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy for 26 years; and Kirk, owner of an accounting firm employing 34 people.

A good letter from Wilford Lillibridge, Arvada, Colorado, 81 year-old descendant of Ambrose. He is a cousin of Ernest Clothier, who sent him a copy of the Winter issue of the "Chronicles. He, too, is apparently in good health, since he is considering a trip to the reunion. He considers it, "a fairly easy drive." Hope you make it, Bill; it's, always good to learn of new relatives in this wonderful family.

The October 2000 issue of McCall's magazine features the terrifying story of Travis and Melissa Brown who lost their home in the Los Alamos forest fire. Melissa is the daughter of Dwain and Gay Farley. Gay's mother is Geraldine Clothier Guinn (Delbert).

Another descendant of the Ambroseline has surfaced. Camille Barmore of Pearland, Texas has been tracing her Clothierroots. The current issue of the Chronicles should be helpful since she is part of our Canadian branch.

THE ANNUAL CLOTHIER REUNIONwill be held again at the Sylvia Senior Center on May 26, 2001 all those able to attend are welcome. Future issue will contain any final information regarding the reunion.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR FAITHFUL READERS

We never cease to be amazed by the generosity of family members.

During the past year you have donated $1,015 to sustain the "Chronicles". Expenses were $367.73, so we enter the coming year in good condition. Our heart-felt thanks to all who are helping supporting this effort.

In keeping with the age of technology Grant and I have discussed the possibility of offering The Clothier Chronicles on line via individual E-Mail for those who are interested. If you think that you would prefer receiving you copies of The Chronicle this way, please address your intention by sending an e-mail message to Tony at the following addresstonyceeir@yahoo.com if we receive enough positive response to make it worthwhile we may begin doing this with the spring issue. Advantages to this would be the ability to get issues to those readers who elect to in a quicker time frame, ability to send images that we are not able to print at this time, easier storage of the issues by our readers, and the ability to print more copies if you desire to do so. These issues would be send as an attachment to a note announcing the issue so that you would be able to open the attachment in Microsoft Word programs for viewing or printing, opened on screen for viewing, or downioadable to a file folder on your computer or to disk which could be easily stored, etc. Those of you who do not use Microsoft Word, please advise when you e-mail me so that we can develop this plan for the full use of you as well. Remember though that not all printers, nor computers are equal, so not all will have the ability to view images and do some of the things that I have mentioned above. For those who have not or do not intend to move into the cyberspace world DO NOT WORRY, we have no intention of stopping the print and mail style that has and continues to be the basis of The Clothier Chronicles.

Upcoming issues for the year 2001 include an issue devoted to Artemas Clothier of Chautauqua County, New York. Possibly an issue devoted entirely to his father Jesse Clother a man of many homes. A future issue will probably be devoted to Charles Clothier the Colorado Cowboy who left no descendants, but .quite a history none-the-less. Some future issue we hope to devote to William Clothier the well-known Cinematographer who was a friend of John Wayne and who was utilized almost exclusively by the director John Ford. Not only was he famous for his work in films, but he was a veteran of two wars, World War 11 and Korea. Although William is not a descendant of the Jeremiah line, his Clothier family is no less important to the history of our county and we do have a number of readers who are related to this Clothier family. If anyone has suggestions for someone they would be interested in reading an article about, please let us know and we will try to comply.

FINALLY, WE CLOSE THIS ISSUE WITH A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR LATEST SUBMITTER AND HIS STORY OF HIS CANADIAN ROOTS. ANYONE INTERESTED IN WRITING AN ARTICLE ON THEIR BRANCH OF THE FAMILY AND HAVING THE STORY PRINTED, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER TONY OR GRANT SO AN ISSUE CAN BE SLOTTED FOR YOU. LENGTH IS NOT A CRITERIA FOR PUBLICATION SINCE A NUMBER OF SMALLER ARTICLES CAN BE GROUPED INTO ONE ISSUE.